First psoriatic arthritis program in the country comes to Chicago

Be Joint Smart educates public about devastating disease affecting 100,000 Illinoisans

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the second year, the National Psoriasis Foundation and the Arthritis Foundation will partner to educate Americans about psoriatic arthritis, a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects roughly 100,000 people in Illinois and about 75,000 Chicagoans. The two organizations present the first psoriatic-arthritis specific program in the Chicago area—Be Joint Smart—at the Hilton Garden Inn Evanston on Saturday, Oct. 19. Learn more at www.bejointsmart.org.

Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis—the most common autoimmune disease in the country—actually have psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints and tendons. As many as 2 million Americans currently are diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Research from the National Psoriasis Foundation reveals nearly one in four people with psoriasis may have undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment of the disease is critical to prevent long-term joint damage and disability.

Through the Be Joint Smart live events, a leading rheumatologist and dermatologist will share how people with psoriatic arthritis can take control of their health, including:

• Ways to manage symptoms to help limit long-term joint damage
• Treatment options
• Tips for a healthy lifestyle

Participants will learn how to set realistic and achievable health goals with help from the National Psoriasis Foundation and an Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Leader will guide people through stretching techniques and easy exercises.

To learn more about Be Joint Smart and to register, visit www.bejointsmart.org/events/chicago, call 800.723.9166 or email [email protected].

About the National Psoriasis Foundation
National Psoriasis Foundation is the world's largest nonprofit organization serving people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Our mission is to find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and to eliminate their devastating effects through research, advocacy and education. For more information, call the Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at 800.723.9166, or visit www.psoriasis.org. Follow the Psoriasis Foundation on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE National Psoriasis Foundation

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