Back by Popular Demand: Ask a Doc Arthritis Q&A Session on Facebook

arthritis foundation ask a doc 5.28.13

We are proud to announce the return of our “Ask a Doc” arthritis Q&A sessions! Mark your calendars and join us on our Facebook wall Tuesday, May 28 from 2 – 3 p.m. CST. Dr. Lisa Francis and Jessica Baumgartner, OT/L will host this session and answer your questions.

The Arthritis Foundation Upper Midwest Region is partnering with two local (North Dakota) healthcare professionals to offer a one-hour LIVE question and answer session on Facebook.  On Tuesday, May 28 from 2 – 3 p.m CST. the AFUMR will post the “Ask a Doc” promo (as seen above) on its Facebook fan page.  In the comments below the photo, you can post any arthritis-related question that comes to mind.  Dr. Francis, Rheumatologist with St. Alexius Medical Center (Bismarck, ND), and Jessica Baumgartner, Occupational Therapist with Pro Rehab Physical & Occupational Therapy (Fargo, ND), will answer the questions in real time!

Mark your calendar and start thinking of your questions! We’ll see you on Facebook.

FacebookLike the Arthritis Foundation on Facebook to stay in the loop about arthritis news, programs, events and fun!

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May is Arthritis Awareness Month

It’s Not What You Think.

emily_final_sm

“I am Emily and sometimes my knees hurt so bad I can’t do things other kids can do. But I still don’t let arthritis beat me.”
- Emily
Age 10
Upper Midwest Region

Arthritis is America’s #1 cause of disability, affecting 1 in 5 adults and 300,000 children in the U.S. This May join the Arthritis Foundation as we recognize Arthritis Awareness Month. You can get involved by becoming anadvocate, attending one of our free public forums, joining a Program forBetter Living class or forming a teamfor your local Arthritis Walk.

Read more stories at facesofarthritis.org

Find out more about Arthritis Foundation programs and events at arthritis.org

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Celebrate World Tai Chi & Qigong Day 2013

world tai chi and qigong day 2013

On Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 10 a.m. local time, the world is invited to join in on mass Tai Chi and Qigong teach-ins and exhibitions held in over 70 nations.  This educational event brings people together across ethnic, racial, religious and geopolitical borders in a celebration of personal and global health and healing.

Tai Chi is an ancient practice proven to improve mental and physical well-being. Using gentle Sun-style Tai Chi routines, the evidence-based Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program is suitable for every fitness level. The course includes warm-up and cool-down exercises, six basic core movements and six advanced extension movements, along with direction changes to add challenge.

arthritis foundation tai chi program

Tai Chi will help reduce stress; increase balance and flexibility; feel more relaxed; improve overall mind, body, and spirit.  Medical studies confirm the Tai Chi Program relieves pain, reduces falls, and improves quality of life. The program is led by Arthritis Foundation-certified instructor.

There are many locations around the region, nation and world that are joining together for a free Tai Chi & Qigong class in honor of World Tai Chi & Qigong day! We have compiled a few within out region; however, there are more that we may not be aware of.  If you are aware of one, please feel free to share logistics in the comments below.

North Dakota:
10 a.m.
Edgewood Vista & Village
4420 37th Avenue South
701-365-8200
Click for more details

Wisconsin:
10 a.m.
Midwest Tai Chi & Self Defense
St. Burlington, WI
(262) 903-7012

Minnesota:
9:30 a.m.
Normandale Hylands UMC
Bloomington, MN

Join a gathering near your or practice on your own.
One world, one breath.

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Arthritis Resource Center: Call Today for a Better Tomorrow!

arthritis resource center

Arthritis Resource Center volunteer, Lucy answers a call regarding Programs for Better Living classes.

As the nation’s leading cause of disability, arthritis affects 1 in 5 adults and 300,000 children in the U.S.  The Arthritis Foundation Upper Midwest Region offers a unique reference guide to individuals, friends and families who are affected by arthritis and related diseases.

The Arthritis Resource Center (800) 333-1380 is dedicated to providing immediate and compassionate customer service, educational materials, information and referrals for individuals and families living with the daily pain of arthritis.  Housed out of our Milwaukee office, all calls are serviced by trained volunteers ready to answer questions or concerns. Lucy R. is one of the dedicated and trained volunteers who is ready to answer your call!

The goals of the Arthritis Resource Center are to provide:

  • Comprehensive arthritis related information and referral services
  • Personal one-on-one support
  • Outstanding customer experiences
  • Resources to facilitate individual action

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we’ve sat down with Lucy to learn a little more about her and why she volunteers her time to helping the Arthritis Foundation improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis.

Q: How long have you volunteered with the Arthritis Foundation (AF)?
A: One and a half years.

Q: Why did you choose to get involved with the AF?
A: I wanted to “give back”. I have arthritis and understand the problems associated with it.

Q: How has your experience been so far?
A: Fantastic!! I have great staff to work with and I find self-satisfaction in helping callers.

Q: What do you find most rewarding?
A: Knowing I am helping answer questions and provide answers to other arthritis sufferers.

Q: What do enjoy doing when you’re not volunteering at the AF?
A: Spend time with family, play computer games, photography and travel.

Q: Name a fun fact about yourself:
A: I love cats of all varieties, I especially love tigers. I once had the opportunity to hug a live 700 lbs tiger names Nika. It was a dream come true!

Lucy and other dedicated volunteers are ready and waiting for your call! So, what are you waiting for? Call the Arthritis Resource Center Today at 1-800-333-1380 for a Better Tomorrow!

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I Am The Voice of Arthritis

Jacquie Punch with Senator Franken

Jacquie Punch with Senator Franken (D-Minn.)

