Central Missouri Regional Arthritis Center

Major Forms of Arthritis and Related Diseases

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis generally come to mind when we think about arthritis.  But did you know that there are more than 100 types of arthritis?  Arthritis literally means joint inflamation.  However, there are several musculoskeletal disorders that fall under the umbrella (or category) of arthritis.  Some of the major forms of arthritis are listed below:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Gout
• Lupus

Download Major Forms of Arthritis to learn about other arthritis related diseases.  Once you've learned about the different types of arthritis click here to locate a program near you and find out what you can do to manage it.

Guidelines for Portraying People with Arthritis

There are a number of special sensitivities we should be aware of when talking or writing about people with arthritis.  The following guidelines denote Arthritis Foundation national policy.

1. In referring to people with arthritis, NEVER use the words “sufferer,” “victim,” or “arthritic.”  Use the word “patient” only in the sense of a strict doctor-patient relationship.  People who have arthritis are never referred to as “cripples.”  Avoid calling arthritis a “crippling” disease.  These words carry an image of inferiority – certainly not an image that we want to condone.  As a general rule, refer to people with arthritis as just that – people with arthritis.
2. The word “disability” is preferred rather than “handicapped” when referring to people with severe physical impairment due to arthritis.  A disability is a medical condition, whereas a handicap is the cumulative result of the obstacles that a disability poses.  People are not handicapped by their disability all the time.  For example, a person in a wheelchair is not handicapped on a job that does not require a great deal of mobility.
3. Avoid portraying people with disabilities who succeed as superhuman.  This implies that people who are disabled have no talents.  Similarly, avoid using emotional descriptives such as unfortunate, pitiful, etc. to describe people with disabilities.  Emphasize abilities, such as “uses a wheelchair” rather than “is confined to a wheelchair.”
4. People who do not have arthritis are not referred to as “normal.”  That clearly indicates that people who do have arthritis are abnormal.  Also, do not refer to people who do not have arthritis as “able-bodies” or “whole.”  (Does arthritis make someone into half a person?)  When a distinction is needed between people who are disabled by arthritis and those who are not, refer to them as “disabled” and “non-disabled.”
5. Avoid using the term “quackery” due to its negative and potentially legal implications.  “Unproven,” “untested,” or “non-traditional” remedies are good alternative descriptions.  Never, ever refer to someone as a “quack.”

Excerpt from the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Instructor’s Manual, 2005

Discover Your Heart Health

Approximately half of all adults in Missouri who report having cardiovascular disease (66%), hypertension (52.2%) or high cholesterol (49.8%) also report having arthritis. 

Discover your heart health at www.heart.org/missouriproject or Download Know Your Factors to learn more.  This free online tool helps you determine your health status and it only takes a few minutes!

Sponsored by the Columbia / Boone County Health Department.

 

Be An Advocate For The 1.4 Million Missourians With Arthritis

Our new website was designed to connect the community, partners and leaders to arthritis resources in Missouri.  But these resources are only helpful if people are aware of them.  You can be an arthritis advocate and help us spread the word about arthritis, it's impact on Missouri and techniques to manage this chronic condition by participating in a Website Challenge. 

You will receive a gift of appreciation for participating.  It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Download Website Challenge form or request a copy from CEMRAC at phelpsam@missouri.edu or (573) 882-8097.
2. Ask your participants, friends, family, coworkers, etc. to subscribe to receive arthritis updates directly in their email in-box.  All they have to do is list their email address and check which type of updates they want to receive.  Note: Email addresses will not be shared with any other organization or person.  Recipients have the right to unsubscribe at any time.
3. Mail the completed form to CEMRAC 1205 University Ave, Ste 1100, Columbia, MO 65211.

Arthritis Foundation Self Help Leader Training - June 3 & 4, 2010

Download Arthritis Self Help Training Flyer 

The next Arthritis Foundation Self Help program Leader Training is scheduled on June 3 & 4, 2010 from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm at University Place Apartments in Columbia. 

The training is free to leaders who commit to leading a class with in 3 months of the training, a second with in 12 months of the training and submit participant data. 

Programs offered in underserved areas may be eligible for the Leader Assistance Program; which helps cover the initial costs to provide a program. 

All registrations must be pre-approved.  Walk-ins will not be accepted.  Download AF Self Help Registration June2010

Contact CEMRAC at 573-882-8097 or phelpsam@missouri.edu for additional information.  

The Arthritis Toolkit

People with arthritis and fibromylgia can live a healthy life by actively managing the physical and emotional problems that come with their disease.  The Arthritis Toolkit does not provide cures or miracles.  Most types of arthritis cannot be cured.  Living a healthy life with a chronic disease is possible with good self-management!

The toolkit includes the basic building blocks for each inidividual to use in constructing a personal approach to the management of the disease through exercise, pain management, and relaxation.  It encourages goal-setting, action-planning, proactive thinking, and acting ahead.

Each toolkit includes the following self-management tools:

• The Arthritis Helpbook
• Information sheets briefly describing common problems and helpful solutions
• Self-test that helps individuals identify the elements and set priorities for a personal self-management plan
• Action Plan description with instruction and examples for developing a unique plan
• Exercise Action Plan with hints and instruction on use of the other exercise and activity materials
• Relaxation and Exercise CDs
• All in one self-contained kit to which the individual can add their own materials

The key to good self-management is learning skills and then practicing them.  It will take practice.  These are the elements that can help you design an individual program to restore some degree of control over the effects of the disease on the body and activities and live a healthier, happier, more comfortable life!

Toolkits are available to check out for 6 weeks through the Regional Arthritis Center, your local senior center and University of Missouri Extension office.

View a schedule of upcoming classes, leader trainings, and meetings sponsored by the Central Missouri Regional Arthritis Center.

To view a list of classes by course and location click here.

To view a list of leader trainings by course and date click here.

About CEMRAC

The Central Missouri Regional Arthritis Center (CEMRAC) is one of seven regional arthritis centers in Missouri.  Our program aims to improve the health and quality of life for all Missourians affected by arthritis through prevention, early recognition, diagnosis & professional care, and promoting successful self-management.

CEMRAC offers self-management and physical activity programs for people with arthritis and other related conditions such as osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, etc. 

CEMRAC serves a 24-county area including: Audrain, Benton, Boone, Callaway, Camden, Chariton, Cole, Cooper, Dent, Gasconade, Howard, Laclede, Maries, Miller, Moniteau, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Osage, Pettis, Phelps, Pulaski, Randolph, and Saline counties.

Services Available

• Leader Training and Referrals to Self-Management Programs

• Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program 
• Chronic Disease Self Management Program
• The Arthritis Toolkit 
• Leader Training and Referrals to Physical Activity Programs

• Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
• EnhnaceFitnes
• Information on Arthritis and Osteoporosis
• Arthritis and Osteoporosis Presentations for community and civic organizations.
• Referrals to Community Resources.

Click on the Classes link to view a list of local programs.