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A Guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis for Legislators

A Guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis for Legislators. Rheumatoid Arthritis Policy Resource Center. What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune disease that causes joint swelling, pain and stiffness often in several joints.

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A Guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis for Legislators

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  1. A Guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis for Legislators Rheumatoid Arthritis Policy Resource Center

  2. What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune disease that causes joint swelling, pain and stiffness often in several joints. • RA has no known definitive cause. It is thought that genes, hormones and perhaps the environment may play a role in its onset. • Progression of the disease often leads to joint deformity and loss of function. • Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are the most common cause of disability in the United States.

  3. Prevalence of RA • 1.2 million Americans have RA • 46 million Americans have an arthritic condition, including RA • Incidence of RA peaks around age 60 • It affects two to three times more women than men, with prevalence increasing with age.

  4. How are states affected by Arthritis? • The state burden of arthritis varies widely

  5. State-level Impact of Arthritis

  6. State-Level Impact (continued) • Arthritis and other related arthritis conditions are the #1 cause of disability in the U.S.

  7. Importance to State Legislators • As the U.S. population ages, the number of people with RA and other arthritic conditions will increase. • States with a high elderly or aging population will be disproportionately affected.

  8. Projected State-level Increase In Arthritis

  9. State-Level Economic Impact

  10. Next Steps to address Rheumatoid arthritis in your state • Educate constituents about the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. • Increase the availability of screenings and treatment to low-income, women and minority communities through clinics and public health departments. • Create or support health initiatives to promote life style modifications associated with RA risk factors: smoking cessation; 30 minutes a day of physical activity and weight management.

  11. A Guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis for Legislators Rheumatoid Arthritis Policy Resource Center

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