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Health Line
2 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
What Type of Arthritis Do You Have?
Key takeaways Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that can cause debilitating joint pain. With over 100 kinds of arthritis and related conditions, understanding the specific type is crucial for effective treatment. Osteoarthritis (OA), also called degenerative arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis, affecting over 32 million people in the United States. It involves the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain and inflammation. If you're experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or other symptoms, talk with your doctor. Early diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan are essential for managing arthritis effectively. Arthritis and joint pain Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that can cause debilitating joint pain. There are more than 100 kinds of arthritis and related conditions. Arthritis affects more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children in America, according to the Arthritis Foundation. The causes and treatment options available vary from one type of arthritis to another. To find the best treatment and management strategies, it's important to determine the type of arthritis you have. Read on to learn about the types and the differences between them. Osteoarthritis (OA) Osteoarthritis (OA), also called degenerative arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis. It affects over 32 million people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With OA, cartilage in your joints breaks down, eventually causing your bones to rub together and your joints to be inflamed, which leads to pain, bone injury, and even bone spur formation. It may occur in just one or two joints, on one side of the body. Age, obesity, injuries, family history, and joint overuse can raise your risk of developing it. Common symptoms include: To learn if you have OA, a doctor will take your medical history and conduct a physical exam. They may order X-rays and other imaging tests. They may also taking a sample of fluid from inside an affected joint to check for infection. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of autoimmune disease in which your body attacks healthy joint tissue. Common symptoms of RA include morning stiffness and joint pain, typically in the same joint on both sides of your body. Joint deformities can eventually develop. Additional symptoms may also develop in other parts of your body including the heart, lungs, eyes, or skin. Sjögren's syndrome frequently occurs with RA. This condition causes severely dry eyes and mouth. Other symptoms and complications include: Diagnosing RA There is no one test to determine if you have RA. To develop a diagnosis, a doctor will likely take a medical history, conduct a physical exam, and order X-rays or other imaging tests. Your doctor may also order a: rheumatoid factor test anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide test complete blood count C-reactive protein test erythrocyte sedimentation rate These tests can determine whether you have an autoimmune reaction and systemic inflammation. Juvenile arthritis (JA) Juvenile arthritis (JA) affects about 300,000 children in the United States, according to the Arthritis Foundation. JA is an umbrella term for several types of arthritis that affect children. The most common type is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This is a group of autoimmune disorders that can impact children's joints. JIA starts to occur in children younger than 16 years old. It can cause: muscle and soft tissue to tighten bones to erode growth patterns to change joints to misalign Months of aching joints, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and fevers may indicate juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Other less common forms of JA include: juvenile dermatomyositis juvenile lupus juvenile scleroderma Kawasaki disease mixed connective tissue disease Spondyloarthropathies Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and other types are autoimmune conditions that attack where tendons and ligaments attach to your bone. Symptoms include pain and stiffness, especially in your lower back. Your spine will likely be affected the most, as AS is the most common of these conditions. It usually affects mainly the spine and pelvis but can affect other joints in the body. Other spondyloarthropathies can attack peripheral joints, such as those in your hands and feet. In AS, bone fusion may occur, causing deformation of your spine and dysfunction of your shoulders and hips. Ankylosing spondylitis is hereditary. Most people who develop AS have the HLA-B27 gene. You're more likely to have this gene if you have AS. It's also more common in men than women. Other spondyloarthritic diseases are also associated with the HLA-B27 gene, including: reactive arthritis, formerly known as Reiter's syndrome psoriatic arthritis enteropathic arthropathy, associated with the gastrointestinal tract acute anterior uveitis juvenile ankylosing spondylitis Lupus erythematosus Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is another autoimmune disease that can affect your joints and connective tissue in your body. It can also damage other organs, such as your: skin lungs kidneys heart brain SLE