Fact: Proper exercise performed on a regular basis is an important part of arthritis treatment, according to Arthritis Foundation. Twenty years ago, doctors advised exactly opposite, fearing that activity would cause more damage and inflammation. However, not exercising causes weak muscles, stiff joints, reduced mobility, and lost vitality, say rheumatologists, who now routinely advise a balance of physical activity and rest.

Three main types of exercises are recommended:

Range-of-motion ... moving a joint as far as it will comfortably go and then stretching it a little further to increase and maintain joint mobility, decrease pain, and improve joint function. These can be done at least every other day.

Strengthening ... using muscles without moving joints to help increase muscle strength and stabilize weak joints. These can be done at least every other day, unless there is severe pain or swelling.

Endurance ... aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming and bicycling to strengthen heart and lungs and increase stamina. These should be done for 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week, unless there is severe pain or swelling.

Myth 2: Arthritis only affects older people.

Fact: While it is true that arthritis becomes more common as people age, arthritis may begin at any age, including childhood. Nearly three of every five sufferers are under age 65. Conversely, some elderly people never develop arthritis.

Myth 3: Arthritis is nothing more than minor aches and pains.

Fact: Arthritis can be permanently debilitating. Many forms of arthritis or musculoskeletal conditions are self-limited and get better without specific treatment. Others, however, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may be quite serious and may affect body's internal organs as well as joints.

Arthritis already affects more than 42 million Americans in its chronic form, including 300,000 children. By 2020, CDC estimates that 60 million people will be affected, and that more than 11 million will be disabled.

Annually, alcohol abuse costs American families $86 billion in lost household income. The annual cost for ADHD is $77 billion and annual cost for drug abuse is $58 billion.

Hard costs, like out-of-pocket medical treatment, are only one aspect of lost income. ADHD high school graduates and college graduates make considerably less money annually than their non-ADHD counterparts.

Research indicates that it doesn’t matter if person with ADHD has same level of education as someone who does not have ADHD, person with ADHD will make less money than person without ADHD. The numbers are between $4500.00 and $10,000.00 annually. People with ADHD suffer from symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity - which are not always conducive to work environment.