What is the Bone and Joint Decade?
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| The Arthritis Foundation is a
supporter of the worldwide Bone and Joint Decade (2002-2011), a
concerted global effort to help people affected by musculoskeletal
disorders, such as arthritis. |
The United Nations, the World Health
Organization and 37 countries have proclaimed the year 2000-2010 as the Bone and Joint
Decade. This global initiative is intended to improve the lives of people with
musculoskeletal disorders, such as arthritis, and to advance understanding and treatment
of musculoskeletal disorders through prevention, education and research.
The 10-year global initiative launched by United Nations
Secretary General Kofi Annan urges governments around the world to start taking action to
draw attention to the growing pervasiveness and impact of musculoskeletal diseases and to
reduce the social and financial burdens to society.
What is the Arthritis Foundation's Role in the
Bone and Joint Decade?
As a supporter of the Bone and Joint Decade, the Arthritis
Foundation is part of a worldwide effort to:
- raise awareness and educate the world on the increasing
societal impact of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders
- empower patients to participate in decisions about their
care and treatment
- increase global funding for prevention activities and
treatment research
- continually seek and promote cost-effective prevention and
treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders
What is the United State's Involvement in the
Bone and Joint Decade?
President Clinton issued a letter of support for this
global initiative to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and
improve people's quality of life. On
March 21, 2002, President George W. Bush proclaimed the
years 2002-2011 the National Bone and Joint Decade,
recognizing the importance of promoting a healthy
musculoskeletal structure for all people from childhood
through adulthood. In addition, all 50 state
governments have officially endorsed the Decade.
Why Have Musculoskeletal Problems Been Selected as
the Focus for the Decade?
The World Health Organization estimates that several
hundred million people already suffer from bone and joint diseases, with dramatic
increases expected due to a doubling in the number of people over 50 years of age by 2020.
In the United States musculoskeletal complaints
(including arthritis) are the leading category of
reported chronic impairment and also rank at the top in
terms of visits to physicians - more than 130 million
patient visits, costing $215 billion were recorded in
1995 alone. There are more than 46
million people in the United
States affected by arthritis and related conditions and that number is expected to climb
and baby boomers age.
Where Can I Find More Information About the Bone
and Joint Decade?
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