Dr. Gary McClain of JustGotDiagnosed.com Compares Chronic Illness to an Unwanted Houseguest

New York, NY (PRWEB) July 25, 2012

Dr. Gary McClain today released a new article, Living with the Unwanted Houseguest,”for individuals facing chronic medical conditions. A specialist in the emotional and spiritual impact of chronic and catastrophic illnesses, Gary McClain, PhD, developed http://www.JustGotDiagnosed.com to address a serious need he saw going unfulfilled; namely, a way for newly-diagnosed patients to receive help in coping with their emotional reactions to their diagnosis. Dr. McClain also blogs on the patient social networking site, http://www.AllianceHealth.com.

According to McClain, chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes are like an unwanted houseguest who has taken up residence on your living room couch. Who makes demands, interferes with routines, complicates your relationships, costs you money, does scary things at times and won’t move out. Youve tried everything, youve tried to ignore him, youve had arguments, youve threatened, youve begged and pleaded. But hes still there, blasting the TV and demanding breakfast in bed.

Rheumatic Diseases Remain a Significant Cause of Chronic Illness in Children; with Juvenile Arthritis One of the Most Prevalent Types

Dublin (PRWEB) February 23, 2006

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c33130) has announced the addition of Juvenile Arthritis – A Niche in the Market to their offering.

Juvenile arthritis is the next indication due for approval for blockbuster biologic therapies Remicade (infliximab) and Humira (adalimumab). Pediatric rheumatology is a growing specialty that offers high unmet need in terms of effective well-tested treatments. Rheumatic diseases remain a significant cause of chronic illness in children, with juvenile arthritis one of the most prevalent types.

Scope of this title:

Outline of the various juvenile arthritis classifications and guidelines

Insight into the use of key drug classes including disease modifying and pain killing treatments

Assess the future product positioning and life-cycle management strategies as commercially viable strategies are proposed for drug development in JIA

Read the latest data for novel products in clinical trials for this indication

Highlights of this title:

Classifications for juvenile arthritis are often dissimilar, and vary from the US to the EU. The International League for Arthritis Research (ILAR) has outlined a definitive Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) definition which is now being adopted in clinical trials.

Pathology differs from adult RA mechanisms, but IL-1 and IL-6 appear to be key mediators and inhibition of each has shown promise in JIA. Kineret (anakinra) the only IL-1 inhibitor currently available does not appear to be in development for JIA, but Actemra (tocilizumab) is expected to launch in both adult and juvenile RA in the near future.

Orphan designation qualifies the sponsor of the product for tax credit and marketing incentives, and all three biologic TNF-inhibitors currently have orphan designation in the US but only Enbrel (etanercept) is approved in this indication. Novel products are advised to apply for this designation.

Reasons to order your copy:

Identify the key definitions and subtypes involved in juvenile arthritis and evaluate the latest guidelines and treatment algorithms

Develop commercial strategies for juvenile arthritis approval

Understand the latest trial data from novel biologic therapies such as IL-6 inhibitor tocilizumab and IL-1 inhibitor anakinra

Chapters Include:-

Chapter 1

Executive summary

Introduction

Scope and coverage of the Brief

Key findings about the topic

Chapter 2

Disease classification and epidemiology

Classification of juvenile arthritis

Epidemiology

Chapter

Current treatments for jia

The changing treatment algorithm

Clinical trial outcome measures

Therapies

Chapter 4

Pipeline innovations and clinical trials

Commercial attractiveness of the market

Pipeline trial results

APPENDIX

Dr. Jesse Stoff Welcomes More Information About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

New York, New York (PRWEB) June 19, 2012

According to Dr. Jesse Stoff, a progressive medical practitioner in the field of immunology, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), has earned the undeserved reputation as an alternative wastebasket diagnosis for depression. The condition involves prolonged exhaustion following physical exertion, unexplained muscle and joint pain and lack of concentration and memory. While the symptoms can be continually devastating for patients, there has been no discovery as to what causes CFS. According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, a new study has been released to reveal more information and treatment options for doctors struggling with how to diagnosis and treat the chronic illness.

