rheumatic conditions have only recently been addressed as public
health problems. Public health efforts for chronic diseases have historically focused on
leading causes of death. Arthritis is primarily a quality-of-life issue because it is usually
nonfatal and incorrectly viewed as being an inevitable part of aging, affecting only older
people, and having no effective treatment. However, a variety of interventions are available
that can improve the health and quality of life of people with arthritis. Arthritis education
and exercise/physical activity programs slow down or reduce long-term impairments
and disabilities, reduce pain, and help people adjust to their condition.