MO Arthritis

CDC Report on Walking Released

Last Friday, May 3, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released their Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).  The report contained two articles of note for the arthritis community.  First, a report on walking among adults with arthritis was released.  The report, State-Specific Prevalence of Walking Among Adults With Arthritis - United States, 2011, looks at national data from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).  Second, an announcement was made in the May 3 MMWR that May 2013 is Arthritis Awareness Month.  To learn more about Arthritis Awareness Month, also known as Arthritis Action Month, please visit the Faces of Arthritis webpage.

Arthritis and Hip Implants

The hip is one of the largest joints in the body, with a ball-and-socket design— the femoral head (ball) sits in the acetabulum (socket)—connecting thigh to pelvis. The surface of the bones is covered in cartilage, which acts as a cushion and allows movement. In a healthy hip, a small amount of fluid is produced by a layer of tissue membrane surrounding the joint, lubricating the cartilage and eliminating friction.

Understanding Hip Joint Degeneration

Arthritis, or inflammation of the joints, affects at least 50 million Americans and approximately 25 percent of seniors. Over time, arthritis can cause deterioration in the joints. When weight-bearing joints are affected, such as the knee or hip, this pain is the leading cause of disability and joint replacement surgery in the United States.

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage surrounding the joint. Pain may be steady or intermittent, accompanied by swelling or stiffness at particular times of the day, and some people can even hear or feel the crunching of bones rubbing together.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system attacks and can even destroy healthy joints. The inflamed area is usually the tissue lining the joint, causing irritation and damage to the cartilage, pain, swelling and stiffness as well as decreased range of motion. The ability to perform normal everyday activities may be impaired.

When the cartilage is broken down by arthritis, the bones rub together causing joints to become swollen or stiff and function to become limited and painful. This inflammation is prompted by the development of bone spurs, or bone overgrowth, and an increased production of fluid in the joint, which further impairs function.

Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery can offer restored mobility and eliminate joint pain, and is recommended for those who have hip pain that is limiting to daily life and unresponsive to conservative treatments.

In hip replacement surgery, the damaged hip joint is removed and replaced with a prosthetic implant. A metal stem with a metal or ceramic ball placed on the top is fitted into the center of the thighbone, replacing the femoral head. The damaged cartilage of the acetabulum is removed and replaced with a socket that is secured with screws or cement. A plastic, ceramic or metal insert is placed between the prosthetic ball and socket to allow for smooth range of motion.

Particular attention must be paid to the type of hip implant being used. The flawed design of several metal-on-metal hip implants, including the DePuy ASR and Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII, has led to serious complications. Implanted in thousands of Americans before being recalled, these hip implants can cause patients to develop toxic levels of metal in the tissues and blood stream, can cause tissue loss and bone death and are likely to fail early, necessitating revision surgery.

Patients should speak with their doctor about using an implant that contains components made from a variety of materials.

Linda Grayling writes for Drugwatch.com. Linda has a number of professional interests, including keeping up with the latest developments in the medical field.

National Minority Health Month

In April, the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Office of Minority Health and their partners work to raise awareness about health disparities, especially those which impact racial and ethnic minorities.  National Minority Health Month was established to help give everyone have equal access to services to improve their health.  The three main objectives outlined in a statement by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius inlcude:

• to improve minority health
• to advance health equity
• and to eliminate health disparities. (HHS News Release, 2013)

The theme for National Minority Health Month 2013 is "Advance Health Equity Now: Uniting our communities to bring health care coverage to all".  The theme represents a call to action for each of us to come together to improve the overall health of our communities for all community members.  Partnering organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), also have activities ongoing in April for National Minority Health Month. 

To learn more about National Minority Health Month, click here.  To learn more about health disparity reduction efforts by the Office of Minority Health, click here.

National Walking Day Jump Starts Season

Today, April 3, is National Walking Day 2013.  This day, established by the American Heart Association, kicks off a "season" of outdoor activity, especially walking.  As the weather has gotten nicer throughout much of Missouri, the snow seems to be gone until later this year and temperatures are on the rise.  This provides for optimal conditions to move outdoors.  The challenge posed by the American Heart Association through National Walking Day, is for individuals to lace up their sneakers and get outside today to walk for at least 30 minutes. 

The American Heart Association also uses National Walking Day as a first step in continuing to move throughout the month of April.  From April 1 to April 30, we are all challenged to 'show our moves'.  The "Show Us Your Moves" campaign by the American Heart Association allows individuals to demonstrate personal ways they like to engage in physical activity.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend in their "Physical Activity for Everyone" guidelines, that adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week (can split into more manageable ten minute chunks) in addition to muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days per week.  If you split up your walking (of moderate-intensity) into three ten-minute increments each day, you only need to walk five days out of the week!

The health benefits from walking are incredible, as seen in this video from Kaiser Permanente:

 

Maybe the thought of getting 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is scary for you.  Perhaps the thought of walking thirty minutes in a day is even intimidating.  The Missouri Arthritis and Osteopororis Program, through its Regional Arthritis Centers and other local community health organizations, offers a program that may help you get started on the path to regular walking.  The Arthritis Foundation's Walk With Ease program can be done in both group and individual settings.  For more information on the Walk With Ease program in Missouri, or to find a class near you, please take a look at www.moarthritis.org.  Other physical activity and self-management classes in Missouri can also be found on our website.

National Walking Day can be a great motivator to improve the regularity and strength of your individual walking.  Use today as a jumping off point to "Show Us Your Moves", to "Walk With Ease", and to work your way up to participating in one of the Arthritis Walks offered in Missouri during May!

Register Now for an Online Self-Management Program!

The Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program is pleased to introduce a new self-management program for Missourians.  This program, Better Choices, Better Health^TM is an online program developed by Stanford University.  This program is the online version of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP). 

To learn more about Better Choices, Better Health^TM in Missouri and/or to register for the next available course, please view our on-line course registration website here.

 

You can view a video with more information about the online Better Choices, Better Health^TM program here, or by viewing below:

 

If you would like more information on the Better Choices, Better Health^TM program, the CDSMP, or any of our other self-management or physical activity programs, please contact your Regional Arthritis Center coordinator.

Don't forget! Daylight Savings Time - Spring Forward

This Sunday morning, March 10, at 2:00 am, daylight savings time begins.  Don't forget to move your clocks forward an hour so that you're not late to events and work!

Most people know that the daylight savings time clock change period (occurs twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall), is a great reminder for checking and replacing smoke alarm batteries. Did you know that it's also a great opportunity to check and re-stock your preparedness kits and emergency stockpile?  The American Public Health Association's Get Ready campaign has a great list of resources for starting and maintaining a preparedness kit/emergency stockpile. 

For individuals with chronic health conditions like arthritis, heart disease, asthma, and diabetes, taking the time to be prepared before an emergency is vital!  Ensuring you have enough of your medications on hand, water, and diet friendly foods can make all the difference when you suffer a temporary setback.  Having a preparedness kit in your car can also be helpful.  Think about the things you normally do, and then consider what might need to change when specific events occur (such as the power going out, unsafe water/boil orders, tornado warnings).  Maintaining an electronic list of medications you take, or giving a friend or family member an up-to-date copy can be helpful if you need to leave your home for an extended period of time.  For more things to consider, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Personal Preparedness resources for older adults and their caregivers.  The tools are useful to younger adults also!  The Federal Emergency Mangement Agency (FEMA), also has an "Are You Ready?" guide for your personal use.

Check out some of the stockpile resources here and don't forget on Sunday to set your clocks and check your stocks!

April 3 - National Walking Day 2013!

The American Heart Association is encouraging us all to get up and move on April 3, 2013.  National Walking Day helps raise awareness of the need for physical activity, as well as to lead healthier lifestyles.  The main goal of this day is for us all to walk for at least thirty minutes.  If you aren't sure how you will fit thirty minutes of walking in, consider walking ten minutes, three times that day.  If you are unable to walk, strive to get thirty minutes of other physical activity and/or to encourage friends and family members to get out and move!

If you're nervous about walking for thirty minutes, or aren't sure where to start when considering a walking routine, the Walk With Ease program may be helpful!  This program, offered all around the state of Missouri, is offered in both group and individual formats.  It provides support, information, and tools to make walking a regular part of your life; and, it helps build you up to at least 30 minutes of walking.  The program will also help you learn how to warm-up, cool-down, and stretch when walking.  To learn more about the Walk With Ease program, please click here.  If you are interested in finding a Walk With Ease opportunity near you (group class or independent program), please contact your local Regional Arthritis Center.

For more information on National Walking Day and how you can make this day a part of your community, please view more information here.  You can register on behalf of your employer, or register as part of a community organization or individual.

New MOArthritis.org Feature! Self-Management Toolkit

Many people are affected by one or more chronic health condition, such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.  There are also many family members who act as a caregiver for individuals affected by a chronic disease.  Actively engaging in one’s health, through self-management techniques and physical activities, can help to improve quality of life.

The Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program has put together an online toolkit of resources that may be helpful to individuals with chronic health problems and their caregivers.  Participants of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program offered in Missouri will recognize some common themes toward self-management: understanding emotions, engaging in healthy eating, managing pain, and problem-solving.  These are just a few of the tools found in our self-management toolkit.

Take a look at this resource and see if there are one or two resources that are especially helpful for you or someone you know who is either an individual with chronic health problems or their caregiver.  This Self-Management Toolkit is an ongoing resource and will be updated regularly with new resources.  If you would like more suggestions on specific activities or techniques for self-management and physical activities, please contact your Regional Arthritis Center Coordinator or the Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program.  If you have additional resources you think could be helpful to other individuals with chronic health conditions or their caregivers, please contact the Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program.

Virtual Advocacy Summit - March 4-6

If you weren't able to make it to Washington D.C. this week for the Arthritis Foundation's annual Advocacy Summit (2013 - Talk About Arthritis Face to Face), you can join in virtually!

Specifically, join in tomorrow, Tuesday, March 5, from 7:30-11 am CST for an Arthritis Advocacy 101 session.  Click here to find out more information about this session. 

For more information about the Virtual Advocacy Summit overall, please visit the Arthritis Foundation's website here.

Join a Rheumatoid Arthritis Conference from Work or Home!

Register now for an allied health professionals conference near you - no matter where you are!  A conference on Rheumatoid Arthritis will be held in Kirksville, Missouri on March 23.  One great thing about this conference is that it is also being broadcast live as a webinar so you can participate from your home or work.  Whether you attend in person or on-line, continuing education credit hours for health professionals are being offered.  For more information on this great opportunity, please see contact information for the hosting Regional Arthritis Center (RAC) below.

 

Joint Efforts for Optimizing Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis and its Co-Morbidities

Saturday, March 23, 2013; 9 am - 1:45 pm
Gutensohn Clinic (Mehegan Classroom) or ONLINE WEBINAR!
Kirksville, Missouri

To find out more information, click here to download the conference brochure.  You can register by mail using the conference brochure; by phone at 660-626-2232 or toll-free at 866-626-2878 (x2232); or register online by clicking here. If participating via webinar, be sure to note that on your registration.

Contact Doris Fountain or Barbara Stone, Northeast Missouri RAC, with questions or for more information.