The article discusses the recently released publication called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Primer for Clinical Practitioners. The International Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis President, Dr. Fred Friedberg explains the importance of this new document, [This condition] affects at least one million people in the US yet up to 80% of them have not yet been diagnosed. Medical providers are often uncomfortable diagnosing and treating these patients and patients tell us that they frequently have difficulty finding a knowledgeable physician. We hope that the Primer will help solve these problems.

Dr. Jesse Stoff provides further explanation on the development of CFS research stating, The constellation of signs, symptoms and biochemical abnormalities has been well delineated. Stress seems to play a key role in being the straw that broke the camels back leading to a cascade of disturbances in the; central nervous system, neuro-endocrine systems and the immune system. Stoff is mostly concerned with the immune system, as he works to treat patients to restore their immune systems, believing that a fully-functional immune system is not susceptible to chronic illnesses such as CFS, cancer and other conditions.

The article cites that CFS has cost the American economy loses $ 18-24 billion each year due to decreased work productivity, lost tax revenue, increased health care expenditures and disability payments. Dr. Jesse Stoff hopes this new primer and further immunology studies will not only help patients recover from this debilitating condition, but also help repair the American economy. He concludes, Since the recognition of CFS as a true medical illness by the CDC, research has slowly lifted veil after veil to better understand and treat this disorder. I applaud the efforts of medical researchers and educators to better comprehend this syndrome.

ABOUT:

Dr. Jesse Stoff has a rich history in immunology research and practice and has formed several strong relationships with medical professionals all over the world to advance the field of medicine. Currently, Dr. Stoff is a Clinical Immunology Consultant for East End Wellness Center and S.P.R.I.M. He provides advice to several physicians and contributes to exciting new projects on the subject of immunology. As of now, Dr. Jesse Stoff is assisting in the development of GRAS substances that support the immune system.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Useful Herbs And Homeopathic Remedies For Juvenile Chronic Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a serious and often crippling condition. While it usually strikes in middle age this disease can also attack young people and leads to stiff, aching or damaged joints. Natural supplements for rheumatoid arthritis can alleviate many of the symptoms of arthritis and even help the body repair damage done to joints.

A condition referred to as a systemic inflammatory disorder Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any part of the body, but usually attacks the joints destroying cartilage. Supplements containing specific vitamins, minerals, and herbs can restore cartilage, reduce inflammation, and increase the flexibility of joints.

Useful Herbs

Turmeric:

From time immemorial, turmeric has been value in Asia, especially India, for its medicinal properties. The curcumin, the yellow compound so as to give turmeric its quality color, is known to be helpful in treat rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric has antibacterial property and aids in plummeting the irritation of the joints.

Celery:

This herb is known to be an anti-spasmodic and helps to alleviate the pain. It can be also used by people suffering from osteoarthritis.

Arnica:

This herb is utilized a lot in homeopathic treatments. It helps to alleviate soreness and reduce inflammation and swelling. The paste of the herb has to be applied topically to the affected joint. It should not be consumed without checking with an alternative medicine doctor.

Green Tea:

This has been tout world more than for its physical condition settlement. Where rheumatoid arthritis is concerned, green tea acts as a mild painkiller.

Wild Yam:

This is a tuber that grows in tropical climates. It contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, wild yam also helps to reduce the gap between joints that occurs due to the disease.

Homeopathic Remedies

Causticum:

Stiffness of the joint that is so severe, it feels as if the joint is paralyzed. Generally worse from cold, dry weather. Better in rainy weather. Affects the fingers predominantly.

Rhus Toxicodendron:

The main homeopathic remedy considered from rheumatism with pain and stiffness. The pain and stiffness causes the person to shift and stretch. Worse in the morning upon rising; in the cold, damp, rainy weather; storms; and sitting for long periods of time (such as in a movie or a car ride). They feel better from heat, hot bathing, or showers; and continued, gentle motion.

Arnica:

Great soreness all over. Even the bed feels too hard. They feel bruised or beaten. Worse from being jarred or touched; they fear being touched. Pains are usually symmetrical.

Aurum Metallicum:

Rheumatism with stiffness or spasms of the chest wall. This is an important remedy to consider for people who also have ankylosing spondylitis. Generally worse at night.

Ledum:

Swelling, coldness and pallor (sometimes blueness) in the affected joint. Worse from heat. In general, the pains ascend during the course of the illness to more proximal joints.

Pulsatilla:

Wandering arthritis; changeable symptoms and pains. Worse in the evening and with heat. Better from the cold; uncovering the joint; cold applications; and in the open air.

