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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.

 

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