Government health officials expect the number of people suffering from arthritis to rise rapidly with the aging of the nation’s population. In fact, about 1 million each year will be newly diagnosed with this debilitating disease.
But there’s something they can do about it.
Exercise.
Even small amounts of physical activity can help people with arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Not only does it improve mobility, but it reduces pain, increases balance and strength and improves overall health.
A recent report released by the Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention found that arthritis affects 53 million in the United States – costing the economy $128 billion annually.
“The number of U.S. adults with arthritis is increasing. This amounts to an average increase of approximately 2,400 individuals per day,” said Dr. Wayne H. Giles, director of the division of population health at the CDC. “Because arthritis occurs so often with other conditions like diabetes and heart disease, arthritis limitations may be interfering with the recommended management of those conditions, especially in regards to physical activity.”
Simple exercises such as brisk walking and swimming can help improve arthritis pain and help fight off the disease.
Federal health officials recommend adults exercise every week at a moderate intensity, such as brisk walking, for two and half hours.
“Being physically active is a giant step toward improving Americans’ health by lowering risk for arthritis, as well as other diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and depression,” said Arthritis Foundation Vice President of Public Health Dr. Patience White.
Sources: news release Arthritis Foundation and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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