According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 46.4 million adults in the United States have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. That's a large number -- and it's growing as the population ages. What causes so many people to develop arthritis? Is arthritis contagious? Is arthritis a disease that can be transmitted from person to person?

The short answer is no -- it's not contagious. You will do better learning about risk factors for arthritis when considering why so many people develop the condition. Learn more in Is Arthritis Contagious?

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• Arthritis - 10 Things You Should Know
• 7 Arthritis Misconceptions
• Is Arthritis Hereditary?
• What Is Reactive Arthritis?

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Researchers from South Carolina have studied the effect of systemic lupus erythematosus on employment. According to the November 2009 issue of the Journal of Rheumatology, 51 patients and 26 controls who were working the year before diagnosis were no longer working at followup (a median of 4 years after diagnosis). Ninety-two percent of patients compared with 40% of controls who were no longer working indicated that they had stopped working because of their health.

College graduates were less likely to quit their jobs due to health compared to patients who did not graduate from college. Lupus patients with arthritis were 3 times more likely to have quit their jobs due to health reasons compared to those who didn't have arthritis.

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People cherish holiday traditions. From Grandma's favorite cookie recipe to preparing a feast. From giving gifts to attending church services. The holiday season is packed with daily activities that include family and friends.

Maintaining holiday traditions can be hectic and stressful -- even for healthy people. For people with arthritis and physical limitations, the holidays hold an extra element of stress. How do you cope with the holidays? How do you get through the holiday season and enjoy it? Offer some specific tips to your arthritis counterparts. Share Your Survival Secrets.

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In the late 1990s, the first of several biologics went on the market to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The first was Enbrel (etanercept) -- but it did not take long for other biologics to be developed and marketed. Biologics target molecules on cells of the immune system, joint, and the products that are secreted in the joint, all of which can cause inflammation and joint destruction.

Who should use biologics? Perhaps even more importantly, who should not use biologics? If you decide biologics are for you, what helps you decide which biologic to try? Learn more in What Arthritis Patients Should Know About Biologics?

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You've probably seen pillows, mattresses, mattress toppers, and seat cushions made of memory foam. Usually, memory foam is made of polyurethane and added chemicals that increase its viscosity and density.

Memory foam is firmer when cooler. High density memory foam reacts to body heat -- molding to a warm human body in a few minutes. A lower density memory foam reacts to pressure and molds quickly.

Regardless, memory foam products have become popular among chronic pain and arthritis patients looking for comfort when sitting, resting, or sleeping. Look at a few of your options in Memory Foam Products.

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The knee, hip, wrist, elbow, and even shoulder joints are commonly affected by arthritis -- but what about the cricoarytenoid joint? The cricoarytenoid joints are between the cricoid and paired arytenoid cartilages in the back wall of the larynx. The cricoarytenoid joints help open, close, and tighten the vocal cords during speech and breathing.

About one in three rheumatoid arthritis patients suffers from cricoarytenoid arthritis. Why some people get it and others don't is not known. Learn more about symptoms, prevalence, and treatment in Cricoarytenoid Joint - What You Should Know.

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When you think about arthritis, you likely think "joint disease." But there are certain types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, that have "extraarticular manifestations" -- meaning, the disease affects areas of the body outside of the joints. When this occurs, especially in multiple organ systems in the body, that form of arthritis is referred to as a systemic disease.

There are over 100 types of arthritis. Learning about the individual types of arthritis can help you determine whether systemic disease is likely, and what you can expect. What are some examples of extraarticular involvement? Why do some arthritis patients develop systemic disease, while others are limited to joint disease? Learn more in Systemic Disease in Arthritis Explained.

Everyone should be careful when they get in and out of a shower or bathtub. People with arthritis are dealing with limited range of motion, pain, and weakness -- so safety is a concern. Grab bars can improve bathroom safety.

If you have grab bars, suffice to say, you have made necessary improvements and created a safe environment. If you don't, consider these grab bars for your bathroom. Check out some of your options in Grab Bars Create a Safe Bathroom Environment.

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• Assistive Aids for Arthritis
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There are potential side effects with all arthritis medications. Some arthritis medication side effects are apparent (for example, a skin rash) while others may not be as obvious (such as elevated liver enzymes). You should know as much about potential side effects as you do about why you were prescribed the medication.

If bothersome side effects do occur, you have essentially three options. Learn what those options are in Arthritis Medication Side Effects - What You Should Know.

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• 10 Ways to Ensure Drug Safety
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• 10 Things You Should Do When Given a New Prescription

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The Jingle Bell Run / Walk for Arthritis, more commonly and succinctly referred to as the Jingle Bell Run, is a 5K run or 5K walk (your choice!) to raise money and support the mission of the Arthritis Foundation, which is to prevent, control, and cure arthritis and related conditions. Not every state holds a Jingle Bell Run event, but many do. Most are held in November or December.

Several of our forum members participate in their local Jingle Bell Run, while others support someone else who participates. To learn more about when your local Jingle Bell Run event is being held, registering, forming a team, fundraising, and donating -- check out Jingle Bell Run / Walk for Arthritis.

Related Resources:

• The Arthritis Walk - Walk for a Cure
• Arthritis Foundation - What's It All About?
• Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Is Effective
• Pace Your Activities - Advice for Arthritis Patients
• 12-Week Walking Plan Offered by Arthritis Today Magazine

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