To some, arthritis might not seem like a glamorous cause to support. Some consider arthritis to be an inevitable condition that happens to the elderly. You might be surprised to realize even though arthritis currently has no cure, it has a serious impact on people of all ages, races and genders.

10 Eye-Opening Facts About Arthritis

1. Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in America.

2. Today, an estimated 300,000 babies and children have arthritis or a rheumatic condition. This is 1 in every 250 children.

3. 50 million Americans over the age of 18 have been diagnosed with arthritis by a doctor. This is about 1 in 4 adults.

4. Two-thirds of these adults are between the ages of 18 – 64.

5. The risk of arthritis does increase with age. About 50 percent of all adults over the age of 65 have arthritis.

6. There are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis.

7. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and effects about 31 million Americans.

8. 26 percent of women have been diagnosed with arthritis by a doctor while 18 percent of men have been diagnosed.

9. Each year, more than $156 billion is lost in wages and medical expenses by working-aged people due to arthritis related conditions.

10. Minorities in the American population have lower rates of arthritis when compared to the white population. However, minorities often experience greater pain with arthritis.

The Arthritis Foundation aims to improve the lives of those suffering with arthritis through prevention, control and by finding a cure.

Arthritis is a painful and expensive condition that likely affects many people you know and love. By supporting the Arthritis Foundation, you can help people access the health care treatments they need. Additionally, you will be investing in life-changing research that can potentially discover a cure.

If you want to donate to arthritis research, you can donate directly through the Arthritis Foundation’s website or you can attend Alpha Omicron Pi’s spring philanthropy, Smoke Out Arthritis.

Smoke Out Arthritis will take place at 2007 Greely St, Ames, IA 50014 on Monday, April 10 from 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

At this event, you can buy a ticket for $5. This will get you a pulled pork sandwich, chips, a cookie and a drink. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Arthritis Foundation.