In an effort to improve the lives of the 53 million people suffering from Arthritis, NRPA is working with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Arthritis Foundation, the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors and public health advocates across the country to spread the word that May is National Arthritis Awareness Month.

We’re working hand-in-hand with some of the brightest minds in health research to make sure that arthritis sufferers no longer have to struggle with the disease in silence. Since 2013, NRPA has been working to expand the reach of arthritis-appropriate evidence-based interventions (AAEBIs) including Walk With Ease (WWE), Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP), and Active Living Every Day (ALED). Through small grants, NRPA has expanded offerings to 38 local park and recreation agencies reaching approximately 4,400 participants. In 2016, through sub-grants to 29 agencies, NRPA expects to reach an additional 2,700 participants. The results of these programs couldn’t have been better  — arthritis sufferers were more mobile, lost weight, had lower blood sugar and less joint pain. 

The benefits of these programs aren’t limited to arthritis sufferers’ physical abilities. According to AAEBI participants, being part of a community that shares the burden of arthritis was one of the most common reasons these programs are wildly successful. They found strength working with others to better manage their symptoms. Having safe spaces to share small victories — losing a pound or two, or having more energy throughout the day — helped them emotionally as well as physically. Learn more about the success of these programs by reading these three success stories from local park and recreation agencies.

Despite our successes with the AAEBIs to help arthritis sufferers manage their symptoms, there’s still no cure for the disease. Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the U.S., yet its impact is far greater that most people realize. It currently affects over 50 million adults and 300,000 kids in the U.S. and is expected to affect 67 million people by 2030. 

Help Spread the Word

Here are two things you can do right now to help us find a cure for Arthritis and get the word out about Arthritis Awareness Month:

1. Tell Your Family and Friends. Your friends and family may be unaware that May is Arthritis Awareness Month. A post on your Facebook, Twitter or even a quick conversation is all it takes to let someone know about the importance of finding a cure for arthritis. Need more information about arthritis? Get the basics on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment from the CDC. NRPA will also be posting facts and figures all month long on Twitter, so make sure you follow us at @NRPA_News to stay up to date. 
   
   
2. Take the #SeeArthritis Challenge. Join the Arthritis Foundation for the #SeeArthritis challenge to help raise awareness around arthritis and its effects. Take the challenge today and share it with your family and friends!

Together we can make an impact on the future of arthritis! Let’s raise awareness of this debilitating disease and the everyday struggles of the people who live with it in our communities.

Oliver Spurgeon is NRPA's Government Affairs Manager.