Letter from the Arthritis Committee
Greetings Brothers and Sisters in the state of Georgia. We your Committee on Arthritis would like to provide you with this packet. This information is to help you:
- Get a better understanding of Arthritis.
- Understand what the Arthritis Foundation does with the money you donate?
- Whatsgoing on in the Georgia Chapters.
- What Programs do they offer.
- How to become a member of the Arthritis Foundation.
- Events and Programs to rise money and awareness (great community projects)
If you have any questions or would like help setting up a project please contact us.
Information found on the National Arthritis Foundation web site -
Arthritis Committee
Gregg S. Kendryna Jimmy Humphrey David Watley
What is Arthritis?
While often referred to as if it were a single disease, arthritis is actually an umbrella term used for a group of more than 100 medical conditions that collectively affect nearly 46 million adults and 300,000 children in America alone. While the most common form of arthritis -- osteoarthritis (OA) -- is most prevalent in people over 60, arthritis in its various forms can start as early as infancy. Some forms affect people in their young-adult years as they are beginning careers and families and still others start during the peak career and child-rearing years.
The common thread among these 100-plus conditions is that they all affect the musculoskeletal system and specifically the joints - where two or more bones meet. Arthritis-related joint problems include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage (the tough, smooth tissue that covers the ends of the bones, enabling them to glide against one another) and surrounding structures. Such damage can lead to joint weakness, instability and visible deformities that, depending on the location of joint involvement, can interfere with the most basic daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, using a computer keyboard, cutting your food or brushing your teeth.
For many people with arthritis, however, joint involvement is not the extent of the problem. Many forms of arthritis are classified as systemic, meaning they can affect the whole body. In these diseases, arthritis can cause damage to virtually any bodily organ or system, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels and skin. Arthritis-related conditions primarily affect the muscles and the bones.
Together, arthritis and related conditions are a major cause of disability in the United States, costing the U.S. economy more than $124 billion per year in medical care and indirect expenses such as lost wages and production - and costing millions of individuals their health, their physical abilities and, in many cases, their independence. And unless something changes, the picture is going to get worse. As the population ages, the number of people with arthritis is growingNumber of Americans with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms:
- 1985 - 35 million
- 1990 - 37.9 million
- 1998 - nearly 43 million (1 in 6 people)
- 2006 – 46 million (nearly 1 in 5 adults)
- Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation’s leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15.
- Arthritis is second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability.
- Arthritis limits everyday activities such as walking, dressing and bathing for more than 7 million Americans.
- Arthritis results in 39 million physician visits and more than a half million hospitalizations.
- Costs to the U.S. economy totals $128 billion annually.
- Arthritis affects people in all age groups including nearly 300,000 children.
- Baby boomers are now at prime risk. More than half those affected are under age 65.
- Half of those Americans with arthritis don’t think anything can be done to help them.
- Arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases that affect areas in or around joints.
- Arthritis strikes women more often than men.
Overall arthritis:
- Women - 24.3 million of the people with doctor-diagnosed arthritis
- Men - 17.1 million of the people with doctor-diagnosed arthritis
The disease also can affect other parts of the body. Arthritis causes pain, loss of movement and sometimes swelling. Some types of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joint deteriorates, causing pain and loss of movement as bone begins to rub against bone. It is the most prevalent form of arthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the joint lining becomes inflamed as part of the body’s immune system activity. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most serious and disabling types, affecting mostly women.
- Gout, which affects mostly men. It is usually the result of a defect in body chemistry. This painful condition most often attacks small joints, especially the big toe. Fortunately, gout almost always can be completely controlled with medication and changes in diet.
- Ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine. As a result of inflammation, the bones of the spine grow together.
- Juvenile arthritis, a general term for all types of arthritis that occur in children. Children may develop juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or childhood forms of lupus, ankylosing spondylitis or other types of arthritis.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), a serious disorder that can inflame and damage joints and other connective tissues throughout the body.
- Scleroderma, a disease of the body’s connective tissue that causes a thickening and hardening of the skin.
- Fibromyalgia, in which widespread pain affects the muscles and attachments to the bone. It affects mostly women
What does the Arthritis Foundation do with the money I donate?
