Los Angeles, Calif. — The Arthritis Foundation's Southern California Chapter on Friday announced the launch of Let's Move Together, a nationwide movement created to improve the quality of life of the one-in-five Americans suffering from the pain of arthritis.

Let's Move Together is designed to inspire people to move every day to prevent or treat arthritis. The movement encourages everyone to engage in daily physical activity for better health and to participate in their local Arthritis Walk — an annual event that promotes fun and fitness. Nine Arthritis Walks will be held in May and June within the Southern California Chapter, which encompasses most of the state of California, Hawaii and Nevada.

A walk will be held in Sacramento on May 2 and additional walks will take place this fall in Las Vegas, Palm Desert and northern Nevada.

By the year 2030, an estimated 67 million people in the United States will be affected by arthritis, up from current estimates of 46 million. The prevalence of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, continues to rise even though it can often be prevented by staying active through enjoyable physical activities.

Learn more about Let's Move Together by contacting the Southern California Chapter at (323) 954-5750 or by visiting www.letsmovetogether.org.

Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or www.arthritis.org.