Florida Walkathon Aims To Raise Funds, Call Attention To Arthritis

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WALKATHON AIMS TO RAISE FUNDS, CALL ATTENTION TO ARTHRITIS

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" Let's Move Together " is the theme for the Arthritis Walkathon scheduled

for 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at Crandon Park, 4000 Crandon Blvd., Key

Biscayne.

The event is aimed at raising funds and calling attention to the fact that

many South Floridians have arthritis or have family members or friends who

suffer or have suffered from the ailment.

Proceeds from the Miami Walk will help pay for medication, research,

education, pain alleviation programs and kids summer camp for those who have

arthritis, an ailment that affects more than 34 million whites, more than

4.6 million blacks and nearly 3.1 million Hispanics nationwide.

The prevalence of arthritis increases with age, standing at 50 percent for

those over age 65 but children also suffer from it. Nearly 300,000 children

and teenagers under 18 are affected by arthritis or other rheumatologic

conditions and Juvenile Arthritis is one of the most common childhood

diseases in the U.S.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study indicates that children

diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis and other rheumatologic conditions

accounts for around 827,000 doctor visits each year, including an average of

83,000 emergency department visits.

Common symptoms of Juvenile Arthritis are:

.. Pain, swelling, tenderness and stiffness of joints, causing limited range

of motion

.. Joint contracture, which results from holding a painful joint in a flexed

position for an extended period of time

.. Damage to joint cartilage and bone, leading to joint deformity and

impaired use of the joint

.. Altered growth of bone and joints, leading to short stature.

" It is important for all parents of children with arthritis to gain

knowledge about the disease so it doesn't overshadow their child's life, "

says Dr. Patience H. White, the Arthritis Foundation's chief public health

officer and a pediatric rheumatologist.

" With one in 250 children diagnosed with arthritis or related conditions, it

is essential for parents to feel empowered to assist their child, " she said.

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the

needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's most

common cause of disability.

For more information on the walkathon or to make a donation, visit

www.Miamiwalk.kintera.org. For more information on the Arthritis Foundation,

call 1-800-283-7800 or visit www.arthritis.org.