Lifestyle may contribute to arthritis cases for Nevadans

Friday, April 2, 2004 | 11:08 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A lack of physical activity could play a role in the onset of arthritis for a large number of "couch potatoes" in Nevada, a new study suggests.

The report issued Thursday by the state Health Division estimated that 520,000 adults, or 33.8 percent of the state's population, suffer from one of the more than 120 forms of arthritis. It said 38 percent of women and 29 percent of men in the state have some form of chronic joint symptom. State Health Officer Dr. Bradford Lee said weight control, diet and physical activity can help in warding off the disease.

The study recommends that Nevadans diet, eat better and exercise.

A survey by the Professional Research Consultants showed that 45.6 percent of adults living in Clark County reported having joint problems in the past year.

"Remaining physically active is probably the most important advice for arthritis patients, as physical activity has been demonstrated to slow the progression of the disease," the report said. "Clark County residents were less apt to use diet and exercise to control their body weight, a condition that can exacerbate the symptoms of arthritis, than other Americans."

The report said 27.3 percent of Clark County residents and 24.9 percent of adult Nevadans get no physical activity. That compares with the U.S. population, in which 20.2 percent do not engage in physical activity.

"Further, many Clark County residents fail to reach the Healthy People 2010 physical activity goals, as only 15 percent of Southern Nevadans report regular participation in vigorous physical activity, which is well below the national goal of 30 percent," the report said.

"This finding suggests a need for physical activity intervention in Nevada."

Cy Ryan can be reached at (775) 687-5032 or cy @ lasvegassun.com