"Bones and Joints"
By Leila McCann, R.N., Community Health Coordinator for Atlantic General Hospital

Less than two years ago President Bush issued a proclamation designating the years 2002-2011 as National Bone and Joint Decade, recognizing the efforts of federal, private and voluntary agencies for their continuing work and research into musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis and osteoporosis. The goal for this decade is patient empowerment with an emphasis on education, prevention and continuing research. Although this probably wasn’t a source of heated debate during dinner at your house or around your office water cooler, for many Americans, learning that as many as one in seven are challenged each day by a bone or joint disorder was big news.

Musculoskeletal disorders encompass about 150 diseases and syndromes affecting both adults and children. The most common conditions include joint diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, spinal disorders and conditions arising from trauma. Some conditions are minor and transient, but many cause lifelong disability. They are the primary reason people visit their doctor and the most frequent cause of physical disability.

Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including education, appropriate physical activity, and nutrition, can help people with musculoskeletal disorders function better, stay productive and achieve lower health care costs. Knowledge is power. There are many resources available to allow you to directly improve your health, outlook, pain level and give you a chance to regain your life. If you have pain, stiffness or swelling in or around a joint for more than two weeks, you should see your doctor. Your physician or orthopedic surgeon can provide you with information specific to your diagnosis. The Internet is a valuable resource and readily available to most people at your local library. Also contact your local Arthritis foundation for literature and exercise classes in your area.

THE CENTER FOR JOINT SURGERY at ATLANTIC GENERAL HOSPITAL sponsors community information sessions monthly at the Ocean Pines Library on musculoskeletal health. For more information contact Leila McCann at 410-641-1100 or Karen Christmas at 410-641-9131.

ATLANTIC GENERAL HOSPITAL is proud to provide the community with many qualified physicians/health care providers within the ATLANTIC GENERAL HEALTH SYSTEM. If you are seeking a health- care provider, please contact ATLANTIC GENERAL HOSPITAL’s PHYSICIAN REFERRAL LINE at 410-629-1500.