WellnessWits’ Post

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, potentially leading to severe damage and disability if left untreated. *What are the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?* The symptoms of RA include: - _Tender, warm, swollen joints_ - _Joint stiffness_, especially in the mornings and after inactivity - _Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite_ - _Pain and swelling_ in the joints, especially in the hands, wrists, and feet These symptoms can vary in severity and may come and go, with periods of increased disease activity (flares) alternating with periods of relative remission. *Who is at risk of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis?* RA can affect anyone, but it's more common among: - _Women_, who are two to three times more likely to develop RA than men - _Older adults_, especially those over 55 years old - _People with a family history_ of RA - _Smokers_ and those exposed to air pollution - _Obese individuals_ *How is Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed and treated?* Diagnosis is based on a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. Treatment options include: - _Medications_ to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling - _Physical therapy_ to maintain joint mobility and strength - _Surgery_ to correct joint damage or deformity - _Lifestyle modifications_, such as regular exercise, healthy diet, and stress management Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve quality of life and prevent long-term damage. #Snsinstitution #snsdesignthinkers #designthinking #snscop

If you're experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or inflammation, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) could be the cause. My latest article provides an in-depth look into this chronic autoimmune disorder, exploring its symptoms, causes, and most effective treatments. Whether you’re seeking relief from RA or simply want to understand how early diagnosis can make a significant difference, this article covers it all. Learn about the medications, lifestyle changes, and therapies that can help you manage the disease and improve your quality of life. Don’t let RA control your life—take charge of your health today! Read more and discover how to live pain-free.

Odds are, you or someone you know is living with arthritis. This condition affects about 53 million adults and 300,000 children in the United States. Arthritis is not a single disease, but rather a term for over 100 types of joint pain and diseases. It can also lead to other conditions like diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Arthritis affects millions worldwide. The Arthritis Association seeks to educate people about symptoms, treatment options, and the importance of early diagnosis. They also emphasizes the impact of arthritis on individuals' quality of life and encourage support for research efforts to find better treatments and ultimately a cure. They promote public understanding and support for those living with arthritis. While it can't be cured, it can be well-managed. Strategies to manage arthritis include: Staying active, even when it can feel challenging: aquatic exercise, walking, or a short bike ride can help. A change in weather can cause arthritis to flare up; when the weather is cold try using ibuprofen, applying ice, and stretching. Use multiple joints to spread the weight of an object, like carrying groceries with two hands or using a backpack Use larger, stronger joints as levers, like putting your shoulder instead of your hand on a heavy door. The duration of arthritis treatment can vary depending on the type and severity of arthritis, as well as individual factors such as age, overall health, and response to treatment.

According to the US Arthritis Foundation, these are the basic facts about Arthritis: • About 1 in 4 adults and hundreds of thousands of children in the U.S. have been diagnosed by a doctor with a form of arthritis or related illness. • Contrary to the common misconception, it’s not just an “old person’s” disease. About two-thirds of those living with arthritis are aged 65 and under. • There are more than 100 types of arthritis and related rheumatic diseases. • Symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type but often include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can impact daily activities and quality of life. • Most people with arthritis also have comorbidities — accompanying conditions, like heart disease, diabetes and obesity — that further jeopardize their health. Concerned you may have arthritis? Stop in for a simple blood test, the arthritis screening panel. This panel is $129 and includes Rheumatoid Factor, Antinuclear Antibodies, and C‐Reactive Protein (High Sensitivity). It also includes a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), which are often ordered in an annual physical examination and can be used to monitor a variety of conditions. No doctor visit needed, no appointment necessary. Book online, walk-in or call with questions. (515) 225-1050 https://lnkd.in/gew7Zz9w

Addison's Disease: Addison's disease, also called adrenal insufficiency, is an uncommon disorder that occurs when the body doesn't make enough of  adrenal hormones. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys, produce too little cortisol and often, too little aldosterone. This disease could be life-threatening and treatment involves the replacement of hormones that are missing. This disease's symptoms develop slowly, over time, and processes slowly. So slow that symptoms are ignored until stress such as illness or injury occurs and makes symptoms worse. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, loss of appetite and weight, hyperpigmentation, hypotension, syncope, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salt craving, abdominal pain, myalgia, arthralgia, sexual dysfunction, depression, irritability, body hair loss. Sometimes Addison's disease appears suddenly(called Addisonian crisis) can lead to life-threatening shock. Causes include autoimmune destruction, infection, bleeding, cancer of adrenal glands, Secondary causes include pituitary tumor or surgery, stopping corticosteroids abruptly during treatment. If Addison's disease is left untreated, then the quality of life is affected because of fatigue, weakness, dehydration, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, ultimately shock, and death in the Addisonian crisis. During the initial stages of Addison's disease, the quality of life is as a normal person. As time progresses and is not treated properly, Addison's disease patients have a poor quality of life. Females have a significant impact on quality of life than males. With proper medication and expert opinions can live a normal life.

