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Overview: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that strikes roughly 1.3 million Americans. RA attacks the synovial tissues surrounding the joints, causing chronic pain and disability if left untreated. RA is considered an autoimmune disorder because it causes the body to attack itself, mistaking healthy synovial joint tissues as a threat, thereby destroying the joint themselves. While rheumatoid arthritis usually develops mainly in older adults, the disorder can occur at any age. According to research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by the existence of inflammation in five or more joints.

What occurs during a Rheumatoid Arthritis attack?


Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) attacks, or flare ups, typically come and go for a period of weeks to months. During an attack, the immune system attacks the joint tissues via antibodies, which are meant to protect the body from infection.  However, in RA patients, immune antibodies mistake healthy joint tissues gradually eroding the healthy integrity and function of the joints.

RA flare ups range from mild inflammation of the joints to extreme pain and swelling that impacts movement and simple joint function, and can even affect the liver, lymphatic system, bones, heart, skin, and lungs of patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis progression

For many rheumatoid arthritis patients the disorder is progressive, meaning they will experience recurring flare ups that affect almost every part of the body. These attacks often gradually worsen with time with periods of remission, or subsiding symptoms in between.

While no cure for RA is known, treatment of the disease is important to slow the progression and relieve symptoms. Doctors will typically prescribe a combination of medication (usually NSAIDS and/or Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs to prevent disease progression), lifestyle changes, physical therapies, and dietary treatments.


Patients are impacted by rheumatoid arthritis very differently. For instance, attacks can be mild for some patients and disabling for others. During the earliest stages of RA, most patients experience telltale joint pain and swelling. Early detection and treatment is important to prevent serious and life-threatening disability.

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Taking a vacations always sounds like an exciting affair. However, there is more to vacations than just finding the right hotels at cheap rates and visiting local attractions and tasting the regional cuisines. Staying fit, safe, and healthy is probably the most crucial aspect that can help you to make the most out of your trip.

While on vacation, no matter how much you enjoy and relax, some of the common diseases are something you will never want to contact and bring back home as memories.

Given below are the diseases you don’t want to bring home from travel.

  • The warm wet tropical and the subtropical regions are known for their various mosquito triggered ailments such as malaria and dengue. This disease is also commonly known as bone breaking fever. These are ailments that are caused due to mosquito bites and are definitely some of the diseases you don’t want to bring home from travel. In both the cases, you can have a high fever, with nauseating feel. You can suffer from a harsh body ache that can make the pain excruciating. The fever can occur within one to two weeks from the insect bite. In many cases, if not treated well these common diseases like dengue and malaria have even caused a significant number of deaths.
  • There are a large number of water-generated diseases such as diarrhea. You can easily contract these diseases through consumption of infected water. Hence, whatever you do, please do not be adventurous or simply careless with the quality of the water that you drink. No matter how clean and dependable a natural source of water looks, please do not drink from it since it can end up you spending most of the time in your washroom. These diseases can be extremely annoying and can also continue for a while.
  • Hepatitis A is yet again another disease that can be commonly contracted through consumption of unclean food and water. A large number of such cases have been reported in Mexico and Colorado. This is, however, an ailment that is preventable through a vaccine.
  • Hepatitis B is transmitted through infected blood and bodily fluids, typically by having unprotected intercourse with an infected partner, but hep B can also be contracted by sharing hypodermic needles, tattoo equipment, razors, or other personal hygiene tools (i.e., nail trimmers) with an infected individual. Sources of caution are getting piercings or tattoos or even getting acupuncture if you’re uncertain of the cleanliness of the establishment or the proper sterilization of the equipment. Safe and effective vaccines to protect you against hepatitis B are available by your doctor prior to travel.
  • Hepatitis C can also be transmitted via infected blood with an already infected individual. Possible scenarios for contraction during travel may include sexual activities with a hep C positive individual. As well as sharing drug paraphernalia (i.e., needles), blood transfusions with unscreened blood, or getting tattoos and piercings with non-sterile equipment (i.e., acupuncture, dental procedures). Basically it’s unsafe to share any devices that can break the skin with a stranger. Although there is no vaccine to prevent hep C during travel, those who experience tell tale symptoms (i.e, jaundice of the skin and eyes, stomach pain, appetite loss, chronic fatigue, nausea, and dark colored urine) should seek immediate treatment to prevent serious liver disease (i.e., liver failure, cancer, or cirrhosis).
  • There are various vector-borne diseases and bacteria-borne ailments such as swimmer’s itch, which are the diseases that you don’t want to bring home from travel. You must stay away from adventurous dips into ponds and lakes no matter how tempting they look.

In short, you must be responsible for all your enjoyment and take good care of your health. Now that you know these diseases you don’t want to bring home from travel, it is advisable that you take a proper bath in your hotel bathrooms, follow proper sanitation hygiene, drink good quality, bottled water, and eat clean and fresh food to stay healthy and fit while you are on a vacation.