is more common among women. Common symptoms include joint pain and swelling. Other symptoms include: chest pain fatigue fever uneasiness hair loss mouth sores facial skin rash sensitivity to sunlight swollen lymph nodes You may experience more severe effects as the disease progresses. SLE affects people differently, but starting treatment as soon as possible can help you manage this condition. Gout Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of urate crystals inside your joints. High levels of uric acid in your blood may put you at risk of gout. An estimated 3.9 percent of American adults have gout — that's 5.9 percent of American men and 2 percent of American women. Age, diet, alcohol use, and family history can affect your risk of developing gout. Gout can be painful. A joint at the base of your big toe is most likely to be affected, although it can potentially affect other joints. You may experience redness, swelling, and pain in your: toes feet ankles knees hands wrists An acute attack of gout can come on strong within a few hours and can linger for days to weeks. Gout can become more severe over time. Learn more about the symptoms of gout. Infectious and reactive arthritis Infectious arthritis is an infection in one of your joints that causes pain or swelling. The infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. It can start in another part of your body and spread to your joints. This kind of arthritis is often accompanied by a fever and chills. Reactive arthritis can occur when an infection in one part of your body triggers immune system dysfunction and inflammation in a joint elsewhere in your body. The infection often occurs in your gastrointestinal tract, bladder, or sexual organs. To diagnose these conditions, your doctor can order tests on samples of your blood, urine, and fluid from inside an affected joint. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) The fingers are most commonly affected with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), but this painful condition affects other joints as well. Pink-colored fingers that appear sausage-like, and pitting of the fingernails, may also occur. The disease may also progress to your spine, causing damage similar to that of ankylosing spondylitis. If you have psoriasis, there's a chance you could also develop PsA. Other conditions and joint pain Other forms of arthritis, and other conditions, can also cause joint pain. Examples include:
CNN
12-06-2025
- Business
- CNN
I suffer from chronic joint pain. This beauty brand makes it easy to apply makeup
Tilt Beauty quick picks An ergonomic mascara: Tilt Beauty Lashscape Mascara A no-makeup makeup lip tint: Tilt Beauty Grip Stick Tinted Lip Treatment They say beauty is pain, but you shouldn't be in physical pain when applying makeup. Unfortunately, that's often the reality for me. I struggle with stiff joints in my hands and wrists, and it can be impossible to use my favorite makeup products. When you have chronic pain, something as simple as twisting off a mascara cap can be a huge hurdle. It's not a roadblock a lot of people think about unless they have to, and it's certainly not something most mainstream makeup brands ever consider. That's where the accessible beauty brand Tilt comes in handy (literally). So, what makes Tilt different from the beauty products you already use? Tilt is an adaptive and accessible brand that has designed its products to be intuitive and comfortable for all. It's also the first beauty brand to receive the Arthritis Foundation's Ease of Use certification. Tilt's adaptive design means that every aspect of the product that the user interacts with has been specially considered. For example, the packaging was made with every type of mobility in mind. The paper packaging has Braille and an easy tear-off panel, instead of hard-to-open plastic packaging. As for the products themselves, from mascara to tinted lip treatments, each one is designed with an ergonomic, curved shape and oversized grip that makes it easy to hold and apply. Beyond accessibility, Tilt also offers affordability. The lineup of ergonomic, refillable and adaptive beauty products is available on the brand's website with products all under $30. And when you run out, refills are all between $16 and $18. Here's how each product measured up after adding Tilt to my own beauty routine. Tilt Beauty Lashscape Mascara This smudge-resistant black mascara lifts and lengthens in just one swipe and comes in an ergonomic refillable tube that makes it easy to open, hold and apply. Tilt's Lashscape lengthening and lifting mascara literally made me squeal, 'Oh my gosh!' out loud as soon as I applied it. I have naturally long lashes, and this mascara lifted and lengthened them even more. No matter how many hours I wore it, there was no flaking or smudging either. In fact, the only thing that was smudged were my sunglasses — because my lashes were that long with the mascara on! As a contact wearer with very sensitive eyes, I really appreciate that the mascara is tested by ophthalmologists. Unlike other brands, it never irritated my eyes. What I liked about it: This mascara performs so well, lengthening and defining my lashes. The fact that it also doesn't strain my hands makes it a truly stellar product. What I didn't like about it: The only issue I noticed was that it can be difficult to remove the products from the reusable packaging when it's time to insert