Hawaii ranks low in arthritis prevalence

[Guest guest]

Hawaii ranks low in arthritis prevalence

By COLLEEN MARSHALL/ West Hawaii Today

Thousands of Hawaii residents suffer from arthritis or related joint

symptoms, but even with nearly 20 percent of the population reporting the

disease, it's still the lowest percentage in the nation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey (CDC),

released last week by the Arthritis Foundation, 164,000 people, or 18

percent of Hawaii residents, are affected by arthritis or chronic joint

symptoms.

Arthritis Foundation communications specialist Sara Reeve said Hawaii is in

the lowest percentile as part of the first state - by - state CDC survey.

West Virginia, with 42.6 percent of the population affected, topped the

rankings, Reeve said.

" We've always used the CDC numbers, but they were out of date, especially

with the national perspective, " Reeve said.

In 1997, CDC reported 43 million Americans, one out of six people, suffered

from arthritis and other rheumatic conditions. The current survey revealed

as many as 70 million - or one in three adults - suffer from arthritis and

chronic joint symptoms.

Officials said the latest estimates are the most accurate yet of arthritis

impact as they are based for the first time on state - by - state prevalence

reports, rather than figures garnered from a nationwide random sample.

Officials said because many people don't see a doctor, the survey asked

about self - reported chronic joint symptoms, as well as doctor - diagnosed

arthritis.

Reeve said she did not know why Hawaii fell in the lowest percentile range.

However, CDC data indicates Asian/Pacific Islanders typically have

relatively low percentages of arthritis, at rates half of those for

Caucasians or African Americans. Rates also are lower for people residing

the northeast and western regions of the U.S., officials said.

There are more than 100 forms of arthritis and related conditions. Initial

signs include pain, swelling and limited movement that last for more than

two weeks. Although genetics place a person a risk for arthritis, officials

said maintaining an appropriate weight, exercising to maintain fitness and

flexibility and seeking early diagnosis and treatment are measures people

can take to prevent or manage arthritis.

- - -

Contacts:

Arthritis Foundation

(808) 596 - 2900

www.arthritis.org

cmarshall@...