New Program Called Turn The Tide” Provides Comprehensive Resources On RA (NAPS)—Do you or someone you know have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but need more information? A new program called Turn the Tide is helping people with RA take back control of their lives by providing free comprehensive educational and The Patient Advisory Council, a volunteer group designed to help ensure that RA receives the attention it deserves from those responsible for the national health agenda. “It can be devastating when things you used to easily do, like motivational programs andser- brush your hair or get dressed, ple with RA andtheir friends and ing that others have overcome the same problems, can be inspira- vices. Turn the Tide provides peo- family members the opportunity to seek advice from experts, learn about updates on research and gain insight from others who are successfully managing their RA. Programs and services offered through Turn the Tide vary in topic and how they are accessed. These include: EDIT RA”(Early Diagnosis, Intervention, and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis), a series of seminars sponsored by Aventis Pharmaceuticals and local Arthri- tis Foundation chapters. RAwatch, an interactive Web site (www.RAwatch.com), that includes a chatroom, discussion board and the latest information on RA. RAdvice Series, brochures written by experts in different specialties, who provide advice and guidance in the areas of exer- become painful chores. Just knowtional for battling this disease,” said Christine Hoguet, who has suffered from RA for five years. “Programslike Turn the Tide are a tremendous help for people with RA, because they provide access to information and resources all in one place.” In Christine’s case, her personal triumph includes running the Arthritis Foundation’s ‘Joints in Motion’ marathon in Hawaii. One of the most common forms of arthritis, RA is a chronic and often crippling disease affecting over two million Americans, 70 per- cent of whom are women.It tends to persist for many years, typically affecting many different joints throughout the body, and can cause damage to the bone, cartilage, ten- dons andligamentsof thejoints. The goal of Turn the Tide is to tion, rights in the workplace, and educate people with RA about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Damage insurance. first two years of the disease and cise, occupational therapy, nutri- maximizing the benefits of health to the joints begins within the @ early treatment with proper medication can slow or prevent long term damage. “Rheumatoid arthritis can be very disabling especially if not properly managed. Because much of the joint damage typically hap- pensin thefirst two years,it is crit- ical that we treat patients early, to do all we can to stop RA from getting worse,” said Michael Schiff M.D., Medical Director of the Den- ver Arthritis Clinic Research Unit. Althoughthereis no cure for RA, there is hope. Research is underway that might somedaylead to a cure. Today, there are medications available to help slow the progres- sion of the disease, control symp- toms, like pain and swollenjoints, andallow people to continue to lead active lives. Rheumatologists (doctors whospecialize in treating RA) now often recommendearly treat- ment with medicines called disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), because multiple stud- ies suggest that early use of these drugs offers important benefits for people with RA. Combining the benefits of proper medication and the resources like those available through Turn the Tide, people with RA can begin to take back control of their lives. For more information on Turn the Tide call toll-free, 1-800-716-7168 or log on at www.RAwatch.com.