A: The Arthritis Foundation is committed to helping the 70 million Americans with arthritis and chronic joint symptoms in many ways. Your support helps us fund research across the country into the causes and treatments of arthritis; create and deliver educational, exercise and emotional support programs; produce free brochures; work on the local, state and national levels to institute new policies that will increase arthritis research funding, improve prescription drug coverage by insurance programs or focus federal public health efforts on arthritis. We also run conferences to bring together the best minds in arthritis treatment and care. Your support makes all of this -- and much more -- possible. You can get more information in our annual reports located in the About the Arthritis Foundation section.
Welcome to the Georgia Chapter
The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases. The Georgia Chapter serves all of the PeachState with offices in Atlanta and Columbus. In our state, more than 1.8 million people are living with arthritis, including 9,200 children. If you or someone you love is affected by arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation, Georgia Chapter wants you to know that you are not alone. We are committed to helping you take control of your arthritis!
Call 800.933.7023 for information on our programs and services, as well as to learn how you can get involved with the Arthritis Foundation, Georgia Chapter
Volunteer
Get involved with the Arthritis Foundation, Georgia Chapter and help usadvance our mission:to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases.
Donate your time and talents to the Georgia Chapter to support the many programs, activities and events in your area such as:
The Arthritis Walk
The annual walks are a great way to show support to those with arthritis. Volunteer on the day of the event or join a committee to bring a walk to your area.
The Crystal Ball
The Crystal Ball is a black tie gala event held annually in October to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Help us coordinate our year-round correspondence with donors and attendees.
We Need Your Office Skills!
Come by our Buckhead office and contribute to our day-to- day office activities and projects by answering phones, preparing mailings, orentering data. Represent the Arthritis Foundation in the community by providing information resources at local health fairs.
It is only through the dedicated efforts of volunteers and people like you that the Arthritis Foundation can continue to provide services, outreach, and hope to people living with and affected by arthritis.
It's easy to GET INVOLVED:callShari Alexander at404 237 8771; or emailher at .
Why just shop, when you can shop, SAVE, EARN and raise money for the Arthritis Foundation?
We are happy to announce an exciting opportunity for all friends and family members, as well as our Corporate Partners – all of those who want to save money by shopping online and at the same time supporting the Arthritis Foundation, Georgia Chapter!
With more than 800 retail stores and a full line of earth-friendly (GREEN) products, your online purchases can translate not only into savings but will also support the Arthritis Foundation with as much as 8, 10 or 15 percent of your purchase going directly to assist the Arthritis Foundation, Georgia Chapter.
Become a “Preferred Customer” for the Arthritis Foundation and we’ll be able to apply your contributions from your purchases towards your “Passport to Movement.”
Special benefits include:
- A full year (6 issues) of the award-winning Arthritis Today magazine -- delivered to your home every-other month!
- The latest Drug Guide which lists hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter drugs commonly used for arthritis and related diseases with information on side effects, cautions and contraindications along with a special drug dosage diary.
- Your own, personalized Arthritis Foundation Membership Card which includes your special Member Identification number.
- Special Member’s Only discount on all Foundation books and video purchases – you’ll save 10% on every order you place!
- Timely e-news alerts, exclusively for our online members.
- Special announcements about self-help and education programs
- Access to the Arthritis Specialists Referral List.
- Special updates on research in the area of arthritis.
- Invitations to regional and local events and program activities.
- By request, a BONUS subscription to Kids Get Arthritis Too, a bi-monthly newsletter filled with information to help families with arthritis.
- Plus --- your tax-deductible contribution will support critical arthritis research and community services. Contribute with confidence!
Up Coming Events in Georgia
2009 Arthritis Walk - Savannah, GA
September 26, 2009, all day
Details coming soon!
details
Contact: Molly Parks (404-237-8771)
2009 Arthritis Walk - Columbus, GA
October 25, 2009, all day
details
Contact: Molly Parks (404-237-8771)
2009 Joints In Motion - Jamaica
December 4, 2009, all day
details
Contact: Rob Shaw (404-237-8771)
2009 Jingle Bell Run/Walk - GwinnettCounty
December 12, 2009, 8:00am - 12:00pm
jbrgwinnett.kintera.org/2009
details
Contact: Molly Parks (404-237-8771)
2010 Arthritis Walk - Atlanta, GA
May 22, 2010, all day
Arthritis Walk in Atlantageorgia
details
Contact: Molly Parks (404-237-8771)
2010 Arthritis Walk - Savannah, GA
September 25, 2010, all day
Arthritis Walk in Savannah
details
Contact: Molly Parks (404-237-8771)
Independent Order of Odd Fellows
Grand Lodge of Georgia
Arthritis Committee