Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis Offers Military Discount

Arthritis is a serious disease affecting 53 million adults and 300,000 children in the U.S.  Did you know that 65% of those suffering from the 120 forms of arthritis (including Lupus, Gout, Fibromyalgia, Juvenile Arthritis) are under the age of 65?  It is a common misconception that arthritis only affects the elderly. In fact, our service men and women are at great risk. 

There is growing evidence linking combat service to increased rates of osteoarthritis (OA) and current research suggests that stresses placed on joints during military training activities, increased rates of injury, and increased weight of military packs have led active duty soldiers and veterans to have twice the rate of OA when compared to non-military populations.  

• The number of soldiers medically retired from the Army with at least one musculoskeletal condition increased nearly 10-fold from 2003 to 2009, according to Army statistics.
• OA is the leading cause of disability and medical discharge in active service members under the age of 40.
• Nearly 1/3 of all medical evacuations from Iraq and Afghanistan, from 2004-2007, resulted from musculoskeletal, connective tissue or spinal injuries. This is more than double the number of medical evacuations from combat injuries.
• 1,000,000 joints will be replaced this year alone due to OA.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) strikes at the peak of one’s career (mid-late thirties/forties) and often leads to early retirement and disability.
• RA, which is autoimmune in nature, doubles one's risk of heart disease and diabetes and increases one's risk of stroke by 30%.

Join us for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis on Sunday, December 1st at Crown Valley Community Park in Laguna Niguel or on Saturday, December 14th at Balboa Park in San Diego for some great holiday fun for the whole family, while we raise awareness and funds for research for a cure! 

Each event has a 5K timed run, a 5K fun run/walk and a kids' race.  For more information about each event and to register visit www.ocjbr.org and or www.sdjbr.org.  Come dressed in festive holiday attire... tie bells on your shoes... form a team... bring the whole family - get ready for some serious fun! 

We are offering a discount for active and retired military, enter code "MPRESS13" when you register, for a $5.00 discount.  

1 in 5 people have arthritis... Be the ONE to help.