January 2010 “Finger length has long been associated with many behavioral and physiological traits,” says John P. Barrett M.D., founder of the Arthritis Research Institute of America. “Results of a new study, Site Specific Osteoarthritis and the Index to Finger Length Ratio, show that if your ring finger is longer than your index finger, you are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.” The study was completed by Dr. Frances Vaughn Wilder, Dr. Paul E. Leaverton and Dr. Bernadette Ferraro of the University of South Florida. It was published in the peer-reviewed Osteoarthritis & Cartilage in November 2009. Data for this study was collected from research volunteers enrolled in the Clearwater Osteoarthritis Study, a study initiated over two decades ago. Results of the study also show that there is a stronger association of the pattern in women than in men. In males, the length of the index finger is usually shorter than the ring finger.
Scientists at Anhui Medical University in China studied 503 patients and found that those who took supplements containing chicken collagen tended to show significant improvements in a number of symptoms. According to their report, which is published in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy, a 12-week course of collagen tablets was associated with improvements in joint pain, morning stiffness, tenderness and swelling. More
THINK Tai Chi and many people have visions of an Oriental park at dawn, not a Tyneside hall. But the discipline so popular in China is fast becoming a means of supplementary therapy for dozens of conditions in the UK. And one health group in the region has launched sessions to harness the proven health benefits connected to the deep breathing, relaxation and flowing movements of the ancient martial art. The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society’s North East Volunteer Group supports sufferers from Berwick to Teesside, helping to bring people together, generate funding and raise awareness. More
In a paper presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in San Diego, researchers studied the electronic records of 1,970,695 patients to determine whether there was a relationship between CRS and other chronic conditions. Chronic rhinosinusitis is an inflammatory condition involving one or more of the paranasal sinuses. The condition usually follows an allergic reaction or viral upper respiratory infection. The analysis showed a higher incidence of CRS in patients with other chronic diseases, especially asthma patients, who are more likely to also have nasal polyps. Patients with other chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and arthritis also have higher incidence of chronic sinusitis but not nasal polyps. The results of the study suggest that some of these chronic diseases may share common mechanisms of how they arise or progress.
Motion is lotion for aching joints, it’s true. Three types of exercise benefit patients with arthritis the most: stretching/range of motion, strength and aerobics. Combine all three and you’ll improve your ability to deal with the stiffness and pain of arthritis. Try these options:
Other forms of arthritis are also more common in women than in men. Fibromyalgia, which brings aches and fatigue, and rheumatoid arthritis that causes severe swelling are more common in women. About 90 percent of patients with lupus, an inflammatory disease, are women, and 80 percent of those with osteoporosis, the brittle bones of old age, are women. Women are more apt to care for their families than for themselves, but knowing that they are at higher risk for these forms of arthritis should encourage them to discuss aches and pains with their doctors. Taking care of Mom will help take care of the whole family.So get moving and start feeling better! The Arthritis Research Institute of America, a 501[c](3) not-for-profit, has been researching arthritis for more than 20 years. For more tips on living with arthritisor call 727.461-4054 for a free brochure.
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The next time someone points a finger at you, take a closer look at that finger. Finger length can actually indicate whether a person has a genetic predisposition to develop osteoarthritis. 
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