May 13, 2005 -- Arthritis afflicts nearly70 million Americans and costs this nation's economy nearly $90 billion annually in lost wages, productivity and general healthcare costs. While
most persons are unaware of the immense challenges this disease poses, even fewer realize that Arthritis is an "Umbrella Disease," comprising more than 120 directly related ailments.
Some of the related diseases that benefit from dollars donated are systemic lupus erythematosis (lupus), scleroderma, and gout just to name a few outside of those we are familiar with
such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis both juvenile and adult. Arthritis affects more women than men, 41 million women as opposed to 29 million men.
And, Arthritis doesn't discriminate. It affects not only persons of all ages - including children - but also strikes our many of our pets. In fact, arthritis affects one in every five
adult dogs in the U.S. and is one of the most common sources of chronic pain that veterinarians treat.
The spread and current depth of Arthritis is an extraordinary cost that can be in many ways mitigated, or even prevented, cared for and possibly cured with your help. Approximately 82
percent of all donations received by the Arthritis Foundation are applied directly to research.
The Arthritis Foundation's 2005 Walk will be held on May 21 at 10:00 AM at the Staples Center. This year, Pfizer Animal Health, which produces Rimadyl, an Arthritis pharmaceutical for
dogs, is a sponsor of walk in Los Angeles and Petco will be on hand as well with giveaways to pets and their owners. Research has found that people with dogs are more likely to integrate
their walking activities with their pets and to that end; the Arthritis Foundation is sponsoring a Dog Walk as well. Participants can register at the Walk; pick up registration materials
at their local Petco stores or online at www.arthritis.org.