WHY THIS BOOK?— This
book was primarily written in order to provide scientific and medical
research summaries for three groups of people:
1—Medical doctors: There
is a wealth of information contained in this book that can provide the
hardworking physician with an abundance of scientific research information
on arthritis, rheumatism, and related disorders. Doctors are kept so busy
with their practice that it is difficult to keep up with the scores of
current medical journals, much less find time to explore the past issues of
these journals for insights into research studies and medical
experimentation in this important field.
2—Research scientists:
There are a couple dozen suggestions in this book for new research studies,
and most of these ideas are based on successful past studies that deserve
additional exploratory and confirmatory research. As frequently as possible,
we have tried to include author, publication, and date of past scientific
and medical research; so that you could read these reports for yourself in
the nearest medical library—and then continue the research on from there.
3—Careful students of
medical literature: Here you will find an abundance of information that you
can share with your family physician and others who are concerned with
learning additional ways to minister to the needs of the arthritic and
rheumatic.
And, of course, we should
add this: If you, yourself, have arthritis, rheumatism, or related problems,
you will want to consult with your physician or a medical specialist in this
field.
WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS?—
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis are the two main types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis most frequently occurs in older people and consists of a
continual wearing away of the cartilage in a joint.
Cartilage is the smooth,
soft bone-like substance that covers the ends of bones at the joints. This
smooth substance enables the bones to slide against one another without
friction or wearing away. But when this cartilage becomes thinner, the rough
surfaces of the bones then rub together, which brings pain and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis most
frequently affects the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees.
The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiffness in the body and
pain in the joints. This pain increases in damp weather, in the morning, or
after strenuous exercise.
WHAT IS RHEUMATOID
ARTHRITIS?— The condition is most likely to begin between the ages of
thirty and forty. Affecting the entire body and not merely certain joints,
rheumatoid arthritis is often associated with physical or emotional
problems.
Rheumatoid arthritis
destroys not only the cartilage, but also some of the bone itself. This
problem especially occurs in and near joint areas. Soon, scar tissue
develops, and the spaces between the joint may narrow as a result—and even
fuse together. This brings stiffening and crippling. Symptoms include pain
and swelling in the joints, fatigue, weight loss, anemia, and fever. At
times these symptoms will disappear for awhile and then reoccur later.
U..S. GOVERNMENT REPORT—
According to a United States Government report, approximately 13 million
Americans suffer from arthritis, thus making it the nation’s number one
crippler. Over 10 million people have seen a doctor in the search for
relief, and more than 3 million report limitation of their usual activity
because of the disease. An estimated 1.3 billion dollars is lost to the
American economy because of this disease. For more information, see “Arthritis,”
Public Health Service Publication, No. 1444-A, U.S. Department of Health,
Education and Welfare, Washington, D.C.
Chapter One consists of
summaries of sixty-two scientific research studies. It is filled with
helpful information.
Chapter Two contains over
two dozen folk remedies. There is so much information which researchers and
common folk are unaware!
Chapter Three summarizes
all the data in Chapters Two and Three.
It is the desire of the
author of this little volume that these summaries will provide
research and clinical scientists with the research findings needed to help
them in their work.
That the pain and damage
caused by the arthritic and rheumatic diseases may be forever erased from
the lives of the family of God on this planet is the earnest desire of this
writer. —vf
Legal
Notices
This book is designed to
provide information in regard to the subject matter covered. While all
attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication,
neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors,
omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter.
This manual is offered
with the understanding that the publisher and author are not engaged in
rendering medical, legal, accounting, or other professional services. If
medical, legal, or expert assistance is required, the services of a
competent professional should be sought. The publisher wants to stress that
information contained herein may be subject to varying state and/or local
laws or regulations. All users are advised to retain competent counsel to
determine what state and/or local laws or regulations may apply to the user’s
particular situation.
The reader of this
publication assumes responsibility for the use of these materials and
information. Adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, both federal
and state and local; governing professional licensing; business practices;
medical practice; advertising; and all other aspects of doing business in
the United States or any other jurisdiction is the sole responsibility of
the purchaser or reader. The author and Publisher assume no responsibility
or liability whatsoever on the behalf of any purchaser or reader of these
materials. The purpose of this workbook is to educate. Any perceived slights
to a specific individual or organizations is unintentional.