refills. It took a bit of strength to pull out the mascara. For users with limited strength or dexterity, this could be a real challenge. A potential improvement could be designing the tubes in two parts that attach with a magnet, making them even more accessible and aligned with Tilt's mission. Since Tilt is still a fairly new brand, I also wish it offered a wider range of color options, like brown mascara. Tilt Beauty Grip Stick Tinted Lip Treatment The Tilt Grip Stick is a creamy and hydrating buildable tinted lip treatment. Like the brand's mascara, the packaging makes it easy to open and use. It is available in four fragrance-free shades, plus an clear, untinted option. I tried three shades: Coffee Break (sheer nude), Sunday Brunch (sheer poppy coral) and Happy Hour (sheer berry). Since each shade is sheer, the color wasn't in your face but still provided just a slight pop of color to pull my look together. While many lip products may only work for certain skin tones, all three shades looked nice on my neutral-leaning warm skin tone. I found myself reaching for Happy Hour the most because it's a gorgeous berry shade that really complements my skin tone and everyday makeup look. Coffee Break provided just enough color to keep my entire face from looking bare on days I didn't wear makeup. It is the perfect color to apply if you're not doing much else with your makeup but still want something on your lips that isn't clear lip balm. As for Sunday Brunch, it looks shockingly orange in the tube, but I was surprised to find it was still sheer when applied. It provided the most pigmented color in one swipe and made me feel giddy to wear. Prev Next What I liked about it: The formula is silky smooth, and I could feel the hydration working immediately after application. The lip treatment is packed with great ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. On top of that, the brand has received the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition, which speaks volumes about how skin-friendly it is. I love how this lip treatment delivers a natural, no-makeup makeup look. As I've gotten older, I find less of a need to apply an entire face of makeup but still long to have a little something on. These lip products come in handy to accentuate my natural beauty without feeling overly made-up. What I didn't like about it: Again, replacing the product with a refill was a bit tricky. Other than that, I didn't have any complaints with the lip treatment. Tilt is an innovative brand that's redefining what accessible beauty can look like, without compromising on quality. The products' adaptive designs are highlights, of course, but they're also fantastic beauty products on their own. I would recommend Tilt to anyone, regardless of ability. There's truly nothing else like it on the market right now. If you've ever struggled with traditional makeup packaging or are simply looking for affordable, skin-friendly products that deliver a natural, 'no-makeup makeup' look for any age or skin tone, Tilt is absolutely worth trying. After testing it myself, I'm only left wanting more, and I can't wait to see what else Tilt comes up with. Who is the founder of Tilt Beauty? Who is the founder of Tilt Beauty? Tilt was founded by Aerin Glazer. Her own struggles with psoriatic arthritis sparked the idea of creating a beauty line with products that are comfortable and accessible to use. When did Tilt Beauty launch? When did Tilt Beauty launch? Tilt launched in February 2025. What is the best Tilt Beauty product? What is the best Tilt Beauty product? I was really impressed with the mascara. The design of the tube made it easy to grip and offered more control than others I've tried. Plus, the formula itself dramatically lengthened my lashes and didn't smudge. But if you're after a new lip product, the Grip Stick is great too. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, newsletter editor Lindsey Smith tested Tilt Beauty's accessible beauty products.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
AOFAS and the Arthritis Foundation Launch Training Program to Advance Ankle Arthritis Care
The program marks second partnership between the two organizations SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Arthritis Awareness Month, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and the Arthritis Foundation are proud to announce the first cohort of participants for the Foot and Ankle Arthritis Development Program. This new initiative offers medical students and residents a unique opportunity to gain advanced training, mentoring, and exposure to foot and ankle arthritis care. Congratulations to the seven selected participants: Rodrigo Encinas, MD, 3rd Year Resident, Orlando Health-Jewett Orthopaedic Institute, Florida Gabriel Gonzalez Diaz, MS, 4th Year Medical Student, Ponce Health Sciences University, Puerto Rico Alexandra Krez, MD, 2nd Year Resident, Hofstra University/Northwell Health, New York Ramiro Lopez, BS, 4th Year Medical Student, Mayo Clinic, Florida Sarah Lu, BA, 4th Year Medical Student, California University of Science and Medicine, California Alana O'Mara, MD, 2nd Year Resident, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. Elizabeth Rich, MD, CPT, 3rd Year Resident, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Maryland "We're thrilled to welcome the first cohort of medical students and residents to this exciting new program in partnership with