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Movement is Life: Extension of Remarks

Floor Speech

Date: Feb. 18, 2011
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Health and Health Care

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Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, arthritis is the number one cause of disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control, CDC, and among the leading reasons for doctor visits and missed work. In addition, the CDC finds that arthritis costs $128 billion annually in medical costs and lost wages. In September 2010, a national summit on arthritis and musculoskeletal health disparities, "Movement is Life,'' was held in Bethesda, Maryland. The summit facilitated a national dialogue about musculoskeletal health disparities among women and the largest racial/ethnic minority groups, African Americans and Latinos. The findings of ``Movement is Life'' show that women, African Americans, and Latinos face more severe osteoarthritis and disability but receive less than optimal access to diagnostic, medical, and surgical intervention than other demographic groups. These disadvantaged communities also face significant health disparities in chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. By promoting early intervention, "Movement is Life'' hopes to slow musculoskeletal disease progression, reduce disability, and encourage physical activity and daily movement to improve the overall health of the Nation.

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