Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - North Mississippi - (Page 45)

How to recognize it: “Arthritis is a common sign,” Lockshin says. “Or the patient may have a rash or an abnormal blood test.” Other warning signs are fatigue, fever, sensitivity to sunlight, hair loss and mouth sores. What can be done about it: Anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., aspirin and acetaminophen) can help manage fever and the pain caused by inflamed joints. Your doctor may also suggest steroid injections or antimalarial medication. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) What it is: While it’s true that both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis cause joint pain, they do so for different reasons. Inflammation is the culprit in RA, while osteoarthritis is caused by the deterioration of your joints’ cartilage as you age. Also, RA can affect more than your joints. Your eyes, mouth and lungs are at risk. It often shows up earlier in life, too, between the ages of 25 and 55. How to recognize it: “Arthritis is obviously the leading symptom,” Lockshin says. “Generally, it’s in the arms, legs, hands and wrists.” And because it isn’t confined to your joints, RA can also result in dry eyes and mouth, chest pain when inhaling and nodules under the skin. What can be done about it: Medication, physical therapy and exercise can be used to manage symptoms as well as prevent future joint damage. You might also find relief by experimenting with your diet, Lockshin says, as some food intolerances or allergies make symptoms worse. Type 1 Diabetes What it is: In this autoimmune disease, the immune system turns against the pancreas—specifically the insulinproducing cells within it—making the body incapable of producing insulin. Without insulin, your blood sugar levels soar, causing problems with your heart, eyes, kidneys and more. How to recognize it: Warning signs of type 1 diabetes include frequent urination, extreme thirst, weight loss, sores that heal slowly and blurry eyesight. It can be diagnosed with a blood test. What can be done about it: Your doctor will prescribe an insulin injection regimen that will keep your blood sugar at normal levels. You will need to check your levels throughout the day to ensure they stay in the proper range. Eating well and exercising can help further manage the disease. “People with type 1 diabetes are more susceptible than those with type 2 to marked swings in blood sugar,” Lockshin says. “They should carry identification and instruconlIne tions regarding how to get help and what to do if they are behaving abnormally or losing consciousness.” Get the RiGht DiaGnosis Do You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis? Your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist or recommend Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program classes at NMMC Wellness Centers. For more information, call 800the DesK. When you’re feeling off, you want to know why. “Unfortunately, people with autoimmune diseases often face a frustrating journey to get to their diagnosis,” says Charles King, MD, a rheumatologist with IMA-Tupelo who also chairs the American College of Rheumatology’s committee on rheumatologic care. King suggests these tips: • Know youR family histoRy. Research indicates there is a genetic component to most autoimmune diseases, so take note of your relatives’ health histories. • tRacK youR symptoms. “Keep a list, starting with the one that bothers you the most,” King says. “Many people with autoimmune diseases suffer from symptoms that, at first, seem unrelated.” • finD an expeRienceD pRofessional. Unfortunately, there is no medical specialty of “autoimmunologist,” so look for a physician who deals with your major symptom. • expect multiple tests. “Pinpointing an autoimmune disease is usually an exercise in elimination,” King says, “meaning it may take several different tests to determine your diagnosis.” FAL L 2013 45

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - North Mississippi
Opening Thoughts
Recognized for Excellence
Step It Up
Your Mightiest Muscle
Well, Well, Well
Are You Doing More Harm Than Good?
Is Your Shut-Eye Serving You Well?
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge
Anatomy of an ER Visit
Next-Gen Surgery
Attack From Within
Virtual Health
Working for You
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - North Mississippi

https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2016spring-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2015winter-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2015fall-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2015summer-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2015spring-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2014winter-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2014fall-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/nmmc_communityreport_2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2014summer-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2014spring-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2013winter-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/nmmc_communityreport_2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2013fall-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2013summer-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2013spring-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2012winter-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2012fall-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/nmmc_communityreport2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2012summer-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2012spring-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2011winter-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2011fall-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/nmmc_communityreport2010
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2011summer-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2011spring-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2010winter-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2010fall-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2010summer-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/nmmc_communityreport09
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2010spring-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2009winter-nm
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com