Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects More Than Two Million Americans:

Photographer Shares Tips on How to Pursue Your Lifes PassionsĶwith RA October is Photographer Appreciation Month While most art connoisseurs would recognize the work of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, most people dont know that the famous artist created his masterpieces while suffering from a chronic, debilitating and painful disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In fact, its no surprise that the artistic work of thousands of arthritis sufferers is affected by this condition. Marty Davis, a photographer who has lived with RA for nearly 10 years, is available to discuss her experience of living with RA: how it impacts her photography and how she manages her symptoms and pursues her lifes passions. Joining her will be rheumatologist Lawrence H. Brent, MD, who will provide information about RA and what people can do to live an active life with RA. – RA is a disease that causes your immune system to attack your joints, potentially causing irreversible joint deterioration and chronic pain – RA can cause painful swelling and stiffness in the joints of the hands, feet and wrists, which can make even simple tasks such as carrying groceries, or opening a jar, difficult – RA can strike at any age, however, onset usually occurs between the ages of 35 and 50 Marty Davis, Photographer and RA patient Marty is an avid photographer who also raises butterflies to share with others and for use in some of her photography. Almost 10 years ago she experienced pain in her hands that was so intense she found simple, everyday tasks, like turning on the shower, to be unbearable. When even taking pictures became too painful, Marty was forced to set aside her passions. Thankfully, Marty eventually found a treatment that worked for her and she soon felt relief from her joint pain. With her symptoms managed, Marty now has the energy to do what she loves, including pursuing her passion for photography. Her experience has inspired her to help others living with RA. Lawrence H. Brent, MD, Head of the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA Lawrence Brent, MD is Head of the Division of Rheumatology and Director of the Einstein Arthritis Center in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Brent is a graduate of Penn State University and Thomas Jefferson Medical College. He completed his internal medicine residency and rheumatology fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and a research fellowship in immunology and pediatric rheumatology at the University of Alabama Medical Center. Dr. Brent is a member of the American College of Physicians, the American College of Rheumatology, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is a past recipient of the Arthritis Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Award. Areas of interest include systemic lupus erythematosus, spondyloarthropathies, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, and pediatric rheumatology. He is actively involved in clinical research and clinical trials. https://videos.whiteblox.com/gnb/secure/player.aspx?sid=35258