FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

AAPAR Partners with Genzyme to Raise Awareness of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

New York, NY — The American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (AAPAR) announced today that, together with Genzyme, the maker of Synvisc-One™ (hylan G-F 20), it has joined forces with orthopedic surgeon and author Dr. Nick DiNubile and former Radio City Rockette Mary Six to help educate people suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and the importance of staying active. The partnership is part of an educational campaign, "Get a Kick Out of Life," which aims to motivate patients to talk to their health care professional about treatment options to relieve knee pain.  

"Research shows that exercise is one of the best things you can do for arthritic joints but exercise can be difficult, if not impossible, for the more than 10 million Americans who suffer from knee pain," Dr. DiNubile said. "Often patients think total knee replacement is their only option, but the reality is that there are treatments other than surgery, like Synvisc-One, a single injection that can help many patients."  

Mary Six, a Radio City Rockette for 13 years, knows firsthand how knee pain can slow down even a person who endured years of intense training in ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance. Life as a Rockette was intense with grueling practice sessions coupled with six shows daily. By the end of the Christmas season, which ran from November to January, Mary would have performed roughly 32,000 high precision kicks. Once out of the spotlight, however, years of trauma and over-use took its toll and she developed osteoarthritis in both knees.  

"My knee pain made it difficult for me to do everyday activities, like climbing the subway stairs, and it became impossible for me to teach my adult dance class each week," Mary Six said. "I tried physical therapy, ice, and over-the-counter and prescription pills, but they did little to relieve my pain."  

Six said Synvisc-One injected into her knees helped relieve her pain for up to six months, enabling her to continue teaching dancing and leading getting her "old life back."  

"Exercise and physical activity are so important for people who are suffering with OA of the knee," AAPAR Executive Director Mariah Burton Nelson says. "AAPAR is supporting the 'Get a Kick Out of Life' campaign because our mission is to promote physical activity for people of all ages and ability levels. We want to encourage those with knee problems to take note of Mary's story, take control of their pain, and be active. Find a sport you love, an exercise you enjoy, or a recreational activity you're passionate about. The point is to keep your body moving and get a kick out of life!"

Patients can prepare for their next doctor's appointment by taking a free online knee pain assessment and receive a personalized report for discussing treatment options with their doctor.

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Contact:
AAPAR Communications Coordinator
aapar@aahperd.org
703-476-3430

Genzyme, a leading biotechnology company, is dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases. For more information about Synvisc-One™, visit www.synviscone.com.

AAPAR, one of 5 national associations that make up the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), serves more than 8,600 professors, teachers, trainers, and community leaders who promote meaningful physical activity and recreation across the lifespan. AAPAR advocates fitness and fun for every body, with a focus on inclusive community based programs.

The vision of AAHPERD is "Healthy People – Physically Educated and Physically Active!" Headquartered in Reston, VA, 25 miles west of Washington, DC, AAHPERD is the largest organization of professionals involved in physical education, physical activity, dance, school health and sport--all specialties related to achieving an active, healthy lifestyle. Its mission is to advance professional practice and promote research related to health and physical education, physical activity, dance and sport by providing its members with a comprehensive and coordinated array of resources, support and programs to help practitioners improve their skills to further the health and well-being of the American public. For more information, visit www.aahperd.org.