Home Community Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 155

Arthritis Insight Newsletter * Vol. 4 Issue 155 June 4, 2003

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Welcome to the 155th issue of the Arthritis Insight Newsletter. All back issues will be posted at community/newsletter
Feel free to pass this newsletter around to others who may be interested.

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The information in this newsletter should not take the place of advice and guidance from your own health-care providers. Material in this newsletter is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Be sure to check with your doctor before making any changes in your treatment plan. Information presented here is the opinion of the authors and has not necessarily been approved or endorsed by the medical advisors.

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Notes From Tina
(Tina@arthritisinsight.com)
Tina Underwood aka KrissyJo

Greetings everyone! Tina's still recooperating from her surgery and you're still stuck with me. ;o) It's been very busy at my house getting ready for the end of the school year. All the field trips and picnics make for some pretty wound up kids. I *think* I'm looking forward to summer vacation and hanging out with all of them.

Hope the weather's wonderful and your week is as painfree as possible. Now let's go see what Ron's up to...

~Kimmy

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Ron's Ramblin's
(Ron@arthritisinsight.com)
Ron Griffin aka IndyRon

Hi all, once again I am writing from South Carolina. I am beginning to feel like I am living from a suitcase and that my home is my truck. There seems to just be soooo much to do. I know that it will all get done, but sometimes I have to wonder how.

I have learned one thing for certain, that there is a definite correlation between stress and the intensity of the impact of the arthritis on my life. I guess I have always known this, but the last six weeks or so have certainly brought it home in real terms. Once all the estate stuff and the heavy travel schedule settles down I am sure that I will get back to a more painfree life. I am quite ready for that. In the mean time, I will just take it one day (or is that one hour) at a time.

((((HUGS))))

~Ron

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Your Weekly Giggle
Why Men Are Just Happier People!
(Many thanks to Kate for posting on A.S.A.)

What do you expect from such simple creatures?

- Your last name stays put.
- The garage is all yours.
- Wedding plans take care of themselves.
- Chocolate is just another snack.
- You can be president.
- Car mechanics tell you the truth.
- You never have to drive to another gas station because this one's just too icky.
- Same work, more pay.
- Wrinkles add character.
- Wedding dress - $5000; tux rental - $100.
- The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
- New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
- One mood, ALL of the time.
- Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
- You know stuff about tanks.
- A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
- You can open all your own jars.
- You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
- If someone forgets to invite you to something, he or she can still be your friend.
- Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
- Everything on your face stays its original color.
- Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
- You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
- You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
- The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
- You don't have to shave below your neck.
- Your belly usually hides your big hips.
- One wallet and one pair of shoes, one color, all seasons.
- You can "do" your nails with a pocketknife.
- You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
- You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives, on December 24, in 45 minutes.

Check out all the jokes at:
fun/jokes
Send yours in today!

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Tina's Tips
Tina@arthritisinsight.com

Arthritis can affect your ability to do even the simplest of tasks. I've heard some people say, "Accept your limitations." I'm not sure accepting them is the way to go. I prefer to challenge those limitations, work around them, finding alternate ways of achieving the same goal. Every week I'll share some tips I've found to work around those annoying limitations and I hope all of you will send in your tips too. We may not be the next Martha Stewart, but sometimes the simplest things can help so much.

Last week I was wondering:

Anybody got a trick for using a hairbrush when your hands are hurting?

And Lorri responded with:

I have a tip for hairbrushes that I found by accident...usually the best finds..LOL. I have a hairbrush, a favorite, that the handle broke off of. I use it holding the entire brush end, more to hold onto and still works just as well. I imagine turning a hairbrush over and holding the brush end when hands hurt would work just as comfortably.

It works!!! Thanks so much!

Check out more tips at living/tips.html and send in yours today to Tina@arthritisinsight.com Keep those tips coming!

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Whats New
Check out all the latest updates at updates.html

Question of the Week
Asking the doc about intimacy - do you, or don't you?
community/question/

Member Stories
Patti and JenJen share their stories.
community/stories

Photo Album
Cynthia share her beautiful garden with us.
community/photo

Arthritis Warrior
We've got a new nomination!
warrior/

Birthday Board
Added four new ones - have we added yours yet?
community/birthday

Arthritis & Depression
What gets you down? Go on over and see...
living/depression

Fight the Fatigue
Another member tells us about theirs...
living/fatigue

News
Time to take a look at all the news you need for your arthritis and general health!
news

Newsletter
Go grab yourself a tall cool one and sit back and enjoy the latest issue.
community/newsletter

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Arthritis Insight Chat
community/chat

Time to get the party started! Got some extra time? Can't sleep? Drop into the chatroom to talk to other members that know exactly what you're going through.

