By Ryan Acosta, Staff Writer

One of the few diseases that can cause serious disability is arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 5% of American adults 18 to 64 years of age are unable to fully perform normal work due to arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the common forms of arthritis that can cause serious disability. Latest studies show that approximately 0.6 percent of Americans have rheumatoid arthritis.

Persons of all ages can be affected with rheumatoid arthritis. Even children can acquire rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. However, rheumatoid arthritis is far more common in the elderly. At the latest estimates, elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis affects 2% of Americans who are at least 60 years old.

Cause

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The immune system is programmed to send out killer cells to tag and attack foreign entities, such as, bacteria and viruses, once they enter our body. Surrounding human cells are normally left unscathed. But once an autoimmune disease sets in, the immune system becomes overactive and sends out immune cells to attack the body’s own cells.

In rheumatoid arthritis, abnormally aggressive white blood cells attack the soft tissue membrane that lines non-cartilaginous surfaces within the joints. Inflammation in the affected joint then follows.

What exactly causes the immune system to take an abnormal action is not yet known.

Symptoms

The most common sign of rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation of the joints. At the onset of the disease, joints become swollen and tender. Affected areas usually acquire redness and are warm to the touch. Pain and stiffness lasting for about half an hour in the morning is normal. Fatigue and occasional fevers may also affect the patient. Compared to osteoarthritis, the pattern of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis is always symmetrical. Quite often, the wrist and finger joints closest to the hand are inflamed.

As the disease progresses, muscles, ligaments, and tendons near the affected areas become weak and unable to function normally. Cartilage and bone within the affected joint are usually destroyed by constant inflammation of the synovium.

Treatment

Since little is known regarding the main reason for rheumatoid arthritis, no single treatment has been formulated yet to permanently cure the disease. Current treatments only aim to alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Pain relieving analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, and cortisone therapy are the common treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

Research on Rheumatoid Arthritis

As of the moment, scientists are focusing on debunking the underlying cause of rheumatoid arthritis and discovering effective treatment.

Some researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are conducting genetic studies aimed at understanding genetic factors that renders some people prone to developing rheumatoid arthritis. However, much is yet to be discovered as to why rheumatoid arthritis is more prevalent in the elderly.

While the exact mechanisms and causes of rheumatoid arthritis are yet to be debunked, some recent developments on rheumatoid arthritis treatment research are very promising.

For instance, it has been demonstrated by researchers at the Northwestern University of Chicago that stem cell therapy can be an effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment. In the said study, a 52 year old woman recovered from the ravages of rheumatoid arthritis a year after being transplanted with stem cells from her sister.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a seemingly enigmatic and unconquerable disease as of this time. However, the future for those with rheumatoid arthritis, especially the elderly, is not bleak. Dedicated scientists are currently conducting various studies that would surely help alleviate the suffering of millions of elderly rheumatoid arthritis patients in the future.

References:

Burt, Richard K, et al. Induction of Remission of Severe and Refractory Rheumatoid Arthritis by Allogeneic Mixed Chimerism. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 50.8 (2004): 2466-2470.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Arthritis Related Statistics. 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis_related_stats.htm.

Helmick, C.G., Felson, D.T., Lawrence, R.C., Gabriel, S., Hirsch, R., Kwoh, C.K., Liang, M.H., Maradit, Kremers, H., Mayes, M.D., Merkel, P.A., Pillemer, S.R., Reveille, J.D., and Stone, J.H. Estimates of the Prevalence of Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Conditions in the United States. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 58.1 (2008):15-25.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Handout on Health: Rheumatoid Arthritis. 2009.

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Rheumatic_Disease/default.asp.

Rasch E.K., Hirsch R., Paulose-Ram R., and Hochberg M.C. Prevalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Persons 60 Years of Age and Older in the United States: Effect of Different Methods of Case Classification. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 48 (2003): 917-926.

Posted under: Arthritis.

Tags: Rheumatoid Arthritis

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By Khadija Hawkes, Lifestyle Guide Specialist

The skin is your body’s largest organ, with an estimated size of two square yards. Along with the liver, kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system, colon, and blood, the skin works to remove built up toxins and waste from your system, maintaining optimal health.

In order for the process to work efficiently, proper care must be taken to ensure that the skin is healthy and uncongested. If the skin is not properly filling its role of eliminating harmful materials, there can be a buildup of uric acid and other harmful elements under the skin. These elements harm the body from the inside often causing gout, loss of skin elasticity, and an increase in blemishes and wrinkles.

Also, the inability of the skin to filter impurities means that other organs of elimination have to work extra hard to fill the void. Over a prolonged period of time, this may overtax those organs, leading to additional health problems. Conversely, if the other organs, such as the kidneys or lymphatic system are malfunctioning, this puts extra pressure on the skin to remove impurities. If you have poor skin health, your skin may not be up to the task. This can been seen in the form of puffy, swollen skin-especially in the face, acne or other skin blemishes, clogged pores, and poor skin color and tone.

