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One in three Michigan adults has arthritis, statewide programs available to manage activity
March 07, 2017
: March 7, 2017FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LANSING, Mich. – According to recently released estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three Michigan adults has been diagnosed with arthritis, putting Michigan in the top ten states for arthritis prevalence.
Arthritis is a leading cause of disability and in Michigan, 42 percent of residents with arthritis say it limits their ability to work while more than half say it limits their activities overall. To address this, the MDHHS is encouraging Michigan residents with arthritis to find a local free or low-cost program near them today to help manage arthritis pain and symptoms.
“If you’re an adult at lunch with two friends, chances are, one of you may have arthritis,” said Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “We know that arthritis is common and costly, but we also know that it can be managed through physical activity that helps reduce joint pain, improve function, and delay or prevent disability.”
EnhanceFitnessAll across Michigan, programs exist within our communities that help people with arthritis engage in physical activity safely. Community programs like is a group exercise program that helps people learn strategies to confidently manage their symptoms, and become more active, energized, and able to maintain their independence. Workshops like Personal Action Toward Health help people learn strategies to confidently manage their symptoms, maintain an active and fulfilling life, and feel better.
Additionally, the National Arthritis Foundation offers an online program called Walk With Ease to help people with arthritis get moving, so that they can stay active. The program features online tools, resources and videos, as well as a mobile app.
EnhanceFitnessTo find an program or Personal Action Toward Health workshop near you today, visit www.mihealthyprograms.org. For more information about additional community supports for those with arthritis, call the Michigan Arthritis Program at 517-335-3188, or the Arthritis Foundation of Michigan at 248-649-2891, or visit www.michigan.gov/arthritis.
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