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Cooking with Char
Char LeFleur
Char@arthritisinsight.com

Hello friends.  Well here I sit in Iowa, wearing a sweater and still feeling chilly.  LOL  Temps are just in the 50s today.  How easy it is to get used to warmer weather.  But it will be back.  We just have to be patient.  Summer WILL arrive in Iowa.  Then we will be wishing for cooler weather.

A quick reminder--Gimpfest 2003 is being held in Stuart, Iowa this year.  My husband and I are the hosts.  Time is getting shorter.  Please make your reservations soon.  They will only hold our block of rooms until July 1st.  If you are planning to attend, please let me know.  I need to have an idea of how many people are going to be here, so I can plan food etc, for that many.  Stuart is a tiny town.  It only has a population of 1600.  And eating establishments are limited.  We only have 2 fast food restaurants, and a Country Kitchen restaurant, so we are planning on supplying meals for everyone, for the whole weekend.  It wont be anything fancy, but it will be nutritious.  Our biggest meal will be the Pork Roast on Saturday.  That menu will include roast pork (and some chicken too, for those who may not care for pork), potato salad, pasta salad, sweet corn, fresh tomatoes (if we can get some), fresh green beans, Mayonnaise chocolate cake with chocolate iceing, and homemade ice cream.  And anything else I may decide to whip up, at the last minute.

Come one, come all.  It is going to be a wonderful party!!  I promise!! 
Information is available at www.fadedjeans.com/iowa

Todays recipes are from my dear friend Donna G.  Enjoy!


GREEK CHICKEN

1/2 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic-choped
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh oregano chopped
2 lemons juiced
1-4 lb. chicken cut into pieces

In a glass dish, combine the olive oil, garlic, salt, rosemary, thyme,
oregano, and lemon juice.  Add chicken pieces and marinate overnight in
refrigeator.   Lightly oil a cold grill rack and heat grill for
medium-high heat.  reduce heat to medium-low and remove chicken from
marinade.  Discard remaining marinade.  Grill chicken, turning every 5
minutes for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is done and juices run clear.
(internal temp of breast meat = 170-180°).
I would imagine this could also just be baked in the oven.
The recipe also says serve with sliced fresh tomatoes with a little oil
drizzled over it and then some oregano or rosemary sprinkled over the
tomatoes along with some feta cheese sprinkled over the tomatoes!  YUM
YUM!!!


Decadent Chocolate Delight

1 package chocolate cake mix
8 ounces sour cream
1 C. chocolate chips
1 C. water
4 eggs
1 (4 serving size) package chocolate instant pudding and pie filling mix
3/4 C. oil

Lightly grease inside of crockpot or use cooking spray liberally.
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and then pour into crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve hot
or warm with ice cream. YUM! YUM!!!
I tested for doneness by using a knife stuck in the middle of the cake
after 3 hours. (cooked mine on high!)   Mine took the full 4 hours.
Keep in mind that some stuff may stick to knife because of chocolate
chips, but you will be able to tell.   We scooped it out directly from
the crockpot, but you could also dump it onto a platter and would
probably be easier to get the cake out in slices.
My brother liked this with ice cream and chocolate syrup, but it was way
too rich for me like that!!!


Cherry Rice Pudding

1 C. hot cooked rice
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 C. sugar
11/2 C. milk
1/2 tsp. Almond extract or vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 C dried cherries or cranberries

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
Pour mixture into greased 11/2 quart casserole and cover with foil. Add
rack to 5 quart crock pot and pour in 1 C. of water. Place casserole on
rack. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Remove casserole from crock
pot and let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!!!


Southwestern cornbread (this is really yummy!)