the Arthritis Foundation," said Jonathon D. Backus, MD, chair of the AOFAS Committee on Outside Collaborations. "This opportunity will allow them to deepen their understanding of arthritis of foot and ankle, connect with experts in field, and hopefully inspire them to pursue a career in orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery." As part of the program, the participants will tour facilities and labs at leading academic medical centers, including Resurgens Orthopaedics and Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and Mercy Medical Center and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. They will also attend the 2025 AOFAS Annual Meeting in Savannah, Georgia. Michelle M. McLeod, PhD, director of Osteoarthritis Clinical Research Programs at the Arthritis Foundation, said the organization is enthusiastic about the opportunity to support this program that will expand access to high-quality foot and ankle orthopaedic training for medical students and residents. "By investing in their education and mentorship, we are not only empowering the next generation of surgeons but also helping to build a more diverse and inclusive future for orthopaedic care across the country," she said. This initiative marks the second partnership between the two organizations. In 2023, the Arthritis Foundation and AOFAS announced the recipients of the first-ever AF/AOFAS Ankle Arthritis Think Tank Research Grants. These grants provided nearly $600,000 in funding to support innovative clinical research that advances knowledge toward treatments to stop or slow ankle osteoarthritis. For more information about the program, visit About Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic SurgeonsFoot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the foot and ankle. Their education and training consist of four years of medical school, five years of postgraduate residency, and a fellowship year of specialized surgical training. These specialists care for patients of all ages, performing reconstructive surgery for deformities and arthritis, treating sports injuries, and managing foot and ankle trauma. About the AOFASThe American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) mobilizes our dynamic community of foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons to improve patient care through education, research, and advocacy. As the premier global organization for foot and ankle care, AOFAS delivers exceptional events and resources for continuous education, funds and promotes innovative research, and broadens patient understanding of foot and ankle conditions and treatments. By emphasizing collaboration and excellence, AOFAS inspires ever-increasing levels of professional performance leading to improved patient outcomes. For more information visit the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society online at About the Arthritis FoundationThe Arthritis Foundation is fighting for all people who live with arthritis. As a Champion of Yes, it's the Arthritis Foundation's mission to turn the obstacles arthritis causes into opportunities. The Arthritis Foundation champions life-changing solutions and medical advancements, and it also provides ways for people to connect, break down barriers in health care, and join the fight for a cure — uniting hearts, minds and resources to change the future of arthritis. To join the fight to cure arthritis, visit View original content: SOURCE American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The seaside spot crowned Britain's most obese town
Obesity. An epidemic. A modern scourge. A complex, painful subject wrapped in layers of shame, judgment and defensiveness. So how does it feel to live in Hartlepool, the town with the highest proportion of adults and children who are so overweight their health is at risk? 'Everybody round here is fat and getting fatter, and I feel really, really sad about it,' says John Betey, a moustached 64-year-old, leaning on the mobility scooter he needs to get around Hartlepool town centre. 'I'm embarrassed that I'm 19st – but I don't want to be. I got made redundant 12 years ago from my job as a machine operator, but now I'm too overweight to get a new job.' This seaside town in County Durham carries the unenviable crown of Britain's most obese town. Numbers crunched by The Telegraph show that the combined obesity figures for adults and children is 33.5 per cent of the population. In England as a whole it is 23.8 per cent. Obesity, of course, is at the extreme end of the scale. Across England as a whole, 64.5 per cent of the adult population is overweight and/or obese. In Hartlepool the damning figure is 77.2 per cent. But sobering statistics only tell part of the story; they don't reflect the lives blighted, the life chances curtailed, the increased risk of multiple diseases including coronary heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, asthma and cancer. Dig a little deeper elsewhere into statistics from the Department of Heath and Social Care and the data becomes even more troubling: 27.9 per cent of reception pupils in Hartlepool are classed as overweight, according to the latest available statistics from 2023/24, with 13.9 per cent obese. In England as a whole, 22.1 per cent are overweight and 9.6 per cent are classed as obese. By year six, more than a quarter (26.7 per cent) of 10 and 11-year-olds in Hartlepool are living with obesity; above the national average of 22.1 per cent for that age group. I freely admit that before I visit Hartlepool I am full of trepidation. How to even begin a conversation about such an emotive issue with strangers in the street? Is there any way to avoid causing offence? Astonishingly, everyone is more than happy to talk – and what they have to say is deeply depressing. Take Betey, a father-of-four with seven grandchildren, who suffers from arthritis and had a pacemaker fitted earlier this year. He doesn't know for sure if his health problems are related to his size, but it seems highly likely. According to the Arthritis Foundation, every pound of extra weight adds 4lb of force on a person's joints. Moreover, fat is chemically active and releases inflammation-causing proteins. 