The condition of your skin is largely related to your inner health and diet. Adopting a lifestyle and dietary changes that support internal health helps considerably in optimizing the skin’s function and allowing it to appear its best. Some ways to enhance the detoxification capacity of your skin are:

Drinking pure water is one of the best ways to continuously flush your skin and keep the pathways of elimination open. Water cleanses, heals, and refreshes your skin from the inside out. Water is a key ingredient in skin’s beauty and health.

Therapeutic sweating works to open the skin’s pores and freely allow the escape of toxins. Partaking in a steam bath or sauna is an excellent way to cleans and strengthen your skin.

Skin problems are often traced to an issue in the colon. The retention of excess impacted fecal matter pollutes your system and the affects of this can be seen in the skin. Colonic Hydrotherapy, Enemas, or Herbal cleansing agents help to remove old waste you’re your body and considerably brighten dull, blemished, or clogged skin.

If you have been diagnoses with a sluggish elimination system, natural therapies such as juice fasting and increasing the amount of raw foods you consume can help considerably.

By understanding the varied roles of the skin, it is possible to maximize its efficiency and promote a healthy, vital appearance for years to come.

References:

Dr. Ellen Jensen. The Skin:Our Largest Organ of Elimination. (2005) http://corerelease.com/TheSkin.pdf

Charles O’Palmerson. A 2 Z of Health Beauty and Fitness. Detoxification and Your Health: The Body’s 7 Channels of Elimination. (2010). http://health.learninginfo.org/detoxification2.htm

Posted under: Causes of Aging, LifeStyle Guide, Skin.

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By Khadija Hawkes, Lifestyle Guide Specialist

Drinking an adequate amount of water is one of the simplest, yet most underutilized anti-aging skin care techniques. Water is truly the building block of life and a constant infusion of water purifies and feeds cell tissue for optimal skin at any age. To illustrate this point, we must first look at the makeup of the body’s cells.

All cells, including those on the skin are made up of approximately 70% water. Water surrounds and cushions our cells in the form of interstitial fluid. This fluid protects cells, as well as transports waste from normal metabolic processes. This waste is excreted in many ways, including through the skin.

Also found inside of cells in the form of intracellular fluid, water facilitates many chemical processes and helps to support cell structure. Adequate water consumption is paramount for optimal cell and body function. As the body’s largest organ, this holds true for skin as well.

The recommendation to drink eight to ten glasses of water a day is essential, especially for older adults. Water hydrates the skin’s cells and carries nutrients throughout your body to feed various organs. As skin is the largest organ, and one with many functions, it requires a large amount of fluid on a daily basis. Water works to flush your skin of impurities, regulate body temperature, and maintain a fresh, supple appearance.

Many people do not consume enough water and that fact is quite visible. Lack of adequate water consumption is evident in the form of dry, flaky skin, fine lines, and dark circles. Also, as you age, skin becomes thinner. This allows the signs of water loss to become even more visible.

It is also true that as a person ages, the skin produces less sebum-the skin’s natural lubricating oil. Sebum helps to keep the skin soft and supple. Reduced sebum levels lead to increasingly dry skin, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Drinking water helps to counteract this process by keeping the skin fortified with a steady supply of natural moisture.

In addition, the body is equipped with a keen survival mechanism. If there is a shortage of water, your body will divert available water to organs which are critical to survival. While the skin is important, it takes a back seat to such organs as the heart, lungs, and liver. Over time, consistent redistribution of water from the skin will cause a dried out, leathery, or parchment type appearance. As you age, this can cause increased cracks and fissures in the skin, which may sometimes bleed. This also increases the depth and width of wrinkles. Increasing your water consumption will help to alleviate this problem.

In addition to drinking water, eating fruits and vegetables with a high water concentration will also help you to remain hydrated. Some examples of water rich fruits are watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, cranberries, apples, and apricots. With each fruit listed, more than 80% of its weight is from water. This is a healthy and delicious way to increase your water intake.

Increasing your water intake, as well as eating water rich fruits and vegetables is a low cost, yet effective way to maintain healthy skin. Your diet is extremely important to your overall health and appearance. By consciously increasing the amount of water your drink, you provide your skin with the basic elements of moisture and renewal.

References:

University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. Water Content of Fruits and Vegetables. (1997). http://www.ca.uky.edu/enri/pubs/enri129.pdf

Journal of Investigative Dermatology. Age-related Changes in Sebaceous Gland Activity. (1979). htttp://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v73/n1/abs/5616250a.html

Advameg. Water. (2010) http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Smi-Z/Water.html

Posted under: LifeStyle Guide, Nutrition, Skin.

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