1/2 C butter---at room temperature
1/2 C (or less) sugar
4 eggs
14-16 oz can of cream style corn
4 oz can of green chilis (mild)
1/2 tsp. of salt
1/2 C grated cheddar cheese
1/2 C monterey jack cheese
1 C yellow cornmeal
1 C flour
4 tsp. baking powder

Preheat oven to 300° F

Grease and flour 9 x 13 inch pan or use nonstick cooking spray.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in
chilis, cheese, and corn and set bowl a side. In another bowl, mix dry
ingredients and then add to corn mixture and blend well.
Bake at 300° until golden brown and it begins to pull away from sides
of the pan (approximately 55 minutes).
This is a very moist cornbread and very tasty!!!
Enjoy!!!

If you have questions, comments or suggestions, or have recipes you would like to share, please send them to Char@arthritisinsight.com.

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From: NCCAM: National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
What Is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?
Complete article: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/#5

There are many terms used to describe approaches to health care that are outside the realm of conventional medicine as practiced in the United States. This fact sheet explains how the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a component of the National Institutes of Health, defines some of the key terms used in the field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). A dictionary of terms that are underlined in the text can be found at the end of this fact sheet.

What is complementary and alternative medicine?

Complementary and alternative medicine, as defined by NCCAM, is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.1,2 While some scientific evidence exists regarding some CAM therapies, for most there are key questions that are yet to be answered through well-designed scientific studies--questions such as whether they are safe and whether they work for the diseases or medical conditions for which they are used.

The list of what is considered to be CAM changes continually, as those therapies that are proven to be safe and effective become adopted into conventional health care and as new approaches to health care emerge.

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Are complementary medicine and alternative medicine different from each other?

Yes, they are different.

Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine. An example of a complementary therapy is using aromatherapy to help lessen a patient's discomfort following surgery.
Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. An example of an alternative therapy is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a conventional doctor.

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What is integrative medicine?

Integrative medicine, as defined by NCCAM, combines mainstream medical therapies and CAM therapies for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness.

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What are the major types of complementary and alternative medicine?

NCCAM classifies CAM therapies into five categories, or domains:

1. Alternative Medical Systems

Alternative medical systems are built upon complete systems of theory and practice. Often, these systems have evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the United States. Examples of alternative medical systems that have developed in Western cultures include homeopathic medicine and naturopathic medicine. Examples of systems that have developed in non-Western cultures include traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.

2. Mind-Body Interventions

Mind-body medicine uses a variety of techniques designed to enhance the mind's capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms. Some techniques that were considered CAM in the past have become mainstream (for example, patient support groups and cognitive-behavioral therapy). Other mind-body techniques are still considered CAM, including meditation, prayer, mental healing, and therapies that use creative outlets such as art, music, or dance.

3. Biologically Based Therapies

Biologically based therapies in CAM use substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins. Some examples include dietary supplements,3 herbal products, and the use of other so-called "natural" but as yet scientifically unproven therapies (for example, using shark cartilage to treat cancer).

4. Manipulative and Body-Based Methods

Manipulative and body-based methods in CAM are based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. Some examples include chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, and massage.

5. Energy Therapies

Energy therapies involve the use of energy fields. They are of two types:

Biofield therapies are intended to affect energy fields that purportedly surround and penetrate the human body. The existence of such fields has not yet been scientifically proven. Some forms of energy therapy manipulate biofields by applying pressure and/or manipulating the body by placing the hands in, or through, these fields. Examples include qi gong, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch.
Bioelectromagnetic-based therapies involve the unconventional use of electromagnetic fields, such as pulsed fields, magnetic fields, or alternating current or direct current fields.
Top

What is NCCAM's role in the field of complementary and alternative medicine?
NCCAM is the Federal Government's lead agency for scientific research on complementary and alternative medicine. NCCAM's mission is to explore complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, to train CAM researchers, and to inform the public and health professionals about the results of CAM research studies.

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Notes

1 Conventional medicine is medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by their allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses. Other terms for conventional medicine include allopathy; Western, mainstream, orthodox, and regular medicine; and biomedicine. Some conventional medical practitioners are also practitioners of CAM.

2 Other terms for complementary and alternative medicine include unconventional, non-conventional, unproven, and irregular medicine or health care.

3 Some uses of dietary supplements have been incorporated into conventional medicine. For example, scientists have found that folic acid prevents certain birth defects, and a regimen of vitamins and zinc can slow the progression of an eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

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Dictionary of Terms

Aromatherapy ("ah-roam-uh-THER-ah-py"): Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils (extracts or essences) from flowers, herbs, and trees to promote health and well-being.

