Dusty Johnson: “today I join a bipartisan group of Senators in introducing the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act of 2004. This…”

“today I join a bipartisan group of Senators in introducing the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act of 2004. This legislation is so important to addressing arthritis and chronic joint problems which are the leading causes of disability in the United States impacting nearly 70 million adults. I want to thank Senators Kennedy and Bond who have been working hard on this legislation over the last year. The prevalence of chronic diseases in the U.S. have become the most significant public health problem of our current day. The beginning of the last century raised many infectious disease public health problems. But safe drinking water, clean working conditions and modern medicines have changed the public health dynamics. While we do need to continue to be concerned about newly emerging infectious diseases such as SARS and West Nile Virus, the biggest threat to our health as a nation is the impact of chronic diseases. It is estimated that by the year 2020, 157 million Americans will suffer from some chronic illness. Whether it be asthma, diabetes, heart disease or arthritis, these conditions are costly to our health care system and erode quality of life. Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are among the most common conditions in the United States, diminishing mental health and imposing significant limitations on daily activities. One out of every 3, or nearly 70 million adults in the United States suffer from arthritis or chronic joint symptoms.”