ARTHRITIS IN PRIMETIME Symposium Addresses Unique Needs of Young Adults with Rheumatic Diseases on October 22 in Long Beach

Educational Conference Helps Young Adults with Arthritis, the Leading Cause of Disability in the United States

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Arthritis Foundation is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Arthritis in PrimeTime symposium on Saturday, October 22 at the Long Beach Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach.  This premier educational and motivational event fosters active and fulfilling lives for young adults (ages 17-45 years old) affected by arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, scleroderma, ankylosing spondylitis and other chronic diseases.  

The event's theme is "Making My Work Work–"Work" being broadly defined as college, disability, life transitions, home-making or career. Led by top medical experts and advocates, informational sessions will educate hundreds of participants with chronic diseases about diverse lifestyle issues (including transition from college to the job market, workplace success, social relationships and health insurance issues), as well as research updates and medical treatments for pain management.  

"Most people do not know that arthritis is the #1 cause of work disability in the United States," said Arthritis in PrimeTime chair, Amye Leong, M.B.A.  "Arthritis in PrimeTime is a positive, motivating event designed to help over 11 million young people affected with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases lead active, productive lives."  Ms. Leong, who was wheelchair-bound by rheumatoid arthritis, is today the international spokesperson for the United Nations Bone and Joint Decade.

Arthritis in PrimeTime is made possible through the Jane Wyman Trust and Pfizer, and is conducted in partnership with LupusLA, National Fibromyalgia Association, Scleroderma Foundation, Spondylitis Association of America, and Arthritis Introspective.  

The symposium begins at 9 a.m., and ends with an inspirational closing address by Matt Iseman, M.D., renowned comedian and host of Style Network's "Clean House."  Tickets are $25 each or $40 per couple.  

For more information or to register for this event, visit www.arthritisinprimetime.org or contact Jennifer Ziegler at the Arthritis Foundation at 323.954.5760 Ext. 243.    

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the impact of arthritis, which strikes 50 million adults and 300,000 children, and is the nation's leading cause of disability.  To conquer this painful, debilitating and unacceptable disease, the Foundation supports education, research, advocacy and other vital programs and services.  

SOURCE Arthritis Foundation, Pacific Region