Ayurveda ("ah-yur-VAY-dah") is a CAM alternative medical system that has been practiced primarily in the Indian subcontinent for 5,000 years. Ayurveda includes diet and herbal remedies and emphasizes the use of body, mind, and spirit in disease prevention and treatment.

Chiropractic ("ki-roh-PRAC-tic") is a CAM alternative medical system. It focuses on the relationship between bodily structure (primarily that of the spine) and function, and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. Chiropractors use manipulative therapy as an integral treatment tool.

Dietary supplements: Congress defined the term "dietary supplement" in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. A dietary supplement is a product (other than tobacco) taken by mouth that contains a "dietary ingredient" intended to supplement the diet. Dietary ingredients may include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, and metabolites. Dietary supplements come in many forms, including extracts, concentrates, tablets, capsules, gelcaps, liquids, and powders. They have special requirements for labeling. Under DSHEA, dietary supplements are considered foods, not drugs.

Electromagnetic fields: Electromagnetic fields (EMFs, also called electric and magnetic fields) are invisible lines of force that surround all electrical devices. The Earth also produces EMFs; electric fields are produced when there is thunderstorm activity, and magnetic fields are believed to be produced by electric currents flowing at the Earth's core.

Homeopathic ("home-ee-oh-PATH-ic") medicine is a CAM alternative medical system. In homeopathic medicine, there is a belief that "like cures like" meaning that small, highly diluted quantities of medicinal substances are given to cure symptoms, when the same substances given at higher or more concentrated doses would actually cause those symptoms.

Massage ("muh-SAHJ") therapists manipulate muscle and connective tissue to enhance function of those tissues and promote relaxation and well-being.

Naturopathic ("nay-chur-o-PATH-ic") medicine is a CAM alternative medical system in which practitioners work with natural healing forces within the body, with a goal of helping the body heal from disease and attain better health. Practices may include dietary modifications, massage, exercise, acupuncture, minor surgery, and various other interventions.

Osteopathic ("ahs-tee-oh-PATH-ic") medicine is a form of conventional medicine that, in part, emphasizes diseases arising in the musculoskeletal system. There is an underlying belief that all of the body's systems work together, and disturbances in one system may affect function elsewhere in the body. Some osteopathic physicians practice osteopathic manipulation, a full-body system of hands-on techniques to alleviate pain, restore function, and promote health and well-being.

Qi gong ("chee-GUNG") is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that combines movement, meditation, and regulation of breathing to enhance the flow of qi (an ancient term given to what is believed to be vital energy) in the body, improve blood circulation, and enhance immune function.

Reiki ("RAY-kee") is a Japanese word representing Universal Life Energy. Reiki is based on the belief that when spiritual energy is channeled through a Reiki practitioner, the patient's spirit is healed, which in turn heals the physical body.

Therapeutic Touch is derived from an ancient technique called laying-on of hands. It is based on the premise that it is the healing force of the therapist that affects the patient's recovery; healing is promoted when the body's energies are in balance; and, by passing their hands over the patient, healers can identify energy imbalances.

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Member Stories
Patti D's Story

Hi. My name is Patti. I'm 31 years old and have 2 children both boys ages 13 and 7. I haven't ever really understood about arthritis until recently. I guess when something doesn't affect you and your whole life it just doesn't sink in. Well now I am starting to understand and i wish that i didn't!

I have had back problems since a young age and have gone to chiropractors numerous times over the years. I started LPN school in August 2002 with such high hopes of being a nurse. It's something I have always wanted to do. Things seemed to be okay when I was in class all day at first except for some back problems from sitting for so long - or so I thought. Then we started hands-on clinicals working at hospitals,nursing homes, etc. and I started noticing that when I was on my feet for any period of time my back would hurt so bad that I couldn't even stand up comfortably. Even sitting seemed to hurt.

