New Study Shows Arthritis Significantly Limits Millions of Americans' Abili...( The Arthritis Foundation Provides...),Health

The Arthritis Foundation Provides Information and Programs to Mitigate Impact of Arthritis on U.S. Workforce

ATLANTA, Oct. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report released today shows arthritis limits millions of working Americans' productivity, activity or ability to work. State-specific data shows those reporting arthritis-related work limitations ranged from 25 percent in Nevada to 51 percent in Kentucky. The state median is 33 percent. These statistics come with a price tag as well. Another CDC study shows in 2003 state-specific earning losses due to arthritis ranged from $78 million to $4.3 billion. That same year, the total cost of arthritis to the United States economy was $128 billion.

A previously released CDC report also shows unemployment is higher in every state among people with arthritis. CDC anticipates the number of people with arthritis will significantly increase over the next few years, resulting in a loss of human resources and a greater economic impact across the country.

"Arthritis is the nation's most common cause of disability and limits activity for 19 million adults with the disease," says John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. "With the projected increase of arthritis prevalence and growing number of Americans facing work-related challenges because of the disease, the Arthritis Foundation is increasing its commitment to improving the lives of people with arthritis."

"With 46 million Americans affected by arthritis, the numbers are overwhelming and the impact on the quality of life is clear," said Janet Collins, Ph.D., director, CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. "CDC is committed to building on efforts that improve the quality of life for all people with arthritis, including advancing strategies that reduce physical and functional limitations."

The Arthritis Foundation offers the follo
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