MedicineNet Offers Arthritis Perspectives from the National Arthritis Meeting

San Clemente, CA (PRWEB) November 10, 2004

With arthritis currently affecting 15% of all Americans and the number expected to grow to 18.2% by the year 2020, this summary of new studies and research from the 2004 Annual Scientific Meeting of The American College of Rheumatology held October 16-21, 2004 is of interest to many Americans. The author, Dr. William Shiel, MD, FACP, FACR, Chief Medical Editor for MedicineNet and Editor of MedicineNet’s Arthritis content, as well as a practicing Rheumatologist, provides easy-to-read insights and perspectives on this scientific meeting for health care consumers and health care professionals.

Dr. Shiel offers perspectives on these arthritis topics:

Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis – Powerful new treatments and research

Arthritis Drugs & New Medications – What’s new, what’s old, what’s safe, what’s not

The Withdrawal of Vioxx®

Fibromyalgia – A new medicine treatment, herbal and acupuncture treatment, and association with sleep apnea

Gout – The latest real diet and new medications research

Osteoarthritis – New treatments, running and knees, water exercise, weather effects, acupuncture, and weight reduction for a disease affecting 21.1% of Americans between the ages of 25 and 75 years

Osteoporosis – New drug treatments under study and how x-rays are inadequate for diagnosis

Rheumatoid Arthritis – New treatments, associated complications, and important preventative strategies for this form of arthritis that affects 1% of all Americans

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – Medications, pregnancy, birth control pills, and controlling heart disease and stroke risks

“Medical research, such as that I have reviewed, is essential for improving the health of those suffering from arthritis. Arthritis has dramatic effects on the function and well-being of hundreds of millions of people worldwide,” notes Dr. Shiel. He adds, “At MedicineNet, because of our belief that a key role of the physician is that of educator, we offer a real teaching experience that is far beyond entertainment.”

MedicineNet, Inc. is an online healthcare publishing company, creating proprietary consumer information that is produced by a network of 75+ U.S. board-certified physicians. Since 1996, it has been the trusted source for easy-to-read, in-depth, authoritative medical information via its robust, user-friendly, interactive Web site at www.medicinenet.com. The Doctors of MedicineNet are also proud to author the Webster’s New World™ Medical Dictionary now in its second edition, published by Wiley Publishing, Inc.

The 2004 arthritis perspectives can be found on MedicineNet.com by visiting:

http://www.medicinenet.com/arthritis/focus.htm

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