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RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
* Silicon

SUPPORT and COPING
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Feature Articles
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Many Adults Have Never Seen a Health-Care Provider for Chronic Joint Symptoms

Arthritis and chronic joint symptoms (CJS) are a leading cause of disability among adults in the United States (1,2). For some forms of arthritis, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are essential to limit permanent joint damage and disability (3). Because CJS can signal inflammatory arthritis, patients with CJS should consult a health-care provider to rule out rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory arthritis. To characterize persons with CJS who do not see a health-care provider, CDC analyzed data from the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). This report summarizes the results of the analysis, which indicate that, during 2001, approximately 10.3 million adults (21.7% of adults with CJS), including 2.0 million with activity limitations, never had seen a health-care provider for their joint symptoms.

http://www.arthritissupport.com/track.cfm?id=1690

Researchers Discover Mechanism That May Trigger Autoimmune Disease

In animal studies, researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered a mechanism that may trigger autoimmune disease in newborn babies. The research is published in the May, 2003 issue of the Journal of Immunology. The researchers found that certain antibodies in female mice attached to an antigen in the cells of their babies. That process then stimulated a response by T-cells, which attacked the ovaries of the baby mice. Eighty to 90 percent of the baby mice had ovarian destruction or inflammation in the study, an indication of autoimmune disease.

http://www.arthritissupport.com/track.cfm?id=1691

Arthritis Advice: If You Are 65 or Older

Half of all people age 65 and older have arthritis. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis and many different symptoms and treatments. We do not know what causes most forms of arthritis, but is usually chronic, meaning it can occur over a long period of time. The more serious forms can cause swelling, warmth, redness, and pain. The three most common kinds of arthritis in older people are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

http://www.arthritissupport.com/track.cfm?id=1692

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RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT: Silicon
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Silicon, an abundant trace mineral in nature, is proving to be an essential ingredient for stronger bones, better skin and more flexible joints. Including silicon in your diet may boost the benefits of calcium, glucosamine and vitamin D.

Studies with animals indicate that silicon supplementation reduces the number of osteoclast cells, thus partially preventing bone reabsorption and bone loss. Animal models for osteoporosis using estrogen deficient rats demonstrate that silicon supplementation can help prevent bone loss.

In a clinical study of 53 osteoporotic women, silicon supplementation was associated with a significant increase in the mineral bone density of the femur. The positive results of these studies suggest that silicon supplementation, along with calcium and vitamin D, may be useful in preventing bone loss. To read more about this research and the benefits of silicon, click on the link below:

http://www.arthritissupport.com/track.cfm?id=1693

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Arthritis Chat & Message Board
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Visit our free arthritis message board and connect with other patients just like you! This valuable forum lets you post your arthritis related questions to your peers and offers a strong foundation of support and guidance. Make friends, give advice, and learn from each other’s experiences! When you post a question to the message board, you can be assured of speedy and helpful replies. Other people have been through the same struggles and are happy to share their wisdom. It's easy, too!

If you're feeling chattier go to the chat room and talk to others in real time. You can let people know when you'll be there by posting a note to the message boards. Just click on the link below to find friends and support in the message boards and chat room:

http://www.arthritissupport.com/track.cfm?id=1694

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REFER A FRIEND
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Do you have a friend or relative who would find the information in this bulletin useful? All you have to do is click on the link below or forward this email to them and they can begin reading all the latest research and support news.

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Pro Health Email Sign Up
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Pro Health offers several informative email bulletins that help keep you up to date on the latest news and research studies developing in the world of health and wellness. If you are not subscribed to our arthritis email bulletin, would like to subscribe to another email bulletin in another area of interest, or would like to receive a helpful “Tip of the Day,” please click the link below to register.

http://www.arthritissupport.com/track.cfm?id=1232

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About ArthritisSupport.com
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Published by Pro Health, Inc., ArthritisSupport.com is the Web's premier resource for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis news and treatment information. Click on this link to visit ArthritisSupport.com's home page:

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