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  • About Arthritis
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    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurseNewly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
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    • Where it Hurts
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    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    About Biosimilars

    More of these biologic medications will soon be available. Learn what they are, whether you should consider them and what to ask your doctor.

    Webinar: Sleep Solutions for Pain

    Experts discuss solutions on how to quiet nighttime pain to get better sleep.

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    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

    Woman ExercisingYour Exercise Solution (YES)

    Movement is the best medicine, even when your joints hurt. Your Exercise Solution (YES) is a resource to help you create a physical activity routine with modifications developed and approved by physical therapists.

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    JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

    JA Camps

    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

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    • About Juvenile Arthritis
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    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

    Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices. 

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    See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

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    OACS Forum Series

    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's kneeConquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

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    Capital hillAction Center

    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

    woman listening to podcastLive Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

    Walk to cure arthritisWalk To Cure Arthritis

    Join the movement and make an impact by honoring those who rock your world at the Arthritis Foundation’s signature walk event, Walk to Cure Arthritis. Register as an individual or form a team and Rock the Walk in your community!

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Build a Support System to Fight Arthritis

Build a strong social support network to improve your overall health and well-being.

By: Jennifer Cuthbertson

Being surrounded by people who understand you, make you feel loved and supported, and who will help out in a pinch is important to everyone. But for people who live with a chronic disease like arthritis, a strong social support system plays an even more crucial role in overall health and well-being.

Social support can take several forms. It might be as simple as knowing your friends and family care for you – a sense that they have your back. Or it could be more tangible, like when your spouse cleans the house so you can rest. Support can also come in the form of information: advice, tips, tricks and tools that help you live better day-to-day.

The Importance of Social Support
Whatever form support takes, you need it. Studies have shown that people with chronic disease who have a strong social support system have a better quality of life than those without support. Whether informal or formal, support can reduce the psychological and physical consequences of stress.

“A strong social support diminishes isolation by creating a sense of connection and belonging,” says Neda Gould, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore. “It also has been shown that it can lower blood pressure and boost the immune system.”

Putting Your Network Together
Isolation can be a real problem for people with arthritis. Pain and physical limitations can make it difficult to get out there and socialize. Plus, many people find it hard to ask for help. So, just how do you go about developing a social support system?

“Building a social network will obviously be different for everyone,” says Gould, who is also director of the Mindfulness Program at Johns Hopkins. “Start small. Pick one friend to reach out to this week. Or focus on something that interests you, and join a group that meets either virtually or in real-life.”

Depending on where you live and what your interests are, you might:

  • Join a book club or other in-person or virtual group focusing on something of interest.
  • Take a continuing education class at a local college or university.
  • Get together on a regular basis with friends for lunch, dinner or an activity.

The Benefits of a Support Group

If you are having difficulty managing your arthritis and related symptoms, you might want something more formal and focused. In this instance, a support group might be the answer. Meeting with people who have arthritis and cope with the same issues as you can provide practical benefits. You will feel less isolated and you may learn some new tips and tools for managing your disease.

The Arthritis Foundation’s Live Yes! Arthritis community is a great place to start. It has both in-person groups and online communities of people who also live with arthritis.

What to Look for in a Support Group

If you have never been part of a support group before, it can be daunting to think about finding the right one. You may have to check out a few groups before finding one that fits your needs and personality. In general, look for those that:

  • Focus on arthritis or living with a chronic disease.
  • Have an atmosphere in which you feel supported, safe and comfortable.
  • Have active members who’ve been taking part for a while, so you know you’re joining a stable group.
  • Also have newbies, so you get a range of opinions and perspective.

However you decide to seek out support, it’s important that you do so. As Gould points out, stress worsens disease and social support is the antidote to stress.

 

Sources

Support & Social Conflict: Section One - Social Support. https://macses.ucsf.edu/research/psychosocial/socsupp.php

Social Support. https://www.med.upenn.edu/hbhe4/part3-ch9-key-constructs-social-support.shtml

Petrie KJ and Jones ASK. Coping with Chronic Illness. In: Cambridge Handbook of Psychology, Health and Medicine. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=_r-PDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA110&dq=chronic+illness+and+social+support&ots=KEWL5ZFoAc&sig=5xORE1xcgU2LJntA8bGTBVCqt2c#v=onepage&q=chronic%20illness%20and%20social%20support&f=false

Howick J, et al. Establishing a causal link between social relationships and health using the Bradford Hill Guidelines. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6527915/

Social Support. https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/social-support

Reblin M and Uchino BN. Social and emotional support and its implication for health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18332671

Emotional Wellness
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Build Resilience to Cope with Arthritis

Emotional Well-being

Build Resilience to Cope with Arthritis
Learn strategies to keep mentally and physically strong despite challenges living with arthritis and dealing with uncertainty.
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The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

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Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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