Until recently, a "normal" day for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) sufferer Fran Mueller was anything but normal. With the joints in her hands, knees and hips badly damaged after 20 years with RA, Fran was no longer able to do simple everyday tasks such as blow drying her hair or getting in and out of the shower. Now thanks to a first-of-its-kind collection of assisted living tools from Abbott, Fran can do things for herself again, regaining a sense of independence she thought she'd lost. As part of its ongoing commitment to ensure people with RA can return to more normal living, Abbott has introduced the RA Catalog, a unique collection of more than 150 useful tools and devices specifically designed to make daily activities easier and less painful for people with limited mobility.
"The RA catalog is wonderful – I've found items to help me in the kitchen and even tools that allow me to enjoy my hobbies once more – they thought of things I never even knew existed," said Fran, of Phoenix, Arizona. "Best of all, with these tools I can do things for myself and regain my independence, which is such a great feeling."
The RA Catalog is available online at www.RA.com, a "one-stop" information resource for the RA community offering disease education, the latest updates on new treatments and now, products to simplify everyday living.
RA Catalog Features
The RA Catalog is a first-of-its-kind compilation of tools and devices selected specifically for RA patients with mild to severe disability. After initially featuring 50 products, the listing of products has grown to more than 150 products and continues to expand to meet the needs of patients. The following tools are now available on the site:
· Kitchen, Dining & Household— Special arthritis cookbook, cutting boards and cooking tools designed to reduce joint stress and prevent spills.
· Bath & Grooming—Toenail clippers and foot washers for people with limited flexibility to groom hard-to-reach areas.
· Dressing— Specially designed tools to assist with zippers, buttons and shoelaces.
· Workplace Solutions— Computer/desk tools and launch pads for Palm pilots.
· Hobby Products— Joint-friendly playing card holders and automatic card shufflers.
· Rest & Relaxation— Lamps, book holders and special reading glasses.
About RA.Com
RA.com was designed exclusively for RA patients and their caregivers as a result of Abbott's ongoing research into the needs of this patient community. In addition to the RA Catalog, visitors to RA.com can easily navigate through the site for answers to their questions about RA, current news on various treatment options, and tips on managing and coping with their disease. RA.com also features links to rheumatology specialists and organizations dedicated to helping people with RA. With nearly 350,000 visitors since its launch in 2002, RA.com was recently named one of the best health education Web sites by the Health Information Resource Center.
"We're committed to ensuring people with RA improve their daily lives through education, support, and access to resources like the RA catalog and RA.com," said Tim Walbert, divisional vice president and general manager, Abbott Immunology. "Through ongoing dialogue with patients, their caregivers and physicians, we have been able to better understand patients' needs and how we can meet them."
About RA
RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects more than 2 million Americans, with women accounting for three out of four cases. RA causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints of hands, feet and wrists, and often leads to the destruction of joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, the "wear and tear" joint condition and most common form of arthritis, RA is an autoimmune disease where joints are inflamed, often resulting in eventual destruction of the joint's interior and the surrounding bone. The long-term prognosis for patients with RA can be poor, and many patients face disability and premature death. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can slow progression of RA and minimize joint damage.
More information on RA can be found on www.RA.com.
"The newest RA treatments have made an important difference for patients, slowing disease progression and helping to restore normal function," said Paul Howard, M.D., clinical rheumatologist and president of the Greater Southwest Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. "The RA catalog is an invaluable resource for people with long-standing RA who may have already suffered irreversible joint damage, and really any patient seeking added convenience."
Abbott's Commitment to Immunology
Abbott is focused on the discovery and development of innovative treatments for immunologic diseases. The Abbott Bioresearch Center, founded in 1989 in Worcester, Mass., is a world-class discovery and basic research facility committed to finding new treatments for autoimmune diseases.
© 2005 HealthNewsDigest.com