Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and Chronic Back ConditionsModifications to Objectives and Subobjectives Progress Toward Healthy People 2010 Targets Progress Toward Elimination of Health Disparities Emerging Issues Disparities Table (See below) |
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Emerging Issues
An increase in the overall number of cases of arthritis and osteoporosis is anticipated as the aging baby boomer generation approaches the peak years for these conditions.13 With a growing proportion of the population affected by arthritis, general awareness of arthritis issues among the public, employers, and health care insurers, including Medicare, may increase as well. Emerging issues in arthritis include the controversy over the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and heart disease. While this controversy has raised the visibility of arthritis, at the same time it has limited the available pharmaceutical options for treating pain.14 As the proportion of the population with arthritis increases, continuing efforts should support the development and availability of new and effective interventions.
Like other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, arthritis benefits from behavioral, preventive interventions, including engaging in physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight. Health messaging that promotes the benefits of behavioral modifications, including physical activity and healthy weight, can emphasize the value in preventing arthritis as they do in preventing heart disease and diabetes. Furthermore, the growing recognition that these diseases do not necessarily occur in isolation, but together with other diseases, may promote collaboration and the leveraging of resources among researchers, communities, and programs addressing these chronic diseases.
Emerging osteoporosis-related issues have been highlighted by recent reports, including Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General.15 Recent scientific findings that have called attention to the potentially negative health effects of menopausal hormone therapy may lead many women to reevaluate the use of hormone therapy in osteoporosis prevention.16 Furthermore, while a decline in the use of estrogen hormone therapy may increase the rate for osteoporosis, increasing screening exams for osteoporosis and treatment for osteoporosis may help to mitigate this shift.17<< Previous—Opportunities and Challenges | Table of Contents | Next—Progress Quotient Chart >>