Let's Move Together

January 12, 2009

News Release – For Immediate Release
Contact: Kendall Rich– Media Intern
(317) 879-0321 
krich@arthritis.org

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION LAUNCHES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY MOVEMENT TO PREVENT AND TREAT ARTHRITIS

Let’s Move Together Aims to Unite Americans in Fighting the Nation’s Most Common Cause of Disability

Indianapolis, Ind. (Jan. 7, 2009) – The Arthritis Foundation’s Indiana Chapter today announces the upcoming launch of Let’s Move Together, a nationwide movement created to improve the quality of life of the one-in-five Americans suffering from the pain of arthritis.  Let’s Move Together officially launches on Jan. 12, 2009, a day deemed “Movement Monday” by the Arthritis Foundation.

The Indiana Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation will launch Let’s Move Together by hosting a breakfast on “Movement Monday.” The breakfast will take place on the lower level, rooms six and seven, of the English Foundation Building located at 615 N. Alabama. The breakfast will run from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. with Tai Chi demonstrations at 8:30 and 9:00.

Let’s Move Together is designed to inspire people to move every day to prevent or treat arthritis. The movement encourages everyone to engage in daily physical activity for better health and to participate in their local Arthritis Walk—an annual event that promotes fun and fitness.  The 2009 Arthritis Walk in Indianapolis is on June 20, 2009 at the NCAA building.

“Physical activity, such as walking, is crucial to managing joint pain, improving mobility and reducing fatigue often associated with arthritis,” said Amy Havens, Indianapolis’ 2009 Arthritis Walk Chair.  “It is our hope that the Let’s Move Together movement will lead people to take action, both to improve their own lives and the lives of others with arthritis.”

By the year 2030, an estimated 67 million people in the U.S. will be affected by arthritis, up from current estimates of 46 million. In Indiana, more than 1.4 million adults and 6,400 kids are living with arthritis.  Even more alarming is the fact that the prevalence of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, continues to rise even though it can often be prevented by staying active through enjoyable physical activities.  

People can learn more about Let’s Move Together by contacting the Indiana Chapter at (317) 879-0321 ext. 203 or visiting www.letsmovetogether.org, where they can also join the movement.  The web site offers exercise tips and other suggestions on ways to creatively incorporate movement into daily activities. For instance, visitors can find links to the Arthritis Foundation Life Improvement Series programs offered locally in Indianapolis to help people become active through arthritis-friendly exercise. The site also showcases uplifting stories of people who are battling arthritis by staying active, features a physical activity tracker to help keep you moving all year, and provides information about the Indianapolis Arthritis Walk June 20, 2009.  Visitors can even read a blog from others participating in the movement or contribute to message boards on a variety of movement-related topics.

“While many people think about arthritis during Arthritis Awareness Month in May, Let’s Move Together reminds people that it is important to move every day, not just once a year,” Havens said.  “By launching this movement on Jan. 12, we hope that people will commit to daily physical activity and continue to move together with the Foundation throughout 2009.”

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About Let’s Move Together:
Let’s Move Together is a nationwide movement led by the Arthritis Foundation that encourages people to move to prevent or treat arthritis. Moving just 30 minutes daily, even 10 to 15 minutes at a time, can ease joint pain, improve mobility and reduce fatigue often associated with arthritis. Daily movement also can improve the quality of life of the 46 million Americans living with arthritis. Let’s Move Together is a call to action: commit to the 2009 Arthritis Walk, the signature annual fundraising event of the Arthritis Foundation, and move daily for better health. Start moving today: visit www.letsmovetogether.org.

About the Arthritis Foundation:
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country.

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948.  The Foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or www.arthritis.org.