Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Kosciusko Community Hospital recently announced its partnership with the Arthritis Foundation to hold the first area Arthritis Walk¨ and to establish a local arthritis support group. Stefan D. Monev, M.D., FACR, a rheumatologist with The Heart Center Medical Group, Fort Wayne, spoke on "Living with Arthritis" at the kick-off event.
Joy Lohse, director of marketing with KCH, welcomed more than 100 people gathered to learn more about the support group and walk. She introduced Beth Harsch, executive director of the Indiana Chapter, Northern Branch of the Arthritis Foundation.
Harsch said, "There are 66 million people with doctor-diagnosed arthritis, and one in three people are touched by arthritis. Our mission is to improve their lives through prevention, control and cure. Through collaboration with KCH, the first annual Arthritis Walk in this area is scheduled Oct. 7."
The Winona Lake Senior Center will be the location for the walk, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. and the walk at 10 a.m. Participants may choose from a three-mile or one-mile walk route, however, completion is not required.
Other activities at the event will include:
• Writing an inspirational message on the Wall of Heroes.
• Those who have arthritis may wear a blue "hero" hat.
• Free health information will be available in addition to the festivities.
• Prizes will be awarded based upon the amount of money raised starting with an Arthritis Walk T-shirt for $100.
The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation's annual nationwide event that raises awareness and funds to fight arthritis, the nation's leading cause of disability. Get your company involved or recruit friends and family members to form a team.
Biomet is a national sponsor of the Arthritis Walk, and local sponsors include: AMGEN; DePuy, a Johnson & Johnson Co.; Jansen Orthopaedic Clinic LLC; Kosciusko Community Hospital; Grossnickle Family Foundation; Zimmer; Culligan; and media sponsors Northern Indiana Lakes Magazine and the Times-Union.
Lynette Pritchett, marketing coordinator with KCH, introduced the speaker, Dr. Monev.
Monev addressed the two most common types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. For each of the common forms, he provided an overview of the disease, including its characteristics, prevalence and course of the disease; the importance of early diagnosis; assessment of prognosis; management and patient education; and treatment, including non-pharmacological as well as various categories and brand-names of drugs and how each works.
Osteoarthritis is the most common, affecting 21 million people in the United States or 12 percent of the population. The number one risk factor is age, followed by obesity. The most common treatments are weight loss and exercise coupled with medication to treat symptoms. There is no known disease-modifying therapy, however joint surgery may be required for osteoarthritis of the hip, knee or hand to assist with pain control and provide some functional improvement.
Although not really a type of arthritis, osteoporosis is a common but silent condition with similar effects and significant morbidity and mortality related to fragility fractures. In studies conducted during the Rochester Project, 30 percent of caucasion women more than 50 years old had osteoporosis, while the percentage increased to 70 percent in those over 80. Current estimates are that 22.4 million women and 5.2 million men have osteoporosis. Widespread screening, prevention and early treatment may significantly decrease the risk of fractures.
Monev stressed the need for regular bone density testing for women age 65 and older and men 70 and older. The most common condition association with osteoporosis is vitamin D deficiency, which may be treated through proper dosages of calcium and vitamin D. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration approved a number of medications for osteoporosis, starting with Fosamax and Miacalcin in 1995, through 2005 and 2006, Boniva tablets and injections.
Although less prevalent, rheumatoid arthritis is progressively destructive, resulting in major disability and increased morbidity and mortality. There is no known permanent cure available at this time. Non-pharmacologic treatments include adjusting physical activities and various forms of exercise as well as weight control/weight loss. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids provide symptomatic relief, however the cornerstone of current therapy is disease-modifying anti-arthritic drugs designed to slow down or halt the progression of the disease, control moderate and severe RA and improve joint function.
KCH will begin an arthritis support group by the end of the year. Tom Johnson, with KCH Health & Wellness Center, will facilitate the group. For more information on the support group, call Joy Lohse at 574-372-7677.
For information on the Arthritis Walk, call Mindy Tinsley, 574-372-7136, Beth Harsch, 574-251-1424, visit warsawarthritiswalk.kintera.org or www.arthritis.org
