For Those Affected, As Well As Their Friends And Family

It’s a common misconception that "arthritis" is an ailment of the aged, and merely a condition of bone degeneration. The term itself ("Arthritis") is simply a "catch-all" that implies an autoimmune disorder of some type is at work. Other terms must be added to describe the actual disease, such as, "Osteoarthritis", or "Rheumatoid Arthritis". Many other diseases such as Lupus, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Spondylitis are also forms of "arthritis". Disorders that attack the bones, cartilage, organs, muscle, veins, and even nerves, can be forms of arthritis, and to date, over 135 types of arthritic conditions have been discovered. Age has no bearing whatsoever; children as young as two years of age can show signs of arthritic conditions. In fact, some forms of arthritis specifically affect only the young. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 43 million Americans have some type of "arthritis".

Arthritis Today is a magazine published by the Arthritis Foundation that keeps its readers informed about the medical research advances in all the various forms of arthritis that affect both young and old. It also provides information on current and upcoming drugs and therapies, gives advice on exercise (exercise can be a very difficult task for people with these types of diseases), and includes a question and answer forum which is very helpful to those with worries, fears, or feelings of isolation.

Other arthritis-related articles such as those concerning qualifications for Social Security disability benefits, how to participate in clinical trials, and debunking "quack" cures, are all extremely valuable to anyone with an arthritic condition.

Political debates and associated legislation concerning health care, Social Security, drug companies, and drug costs are also subjects that are tracked and reported to the readership.

Arthritis Today is an invaluable tool for those suffering from any form of arthritis, as well as for people who may have friends and relatives affected by the disease. Being an informed friend or relative can mean so much to those suffering from arthritic conditions. They feel so very isolated. All too often, people do not completely understand the consequences of what is happening to individuals affected by arthritis; a child may have Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, and be teased horribly at school because he or she cannot play like the other children. Or a teenager with Lupus may find that making friends is a daunting task, because he or she cannot do the things that the other teenagers do, and therefore doesn’t "fit in".

So even if you yourself do not have an arthritic disease but know of someone who does, it would be a wonderful help to them to have a knowledgeable, understanding friend.

And picking up an issue of Arthritis Today would be a good place to start.