|
|
About Beating Arthritis
 Actress
Donna Mills, best remembered as Abby Cunningham on Knots Landing, stepped
forward earlier this year in a new role to raise awareness about arthritis, a
condition that is more common for women than for men. Mills, a women�s advocate,
joined the B.E.A.T. Arthritis (Boost Education of Arthritis Treatment) campaign.
Through a series of arthritis education seminars and screenings in five cities
across the U.S., Ms. Mills will encourage women around the country who have
arthritis aches and pains to see their doctors and share important health
information with other women. Seminars will feature Mills who will discuss her
personal experience with osteoarthritis, how managing arthritis has allowed her
to remain active and how other women who suffer from arthritis can make their
health a priority and still lead a full life.
�As a working woman who has osteoarthritis, I know first-hand how difficult it
can be to juggle a busy schedule while struggling with arthritis,� Mills said.
�I want women to know it�s important to put their health first. By sharing
information, women with arthritis can empower one another to better manage their
arthritis and stay active. Women should see their doctors to determine the best
arthritis treatment for them.�
Mills tried to manage her condition with an over-the-counter medication before
she discussed the use of CELEBREX� (celecoxib capsules) with her doctor. For the
past year, Mills has taken this arthritis medication to help control her daily
arthritis pain and inflammation, which allows her to balance a busy personal and
professional schedule.
Millions of women are faced with the day-to-day challenges of living with
arthritis. Of the 43 million people in America who suffer from arthritis, more
than half (60%) are women
[1] By the year 2020, it is estimated that 36 million women in America
will be afflicted with arthritis.
[2] According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis and related diseases
are the leading cause of women�s inability to perform daily activities, such as
bathing, dressing and walking.1 Research has found that women with arthritis
routinely show higher percents of activity and work limitations than men with
arthritis.
[3] Additionally, women with arthritis have been at somewhat greater risk
of losing their job as a result of their limitations than men.
[4] According to Dr. Catherine Sullivan, M.D., rheumatologist, �Many
people may not realize that arthritis is a condition that disproportionately
affects more women than men. It�s important that women consult a physician if
arthritis aches and pains are hindering their lives. Innovative therapies such
as CELEBREX, combined with regular physical activity, have helped many patients
find effective, long-term relief and the ability to maintain their daily
activities.�
�Many women with arthritis suffer needlessly,� said Amy Niles, Executive
Director, National Women�s Health Resource Center. �Increased access to
arthritis information is a women�s health priority. Educational initiatives such
as the B.E.A.T. Arthritis campaign will help women make informed decisions about
their health. By educating themselves, women should be able to become more
involved in developing an arthritis treatment plan with their physicians,
including important aspects like exercise and diet.�
In partnership with the National Women�s Health Resource Center (NWHRC) and
local healthcare organizations and facilities nationwide, the B.E.A.T. Arthritis
educational campaign, sponsored by Pharmacia Corporation and Pfizer Inc, will
reach various communities across the country over the next several months.
Educational materials are available by calling toll-free 1-877-480-BEAT (2328).
CELEBREX should not be taken in late pregnancy or if you've had
aspirin-sensitive asthma or allergic reactions to aspirin or other arthritis
medicines or certain drugs called sulfonamides. In rare cases serious stomach
problems such as bleeding can occur without warning. The most common side
effects in clinical trials were indigestion, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
CELEBREX is co-promoted by Pharmacia Corporation, and Pfizer Inc.
Pharmacia (NYSE: PHA) is a top-tier global pharmaceutical company with a leading
agricultural subsidiary. Pharmacia's innovative medicines and other products
save lives and enhance health and wellness. Pharmacia's 59,000 people work
together with many diverse stakeholders to bring these benefits to people around
the world, and to create new health solutions for the future.
Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading prescription
medicines, for humans and animals, and many of the world's best known consumer
products. Pfizer had global revenues of $29.6 billion in 2000. Pfizer plans to
make a research and development investment of about $5 billion in 2001.
The National Women�s Health Resource Center is the nation�s leading independent,
non-profit organization dedicated to educating women of all ages about health
and wellness issues. Its programs include an award-winning newsletter called the
National Women�s Health Report, public education campaigns and its Web site,
www.healthwomen.org a one-stop shop
for women�s health on the Web.
CELEBREX� is a registered trademark of Pharmacia Corporation. For important
product information on CELEBREX, access www.CELEBREX.com or call toll-free
1-888-735-3214.
|
|
|
|
|