'I can walk but not very far, which is why I need the scooter. And I can't go up the stairs at home, so I have to get help from my son. It's not a good feeling but if I have the money I'll order a Chinese – chicken curry, chips and fried rice – two nights a week,' he says with a shrug. 'Then I come out into town and when I look around me I feel the people of Hartlepool could do so much better, I could do so much better – but we need help.' His views are echoed by Carol Bickerdyke, 70, out walking her poodle, Archie, with her husband, Desmond. They moved here after a lifetime working in Portugal, because property was cheap. She's a fan of the town, with its unexpectedly grand – if largely neglected and run-down – Victorian architecture, but is unsurprised that Hartlepool is an obesity black spot. Time and again, statistics show that the North East and the Midlands have the highest numbers of people living with obesity, which is linked to social deprivation, stress, highly processed junk food and a lack of exercise. 'My daughter is 43 and she is always on a diet because she's quite big,' confides Bickerdyke. 'The problem is the availability of cheap fast food. If you have two or three kids to feed and not much money, it's cheaper to buy a frozen ready-made lasagne or frozen chips and fish fingers than to serve up a healthy meal every day. These are processed foods full of salt and fat and sugar, but people have no idea – there needs to be greater education.' Far beyond Hartlepool, the UK at large is in crisis, with higher rates of obesity than other G7 nations such as Germany, France, Italy and Japan. Internationally, it languishes below Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Armenia. Junk food advertising, the prevalence of takeaways and the volume of inexpensive processed foods available in supermarkets have all been blamed for fuelling the crisis, along with sedentary, screen-based lifestyles. 'Despite countless policy initiatives aimed at improving the situation, obesity levels among children in England remain at harmfully elevated levels,' says Dr Liz Fisher, a senior fellow and the children and young person lead at the Nuffield Trust. 'Obese children today are developing health problems that once only affected adults, including Type 2 diabetes. 'Local areas with more childhood poverty, lower breastfeeding rates and poor access to green spaces have higher child obesity levels. Much of the evidence informing obesity policy to date has focused on the choices of individuals, but to get a grip on this issue, approaches with more emphasis on wider social and economic factors are desperately needed, at both a national and local level.' The annual cost to the NHS of treating obesity-related ill health is estimated at £6.5 billion by the Department of Health and Social Care. Meanwhile, the cost to the wider economy is £100 billion a year, according to a 2024 report from the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR), with those who are obese but still work less mobile, less productive and more likely to take time off due to ill health. 'Poor public health is holding back the UK economy, and obesity is playing a significant role. The poorest regions across England are feeling this epidemic the worst,' Jamie O'Halloran, a senior research fellow at the think tank, said last year. The IPPR clearly pinpointed those very regions; four out of five of the parliamentary constituencies with the highest levels of obesity and economic inactivity were in the North. But what is the solution? For those of us reared on the mantra of 'five a day', it seems unbelievable that entire generations remain ignorant about the importance of fruit and vegetables and of how to cook nutritious meals from scratch. The demise of both decent school dinners and domestic science as a subject has had an impact – and no matter how hard Jamie Oliver tries to convey the speed and ease of cooking on a budget in Channel 4 shows such as £1 Wonders, that message seemingly still has not spread to communities across Britain in general and Hartlepool in particular. Or if it has, local people are none the less still making poor food choices. 'People judge you as lazy and stupid and lacking in self-control,' says a 27-year-old mother-of-two who declined to be named. 'I just can't lose the baby weight, and being treated as a second-class citizen is really hurtful – so then you find yourself comfort eating. 