Getting a job can be difficult, especially if you have arthritis.
This was revealed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)after analyzing the results of its first countrywide survey on the impact ofarthritis on work. The study involved over 200,000 American adults.
Arthritis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the joints thataffects an estimated 46 million people in the United States alone. It is thenation’s leading cause of disability that causes pain, swelling, and stiffnessof the joints. Because of the disease, the CDC said nearly 12 percent ofAmericans aged 45 to 64 face work limitations.
“Countrywide, 6.7 percent of people ages 18 to 64, including 11.7 percent ofthose 45 to 64, reported that they either could not work at all or were limitedin the amount and type of work they could perform due to arthritis in itsvarious forms. A third of working-age people who reported having arthritis saidthey suffered work limitations,” according to Reuters.
Among the states, Kentucky was the worst affected with 15 percent of workerssaying that arthritis interfered with their work. The least affected was Hawaiiwith only 3.4 percent reporting work limitations.
In all states, unemployment was higher among people who had arthritis.Nearly 19 million adults claim they have limited activities because of thedisease.
“These findings show that large numbers of workers in every state areaffected by arthritis,” said Janet Collins, director of the CDC’s NationalCenter for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
“With the increasing number of older Americans in the nation’s work force,it is important that employers, health departments, and others take steps thathelp people with arthritis stay employed or become employed,” she added.
In 2003, the medical costs for arthritis and other rheumatic conditions were$81 billion, according to the CDC. All in all, the cost attributed to arthritiswas $128 billion up from $86.2 billion in 1997.
To prevent complications and live a normal life, seek medical advice at thefirst sign of arthritis. Don’t ignore the disease to avoid regrets later. Whenarthritis strikes, strike back with Flexcerin. This powerful supplement soothesaching joints and restores joint function without the harmful side effects ofother prescription painkillers. Check out http://www.flexcerin.com fordetails.
Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author.Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online newsmagazine http://www.thearticleinsiders.com.