• Colorado.gov

Arthritis Program

The Colorado Arthritis Program is working to improve the qualify of life for people affected by arthritis and other rheumatic conditions by:

• Working to increase awareness about appropriate arthritis self management activities

• Expanding the reach of evidence-based programs proven to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis

• Reduce disability and activity limitations for people with arthritis

In 2005, more than 792,000 Colorado adults (1 in 4 persons) were diagnosed by a doctor or other health professional with some form of arthritis.  Some of the complications, including pain, stiffness, and joint swelling, make it the leading cause of disability.  Of people with arthritis, 275,000 have limitations in their usual activities because of arthritis symptoms.  Individuals with arthritis are more likely to report:  Diabetes, high blood pressure, less/limited leisure time physical activity, use of special equipment such as a cane, a wheelchair, a bed, or a telephone and overall general health identified as poor.

History of Colorado Arthritis Program:

The Arthritis Advisory Council was formed in 1999 after receiving funding from the Centers for Disease Control; later, in 2005, the Council was blended into the Consortium For Older Adult Wellness to expand arthritis awareness and trainings to a larger network of community-based professionals.  Trainings are conducted through he Academy for Older Adult Wellness.

Primary program strategies and activities:

The Colorado Arthritis Program focuses on delivering evidence-based self-management programs (safe and effective) including the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program^TM, the Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program^TM and The Chronic Disease Self Management Program renamed Healthier Living.  Evidence-based programs have reached nearly 10,000 people with arthritis in 2007.  Key partners involved in these activities include the Consortium for Older Adult Wellness, Colorado Mountain College, State Unit on Aging, Arthritis Foundation Rocky Mountain Chapter, and the many trained community professionals adding quality of life and independence to Coloradans with arthritis.

The Colorado Arthritis Program communication and education strategies are designed to increase community awareness about preventing the complications of arthritis through safe and effective physical activity and self-management programs designed to reduce pain and fatigue.

For more information about these trainings and the Colorado Arthritis Program, please contact Penny K. Studebaker at 303-692-2566.

• New Resource
  Moving Mountains: Reversing Trends in Colorado's Health and Health Care Spending Through Investments in Chronic Disease Prevention

  • Summary Report
  • Technical Report with statewide data on 92 chronic disease indicators
     

• Arthritis fact sheet

• Centers for Disease Control Arthritis

• Colorado Action Plan for Older Adult Wellness

For information on the arthritis program please contact Penny K. Studebaker at (303) 692-2566 or e-mail: cdphe.psdrequests@state.co.us