Let's Start With the Facts
Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in America. Over 43 million Americans suffer with arthritis, and it has been projected that by the year 2020, the number will rise to 60 million. A significant problem affecting a significant number of people. However, even amidst these facts, arthritis remains a very misunderstood disease. Many myths and misconceptions about arthritis still exist. Arthritis is often not recognized for its severity, nor its potentially life-altering effects.
- Why doesn't arthritis get the attention and recognition it deserves?
- What can be done to raise awareness about arthritis?
- What can you do to help?
Other diseases such as AIDS, Parkinson's disease, and breast cancer have had famous people champion their cause. When celebrities speak, people generally listen.
For example, Michael J. Fox went before Congress to speak of Parkinson's disease and the need for more research. As Fox appeared on news reports and became the focus of heavy press coverage, the American public received a swift lesson on the debilitating effects of a chronic disease. People heard the message because Michael J. Fox is a beloved and popular actor, and his "celebrity" commands attention. That's a good thing. But Parkinson's disease is no less debilitating for John or Jane Doe than it is for Michael J. Fox, yet their voice is not as easily heard.
"It's Only Arthritis"
The problem runs even deeper for arthritis advocates since no famous celebrity has heightened the awareness of their cause. As a matter of fact, some television commercials using famous athletes have been counterproductive and further fueled the many misconceptions associated with arthritis. One such campaign encouraged people to "pop" two over-the-counter pain relievers and scurry around their yard playing with their children, serving only to minimize the severely disabling effects which can be caused by chronic arthritis. Instead, it promoted the "it's only arthritis" thinking, as the commercial portrayed arthritis as a minor ailment.
Two common misconceptions which have prevailed through the years are that:
- arthritis is an old person's disease
- there is nothing you can do for arthritis
It's still not completely understood that arthritis also affects young people and children.
Many Unaware Of The True Impact
Many people remain unaware of the destructive impact of arthritis, physically, emotionally, and financially which can result in:
- career changes / job loss
- loss of income
- high financial cost / medical expenses
- disability
- difficulties with daily living
- isolation
- depression
- ...and more
Why Arthritis Advocates Are Needed
How do you start to become an advocate for arthritis? Become passionate about what you believe arthritis patients need. Focus on bringing awareness to those needs. For example, the high cost of the prescription drugs for arthritis is a battle often fought by arthritis advocates. It is also a serious problem that patients with no prescription coverage are without access to the newer treatments.
It is obvious that arthritis awareness and education is a necessary commodity. If there is no celebrity drawing attention to the facts of arthritis and the need for more funding for research in the area of arthritis and related diseases, how will the message be spread?
A responsibility lies with every person who has arthritis. The person who lives each day with arthritis knows the realities of this painful and limiting disease.
If that person is you, but you have not become active in arthritis advocacy because you think your voice will not be heard or that one person cannot make a difference -- think again. The voice of one advocate begets another, which begets yet another. If every person believed that they cannot make a difference, no one would ever take action. If each individual assumes their own personal responsibility for arthritis advocacy, though, suddenly a group of advocates is formed and united.
The Arthritis Foundation often undertakes letter writing campaigns to Congress for issues affected people with arthritis. Don't leave this important work to someone else. Without your participation and involvement, one less letter is written and one less voice is heard. If 100 people do not become advocates for arthritis, then 100 less voices are heard. The message is diminished.
