Making a difference in the fight against arthritis has never been easier or more fun. Gather your friends and family for the 2005 Arthritis Walk and help raise awareness and crucial funds to fight the nation’s number one cause of disability.

The Arthritis Walk takes place from coast to coast each May in conjunction with National Arthritis Month. The Arthritis Walk is being presented nationally by Aleve®, marketed by Bayer Consumer Care. Other national sponsors include Nature Made® TripleFlex™ and Arthritis Today magazine. Teams are forming now for the Arthritis Walk in cities across the nation. The event accommodates all levels of fitness with both a five-kilometer (3.1 mile) course and a one-mile course.

Form an Arthritis Walk team by recruiting friends, family members, neighbors, classmates and co-workers to walk in honor of a loved one with arthritis. Those with arthritis will receive blue honoree hats to signify their action in taking control of their condition.

Participating in the Arthritis Walk is the first step in a healthy lifestyle to prevent and control arthritis. Walking can reduce joint pain and stiffness, build strong muscles around the joints and increase flexibility and endurance. And walking also can promote overall health and fitness.

With the prevalence of arthritis surging -- now 66 million people or one in three adults -- the Arthritis Walk is a fun and effective way to support the Arthritis Foundation in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis.

To participate in an Arthritis Walk in your area, visit www.arthritis.org or call the Arthritis Walk hotline at 1-877-232-2898.