Hello!

Since my massage team will be leaving for California
in the next week and a half, I thought I'd put
something up on the list about Arthritis.

You see, the group cyclists that we'll be following
for over 500 miles in 8 days are raising money for the
Arthritis Foundation. My sister, Lani, was recently
diagnosed with a form of Rheumatoid Arthritis. I will
be donating a portion of my earnings back to the
Arthritis Foundation.

Anyway, I'll be putting together a series of postings
about arthritis...


WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?

Arthritis is actually a symptom. It means
"inflammation of he joints." To understand arthritis,
it's important to know a little bit about the joints.
Joints allow the body to bend, flex, turn, and move.
They provide flexibility, and they must also be
strong.

Joints make it possible for our bones to move while
still supporting weight. With arthritis, we are not
concerned with the muscles and tendons that enable the
joints to move, nor with the tendons that provide
joint stability. Rather, it is hat goes on *inside*
the joints that is of concern.

The most common form of arthritis is what's called
osteoarthritis, or (perhaps incorrectly) "wear and
tear" arthritis. Of the 37 million Americans with
arthritis, 17 million have this type. Here, the
cartilage that covers and protect the ends of bones
softens and may become pitted and frayed, or even wear
completely away. the joint lose their cushioning, and
pain results when the joints are moved. Another, less
common form of arthritis is called rheumatoid
arthritis, where the joint membranes become inf
lammed. Advance rheumatoid arthritis is easy to
recognize. Fingers and toes slant a odd angles. Joint
are noticeably swollen. Doctors know the symptoms,
but they don't know the cause of this crippling
disease.

The best remedy for arthritis was commonly held to be
rest. Wrong, says that the Arthritis Foundation. Most
doctors today prescribe exercise to combat pain and
stiffening in arthritic joints. And, in the process,
patients get the additional health benefits of
cardiovascular training.

----

Next issue:

IS OSTEOARTHRITIS REALLY CAUSED BY "WEAR AND TEAR"?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T MOVE ENOUGH?
WHAT TYPE OF EXERCISE IS BEST?


* Information taken from GETTING IN SHAPE: Workout
programs for men and women - Bob Anderson, Ed Burke,
and Bill Pearl

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