'I can buy a multipack of crisps for £1, but an apple costs the best part of 50p, which seems crazy. It's a vicious circle. There's no point just telling a fat person they're fat; what we really need is help to break that cycle as well as access to better food that's affordable.' Is she aware that adults who become overweight before 30 are almost doubling their risk of an early death? That's the grim conclusion from this month's European Congress on Obesity, held in Malaga. And if she were – would it alter anything? 'The perception persists that 'these people did it themselves and they should live with the consequences',' says Prof Paul Gately, who specialises in exercise and obesity at Leeds Beckett University and is the chief executive of Obesity UK. 'But obesity is incredibly complex and the solution isn't just exercising more and eating less – if it was that simple we wouldn't have a global health problem. Politicians try to tackle it, but their efforts, however well-intended, are far too piecemeal. Between six and 18 months later they see their strategy isn't working as intended, so they back off.' There have been more than 700 policies aimed at tackling obesity introduced in the past 30 years and yet the problem is getting bigger every year. The rising number of children now affected has ratcheted up a sense of urgency among medical experts, yet successive governments have failed to grasp the nettle and pump proper investment into early prevention and treatment. Just what will it take to tip the scales? 'We don't just need one good idea. We need hundreds of them all connected, all moving things in the same direction,' says Prof Gately. 'There's rightly a conversation now around weight-loss jabs, but the NHS is already on its knees and can't afford it. Britain needs cross-party agreement, a department dedicated to tackling obesity and a 15-year plan that is fully funded.' As I walk past Kwicksnax café, Cash Generator and Betfred, the one word repeated to me again and again is 'help'. The people of Hartlepool want help. On the walkway from Middleton Grange shopping mall, I meet young chefs Luke Peterson, 19, and Conor Wilson, 20, laden down with Primark bags full of holiday gear. Both are studying hospitality and catering at college and are about to travel to Greece for a placement, where they will learn how to prepare international food. 'I work part-time in a takeaway and we have customers who order burgers or pizza every single day of the week,' says Peterson. 'And because it's delivered they don't even need to leave the house. I know I have a tendency to eat junk, so I am very strict with myself and I go to the gym. But here people feel it's too late or too much effort and they just let themselves go; the worst bit is seeing how overweight their kids are.' His friend used to work at The Green Bean Cafe in Sunderland, and loved it. 'It was a really nice feeling knowing you were preparing great food from fresh ingredients and giving your customers the very best,' says Wilson. 'I'd love to open something like that here, but it would probably have to be subsidised in some way so people could afford it.' For its part, Hartlepool borough council is aware of the health emergency it faces and last month revealed it was working on a childhood obesity action plan, to include cooking lessons and providing cooking equipment, while noting it is 'a very complex subject to deal with'. Its director of public health, Craig Blundred, announced: 'What we're hoping to do through the action plan is work much more closely with children's services and with partners in the health service to try to understand why we're seeing increases [in obesity]. 'We understand some of the causes but we don't fully understand why Hartlepool has a much higher level for children that are actually experiencing that.' Out on the streets of Hartlepool, the mood remains sombre. Students Grace Haran, 21, and her boyfriend, Jack Maiden, 20, are both doing college access courses to study nursing and physiotherapy respectively at university. 'I feel so sad for the kids you see who are overweight and obese,' says Haran. 'They don't have any choice about what they are given to eat and it's having a hugely detrimental effect on their health.' The couple agree that widespread use of weigh-loss drugs is not ideal but could be a useful means to an end. Maiden believes they should be taken in conjunction with an exercise and healthy eating plan. 'Quick results can be a real incentive,' he says. 'But there needs to be hard work as well or a course of jabs will only ever be a temporary fix that changes nothing in the long run.' The same could be said of local action plans without serious backup from central government. From its wrecking ball impact on the NHS to its £100 billion drain on the economy, obesity is a long-term, society-wide issue. It needs a long-term, society-wide solution. The people of Hartlepool are in crisis and in desperate need of hope as well as help. Will they get it any time soon? Right now, I fear there's fat chance. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Miami Herald
05-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
ZetrOZ Systems Announces Partnership with Arthritis Foundation to Transform Arthritis Patient Education
