Arthritis Hurts African Americans and Hispanics More than Whites

Arthritis causes more problems for African Americans and Hispanics than for whites. This is concluded in a new study performed by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the study, this is due to the fact that the prevalence of work limitation, activity limitation and severe joint pain are significantly higher among African Americans and Hispanics. The two latter groups are nearly twice as likely as whites to have severe joint pain and work limitations, and about 1.3 times as likely to have activity limitations.

The study is published in the May issue of Preventing Chronic Disease, where Dr. Patience White, vice president of public health for the Arthritis Foundation says, “Arthritis is a debilitating disease that profoundly impacts the lives of millions of Americans on a daily basis. In the U.S., 46 millions suffer from arthritis. Dr. White continues; “The effects on the economy are enormous; the direct and indirect medical costs of this disease are estimated to be 128 billion dollars each year.”

World Kidney Day 11th of March

On the 11th of March this year World Kidney Day is celebrated, as a health awareness campaign aimed at improving the knowledge of kidneys and to cut the rate of kidney disease.

This year, the campaign will focus on Diabetes as the most important cause of Chronic Kidney Disease, and has the theme: “Protect your Kidneys, Control Diabetes”. The campaign is a combined initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF), with the aim of spreading the message that kidney diseases are common and should not be ignored as they then can cause immense harm to human lives. The bright side is that kidney diseases in most cases are treatable.

Below is a list of 10 Ways to Keep Your Kidneys in Top Health

• Control your weight
• Check your blood pressure and cholesterol frequently
• Supervise your blood glucose
• Don’t overuse over-the-counter painkillers
• Do an annual physical exam
• Exercise regularly
• Do not smoke
• Maintain a healthy diet
• If diabetes or chronic kidney disease runs in your family you might be at risk, so be even more precaucious about the above