Agency Spotlight - Arthritis Foundation
May is National Arthritis Month, so what better time to celebrate improving the quality of life for yourself or anyone you may know who has arthritis? On Wednesday, May 28, 2008, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, the Arthritis Foundation will host the 5 th Annual Lorain County Arthritis Expo and Wellness Fair at the Spitzer Conference Center on the campus of Lorain County Community College. The event is free and open to the public. It will feature presentations from doctors and other health professionals from co-sponsor EMH Regional Healthcare System and Linnette Goard, OSU Extension Director, who will speak on “Diet and Arthritis.” In addition, there will be free health screenings, an Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program demonstration, exhibits from community groups and businesses, wonderful refreshments, and door prizes. Simply call 800-245-2275, ext. 192 to register, or call 800-245-2275, ext. 114 for more details.
Diet & Arthritis…Is There A Quick Cure?
Today there are many claims that special diets, foods, or supplements can cure arthritis. Some of these claims generate a lot of publicity (and money for those making the claims and trying to sell us something). The idea that there are simple answers to arthritis treatment is very appealing in particular to those who are in pain every day. Confused about all of the “infomercial” claims and what seems like daily nutritional update findings reported in the news? You are not alone! For answers to your questions on diet and arthritis, help is available from the Arthritis Foundation, Northeastern Ohio Chapter!
Most claims for cure-all diets and nutritional supplements have not been scientifically tested to determine if they are true and if the diet or supplement is safe. The scientific studies associated with these claims are often incomplete and may be harmful instead of beneficial. Some diets and supplements promoted as arthritis cures are outright frauds; others simply haven't been well tested.
The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases. It supports research with the greatest potential for advances and has invested more than $370 million in these efforts since its inception in 1948.
The Arthritis Foundation suggests that you ask the following questions about diet claims associated with arthritis treatment:
- Does the diet completely eliminate any group of foods from the basic food groups?
- Does the diet stress only a few foods or eliminate others?
- Does the diet have any potentially harmful effects?
- Does the diet have only personal testimonies, rather than scientific evidence, to support it?
If you can answer “ yes” to any of these questions, it is probably an unproven diet. You should be suspicious of any diet that claims to treat or cure arthritis. If such a diet existed, your doctor would likely know about it and recommend it to you. If you think something in your diet makes your arthritis better or worse, develop a plan with your doctor or a registered dietitian. Continue your regular medical care for arthritis, even if you decide to try a diet change.
Also be cautious of vitamins or supplements that do not list content ingredients, cite only one study as proof of effectiveness, claim a 100-percent success rate, are available only from one source, or claim they are based on a secret formula.
The current evidence shows that extra weight and the type of diet you follow may influence the development, symptoms and progression of certain types of arthritis and related conditions (gout is a familiar example). However, specific foods rarely cause or improve arthritis. Because there are more than 100 types of arthritis and related diseases, no single diet will help everyone. Doctors strongly recommend that all persons with arthritis, young and old, follow a healthy diet based on variety, balance and moderation. While there is no quick cure or special arthritis diet, a well-balanced diet can help you feel better and stay healthy.
Specific guidelines for a healthy diet include:
Eat a variety of foods and avoid those that can interact with your medications.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Eat fat and cholesterol in moderation.
Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products.
Use sugar and salt in moderation.
Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all.
Consume your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals, including calcium.
To request a free 20-page booklet on “Diet and Arthritis” which also includes tips for making meal preparation easier, or to find out more about other programs and services from the Arthritis Foundation, call 800-245-2275, ext. 114. To register for the Lorain County Arthritis Expo, call 800-245-2275, ext. 192.
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