Anthem Blue Cross Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation, Pacific Region, has received a significant grant from the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation to expand the Arthritis Foundation’s Life Improvement Series programs. The goal is to engage people in regular physical activity in order to reduce the pain and disability of arthritis for thousands of Southern California residents in Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange Counties.

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability, costing the country an annual $128 billion cost!  The Arthritis Foundation’s Life Improvement Series classes are nationally recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California State Department of Health.  The program teaches people how to use physical activity to decrease the pain and physical limitations associated with arthritis.  Exercises have been tested and proven to reduce arthritis pain by 18% and increase function by 25%. 

The series offers three types of exercise programs:  Aquatics for relief from pain and stiffness; Exercise for flexibility and strength; and Walk With Ease for increased function and confidence.  The Life Improvement Series currently serves 11,000 people annually.  The grant from Anthem Blue Cross Foundation will allow the Arthritis Foundation, Pacific Region, to serve another 9,000 people.

In addition to encouraging participation in Arthritis Foundation programs, the program’s awareness campaign will inform the 2.4 million Southern California residents with arthritis about the importance of physical activity to their overall well-being.  Currently, 47 percent of people with arthritis in California also have heart disease; 38 percent have high blood pressure; and 38 percent have diabetes.  Moving just 30 minutes per day can help those with arthritis and other conditions ease joint pain, improve mobility and reduce fatigue. 

• For individuals looking to participate in a class, visit our local website at: http://www.arthritis.org/chapters/california/. A listing of partners, program sites and additional information about the grant can be found.


• For corporate/community partners and instructors who wish to offer or teach one or more of the Life Improvement Series, please contact your local Program Director to discuss FREE training certification and program materials during this grant period.

The Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation leads the way in helping people with arthritis live better today and create better tomorrows through new treatments, better access and, ultimately, cures. For more information about arthritis and the Arthritis Foundation, visit www.arthritis.org or call the Arthritis Foundation, Pacific Region office at 1.800.954.CURE (2873).