Homeopathic treatment will best assist people experiencing RA from constitutional, long-term care and, as mentioned, in the earlier stages of the illness.

Professor Denis Wakefield talks about the opportunity to research a rare childhood condition made possible by the Juvenile Arthritis/Uveitis research fund.

Find More Juvenile Arthritis Articles

Sharing the Trends of Chronic Pain with Doctors Just Got Less Painful

Columbus, Ohio (PRWEB) April 04, 2012

My Pain Diary: Chronic Pain Management (MPD) is used by thousands of patients and e-Patients around the world to track and manage a variety of chronic conditions such as: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Menopause and Depression.

The latest update brings a refreshed Doctors Report. Patients can now add a custom graph to the report which plots up to three pain metrics against one weather metric over time.

These graphs make consuming the information in the report much quicker for the doctor, and the visual nature of reports makes identifying patterns and triggers much more efficient.

With this new tool, chronic pain patients and their doctors can improve their communication and work together to attain better pain management.

For cases that would benefit from more than one graph, users can now create a PDF of any graph from the Graphs tab.

Also in this update of My Pain Diary:

The improved Doctors Report has been restructured to make it easier to read more scalable in preparation for upcoming features.

A new premium feature, Passcode Lock allows the patient to lock the diary. Not only does this provide an added layer of privacy, it also can help prevent accidental edits to diary entries.

About My Pain Diary:

My Pain Diary: Chronic Pain Management (MPD) is a patient-targeted iOS app created to help sufferers of chronic pain track their pain and communicate with their doctors. MPD is developed and actively maintained by Damon Lynn.

About Damon Lynn:

Damon is a chronic pain patient with over a decade of interactive design and development experience. Before falling for the iPhone, Damon built a successful career in web design & development, Flash development, multimedia production and entrepreneurial innovationism. When Damon is not hard at work improving My Pain Diary, he is spending time with his family, developing casual games, and making up words like innovationism.

Related Arthritis Pain Press Releases

NYC Chiropractor Announces Natural Treatment Solutions for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

(PRWEB) March 20, 2012

Its estimated that some 1 million Americans suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome a disorder with no known cause though a recent study reports that undiagnosed parasites in the digestion system can lead to CFS, which commonly results in extreme fatigue, cognitive difficulties, depression, headaches, and muscle and joint pain.

But according to Dr. Josh Wagner the only Manhattan chiropractor specializing in Torque Release Technique, a drug-free, safe and natural treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other chronic pain disorders the key to eliminating CFS lies in taking natural, proactive steps to build up and strengthen the immune system.

Like many other chronic pain conditions that have commonly emerged in the last 20 years, CFS is a result of toxicity and internal nervous system stress, which exhaust the body, says Wagner, founder of The Life House Chiropractic on Manhattans Upper East Side. Chronic Fatigue should not be looked at as a disease itself, but rather the end result of a distressed nervous system.

Wagner adds that CFS sufferers need to realize that the first step to regaining their health is to break through long-term despondency over their condition and realize they can get better. The biggest challenge I see in people with chronic pain conditions is having the belief they can heal, says Wagner, and secondly, that theyre ultimately responsible for and in charge of their health.

Wagner suggests these highly effective steps to help relieve and eliminate the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

New Legislation Aims to Help West Virginians with Chronic Illnesses

Atlanta, Georgia (PRWEB) March 21, 2012

Cost-sharing practices that limit access to vital medications for West Virginians with serious health conditions may soon be alleviated thanks to a bill just introduced in Congress. The bi-partisan legislation, supported by the American College of Rheumatology, the Arthritis Foundation and other medical and patient groups, has been introduced by Rep. David B. McKinley (R-WV) and Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.).

The Patients’ Access to Treatments Act of 2012 (H.R.4209) would limit co-payment, co-insurance or other cost-sharing requirements that insurance plans require for so-called specialty medications. Medications placed on a specialty tier require enrollees to pay a percent of the cost as opposed to a traditional co-pay. By reducing out-of-pocket costs, this legislation would make access to innovative and necessary medications more available to West Virginians with chronic, disabling or life-threatening conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, affecting more than 50 million Americans. In 2007, 36 percent of adults in West Virginia reported being diagnosed with arthritis. Many of these patients are prescribed biologics or specialty drugs to help treat arthritis and other serious health conditions.