The developer of sustained acoustic medicine technology and the sam® wearable ultrasound device and number one resource for arthritis information will support the Foundation's efforts to provide resources and education to patients, families and caregivers. TRUMBULL, CONNECTICUT / ACCESS Newswire / May 2, 2025 / ZetrOZ Systems and the Arthritis Foundation announce a partnership with the potential to transform pain management for the 60 million adults in the U.S. living with arthritis. ZetrOZ Systems will work with the Foundation to raise awareness of pain management and treatment options for people with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. ZetrOZ Systems will sponsor the Foundation's upcoming "Arthritis Explained" podcast and support its national support group program. For more than 75 years, the Arthritis Foundation has been the nation's leader in advocacy, research and support for people with arthritis, a debilitating joint inflammation disease. Its mission is to drive funding for research toward a cure and new treatments for arthritis, to advocate for policies that eliminate barriers to arthritis care, and to help patients and their families find community and support through Arthritis Foundation resources. ZetrOZ Systems, based in Connecticut, is the inventor of sustained acoustic medicine and the sam® wearable ultrasound unit. Sustained acoustic medicine is a long-duration, continuous, multi-hour, high frequency ultrasound treatment defined in 48 U.S. and global patents and that has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating soft-tissue injuries. The treatment has been proven effective in 30 Level 1-5 clinical studies for treating osteoarthritis and other conditions, and through millions of treatments provided annually to patients across the United States. "This partnership brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to improving the lives of people living with osteoarthritis," said Beth Aulwes, Director of National Partnerships with the Arthritis Foundation. "As the leading resource of arthritis information and resources for patients, we welcome corporate partners like ZetrOZ who are committed to helping us provide education, resources and support for our patient community, including military veterans who are more likely to receive an arthritis diagnosis." "ZetrOZ Systems is honored to stand alongside one of the most trusted voices in arthritis care as ZetrOZ Systems works toward our longtime goal to help 100 million people manage pain without the use of opioids," said George K. Lewis, founder and CEO of ZetrOZ Systems and inventor of sustained acoustic medicine. Arthritis is one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States, affecting over one in five adults, more than are affected by diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease. The Arthritis Foundation estimates that nearly 60 million adults and hundreds of thousands of children in the U.S. are living with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or related musculoskeletal diseases. Arthritis is also associated with dispensed opioid prescriptions and opioid use disorder, being commonly prescribed to treat pain resulting from both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, despite questions about opioids' efficacy and potential for leading to addiction. ZetrOZ Systems' sam® technology offers a way to treat arthritis pain without the use of potentially addictive painkillers. Sustained acoustic medicine and the sam® device work by generating continuous ultrasound waves in soft tissue, which reduces inflammation, increases blood vessel diameters, and improves blood flow. That in turn increases oxygenated hemoglobin at the site and removes cytokine enzymes and cellular waste. The result is more rapid healing and reduced pain. Multiple studies have demonstrated the efficacy of sustained acoustic medicine in treating soft-tissue injuries, including forms of arthritis. An article published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research reported on a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of patients with knee osteoarthritis. The group receiving sustained acoustic medicine treatment saw significant improvements in both pain reduction and restored joint function compared to the placebo group. The authors concluded: "Long-duration low-intensity ultrasound significantly reduced pain and improved joint function in patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis knee pain." "By working with the Arthritis Foundation, we're building momentum for a movement toward safer, smarter, and more accessible pain management," Lewis said. "We have the opportunity to change how arthritis is understood and treated across the country." For more information, please visit or About ZetrOZ Systems ZetrOZ Systems is leading healing innovations in sports medicine, developing wearable bioelectronic devices for the delivery of sustained acoustic medicine (sam®). Researched and funded by the federal government, ZetrOZ is built on the proprietary medical technology of 48 patents and is the exclusive manufacturer and developer of the sam® product line, which is designed for the treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. About the Arthritis FoundationThe Arthritis Foundation is fighting for all people who live with arthritis. As Champions of Yes, the Arthritis Foundation has a mission to turn the obstacles arthritis causes into opportunities. The Arthritis Foundation not only champions life-changing solutions and medical advancements, but it also provides ways for people to connect, break down barriers in health care, and join the fight to conquer arthritis - uniting hearts, minds, and resources to change the future of arthritis. Contact Information Catherine Hoblin Media Contactchoblin@
