Advocacy Project: Arthritis Learning Activity

Purpose: To make others aware of the serious risks involved with Arthritis and to provide interesting information and statistics on the topic.

46 million Americans, including children are victims, to some form of arthritis, the worlds most common cause of disability. According to arthritis.org arthritis is a condition that affects the musculosketletal system specifically around the joints where the bones meet. This causes severe pain, inflammation and stiffness affecting the whole body, leading to weakness and instability. Athritis can affect every day basic activities such as typing on the computer, going up and down the stairs, walking, even brushing your teeth. This causes a lot of stress and frustration in patients because they are unable to complete simple tasks.



 According to the Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) every year arthritis is the cause of 992,100 hospitalizations and 44 million outpatients, which results in $128 billion medical bills. Unfortunately these numbers are expected to rise to 67 million by 2030 if we do not take action. 50% of people with arthritis are not able to work within 10 years of their diagnosis. It can lead to joint deformity and even worse, premature death.

Genetics and family history increase the chance of developing arthrits. Fortunately, there are ways to help prevent arthritis. There is a lot of helpful information on the Arthritis Prevention site I found. There are ways to help prevent arthritis. First of all, if you notice any aches or pain during every day activities or recreation-related activities, do not ignore the signs. This will makes things worse in the long run. Make sure to excersise your joints. Excerise does not have to be strenuous, just make sure it is regular. It is important to eat healthy, over weight people are at a greater risk of this disease due to lack of exercise and unhealthy eating. It is also important to drink a lot of water. Coffee and pop black absorption of water. Lastly, yoga is great for your body because it increases muscle tone and gives off a range of motion to your joints.



After reading the summary, please answer the following questions:


1. True or Fale? Arthritis only affects people 65 years and older?________
2. True or False: Arthritis can affect every day activities such as brushing your teeth?__________
3. True or False: Obese people have a greater risk of Arthritis?________
4. Arthritis Affects the____________
5. True or False? Arthritis is the most common cause of disability?_________
6. True or False? Arthritis is expected to increase by the year 2030?__________
7. What helps prevent arthritis? a) Eating Healthy   b) Exercising c) Yoga d) all of the above 
8. What percent of people with arthritis are not able to work within 10 years of diagnosis? a) 10 b) 20 c) 0 d) 50

Advocacy Project: Letter to Public Official

December 7, 2009
Senator Amy Klobuchar
United States Senate
302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-2304

Honorable Senator Amy Klobuchar,

My name is Carrie Jones. I am a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth and am currently enrolled in Environmental Health. I was assigned to choose a topic that interested me and report back on my findings. I chose arthritis because I have watched too many people suffer from this disease.

More than 46 million people (of all ages) in America are victims to some form of arthritis, America’s most common cause of disability. This disease puts limitations on work and every day activities due to pain, aches and stiffness around the joints. I am strongly encouraging you to vote “yes” to H.R.1210: To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for arthritis research and public health. This is a problem worldwide that needs to end. I strongly believe this bill is the path to success.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) every year arthritis is the cause of 992,100 hospitalizations and 44 million outpatients, which results in $128 billion medical bills. Unfortunately these numbers are expected to rise to 67 million by 2030 if we do not take action. I believe passing this bill will lower the rates of arthritis and get people more educated on the proper precautions to avoid the risk of getting the disease.

There are ways to address arthritis such as proper exercises and weight control but many people are either unaware of this, or they do not take the correct steps. One in every five children suffers with arthritis. This shows we need to do something about this problem and make sure everyone is educated, starting at an early age.

This bill has been introduced and referred to the House of Energy and Commerce committee but still has four steps to go in order to be signed by the president. I strongly encourage you vote “Yes” to H.R. 1210 so we can get on the proper path to success. If you have any questions, please, feel free to contact me. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Carrie Jones

(Contact information)

Advocacy Project: Issue Overview

Introduction:

The topic I have chosen to cover is Arthritis. The issue is that people are unaware of how serious the risks involved with this disease are. There are ways to help prevent this disease and it is important more people get the proper education on how to prevent Arthritis before it is too late. The bill that has been proposed is called. H.R. 1210: Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2009.

