The Face of Arthritis

Arthritis affects about 22.3% or 365,000 adult Utahan. Over half (53.8%) of those with arthritis were overweight or obese., 25.6% of Utah adults with arthritis were physically inactive, compared to 15.9% of adults without arthritis. 35.9% of Utah adults with arthritis also report that they are limited in their usual activities. The prevalence of arthritis in the Hispanic population is 16.8%. Hispanics report more negative health consequences due to their arthritis than do non-Hispanic whites. They were twice as likely to report pain limited their activities and were twice as likely to be inactive.

Risk factors in Utah

The primary factors that can’t be modified include older age, female gender, genetic predisposition, and ethnicity. In addition, other factors that may contribute to arthritis include: lower levels of education, lower income, overweight and obesity, inactivity, joint injuries, infections and certain occupations.

What can I do?

If you think you have arthritis or have been told by your doctor that you have arthritis, the best advice is to learn as much as you can about the disease. Learn about treatment options, attend self management programs, participate in regular physical activity and maintain appropriate body weight to relieve your symptoms.

The Arthritis Foundation has trained teachers in our community. Contact your local Senior Citizens Center for dates and times of the exercise programs.

Senior Citizens Centers.

Beaver County

Beaver Senior Citizen Center
240 South Center     
435-438-5313

Minersville Senior Citizens Center
85 East Center Street;
435-386-8410

Milford Senior Citizens Center
415 N. 100 West
435-387-2379 

Garfield County

Henrieville Senior Citizens Center
435-679-8666

Escalante Senior Citizen Center
435-826-4317

Panguitch Senior Citizens Center
55 South Main
435-676-2281 

Iron County

Parowan Senior Citizen Center
68 South 100 East;
435-477-8925

Cedar City Senior Center
489 E. 200 South
435-586-0832

Kane County

Kanab Senior Center
56 West 450 North
435-644-5250

Long Valley Senior Citizens Center
419 N. State Hwy 89
435-648-2504

Washington County

St. George Senior Citizen Center
245 North 200 West
435-634-5743

Enterprise Senior Citizens Center
165 S. 100 East
435-878-2557

Hurricane Senior Citizens Center
95 N. 300 West
435-635-2089