By Angela Lundberg, Arthritis Foundation Upper Midwest Region Volunteer & Arthritis Advocate

Jacquie Punch, from Woodbury, MN, has been a volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation for the last 11 years – focusing on arthritis education and patient advocacy issues. With her nursing background and work as a medical sales representative, she knows firsthand how important access to treatment is for patients.In 2005, Punch was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. In 2010, her daughter, Maddie, 11, was diagnosed with juvenile psoriatic arthritis. Becoming an arthritis patient, as well as a parent of a child with arthritis, has only increased Punch’s passion for arthritis advocacy.

“I knew my diagnosis was going to add another perspective to what I was doing,” Punch said. “It’s provided a catalyst for me to share arthritis education and to share my experiences from a patient’s perspective. The support from the Arthritis Foundation has also been instrumental in dealing with the diagnosis of my own daughter.”

The Arthritis Foundation’s annual Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. this March let Punch put her skills into action. She was the leader for the Upper Midwest Region’s group, and helped her team be well-prepared when they met with their senators and representatives on Capitol Hill.

Punch emphasized the importance of gaining legislators’ support for the Patients’ Access to Treatment Act (H.R. 460), which would help end cap payments for “specialty tier” drugs, including biologics.

“The Summit was extremely well-organized and everyone was enthusiastic,” Punch said. “We didn’t back down. We held onto our mission of making a difference.” Punch is impressed with the Arthritis Foundation’s priority to support patients, providers and healthcare communities. Looking to the future, she is excited about the changes that will come with healthcare reform.

“My mission this year is to expand awareness and knowledge on the health insurance exchange,” Punch stated. “And to create more opportunities for people to become engaged in arthritis advocacy.

Encouraging others to get involved in arthritis education and advocacy work is important to Punch. “I have worked with a variety of advocacy organizations over the last 20 years, but my priorities with the Arthritis Foundation have been the most rewarding, both professionally and personally,” she said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to support the arthritis cause and for patients to learn from other patients.”

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Arthritis & Lupus Webinar

Lupus Foundation of Minnesota

arthritis foundation logo

The Lupus Foundation of Minnesota and the Arthritis Foundation – Upper Midwest Region invites you to an educational webinar that demonstrates the similarities and differences of arthritis and lupus. The webinar will be conducted online on March 19 from noon to 1:15 p.m.

Join us as Dr. Steven Ytterberg, Rheumatology; Mayo Clinic, Rochester discusses the similarities as well as the differences in signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments of arthritis and lupus.

Arthritis
Arthritis literally means “joint inflammation” and refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. Arthritis can affect anyone at any age. The incidence of arthritis increases with age, but nearly 3 out of 5 people with arthritis are under age 65. If left undiagnosed and untreated, many types of arthritis can cause irreversible damage to the joints, bones, organs, and skin.

Lupus
For those with lupus, the experience of joint pain, inflammation and swelling is a common symptom. Though lupus most often occurs alone, signs and symptoms of other connective tissue diseases can occur, including lupus arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Lupus can affect anyone at any age, but the average age of diagnosis is between 15 and 44 years of age. Determining exactly which problem is causing joint pain is important so that the best treatment can be chosen.

Whether you have arthritis, are a lupus patient living with or are concerned about arthritis, or work with patients who confront arthritis and/or lupus everyday, join us for this valuable information.

Register here

***Certificates of Attendance will be provided upon request

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Local Woman Encourages Congress to Make Arthritis a National Priority

Arthritis Foundation Upper Midwest Region Advocates head to Capitol Hill to raise their voices at the 2013 Advocacy Summit

Advocacy Summit-A Lundberg-Arthritis Foundation[Minneapolis, MN] – There are many stories and faces of the 1 in 5 Americans living with arthritis and the story of Angela Lundberg is just one of those inspiring stories. Angela is sharing her story to help raise arthritis awareness as she is one of 350 arthritis advocates representing all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, in Washington D.C. to unite their voice and move Congress into action.

As most teenagers were embracing adulthood, Angela was experiencing chronic pain and swelling in her feet and hands. Less than a year later, Angela was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 18 sidelining her athletics and silencing her piano playing. “I was devastated and kind of in shock,” admits Angela, “I felt completely isolated and experienced strong feelings of grief.” Angela soon learned that she had arthritis, but, arthritis didn’t have her.

Angela became actively involved with the Arthritis Foundation Upper Midwest Region and credits her activities in their programs as the turning point in taking control of her arthritis. “Becoming involved in Joints in Motion helped open the door to many more years of being involved with the Arthritis Foundation,” she continues, “meeting and working with others who also have arthritis and are passionate about arthritis issues is how I really began and continue to take control of my disease.”

For a second year in a row, Angela is joining regional advocates at the 2013 Advocacy Summit, taking place March 4 – 6 in Washington D.C. Join the effort online any time during the Virtual Summit to view live tweets, blogs and pictures form the Advocacy Summit in D.C.

This annual nationwide event allows arthritis advocates to join forces, connect and raise their voices and to make a difference. President Barack Obama, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin have made prevention and wellness a major policy focus for the nation. We applaud these efforts to invest in public health programs that manage and prevent chronic disease. However, often, only diseases such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer are included and arthritis fails to be mentioned. This is unacceptable. One cannot address other chronic diseases without first addressing arthritis—a disease that affects an estimated 50 million (one in five) adults and 300,000 children in the U.S., including 800,000 people in Minnesota, and is the nation’s most common cause of disability. Without appropriate interventions, the number of Americans with arthritis is expected to increase to 67 million Americans within the next 20 years.

About the Advocacy Summit
The annual Advocacy Summit brings together advocates, young and old, from across the country to meet with their Members of Congress and let them know more needs to be done for people with arthritis.

About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the only national, nonprofit health organization helping people take greater control of arthritis by leading efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases – the nation’s number one cause of disability.

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