TEMPLATE OP-ED
Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Silent Crippler
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune disease affecting 1.2 million individuals in the United States. RA
causes joint swelling, pain and stiffness often in several joints. RA has no known definitive cause, though it is
thought that genes, hormones and perhaps the environment may play a role in its onset.
RA affects two to three times more women than men, with prevalence increasing with age. Progression of the
disease often leads to joint deformity and loss of function, which may occur within one to two years of disease
onset. There is no cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are the most common
cause of disability in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1.
Nearly 41% of adults with an arthritis diagnosis report arthritis-attributable activity limitations2. Disability is
higher among patients with rheumatoid arthritis with 60% being unable to work 10 years after the onset of their
disease3.
Of additional concern, recent studies have demonstrated an increased mortality in rheumatoid patients. Median
life expectancy was shortened an average of 7 years for men and 3 years for women compared to control
populations4.
There is no cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment slow progression of
the disease. Research indicates that some biologics slow disease progression markedly for up to 7 years5.
Biological products include a wide range of products such as vaccines, blood and blood components,
allergenics, somatic cells, gene therapy and recombinant therapeutic proteins6.
Risk factors for arthritis have been identified, including gender, obesity, lack of exercise and race. Approximately,
61% of all arthritis patients are women. American Indians and Native Alaskans have higher rates of RA than
Caucasians or African Americans. Another risk factor for RA is obesity; a large proportion of obese Americans
(20-30%) report having arthritis.
Some Key Factors in Managing RA:
Eat healthy and nutritious foods. Stay away from foods high in fats or cholesterol including liver, other organ
meats, egg yolks, shrimp, baked goods, fried foods and full-fat dairy products. Opt for lean meats, salmon and
increase fiber-rich foods, such as lima and kidney beans.
1
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Data and Statistics. “Arthritis Related Statistics.” Accessed online:
http://www.cdc.gov/ARTHRITIS/data_statistics/arthritis_related_statistics.htm.
2
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Data and Statistics. “Arthritis Related Statistics.” Accessed online:
http://www.cdc.gov/ARTHRITIS/data_statistics/arthritis_related_statistics.htm.
3
The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Presentation. Alan K. Matsumoto, Ed.
Accessed online: http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/arthritis-info/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheum_clin_pres.html.
4
The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Presentation. Alan K. Matsumoto, Ed.
Accessed online: http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/arthritis-info/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheum_clin_pres.html.
5
Cruyssen VB, Durez P, Westhovens R, De Keyser F (2009). Presentation at European League Against
Rheumatism Annual Conference Copenhagen, Denmark, 2009. Abstract #: [THU0181]. “Seven Year Follow-up
of Infliximab (IFX) in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Patients Refractory to Multiple DMARD Treatment: Attrition
and Long-Term Clinical Effect.” Accessed online: www.eular.org.
6
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Food and Drug Administration. Vaccines, Blood & Biologics.
“Resources for You (Biologics).” Accessed online:
http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/ResourcesforYou/default.htm.
TEMPLATE OP-ED
Read the label. Check the Nutrition Facts panel for Percent Daily Values (%DV): Look for foods with 5% DV or
less.
Maintain a healthy weight and BMI less than 25. Higher Body Mass Index (BMI) indicates an increased
likelihood of developing arthritis.
Step it up and exercise! Thirty minutes of physical activity on most days can help lower bad cholesterol levels,
raise good cholesterol levels, reduce weight and promote bone and joint strength.
Talk to your healthcare provider. If you experience symptoms of arthritis talk to your healthcare provider as
soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to slowing the progress of this disease.
Together we must address the growing burden of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the United States. I urge my colleagues
in the legislature to work with me to enact sound policies to provide adequate prevention and early detection
services to our citizens. That’s why I have introduced [enter bill number] that [enter short synopsis of the bill]. I
also urge my constituents to adopt healthy lifestyles to reduce their own risk of developing this debilitating
disease.