Aida Turturro, a.k.a. Janice Soprano of the HBO hit series "The Sopranos," is also a patient battling the pain of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Turturro is the spokesperson for the national "Joint Effort Against Rheumatoid Arthritis" program, where she will be speaking to fellow RA patients to increase awareness and understanding about the disease.

"I'm armed with information about rheumatoid arthritis and am learning to live an active and busy life," said Ms. Turturro. "I have gone through tremendous, sometimes debilitating pain, but I feel like I'm winning the battle every time I face the disease head-on. I want to encourage others to get the information they need so they can live fulfilling lives despite this disease. I'm really looking forward to joining fellow RA patients in Long Island."

The "Joint Effort Against Rheumatoid Arthritis" seminar held at the Huntington Hilton in Long Island, New York, will feature three prominent, local rheumatologists, Steven Carsons, M.D., Alan Kaell, M.D., and Robert Marcus, M.D. Their presentation will review the disease in detail including signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.

"Our goal is to help people with RA understand the full range of treatment options and self-management tools available," said Robert C. Creighton, Esq., Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Long Island Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. "We expect this seminar will help educate and empower people with RA, and their families, to take control of their lives and their treatment."

Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 2.1 million Americans, occurring two to three times more often in women than men. It is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the joints, which often strikes in the prime of patient's lives. Initial symptoms include joint pain and fatigue. As the disease progresses, joints become swollen, inflamed and stiff. It usually begins in the hands, wrists, feet, knees and elbows. When inflammation persists or does not respond to treatment, it can destroy nearby cartilage, bone, tendons and ligaments, leading to permanent disability.

The conference is at the Huntington Hilton, at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 11. If you, or a loved one living with RA would like to attend the seminar, please call 1-888-256-4722. If you are unable to attend the seminar and would like further information on RA, please call the toll-free national hotline for "Joint Effort Against Rheumatoid Arthritis" at 1-800-538-7799.