At first I thought "Oh I just need the Chiropractor again". But that was no longer helping me. I finally gave in and went to the Dr. He didn't even check me out. He saw my posture (I have kyphosis or "hump back") and he said, "You need to go to back school (physical therapy) to strengthen your muscles and that should help. If it doesn't, we'll take some x-rays." So I went. And I got worse. I went back to my Dr. and he sent me for x-rays and an MRI. When the results came back he said that I have spondylolisthesis which is a slippage of one vertebra on top of another. Mine is Grade 1 and it's the L5 and S1 vertebra. He informed me that most people don't have pain with that. Apparently it's a stress fracture that caused it to slip or it can be a genetic weakness. I asked him how come I'm in so much pain if it doesn't usually cause pain. He referred me to a Physiatrist (Dr. of physical medicine). He gave me no pain pills just ambien to help me sleep because I couldn't even do that comfortably anymore. And he did try Vioxx which didn't do anything but make me sick to my stomach!

Anyways the Physiatrist told me that I have osteoarthritis and spondylolisthesis which is why I'm hurting so much.It's the combination of the two-Lucky me! He then referred me to a pain center and I just got my first epidural corticosteroid shot. I'm now on Prozac, Ambien, Hydrocodone and Skelaxin (for the wonderful muscle spasms that I get all over my whole back!) I go for my 2nd epidural shot on June 3rd,2003. My first one has definitly not helped at all. I'm now using a cane and I'm having to drop out of school for now because it hurts to sit in my chair all day and I can no longer do my clinical work. My whole body is so sore and I'm in so much pain I can't even focus most of the time. I'm sure that some of my other joints besides my back are affected because they hurt too but it's mostly my back I'm concentrating on for now. I am so mad. I cry almost every day because I just want my life back and I want to be able to do all the things I used to especially with my children. I always thought that this was something I wouldn't have to deal with until I was "old". The Dr's think it must be a combination of genetics and trauma. I know that I'm giving myself a pity party right now but this is the first time I've ever written about all these feelings I have inside me about this. I think that it has helped a little at least . I'm just so frustrated and hurting and I'm tired of crying everyday.

The thing I'm most scared about is being so young and having to live with this for the rest of my life and knowing that it will get worse. Thank you for listening to me though. I'm so happy to have found this website because now I know I'm not alone. That makes it easier but it also makes me sad that so many people have to be in so much pain.

To see the rest of stories go on over to:
community/stories

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Notes and Insights:

Birthday Board!
Happy Birthday Stuart aka Fredsdad, Kay, Nancyk, Terri, Jill, Sherri Crook, Patricia Benrubi and Beth Chamberlin!!!
Check out all the birthdays at
community/birthday
and make sure to send them an arthritis-friendly e-card:
cgi-bin/postcards/postcard.pl

Gimpfest 2003 Iowa, Here We Come!
Come be part of the fun when dozens of gimps head to Stuart, Iowa on July 24-27.
Get all the details here:
http://www.fadedjeans.com/iowa/

AJAO Regional Conference
"Taming Juvenile Arthritis"
June 2003 - Phoenix, Arizona
The Arthritis Foundation is proud to host the 2003 American Juvenile Arthritis Organization (AJAO) Regional Conference, "Taming Juvenile Arthritis." The American Juvenile Arthritis Organization leads the effort to improve the quality of life for those affected by childhood arthritis and related diseases. This 3-day conference is geared towards children, teens, young adults and family members who are affected by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and other childhood rheumatic diseases
http://jraworld.arthritisinsight.com/community/involved.html

Join the Arthritis Dieters!
This is a group of people with arthritis who want to lose weight with others who know of the challenges of living with is arthritis. All those medications that make living with arthritis tolerable, but pile on the pounds. This group has been set up to give us a protected group where we can talk to others who know what it is like.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arthritis-dieters/

Wanna help?
Having surgery? Starting a new drug or treatment? Filing for disability? Keep an Arthritis Insight journal so all of our members can share and learn from your experience. If you want to keep a journal just let us know.

Write an article!
We always need articles on all subjects relating to arthritis. C'mon folks, we can't do this without you.

Ken Akers Cheer Fund
Donations to the Ken Akers Cheer Fund will be used to send flowers and gifts to those community members who are hospitalized, flaring or just in need of some good cheer.
community/kenscheerfund

Thank You!
A great big thank you to NeedaBasket.com (http://needabasket.com). NeedaBasket is now Arthritis Insight's official gift basket company. They are giving us a great discount and are donating baskets for our Arthritis Warriors.

