Life Improvement ProgramsLife Improvement Programs

• Partnership between SC DHEC Arthritis Program & SCRPA

• Statewide Roll Out of Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

What is Arthritis?What is Arthritis?

• Arthritis comprises over 100 different diseases and conditions.

• Common forms are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, and gout.

• Symptoms include pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in or around the joints.

• Some forms, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, affect vital organs and cause widespread symptoms.

Why Arthritis is a Public Why Arthritis is a Public Health Issue?Health Issue?

• Affects almost one third of SC adults, making it one of our most common diseases.

• More common among older adults.• Leading cause of disability among U.S. adults,

limiting everyday activities for more than 17.4 million Americans.

• Results in 750 thousand hospitalizations and 36 million outpatient visits.

• Estimated direct medical care cost is $80.8 billion.

Physical Activity Physical Activity The Arthritis Pain Reliever The Arthritis Pain Reliever

Moderate physical activity can improve Moderate physical activity can improve health without hurting joints.health without hurting joints.

Physical activity can also help control Physical activity can also help control weight, which is important in managing weight, which is important in managing arthritis and reducing pressure on arthritis and reducing pressure on weight-bearing joints.weight-bearing joints.

Arthritis FoundationArthritis Foundation

• The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions.

• Nationally Recognized • Conducts evidence-based programs to

improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.

Arthritis Foundation Arthritis Foundation Exercise ProgramExercise Program

• An exercise program designed specifically for people with arthritis

• Uses gentle activities to help increase joint flexibility and range of motion and to help maintain muscle strength.

• Also beneficial for people who are overweight or obese or people with other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Arthritis Foundation Exercise ProgramProgram

• 1 hr, 2-3 times per week, 8 weeks or ongoing

• Activities seated, standing, or lying

• Instructors certified by Arthritis Foundation

• Developed by AF in 1987, revised in 1999

AFEP: Evidence-BasedAFEP: Evidence-Based

Research shows improvements in

measures, such as: Pain Self-efficacy Self-care behaviors Mood/depression Functional ability

Benefits of Evidence-Based Benefits of Evidence-Based Prevention ProgramsPrevention Programs

• Science tells us they work• Increase the likelihood of positive

outcomes• Lead to efficient use of resources• Facilitate the spread of programs• Use common performance measures• Make it easier to get funding

Become An InstructorBecome An Instructor

• Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Instructor TrainingInstructor Training

• March 24-25, 2011March 24-25, 2011

• Must attend both days to become an Must attend both days to become an InstructorInstructor

• Application due March 17, 2011Application due March 17, 2011

CommitmentCommitment

• Hold first exercise program by end Hold first exercise program by end of April, beginning of May.of April, beginning of May.

• This will count in DHEC’s last This will count in DHEC’s last quarter of grant. quarter of grant.

• Turn paperwork in at the end of Turn paperwork in at the end of each 8 week session or quarterlyeach 8 week session or quarterly

Ultimate GoalsUltimate Goals

• Every parks and recreation program for Every parks and recreation program for older adults in SC will offer this and older adults in SC will offer this and other evidence-based programsother evidence-based programs

• Older adults will have access to quality Older adults will have access to quality programs backed by science to increase programs backed by science to increase the quality and years of lifethe quality and years of life

SupportSupport

• DHEC staff are here to coordinate DHEC staff are here to coordinate the training and to support you the training and to support you throughout the process of throughout the process of implementing the program.implementing the program.

• Through this partnership, we can Through this partnership, we can help improve the health of older help improve the health of older adults in SC.adults in SC.

Contact InformationContact Information

• Meredith Maliszewski Meredith Maliszewski maliszmk@dhec.sc.govmaliszmk@dhec.sc.gov

(803) 898-9578(803) 898-9578

• Cora PlassCora Plass

plasscf@dhec.sc.govplasscf@dhec.sc.gov

(803) 898-0349(803) 898-0349

QuestionsQuestions