Viscs.com news

Osteoarthritis and other diseases are constantly being researched and one day there might be a cure for these diseases. Until then, it is best to keep up on current news and developments

---

Osteoarthritis Has Significant Impact on Everyday Lives: New Survey

This article is complimets of www.jointpainoptions.com. Visit their site for more information.

Council on the Aging Finds Sufferers Gain Average of 42 Pounds

June 14, 2005 - A new national survey released today by The National Council on the Aging (NCOA) revealed surprising findings on the serious effects joint pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (OA) have on the everyday lives and overall health of the millions of Americans with the debilitating disease. It is estimated that 40 percent of senior citizens over age 65 suffer from some form of arthritis.

Conducted on behalf of NCOA by Harris Interactive(R), the survey found that respondents who gained weight due to their OA reported

-an average weight gain of 42 pounds since their diagnosis, which can be attributed in large part to their inability to exercise as much as desired, a feeling expressed by 75 percent of all respondents;

-82 percent of those who gained weight reported a decrease in self-esteem due to the weight gain;

-loss of sleep, which can take a serious toll on personal and professional relationships, productivity, and public safety, was identified in the survey as another negative consequence of OA, with 37 percent of sufferers reporting two or more hours of sleep lost per night due to pain caused by OA.

"The results of this study confirm just how serious the effects of joint pain and stiffness are for the more than 20 million Americans who suffer from OA, making clear the need to educate OA sufferers about their options," said James Firman, president and CEO of NCOA.

Additional Study Findings

-From a list of nine effects of growing old, 87 percent ranked their joint pain and stiffness among the top five least welcome; joint pain and stiffness was ranked #1 most frequently.

-More than half (53 percent) believe OA has had a moderately or severely negative impact on their lives.

-41 percent watch more TV because of pain caused by OA.

-35 percent have avoided long car rides because of OA; 32 percent have chosen not to take a trip.

-33 percent have chosen not to go to a store because they could not find parking close to the entrance.

The survey also investigated the profound transformation in treatment trends among OA sufferers, finding that more than two in five (43 percent) of those who have previously used prescription medications have stopped using them. In addition, millions of OA sufferers are dissatisfied with their current treatments and are possibly under-treating or not treating their joint pain, according to the survey.

Compared to one year ago, higher percentages of OA patients aged 50-65 are pursuing other treatment options, such as relaxation techniques, physical therapy and herbs/natural remedies. However, they also feel their joint pain is less controlled (16 percent reported their pain was "not very controlled" in 2004 vs. 24 percent in 2005) and are more likely to report that their OA is severe (26 percent reported severe joint pain in 2004 vs. 35 percent in 2005). Three in four (75 percent) patients are interested in more aggressive treatments for their OA.

NCOA Commences Patient Education Campaign to Help Fill the Information Gap

Given the clear and immediate need to provide OA sufferers with more information regarding the effective treatment of their joint pain and immobility, NCOA is partnering with the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) and DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. to roll out a comprehensive patient awareness campaign that aims to responsibly educate OA sufferers about the full range of treatment options, including joint replacement, which can help relieve pain and improve function for patients with OA.

"Educational efforts such as this continue to be an important part of NCOA's mission," said Mr. Firman. "The negative effects of OA highlighted in the survey released today represent a serious health concern that must be addressed if we are to help improve the health, independence, and overall quality of life of older Americans."

Patient events held at senior centers throughout the country will feature unique and engaging educational tools developed in collaboration with orthopaedic surgeons to provide OA sufferers with the information they need about the progressive nature of the disease and the treatments available to them. A custom-designed board game will foster learning, dialogue, and a sense of community, allowing attendees to gain a greater understanding of OA as well as the benefits of various treatments. In addition, a screening video will guide attendees through a series of movements, such as walking, driving, gardening, and golfing to help them identify their level of pain and immobility, so that they can initiate productive conversations with their doctor about treating the disease. At each event, a physician, a nurse specialist, and an OA sufferer who has benefited from joint replacement will be on hand to answer attendees' questions and provide additional information.

To buy Synvisc, Neovisc, Hyalgan, Orthovisc and Suplasyn at discount prices without prescription visit our sponsor "77 Canada Pharmacy"