UPCOMING EVENTS.........................
5/10/08 - CLEARWATER (Pinellas Co.)
5/10/08 - LAKELAND (Polk Co.)
05/15/08 - BRADENTON (Manatee Co.)
5/17/08 - PALM BAY (Brevard Co.)
5/31/08 - JACKSONVILLE (Duval Co.)
11/8/08 - LAKE WORTH (Palm Beach Co.)
One in three Floridians is impacted by one or more of the over 100 types of arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation improves thousands of lives through programs, services, information and referral, as well as professional and patient education.
Staff and volunteers conduct patient service programs including public forums, seminars, health fairs, self-help groups, support groups, speaking engagements, land and water exercises, Juvenile Arthritis summer camps and arthritis clinics. The Chapter conducts public education forums about arthritis and the programs and services of the Arthritis Foundation. Professional education and training are provided to healthcare professionals to increase knowledge of the disease for better treatment and care of arthritis patients
The Florida Chapter receives no government funding and relies solely upon voluntary contributions from the public to underwrite significant research and provide vital community services.
The Chapter raises revenue through planned giving and major gifts, bequests and memorial donations and special events including the Arthritis Walk, Joints in Motion Program, Jingle Bell Run 5K Run, Black-tie galas and various other events conducted within the Chapter's eight Regions.
The Arthritis Foundation has funded and sponsored research for over 50 years resulting in major treatment advances for many forms of arthritis. In 2007, thanks to our supporters and volunteers, the Arthritis Foundation, Florida Chapter funded research in the amount of $596,908.
Contact our Chapter Office for a copy of our 2007 Florida Chapter Annual Report
The Arthritis Foundation is working hard to ensure that adequate patient protections are included in any patient's bill of rights. These include access to specialists, such as rheumatologists, access to clinical trials, and the right to both fair and timely internal and external appeals. All consumers must have health care choice and access. Let your Representative know how important and necessary these and other patient protections are and that they must be part of any patients\' bill of rights considered by Congress.
You can also contact your state representatives.
RHEUMATOLOGY CLINICS...
The Mid-East Region provides 4 free clinics for the medically indigent, in which rheumatologists, nurses, and physical therapists donate their time. The Arthritis Foundation provides free medical services, lab work and x-rays. The clinics, which meet once a month, are located in Boca Raton, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, and Martin County.
Please call Barbara Gold at (561) 833-1133 for information and applications.
2008 FLORIDA GOLF DISCOUNT BOOKS...
Order your 2008 Arthritis Foundation Discount Golf Book today for only $15.00 per book! Order 3 books and get 1 free! Great Florida Courses with free or discounted Green Fees from May through October.
Contact the Regional Office nearest you...
TAI CHI FOR ARTHRITIS...
NEW Tai Chi Classes!
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese exercise form which is most effective for physical and mental well-being. Tai Chi consists of fluid, gentle, graceful and circular movements that are relaxed and slow in tempo. Breathing is deepened and slowed, aiding visual and mental concentration. The body relaxes, allowing the life force of "Qi" (energy inside the body) to flow unimpeded throughout the body. These techniques help integrate mind and body into a harmonious inner and outer self. A person living in harmony is more likely to be happy, fulfilled and healthy.For more information, contact the Regional Office nearest you...
