Dear Ann Landers,
n estimated 3 7 million Americans suffer from arthritis. While often dismissed as "just arthritis" or, as they say on TV, "minor aches and pains," arthritis is our country's No. 1 chronic disease. Nearly 200,000 American children suffer from some form of juve-nile arthritis. At least half of the population over 65 is affected. Many disabling forms of arthritis strike between the ages of 20 and 40, the crucial years for establishing families and careers. This condition not only causes pain and stiffness but diminishes the quality of life and can lead to disability, disfigurement and premature death. Too many people think that because there is no cure for arthritis, nothing can be done to treat it. That is a false assumption. There are things that can be done to control it, and the Arthritis Foundation can help. It has many programs, including some self-help courses, exercise classes and patient forums. For free information on how to cope more effectively with arthritis, contact the Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 7669, Atlanta, GA 30357- 0669, or call the toll-free Arthritis Foundation Information Line at (800) 283-7800. Please, Ann, let people know it's not "just arthritis," and that help is available. -Marilynn J. Cason, chairman, Arthritis Foundation, Illinois Chapter

Dear Marilynn,
You did, and I thank you. Don't skip this column because you think it doesn't apply to you. In a few months (or years), you may wish you had read it.