First psoriatic arthritis program in the country comes to Southern California

Be Joint Smart educates public about devastating disease affecting 300,000 Californians

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 18, 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 300,000 Californians and about 98,000 Greater Los Angeles residents. The two organizations will present the first psoriatic-arthritis specific program in Southern California—Be Joint Smart—at the Hilton Pasadena on Saturday, Sept. 28. 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.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease that affects many parts of life. 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/los-angeles, 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

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED