Rheumatoid Arthritis

Term Paper # 116370

Medical and Health
Medical and Health > Nutrition and Exercise

An overview of the autoimmune disease known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

1,127 words () | 5 sources | APA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper explains that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where antibodies meant to protect the body against infection end up attacking body tissue. The paper discusses the roles of a proper diet and nutritional supplements, exercise and optimism in building a strong and healthy immune system to fight this disease. The paper points out that if RA is left untreated, it can do serious damage to the various organs of the body.

From the Paper:

"Rheumatoid Arthitis (RA) is a disease that affects about 2.1 million Americans according to statistics from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Although associated with senior citizens, the disease affects people of all ages including younger people. There is a form of RA that is common among young people called Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthitis. (JRA). JRA is believed to affect about 1 in 1000 children. RA affects women at higher rates than men and has been known to show up in certain families which leads scientists to believe it may be hereditary. RA is less common than ostheoarthristis which is caused by the wear in tear in the joints as people age. According to the book "Understanding Arthritis," by Stanton P. Newman, osthearthitis is found in the majority of people over the age of 75."

Sample of Sources Used:

Courtenay, Eileen. Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Separate World - Personal Account of Livingwith Rheumatoid Arthritis. (2000). Branden Books.
Davis, Jeannie Lerche. (2006). Life With Rheumatoid Arthritis. Retrieved April 14, 2007, from http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/life-with-rheumatoid-arthritis
Lahita, Robert George. Rheumatoid Arthitis: Everything You Need to Know (2001). Penguin. New York, NY.]'
Miller, Christine (2006). More Evidence that Diet Affects the Immune System. RetrievedApril 20, 2007 from http://www.healthcentral.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/c/38/2828/diet/
Newman, Stanton P. Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis (1995). Routledge