Special Offers for Arthritis Insight Members
Whenever possible we will try get to our sponsors to agree to discounts and the like for our members. Here are our current special offers:

Sore No More (http://sorenomore.com) gel will send a free sample of the pain relieving gel to any Arthritis Insight Community Member who emails them at dma@glogerm.com.

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AI Help Desk
Linda Peck

Q: What is the Windows Clipboard?

A: The Windows clipboard is used to temporarily store stuff. This "stuff" can come in the form of just about anything. Images, files, documents, etc.they can all be placed on the clipboard. Once something has been copied to the clipboard it can be pasted into another location.

The clipboard isn't a program you can actually access and play with. It's a built-in windows component that works transparently. When you copy or cut, the info is put onto this clipboard. When you paste, the information that's on the clipboard is put into whatever it is you're working on.

For instance, if I have some information on a web page that I want to put into a word processing document, this is what would happen:

1. I highlight and copy (CTRL-C) the text from the web page. When I do this, the text is placed on the clipboard.

2. Now, I open my word processor. Right now, the info is still sitting on the clipboard and can be pasted into my word processor or any other program that can handle text.

3. OK, now I right-click a blank area of my word processing document and choose Paste from the resulting menu (or just use CTRL-V) . This will take the info that's currently sitting on the clipboard (i.e. the web page text in this case) and attempt to put it into my word processing document.

I say "attempt to put the info on the clipboard into the word processor" because sometimes the info that's on your clipboard is not compatible with the program you're using. For example, if you try to paste a picture into notepad, that just isn't going to work.
For example, lets say you were working on a report in MS Word and you would like to quote some information you uncovered on the web. Rather than printing out the web page and re-typing the block of text you would like to quote, you can highlight the text on the webpage and copy it to the clipboard (highlight by holding down your left mouse button and dragging it over the section of text you would like to have. Copy it by right-clicking that section of text and selecting Copy from the menu that pops up).

Now, head back to MS Word and position the cursor where you would like to insert the text. Hit CRTL-V (or click the Edit menu, Paste), and presto, the web page text you copied has now been pasted into your Word doc.

Tip of the Week - Purge Your Clipboard of Large Files

When you use the "copy" or "cut" command, it copies information to your Windows Clipboard. That information is kept in your RAM memory until it's replaced by something else.

Unfortunately, if you're copying large items, this can adversely affect your computer's performance. How? Well, that large file, picture, object, or whatever it was that you copied is floating around in your RAM, regardless of whether it's been pasted or not.

For example, let's say I have 32 meg of free RAM. I copy a 10 meg file to my clipboard. Now, that file will continue to occupy 10 meg of RAM until something else is placed on the clipboard, the clipboard is purged, or I restart my computer.

So what can you do?

The simplest thing would be to just copy something small to your clipboard. Maybe copy a blank space in a word processor to your clipboard or possibly a short sentence. Anything small is fine. Since your clipboard can only hold one item at a time, the old 10 meg file is replaced with the new small file.

You could also open the Clipboard Viewer, hit the Edit menu, then Delete. This will quickly purge the clipboard contents.

You can get to the clipboard viewer by clicking Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools. It should be under there if it's installed (it's not always installed).

Source: Computer Tips & Techniques
http://www.worldstart.com
Copyright 2001, Worldstart - Reprinted with permission.

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Weekly News Summary
Karen Sears
kaekae@arthritisinsight.com

More health news can be found on our site:
news/

RAPID MRI NO BETTER THAN X-RAY FOR BACK PAIN: STUDY
An imaging technique known as rapid MRI may offer no benefit beyond conventional X-rays in diagnosing many cases of lower back pain, according to a report released Tuesday.
Yahoo News, June 3

ACHY BACK? STUDIES SAY NO SINGLE THERAPY STANDS OUT
Spinal manipulation, the back pain treatment most commonly offered by chiropractors, is no better or worse for treating low back pain than conventional treatments, such as exercise, pain killers and physical therapy, a team of doctors announced Monday.
Yahoo News, June 3

GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS ASSOCIATED WITH RA RESPONSE TO ETANERCEPT
Combinations of polymorphisms in genes influencing cytokine production are associated with responsiveness to etanercept in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Swedish investigators report in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases for June.
Medscape, June 3 (free registration required)

