Ebiz247.com Guide To Autoimmune Disease Information

What are autoimmune diseases?
Our bodies have an immune system that protects us from disease and infection. But if you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system attacks itself by mistake, and you can get sick. Autoimmune diseases can affect connective tissue in your body (the tissue which binds together body tissues and organs). Autoimmune disease can affect many parts of your body, like your nerves, muscles, endocrine system (system that directs your body's hormones and other chemicals), and digestive system.

What is Graves' disease?
Graves' Disease is a type of autoimmune disease that causes over-activity of the thyroid gland, causing hyperthyroidism. This over-activity is also sometimes called "toxic diffuse goiter." The thyroid gland helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy. When the thyroid is too active, it makes more thyroid hormones than the body needs. High levels of thyroid hormones can cause side effects such as weight loss, rapid heart rate and nervousness. This is an uncommon disease that affects 2 percent of all women at some time in their lives. Graves' Disease also tends to affect women between the ages of 20 and 40, although it occurs in infants, children, and the elderly.

HIV
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. This virus may be passed from one person to another when infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions come in contact with an uninfected person's broken skin or mucous membranes*. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast-feeding. People with HIV have what is called HIV infection. Some of these people will develop AIDS as a result of their HIV infection.

AIDS
AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Acquired - means that the disease is not hereditary but develops after birth from contact with a disease causing agent (in this case, HIV). Immunodeficiency - means that the disease is characterized by a weakening of the immune system. Syndrome - refers to a group of symptoms that collectively indicate or characterize a disease. In the case of AIDS this can include the development of certain infections and/or cancers, as well as a decrease in the number of certain cells in a person's immune system. A diagnosis of AIDS is made by a physician using specific clinical or laboratory standards. For more HIV and AIDS information visit the CDC website

ARTHRITIS: The Nation's Leading Cause of Disability

What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis comprises over 100 different diseases and conditions. The most common are osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Common symptoms include pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in or around the joints. Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms.

Why Is Arthritis a Public Health Problem?
In 2002, 43 million American adults (about 1 in 5) reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis, making arthritis one of the nation's most common health problems. As the U.S. population ages, these numbers are likely to increase dramatically. For example, the number of people who have doctor-diagnosed arthritis is projected to increase to 67 million in 2030.

Arthritis is the nation's leading cause of disability, limiting everyday activities for 16 million Americans in 2002. Work limitations attributable to arthritis affect more than 5% of the general population and nearly 30% of people with arthritis. Each year, arthritis results in 750,000 hospitalizations and 36 million outpatient visits. Direct medical costs for arthritis were more than $51 billion in 1997. Arthritis is not just an old person's disease. Nearly two-thirds of people with arthritis are younger than 65. Although arthritis affects children and people of all racial and ethnic groups, it is more common among women and older adults.

What Can Be Done to Target Arthritis?
There are effective ways to prevent arthritis and to reduce the symptoms, lessen the disability, and improve the quality of life for people with arthritis. For example,
Weight control and injury prevention measures can lower a person's risk for osteoarthritis. The pain and disability that accompany arthritis can be decreased through early diagnosis and appropriate management, including self-management activities such as weight control and physical activity. Self-management education programs can reduce pain and costs. For example, the Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program teaches people how to manage arthritis and lessen its effects. This 6-week course reduces arthritis pain by 20% and physician visits by 40%. Unfortunately, less than 1% of Americans with doctor-diagnosed arthritis participate in such programs, and courses are not offered in all areas of the country. More widespread use of this course and similar programs, such as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, could save money and reduce the burden of arthritis.