Life Improvement Programs

1. Life Improvement Programs • Partnership between SC DHEC Arthritis Program & SCRPA • Statewide Roll Out of Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

2. What is Arthritis? • Arthritis comprises over 100 different diseases and conditions. • Common forms are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, and gout. • Symptoms include pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in or around the joints. • Some forms, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, affect vital organs and cause widespread symptoms.

3. Why Arthritis is a Public Health Issue? • Affects almost one third of SC adults, making it one of our most common diseases. • More common among older adults. • Leading cause of disability among U.S. adults, limiting everyday activities for more than 17.4 million Americans. • Results in 750 thousand hospitalizations and 36 million outpatient visits. • Estimated direct medical care cost is $80.8 billion.

4. Physical Activity The Arthritis Pain Reliever Moderate physical activity can improve health without hurting joints. Physical activity can also help control weight, which is important in managing arthritis and reducing pressure on weight-bearing joints.

5. Arthritis Foundation • The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. • Nationally Recognized • Conducts evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.

6. Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program • An exercise program designed specifically for people with arthritis • Uses gentle activities to help increase joint flexibility and range of motion and to help maintain muscle strength. • Also beneficial for people who are overweightor obese or people withother chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease

7. Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program • 1 hr, 2-3 times per week, 8 weeks or ongoing • Activities seated, standing, or lying • Instructors certified by Arthritis Foundation • Developed by AF in 1987, revised in 1999

8. AFEP: Evidence-Based Research shows improvements in measures, such as: • Pain • Self-efficacy • Self-care behaviors • Mood/depression • Functional ability

9. Benefits of Evidence-Based Prevention Programs Science tells us they work Increase the likelihood of positive outcomes Lead to efficient use of resources Facilitate the spread of programs Use common performance measures Make it easier to get funding

10. Become An Instructor • Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Instructor Training • March 24-25, 2011 • Must attend both days to become an Instructor • Application due March 17, 2011

11. Commitment • Hold first exercise program by end of April, beginning of May. • This will count in DHEC’s last quarter of grant. • Turn paperwork in at the end of each 8 week session or quarterly

12. Ultimate Goals • Every parks and recreation program for older adults in SC will offer this and other evidence-based programs • Older adults will have access to quality programs backed by science to increase the quality and years of life

13. Support • DHEC staff are here to coordinate the training and to support you throughout the process of implementing the program. • Through this partnership, we can help improve the health of older adults in SC.

14. Contact Information • Meredith Maliszewski maliszmk@dhec.sc.gov (803) 898-9578 • Cora Plass plasscf@dhec.sc.gov (803) 898-0349

15. Questions