TRANSPLANT PATIENTS VULNERABLE TO WEST NILE VIRUS
People who have received organ transplants may be especially vulnerable to the West Nile virus, doctors reported here Monday.
Yahoo News, June 2

SYNOVIAL MACROPHAGE ELIMINATION COULD BE USEFUL IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Dutch investigators report a novel approach to treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), using an immunotoxin that targets and selectively destroys synovial fluid macrophages.
Medscape, June 2 (free registration required)

INCREASED SPINAL INVOLVEMENT WITH DURATION AND SEVERITY OF ANKYLOSING
SPONDYLITIS
The risk of spinal involvement in patients with ankylosing spondylitis increases with disease severity and duration.
Doctors Guide, June 2 (free registration required)

ULTRASONOGRAPHY BOOSTS DIAGNOSTIC EFFICACY FOR INFLAMMATORY JOINT CONDITIONS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Ultrasonography (US) is a more effective method than is traditional clinical examination for diagnosis of inflammatory conditions in the knee for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Doctors Guide, June 2 (free registration required)

LEFT VENTRICULAR DIASTOLIC FUNCTION IMPAIRED IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Ventricular dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients appears specific to diastolic function in the left ventricle, Turkish researchers report.
Doctors Guide, June 2 (free registration required)

MYSTERY FATIGUE OFTEN NOT CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
Two out of three people presenting to British family doctors with unexplained fatigue do not meet the criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, but the condition still significantly affects their life, researchers said on Friday.
Yahoo News, May 30

NEW DRUG APPROACH TO IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
A drug currently used to treat alcoholics and drug overdoses may also offer relief in a surprising quarter -- people with irritable bowel syndrome, corporate researchers said on Thursday.
Yahoo News, May 29

NUMBER OF OLDER ADULTS WITH ARTHRITIS EXPECTED TO DOUBLE BY 2030
The number of older adults in the US with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms (CJS) is expected to nearly double to 41.1 million by 2030, according to a report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Medscape, May 29 (free registration required)

DYNAMIC MRI CAN DISCRIMINATE ACTIVE FROM INACTIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MRI scanning of the wrist can accurately assess disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a report published in the May issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism.
Medscape, May 29 (free registration required)

TREATMENT EFFICACY OF INTRA-ARTICULAR HYALURONIC ACID SIMILAR TO CORTICOSTEROIDS FOR OSTEARTHRITIS
Intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid may provide an effective, cost-saving alternative to corticosteroid treatment for osteoarthritis, say researchers.
Doctors Guide, May 28 (free registration required)

ENDOSCOPICALLY DETECTABLE GASTRODUODENAL ULCERS LESS COMMON IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS TAKING ROFECOXIB COMPARED TO NAPROXEN
Rofecoxib, administered at twice the recommended treatment dose, resulted in significantly fewer endoscopically detectable gastroduodenal ulcers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than did treatment with naproxen.
Doctors Guide, May 28 (free registration required)

ULTRASOUND EFFECTIVE IN EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF TENDON ENTHESOPATHY
Ultrasound is a better diagnostic tool for the early detection of tendon enthesopathy when compared to magnetic resonance imaging, according to a Middle Eastern study.
Doctors Guide, May 28 (free registration required)

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A Closing Thought
Handwriting On The Wall
Author Unknown

A weary mother returned from the store,
Lugging groceries through the kitchen door.
Awaiting her arrival was her 8 year old son,
Anxious to relate what his younger brother had done.

While I was out playing and Dad was on a call,
T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall!
It's on the new paper you just hung in the den.
I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again.

She let out a moan and furrowed her brow,
"Where is your little brother right now?"
She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride,
She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide.

She called his full name as she entered his room.
He trembled with fear--he knew that meant doom!
For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved
About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved.

Lamenting all the work it would take to repair,
She condemned his actions and total lack of care.
The more she scolded, the madder she got,
Then stomped from his room, totally distraught!

She headed for the den to confirm her fears.
When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears.
The message she read pierced her soul with a dart.
It said, "I Love Mommy," surrounded by a heart.

Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it,
With an empty picture frame hung to surround it.
A reminder to her, and indeed to all,
Take time to read the handwriting on the wall

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Arthritis Insight Newsletter Copyright 2003

AI Staff
Page last updated on June 5, 2003