Who is affected by Arthritis? 
A common myth about Arthritis is that it only affects elderly people. Unfortunately, everyone is at risk, even children. According to this site 40 million people in the U.S. alone are affected by this chronic disease. Some risk factors that can not be modified and the people that are more likely to be diagnosed wtih Arthritis include: African Americans, Family history of having arthritis and men and women over the age of 45.
Risk factors that can be modified include: being over weight, and a history of injuries to your joints. reference

Who loses? People with lower socioeconomic statuses that do not have time to work out and exercise, and people that cannot pay for therapy or medications lose.


Who Wins? People with Higher socioeconomic statuses that can afford to pay for therapy to help them practice the correct exercises, pay for the proper medications and people that catch it in the early stage. 

Consequences of Arthritis

Acccording to senior health the consequences can be quite devastating. 50% of people with  arthritis are not able to work within 10 years of their diagnosis. It can lead to joint deformity and even worse, premature death.


Consequences for Families: The consequences for families can lead to very unfortunate situations. Income is a huge factor because if the patient is unable to work, they will not be able to have income from that individual. 

Consequences for Society: Arthritis is the second cause of work disability right behind heart disease. This can cause high consequences for the society because many people are out of jobs and many companies are losing valued employers. senior health


Economic Impact of Arthritis:
According to CDC $80.8 billion came from indirect cost and $47 billion was from indirect for the cost of arthritis in 2003. This adds up to a total $127.8 billion in the United States alone. Direct and indirect costs were based on doctor-diagnosed arthritis costs for each state.


Economic benefits: There are a few economic benefits for arthritis. Living with arthritis does not always mean higher bills. Diagnosed-arthritis patients can apply for state benefits in order to help pay bills. There are corporations such as "Access to Work" which helps people be able to overcome any barriers. There is also a program called "Disability Living Allowance" which provides people with disabilities extra help.


Social Impact to Arthritis:
There is a company by the name of "Allsup Inc." that helps people, especially with arthritis conditions. Fortunately, Allsup Inc. has a 97% award rate and try to do their best in helping people live a more "normal" lifestyle and get the benefits that is necessary. They determine the severity of your condition and your age to see what benefits are needed.

Barriers
There are quite a few barriers when it comes to arthritis. If one is not diagnosed soon enough it can cause more problems down the road. Also, not having the proper resources can be a big problem. It is very important you stay active and physically fit. Most people with arthritis are limited to every day activities they are used to.

Educating people about the proper ways to deal with the disease and signs of arthritis is very important. Also, it is essential that one catches the signs at an early stage so they can get the proper care. If you feel any of the warning signs make sure to get things checked out (better safe than sorry). Working out and staying healthy is a key factor.



Resources
Resources that supply facts, studies, history, brochures and graphs are great ways to address the topic and provide valid information. These resources can be found in clinics, hospitals, and permissible website. 

History 
Arthritis was discovered in 4500 B.C. According to arthritisygoy

around 500 B.C. willow bark, also known as the "wonder drug" was seen as a miracle drug that relieved aches and pains. Later on, they found it to be poisonous. Now days, it is a much different story. There are medications one can take. However, the most important thing is to keep motivated, stay active and exercise in order to reduce the risk. 

Allies and Opponents 
People who would support the issue would be health educators, people with the disease, friends and families of the individuals, doctors, and anyone interested in helping or supporting the cause.


Who would oppose? Some people who have never had arthritis or who have never had a family member or friend be affected by the disease. Also, people who do not want to pay state cost. 

My Recommendation 
 I want everyone to vote "YES!" to the  H.R. 1210: Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2009 policy. It would help out a lot of amazing/innocent people who, unfortunately have been affected by Arthritis. As a country we need to help them stay strong and vote for what is right. Vote "YES!" for H.R.1210

Advocacy Project: Healthy People/THOMAS

Healthy People Goal:

The healthy people 2010 goal I chose is Arthritis conditions. The objective is to reduce the number of adults who have limitations due to arthritis that effects their daily routines. The Progress Quotient Chart shows the 18 and older adults that limitations from arthritis. This is 33%.


