Web produced by: Kelly MartinToo many Kentuckians, afflicted by both heart disease and arthritis, are failing to do what is considered essential for their health – exercise.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found more physical inactivity among Kentucky adults suffering from both heart disease and arthritis than any other state.
"For people living with heart disease, regular physical activity is an extremely important component of managing their disease," said Kentucky Department of Public Health Commissioner William Hacker, M.D. "Unfortunately, the CDC study revealed that Kentucky ranks highest in the number of people affected by both conditions who aren’t getting enough exercise."
The study, based on combined 2005 and 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, shows the prevalence of physical inactivity for adults with both heart disease and arthritis varied substantially from state to state — ranging from 20.5 percent in Colorado to 50.3 percent in Kentucky.
The CDC report acknowledges that adults with both heart disease and arthritis are significantly more likely to be physically inactive than those with heart disease alone.
Hacker, however, stressed that there are exercises that can help those afflicted with both heart disease and arthritis.
"Joint-friendly activities, such as walking, swimming and biking, along with self-management education are safe and can improve health for adults with both conditions," said Hacker. "We strongly encourage those affected by heart disease and arthritis to talk with their health care provider about a safe and effective exercise program."
For more information on joint-friendly exercise programs, visit CDC’s arthritis Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/intervention/. For general information about heart disease, visit CDC’s heart disease Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/.
