I think this is important for all of us to know. The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion is a division of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). They have set up this information site to aid all of the 46 million people who have been diagnosed. This is such a huge problem they have set up a plan for Healthy People 2010. That’s next year.
Here is their vision and the links to the site.
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Our vision — a world where people with arthritis live the fullest life possible, with the ability to pursue valued life activities with minimal pain.
Our mission — to improve the quality of life of people affected by arthritis.
CDC and its partners are working to implement recommendations in the National Arthritis Action Plan: A Public Health Strategy* (PDF-394K). This landmark public health plan was developed by CDC, the Arthritis Foundation, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, and more than 90 other organizations. It recommends a variety of activities to reduce pain, disability, and improve the quality of life of persons affected by arthritis.
Our Goals:
Short-Term Goals
Improve and increase self-management attitudes and behaviors among persons with arthritis.
Increase early diagnosis and appropriate pain management.
Long-Term Goals
Decrease pain and disability among persons with arthritis.
Improve physical, psychosocial, and work function among persons with arthritis.
The first-ever National Objectives for Arthritis (PDF–1.3Mb) are available in the Healthy People 2010 report. More information is available on Healthy People 2010.