 Emerging Issues with Arthritis
Unfortunately, like other chronic diseases, Arthritis is due to aging. There are ways to help prevent this disease. Some strategries include physical activity and making sure you are at a healthy weight. Arthritis has some emerging issues which include an argument over non steroidal anti inflamatory drugs and heart diseases.


Opportunities and Challenges:  
Health care providers are doign everything they can to try and improve the risk of arthritis. It is very important that people are informed  with accurate information, and also that the word spreads so it can be prevented easier.


Progress 

 In the past objectieves had not been met. Now days, there has been progess. For my objective, couseling adults with arthritis for weight reduction helped them more toward their main objective. 


Health Disparities 
Disparities are common for many patients who have arthritis. Unemployment rates and lack of exercise are huge factors when it comes to arthritis. Studies show white patients with arthritis have the best rates for limitations.

H.R.1210 : 

Title: To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for arthritis research and public health, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Eshoo, Anna G. [CA-14] (introduced 2/26/2009)  Cosponsors (145)
Committees: House Energy and Commerce
Latest Major Action: 2/26/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Recommendation: Vote yes for H.R.1210 for Public Health Service Act for Arthritis.

My Political Representatives: Senator Al Franken and Senator Amy Klobuchar

Advocacy Project: My Political Representatives

City of Mound Mayor:Mark Hanus 

4446 Denbigh Road 

952-472-5480 

mahanus@frontiernet.net

President of the United States: Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500

Comments? Call: 202-456-1111

Switchboard: 202-456-1414

 Contact the White House

Minnesota Governor: Tim Pawlenty 

130 State Capitol

75 Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55155

Telephone: (651) 296-3391
E-mail:  tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us

Tim Pawlenty Site

 U.S. Senator Al Franken

---

 

Democrat

320 Hart Senate office building

Washington DC 20510

DC Phone: 202-224-5641

MN Phone: 651-221-1016

Al Franken Site

 U.S. Representative

---

Erik Paulsen
District 3
Republican Party 
250 Prairie Center Drive, Suite 230
Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
Phone: (952) 405-8510
Fax: (952) 405-8514

MEMBER PAGE

---

U.S. Senator

---

Amy Klobuchar
U.S. Senator
Democrat 

302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Northwest and Central
Main Fax: 202-228-2186
MEMBER PAGE

---

State Representative

---

Steve Smith
District 33A
Republican Party 
* 271 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
651-296-9188

MEMBER PAGE
 

State Senator

---

Gen Olson
District 33
Republican Party 
Capitol Office: 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
State Office Building, Room 119
St. Paul, MN 55155-1206
651.296.1282

MEMBER PAGE
 

Welcome to Carrie's Environment

                                                       Welcome to Carrie's Environment!

My name is Carrie Jones. I am a Junior at UMD with a Community Health major and a Psychology minor. I love to work out, hang out with family and friends, travel, and cruise around the lake. This is the second blog I have ever made, so I am still new to blogs. I have already learned a lot of new and exciting things. My blog is going to be about tdifferent things we can do to help the environment such as recycling everything that needs to be recycled, car pool, and use the reusable bags for the grocery store. My main goal is to start drinking a lot more water so I am going to buy a reusable water bottle instead of throwing the plastic ones away every day. :)



There are 6 possible types of posts on my blog. They include:

1. Advocacy Project
2. Eye Openers
3. Reflections
4. Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change
5. Read 'n' Seed
6. Share and Voice

If you notice at the bottom of this post, the categories will be listed as labels. This post is has been labeled with all five kinds of posts.


       1.Carrie  http://carriesenviornment.blogspot.com/
       2. Kayla http://kaylasgreenland.blogspot.com/
       3. Danielle S http://daniellesdandyenvironment.blogspot.com/
       4. Rita  http://ritasrealm.blogspot.com/

You can subscribe to my blog by clicking the subscribe gadget in the gadget column. You can also follow my blog by clicking "Follow this Blog" in the gadget column. I am subscribed to all the blogs in my blog list gadget. You can see my complete profile and all the blogs I am following by clicking on "See Complete


I plan on learning a lot in Environmental Studies and I Know that my "bad habbits" will start to change very quickly and I will try to educate my friends, family, and other peers on what I can to help change the environment.

Blogged for the Welcome Linky Party hosted by Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy



Made with My Cool Signs.Net