A monthly e-newsletter from the Arthritis Foundation - June 2004 issue

[Guest guest]

There was just so much good stuff in this I couldn't pick which parts to forward so I am sending it all.

Hugs,

Jacy

June 2004

How to HelpBecome a MemberMake a donationBecome an advocateDonate your car

Informational Articles

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Soy-Rich Diets and Lupus

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Pain Linked to Job Stress

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Weight Loss, Exercise for Knee Pain

Helpful ResourcesGet the health magazine written just for you: Arthritis Today! Whether you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus or any other related condition, you'll get essential information about treatments, research, medications, alternative therapies, nutrition, exercise and more! Order now!Get more for your money...Become a member of the Arthritis Foundation and in addition to a full year's subscription to Arthritis Today magazine, members receive discounts on products, free physician referral lists, a personalized membership card and more! Join Today!

Shop to ShareThe effortless way to help!Online shoppers can help support the Arthritis Foundation throughout the year by joining the Shop to Share Program. Learn More and Sign-Up Now!

In YourNeighborhoodContact your local office to find out about exercise classes, self-help groups, events and other special programs in your area.Calendar of EventsJoints in Motion Marathons More>Programs & Services More>

When you want the latest information and you wantit fast, we have an e-newsletter that's rightfor you! Sign-Up Today!

Research Update Get the latest news on advances in Arthritis Foundation-funded research.

Arthritis Agenda Learn more about current, major advocacy priorities for improving the lives of people with arthritis.

Discussion BoardsVisit the Arthritis Foundation's interactive discussion boards, where people like you come to share ideas, advice and encouragement.Topics include coping skills, women and arthritis, parenting, surgery, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and more. Register (or log in) to start or join a conversation.

Pass this along to a friendDo you know someone who could benefit from this newsletter? If so, forward Mind, Body, Spirit to them today.

Contact UsHave an idea for an article or comments about the newsletter? Contact the editor.

Is your e-mail address changing? If so, please e-mail your old and new address to marketing@... and we'll make sure you don't miss a single issue!

Have general questions about arthritis and treatment issues? Contact Arthritis Answers or help yourself to volumes of online information in the Arthritis Answers Center !

Arthritis Foundation and Others Testify Before Congressin Support of First Arthritis Legislation in Nearly 30 Years!Acknowledging a growing public health threat, the U.S. Senate summoned leading arthritis experts to a hearing on the nation's number one cause of disability. It is the first federal legislative response to arthritis in nearly 30 years. Arthritis Foundation representatives, leading public health and clinical care groups, researchers and people with arthritis urged Congress to support the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act of 2004. The legislation comes at a critical time with the staggering rise in disease prevalence, especially among baby-boomers. Arthritis continues to cause devastating pain and disability while placing a hefty financial burden on the U.S. economy with an annual cost of more than $86 billion. Read the Arthritis Foundation's testimony from the hearing and learn more about this important legislation.Get Involved!It is critically important that we build on this successful hearing by urging Senators to co-sponsor this legislation. Please take a moment to contact your Senators urging them to co-sponsor the bill. Please forward this email to your friends, neighbors, and relatives and ask them to send a message in support of the bill.

Don't miss our biggest sale of the year!Sale ends July 15th.

Drugs Across BordersPeople who order their drugs from Canada or other countries may save money, but are they getting more or less than they've bargained for?It is no secret that health care is expensive and only appears to be getting more so. For some, buying prescription drugs from other countries may seem particularly enticing. Canada is one favorite destination for Americans because medications from our neighbor cost 30 to 50 percent less than the same prescriptions in the United States, largely due to the Canadian government's price regulation board. U.S. lawmakers are no longer looking the other way -- purchasing drugs from across the border is illegal, can be unsafe and potentially could be life-threatening. While our government's main targets currently are large-scale offenders, individuals are not safe from prosecution. One of the largest concerns of the government and consumer protection agencies is that these formulas could be counterfeit or contaminated, putting the buyer at risk.Read more...

Arm yourself with the definitive source:Arthritis Drugs and More: An A to Z Guide explores more than 260 prescription and over-the-counter medications, including new COX-2 drugs, pain-fighting analgesics, powerful new biologic drugs and more. Order your copy today for only $13.95.

Wake-Up CallSleep deprivation can have serious health consequences.When you live with chronic pain, you appreciate a sound night's sleep -- especially when you are able to get one. A 2003 National Sleep Foundation poll found that 72 percent of Americans age 55 to 84 diagnosed with arthritis reported sleep problems. Chronic sleep deprivation can cause or worsen health problems. How much sleep do you need? How tired are you?Read More...

Research NewsYour Generosity at Work!Tracking down RA genes The pace of discovery is dramatically accelerating!The field of RA genetics is at a critical turning point, only hindered by the availability of research funds. Over the last decade we've seen an astounding acceleration of advances, from the Human Genome Project to new genetic mapping techniques to drops in costs and increases in technical efficiency. A more recent endeavor called the "HapMap" project is busy defining the full extent of genetic differences in human populations. This is a massive effort that will continue to fuel scientific progress.Read More...

Rheumatoid ArthritisLearn about the causes and symptoms of this serious and often disabling disease, including information on exercise, treatment and new medications.Order your free copy today!

In The NewsResearchers discover new clinical syndromeleading to severe joint diseaseResearchers from Case Western University School of Medicine and University Hospitals of Cleveland, and the University of California, San Diego, have discovered a rare disabling disease -- hereditary chondrolysis -- in which the cartilage separates from bone leading to severe osteoarthritis.Read More...

2004 AJAO National ConferenceJuly 22-25, 2004Town and Country Resort and Conference CenterSan Diego, CA

It's not too late to sign up for the 2004 American Juvenile Arthritis Organization (AJAO) National Conference in San Diego where you can connect with other families and children to share common experiences. Sessions will teach you ways to impact arthritis on a daily basis and on a national level as we show you how to become an advocate. The conference will be held July 22-25 at the Town and Country Resort in the heart of San Diego. See You in San Diego! Register and learn more about the conference.

NEWLY COMMENDED Easy-to-Use ProductsIn 2004, seven new products have been commended for Ease of Use by the Arthritis Foundation:Bionic Gardening Gloves Folgers AromaSeal Canister (Folgers Coffee Company)The Virtual Mousing System (a clickless mouse by Designer Appliances)Pentel's ErgoTwist Pen One Touch Ultra Test Strips - flip-top vial (for people with Diabetes, from LifeScan)Theracycle Motorized Exercise Bike

Visit our Ease of Use section to learn more about these and other commended products!