Arthritis Foundation Chapter Homepage

Welcome!

The Arthritis Foundation is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2008! As the organization was founded right here in Michigan, marking this milestone is significant for the Michigan Chapter. While there will be several activities throughout the year to celebrate our 60th anniversary, the goal of each will be simple ... to raise awareness about the arthritis impact and to “raise the bar” in serving people with arthritis. One of the ways we intend to do both is to incorporate the anniversary theme: “The Power of 60” as The Power of 60 Challenge in the 2008 Arthritis Walks.

If you are a Michigan resident, we encourage you to bookmark this page or add it to your favorites list so that you can return often to check out what is new with the Michigan Chapter. You can return to the National Arthritis Foundation web page at any time by clicking on the Arthritis Foundation logo at the upper left. To talk with someone at the Michigan Chapter about arthritis, call Arthritis Answers™ toll free at (800) 968-3030.

The Arthritis Foundation is the only voluntary health agency in Michigan providing for education, research, and improved treatment for all of the more than 100 forms of arthritis. Through arthritis awareness programs, scientific research, public and professional education, and various other community services, the Arthritis Foundation is the place for Michigan residents to turn for help with arthritis.

The first local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation was formed at the University of Michigan in 1948. Today, our mission is as important as ever as we continue to combat the nation's most debilitating disease throughout the State of Michigan.

Kids Get Arthritis Too

In Michigan there are at least 7,000 children age 16 and under who have some form of arthritis. We hear you! The Arthritis Foundation Michigan Chapter thinks it is very important for parents, children, teens, and young adults to know that we have programs and services that provide information and referral, support and education, school info and fun activities (like Camp Dakota) to help you manage juvenile arthritis and connect to other families.

Michigan Chapter Juvenile Arthritis Programs
Click here to find out more about the Michigan Juvenile Arthritis (JA) Programs.
Click here to find out more about the NEW Juvenile Arthritis Aquatics Programs forming now!

JUST 10 is the arthritis advocacy awareness campaign here in Michigan that was created to show people how little time it takes to make a difference. People often don’t know what’s expected of them, how much time it takes to be an advocate, or what advocacy is, so this is a way to show them.

Click here to discover JUST 10 ways to make a difference.

Delivering on the Promise: Research

The Arthritis Foundation Michigan Chapter maintains an active research program, funding top-ranked peer-reviewed individual investigator-initiated research projects. Michigan based research scientists interested in Michigan Chapter grants may access the Research Grant Specs by clicking here. To meet researchers recently funded by the Arthritis Foundation Michigan Chapter and read about their work, click here. Volunteers are needed in certain research studies. To view those click here.

What's old about arthritis?

We know you probably came to this web page to find out what's new about arthritis and the Arthritis Foundation. You might be surprised to learn that there is a lot that is old about arthritis--most of which is probably new to you. Read more.

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Take control of your arthritis

We are proud to introduce the Life Improvement Series, an array of health education and fitness programs offered by the Arthritis Foundation to help you take control of arthritis. Programs in the Life Improvement Series are documented to reduce arthritis pain and stiffness, ease daily activities, and improve general health status. Led by certified leaders, the series includes an in-depth education program along with exercise programs for a variety of fitness levels and interests.
When you control your arthritis, you take charge of your life. It's that simple, and we can help you do it...with the Life Improvement Series.

View the entire brochure to learn more!

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View our Fast Facts Archive.

Attention: Life Improvement Series Class Leaders

Whether you are a current leader or you're interested in becoming a leader of one of our exercise or self-management programs, this is the place to be! Follow the link to access Leaders Corner, where you can find the following: available training dates, training applications, certification applications, quarterly report forms, as well as our informative newsletters. Click here to learn more.

Is Your Chi in Check?

Tai Chi from the Arthritis Foundation is a healthy, joint-safe exercise option.

For centuries, Tai Chi has been practiced in China as an effective exercise for physical and mental well-being. Now, as more and more people turn to complementary approaches to address chronic conditions like arthritis, Tai Chi has come to Michigan…..in a specially-designed, joint-friendly form called Tai Chi from the Arthritis Foundation. The course is designed for people of varied ages and physical abilities seeking a gentle exercise routine, including people with mild to moderate arthritis. It’s a great way to reduce pain, manage stress, increase flexibility, build strength, and feel great! Find out more.