👉🏼Chronic illness is ROOTED in unchecked inflammation. When it comes to chronic illness (I’m talking autoimmune issues, heart disease, diabetes, etc.), they all share a common underlying factor: unchecked inflammation. ❌ Inflammation is a silent but potent contributor to pretty much EVERY chronic disease. ❌ Although inflammation is a protective mechanism designed to remove harmful stimuli and initiate the healing process, persistent inflammation over a long period can damage healthy tissues. This is how chronic inflammation contributes to the development of various chronic illnesses. The extent and spread of this inflammation can determine the specific outcomes: 1️⃣Heart Disease: Chronic inflammation can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. 2️⃣Diabetes: Inflammation can interfere with insulin signaling, leading to insulin resistance and eventually type 2 diabetes. 3️⃣Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis are characterized by the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues, often driven by chronic inflammation. 4️⃣Cancer: Inflammation can contribute to the development and progression of certain cancers by causing DNA damage and promoting tumor growth. 5️⃣Neurodegenerative Diseases: Chronic inflammation is linked to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions, as it can lead to the degeneration of neurons. The bottom line: keeping your inflammation levels in check is VITAL to lower your risk of developing a serious health condition.

Definition: Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells, tissues, and organs, perceiving them as foreign threats. This immune response can lead to inflammation, damage, and dysfunction in various parts of the body. There are many types of autoimmune diseases, each affecting different areas and systems, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. The causes of autoimmune diseases are not fully understood, but they are believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and possibly infections. Treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and suppressing the immune response to improve quality of life. Encouraging Words: Your commitment and care for your spouse through the challenges of living with an autoimmune disease are truly commendable. It’s not an easy journey, but your strength, patience, and love make a world of difference. Remember, it’s okay to seek support for yourself as well; your well-being is crucial in this journey. Every act of kindness, every moment of understanding, and every ounce of support you provide is a testament to the depth of your love. Keep going—you are making a positive impact every single day. With admiration and encouragement, Donnie

I just read an article on the Epoch Times titled: Inflammation: The Body’s ‘Fire’ Burns Threats, but Things Go Wrong When It Smolders. You have to be a member to read it or I can gift it to you via email if you want to read it. Scroll down to read the excerpt. I know how life-altering chronic inflammation can be. This information from the Epoch Times is just the beginning. We are going to be hearing more and more about inflammation and the dangers of it the years to come. I even predict the FDA coming out with more drugs to combat the rise of inflammation. But don't fall for it. These drugs will create more problems and ruin your gut health, which will keep you in an inflamed state. Instead, get yourself tested now, from the comfort of you own home, to see your levels of inflammation and learn what you can do about it. Excerpt from the Epoch Times: An excerpt: Chronic inflammation is linked to a wide range of conditions and often “touches on some big diseases,” Dr. Frank A. Orlando, the medical director of UF Health Family Medicine–Springhill, told The Epoch Times. When the body is infected or injured, inflammation—often likened to fire—is nature’s way of burning away pathogens and repairing damage. Once the threat is eliminated, inflammation should subside. But if the fire continues to smolder, it can become a chronic issue. Inflammation that persists for more than three months is chronic inflammation, which triggers heart disease, cancer, diabetes, depression, sarcopenia, autoimmune disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, among others.

The Growing Awareness of Crohn’s Disease and Its Impact on People’s Lives Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease \(IBD\) that affects millions of... [...] #Abdominalpain #Anxiety #ChronicInflammatoryBowelDisease #Crohn'sDisease #Depression #Diarrhea #Digestivetract #Earlydiagnosis #Fatigue #Frustration #IBD #inflammation #WeightLoss Read more... https://lnkd.in/dj2eB7d7

🔬 Understanding your health is crucial in managing autoimmune diseases. The Arthritis Wellness #2 Blood Test Panel provides a detailed assessment of your immune system, helping diagnose and monitor rheumatoid arthritis and other related conditions. Discover the benefits of comprehensive testing with Walk-In Lab in our new article about the Wellness #2 blood test! 🌟 https://lnkd.in/gkvj2Z2m #HealthyLiving #AutoimmuneAwareness #BloodTests #WalkInLab