This legislation is a clear solution for my patients with rheumatic diseases, says Dr. Shelly Kafka, ACR member and practicing rheumatologist in Clarksburg, W.Va. Currently there is no cure for inflammatory rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis but biologics have been proven to decrease or eliminate debilitating symptoms. I support the Patients’ Access to Treatments Act of 2012 because it ensures that patients in West Virginia and across the nation will have access to much needed therapies.

Insurance plans are increasingly adopting a tiered prescription drug system that puts the most expensive medications into a higher specialty tier. As a result, patients out-of-pocket costs could run from several hundred to thousands of dollars a month for a single medication. These practices are placing necessary treatments out of reach of insured Americans with chronic disease and contributing to disability and rising healthcare costs.

Excessive cost sharing that prevents insured patients from accessing the medications they need is simply unacceptable, says Dr. James O’Dell, American College of Rheumatology president and rheumatology professor of internal medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the Omaha Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Omaha, Neb. We applaud the leadership of Reps. McKinley and Capps for their commitment to making sure more people can access the specialty medications that can prevent them from becoming disabled, seriously ill or dying. Their efforts today will help to reduce unnecessary surgeries, hospital and ER visits, as well as the high costs of long-term care for people whose health conditions worsen because they are not able to receive proper treatment.

The Arthritis Foundation and the American College of Rheumatology have partnered together representing both patients and health care providers to raise awareness of the detrimental impacts of excessive cost sharing practice that has become a barrier to improved health for people with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis and other chronic conditions that are impacted by these practices. The affected class of medications, known as biologic drugs, is used to prevent joint destruction and disability associated with certain forms of inflammatory arthritis. Similar medications are used to treat conditions including multiple sclerosis, lupus, Crohns disease, hemophilia, some forms of cancer, and other conditions.

High patient cost-sharing compromises access to needed medications, such as biologic therapies that have proved to reduce disability and maintain function for certain inflammatory forms of arthritis, says President and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation Dr. John H. Klippel. While arguably the most significant treatment advancement of this era for arthritis, the costs for these medications can exceed $ 20,000 annually, making the drug unaffordable. As a result, people tend to delay or stop taking medications, which in turn, costs our economy millions of dollars each year in additional health care costs and lost wages.

If passed, the Patients’ Access to Treatments Act of 2012 will place necessary treatments in the reach of insured Americans with chronic disease and help to eliminate disability and rising health care costs. More than six out of every 10 West Virginia residents aged 65 and older will be affected by arthritis by 2025 and the CDC estimates that nearly $ 750 million was expended in West Virginia in 1997 on arthritis-related conditions.

Millions of Americans–too many–currently suffer from chronic and disabling diseases and are unable to afford critical treatments to relieve their pain and prolong their lives, said Rep. McKinley. Over 300,000 children nationwide suffer from juvenile arthritis alone. The Patients’ Access to Treatments Act of 2012 will allow access for millions of insured Americans to these critical treatments that can save their lives, help them function in daily life, or prevent them from becoming totally disabled.

People concerned about lower costs for medications can take a simple step: Ask Congress to Co-Sponsor the Patients’ Access to Treatments Act of 2012 (H.R.4209). Reach lawmakers through http://www.arthritis.org/high_costsharing.php or http://www.rheumatology.org/advocacy/actioncenter.asp.

About the American College of Rheumatology

Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., the American College of Rheumatology is an international professional medical society that represents more than 8,500 rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals. Rheumatologists are internists or pediatricians who are qualified by training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones. Over 50 million Americans including nearly 300,000 children suffer from the painful, disabling and sometimes fatal effects of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. The ACR’s mission is to advance rheumatology. Learn more by visiting http://www.rheumatology.org or follow ACR on Twitter at twitter.com/acrheum.

About the Arthritis Foundation

Striking one in every five adults and 300,000 children, arthritis is the nations leading cause of disability. The Arthritis Foundation (http://www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of this serious and painful disease, which can severely damage joints and rob people of living life to its fullest. The Foundation funds life-changing research that has restored mobility in patients for more than six decades; fights for health care policies that improve the lives of the millions who live with arthritis; and partners with families to provide empowering programs and information.

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