Like so many other companies and organizations, the Arthritis Foundation (AR) is taking advantage of social networking by setting up and utilizing an online registry.  Launched in June of 2010, the Arthritis Internet Registry (AIR)is the result of a combined effort of the AR working with the National Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases as well as Quest Diagnostics.  Their goal is to get about 5% of the 1.5-3 million people in the U.S. who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA)to register online.  This would be more than 100,000 people whose conditions could be studied and researched over a long period of time.
    Currently, most registries are through doctors and medical institutions, with less than 50,000 individuals being studied.  Robert Plenge, MD, PhD, a rheumatologist and geneticist at Harvard Medical School, is one of the primary leaders of this project and believes that the AIR will help provide much needed information on rare forms of RA and hard to get family histories.  A similar registry managed by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been credited with helping to nearly double the life expectancy of people with the disease.
    The AIR registry consists of a questionnaire that takes about 30 minutes to complete. Kathleen Ferrel, a retired physical therapist, is an AF volunteer who has worked hard to get the registry going.  She gives several examples of the the information they are seeking:

Functional level
Medications
Activity
How often do you visit your doctor
How many times you've seen a rheumatologist
Out-of-pocket expenses
 
Dr. Plenge goes on to say that one of the most exciting features is the collection of blood samples that will be analyzed with the information obtained from each person.  Dr. Plenge stresses the security measures taken by the AIR and that all information gathered is private and secure. "There's no link to personal information and no way I, as a researcher, could ever actually contact that person."

The privacy, ease and hope that the AIR offers are strong incentives to get people to participate. For a couple of years now, social media and networking has made people celebrities overnight and have taken small businesses to the next level.  Just think what it can do for medical research.  There is an endless amount of important information out there and now it can be accessed. 
Are you registered with the AR or any other medical registry? If not, do you think you would register for this or any other medical condition? What are your views on the internet being used for research?

If you have arthritis and would like to register, visit www.arthritis.org/arthritis-internet-registry

With our lifestyles becoming more sedentary, it's hard to stay fit and healthy in today's world.  The majority of jobs are performed sitting behind a desk, while our free time is spent in front of a television.  Finding time to dedicate to physical exercise also becomes more difficult as people work longer hours and lead busier lives.  For those with disabilities, the task of staying fit is even more difficult.  In the case of seniors, chronic problems such as arthritis, can make some physical activities too painful to participate.  It can become easy for them to just "give up" on the things they used to love to do.  To help promote and create awareness for the different recreational options out there for the disabled, The National Therapeutic Recreation Society has established that the 2nd week in July be National Therapeutic Recreation Week.

The week has been celebrated across the country since 1984, with seminars, sporting events, health fairs and workshops.  With summer in full swing it is the perfect time to begin a fitness program or discover new activities to add to your regime.  Most info can be obtained form local newspapers, websites and recreation centers in your area.  Healthnet.com provides 5 easy steps to getting started:

1. ASSESS YOURSELF AND CREATE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH PLAN.  Evaluate any risk factors and physical limitations and plan accordingly.
2. PICK ONE HEALTHY-LIFESTYLE AREA TO START WITH.  You are more likely to be successful by focusing on one  goal at a time.
3. LINE UP YOUR RESOURCES AND SUPPORTERS.  Consult with doctors and therapists to find groups suited for your  lifestyle changes. Talk with friends and co-workers who may already be a part of a recreation group.
4. START WITH A FEW SMALL CHANGES AND MAKE THEM ROUTINE.  For example, make small changes in your diet, such as adding one more fruit or vegetable to your meals.
5. REWARD YOURSELF AND KEEP AT IT.  After completing each lifestyle change, celebrate and reward yourself.  This will help motivate you to continue on to the next challenge.

The physical and mental benefits of leading a healthy lifetsyle are immeasurable.  A strong body helps to promote a strong mind as does the social interaction that is provided by group activities.  There are many versions of games and activities that can be played indoors or out.  Sycamore Village utilizes many of these for group functions.  A plastic bowling set makes it easier for most residents to be able to participate, even those in wheel chairs.  Automatic putting greens are also manageable by most.  One of the most popular and varied activities are the games available on the Wii system.  Most of the games require nothing more than simple arm movements and allow for multiple players.  The social aspect alone is great for mental stimulation.  It can be difficult sometimes to bridge the generation gaps between younger family members and the older ones, but games like these are a great way for family members of all ages to come togehter.

It is estimated that 46 million Americans are suffering from arthritis.  With over 100 medical conditions associated with arthritis, the cost of medical care and the indirect expenses (lost wages, loss of productivity) is more than $124 billion a year. (www.arthritis.org)   Since May is Arthritis Awareness Month, it is the perfect time to address this condition and how it affects seniors.

Arthritis, in it's basic form, is the inflammation of joints.  The area where 2 bones meet become damaged do to wear and tear (osteoarthritis) or a result of the body's immune syustem attacing the area (rheumatoid arthritis). Though osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and usaully only strikes people over 60, both types have similar symptoms and cause pain for the afflicted.  The common symptoms are:
*PAIN
*STIFFNESS
*SWELLING
*REDNESS
*DECREASED RANGE OF MOTION

While other types of arthritis can cause such problems as:          
*FEVER
*FATIGUE
*RASH
*WEIGHT LOSS
*BREATHING PROBLEMS
*DRY EYES/MOUTH
*NIGHT SWEATS

It is agreed in the health care community that exercise is very important in the treatment of arthritis.  A select group of low-impact exercises have been designed. Their purpose is to increase the range of motion in the joints and to strengthen the muscle tissue surrounding the joint.  Both of which help to alleviate and stiffness.  It is also suggested that warming the joints before exercising and icing them down afterward, also prevents the swelling and additional pain that occur from use.  The Arthritis Foundation has a program where caregivers, such as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), can become certified in "arthtritis helpful" exercises.  They are trained to guide patients/residents, who are afflicted with arthritis, through a series of workouts to increase the range of motion of their joints and to build the surrounding muscles to prevent any further damage or pain.  It can become easy for someone with arthritis to slow down and avoid movements that cause them pain.  For example, someone has arthritis in their knees so they become sedentary and only walk when they absolutely have to.  This will make the knees become stiff and sore.  It also allows the muscle tissue to weaken to the point where it can no longer support the bones in the joint.  This causes even more pain and discomfort.  Therefore it is important to maintain a regular exercise routine. Of course, it is awlays important that everyone consults their physician or caregiver before attempting any new exercises.
Sycamore Village has two Arthritis Foundation certified staff members.  One of these is Paula Sronce, a CNA and a team leader.  She has been trained and certified as an Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Leader. Sycamore Village holds daily classes to help keep the residents fit.  This helps to proivde a more independent lifestyle.  The Arthritis Foundatin certified program leaders also provide classes to the general public.  If you or your group are interested in these helpful programs, contact Sycamore Village at 618-222-2571 to set up a class.