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fashion

Fashion is such an individualized thing. Everyone is different and therefore everyone has personal preferences when it comes to different types of dresses. One thing is true though; it’s important to have at least one versatile and flattering dress in your wardrobe. When determining what type to choose, there are several styles to consider that can be appropriate for different types of events and different figures.

Women today attend many events that require dressing up for the occasion. These may include weddings, dates, parties, work events, and brunch. When looking to buy a dress to suit a wide range of occasions, here are some flattering options for all ages and body types:

1. Wrap dresses

Wrap dresses are exactly what they sound like. These dresses are pulled together with a front closure. One side of the dress is wrapped across the front and then either goes behind the back part of the waist to either be attached by buttons or tied. The construction of this dress creates a v-neck front. It also accentuates the curves of the wearer in the chest area.

2. Maxi dresses

Maxi dresses are a great option for many occasions. They are long and go to the floor. Generally, they are designed to fit the body on the top, and then be flowy and long on the bottom. The fun thing about them is they can feature many different necklines and come in various patterns and colors. This makes them very individualized to the person.

3. A-Line dresses 

A-line dresses are named after the shape they take on the body, which is an “A”. They fit to the top part of the body and begin to flare gradually out at the waist and hips, becoming wider as the hem progresses. A-line clothing can be found not just in dresses, but also in coats and skirts.

4. Little black dresses

Everyone has heard of the little black dress. This is such a versatile option that can be found in your closet. It can be dressed up or down for numerous types of events. As a general design, it is usually a simple dress that tends to be quite short. The elegance and simplicity create a fairly blank canvas that allows you to create the exact type of look that you want. Many designers provide limitless options for this much-needed wardrobe essential. Victoria Beckham cocktail dresses are one good brand to consider.

5. Mini dresses

A mini, or short dress that hangs just above the knees is a common style. This design became popular in the 1920’s. It was later revitalized in the 1960s, and has remained an integral part of many wardrobes ever since. A mini shift style dress is a loose-fitting dress that is very comfortable and does not fit tightly around the waist or any part of the body. It is loose at both the hips and the waist so the dress falls loosely down from the shoulders all the way down to the bottom of the dress. Darts are generally located in the bust area. It is a straight silhouette that can be flattering for those that have bodies that are shaped more like a column and it also elongates petite figures as it shows off the legs. 

When shopping for dresses, every designer has his or her own individual interpretation. It is fun, and a great idea to look at the individual designers and fashion forward celebrities to find the one that fits your aesthetic most closely. Also, remember that designers also have many other clothing options. As an example, when looking at what stars wear, like Kourtney Kardashian or Victoria Beckham (blouses, skirts, dresses and pants), you might find a designer that the star tends to wear a lot that you can draw inspiration from.

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The right handbag can really accentuate your outfit of the day. There are also many styles and functions for different handbags. You could have a handback that works as a daily driver – a bag that you take to run errands or to the store. You could also have a bag that’s perfect for traveling or for a night out. Whatever the case may be, these are five handbags that are sure to be everywhere this season:

1. Versace Chunky Chain Bag

This Versace bag features a chunky chain which really is the stand out feature on this bag. The chain provides a cool effect when you wear it, that really draws your eyes to it. In typical Versace fashion, the chunky chain bag is made of high quality materials and is a great value for the price.

2. Lanvin Puffy Cloud Bag

The Lanvin Puffy Cloud Bag is another bag you’ll be seeing a lot of in 2021. This bag is one of the top trends in handbags right now, and for good reason. The Lanvin quality is apparent and you can really wear this on any occasion, formal or casual.

3. Stella McCartney Hobo Bag

The Stella McCartney Hobo bag has a relaxed look about it. It appears slightly slouched in nature, which provides a really cool effect. This bag can be dressed up for a nice, formal event or dressed down for a nice casual day. This bag is incredibly versatile and provides enough room for all of your belongings. It has two slip pockets and an interior compartment for maximum storage. This is one bag that can really do it all.

4. Bottega Veneta Fisherman Shoulder Bag

The Bottega Veneta Fisherman Shoulder Bag is extremely trendy right now, and for good reason. The bag features a scale like pattern which is the standout feature. It also features a shoulder strap for great versatility and a super comfortable wear. The bag features high quality materials and enough room to keep all your belongings stored nicely. This bag leans a bit casual but is a great bag if you’re looking to make a statement throughout the day.

5. Fendi Fluffy Feathers Bag

The Fendi fluffy feathers bag is a bag that’s sure to make a statement. This bag is made of high quality materials, in typical Fendi fashion. The fluffy feathers bag is covered in ostrich feathers. This bag is incredibly unique and will turn all the heads. It’s also very versatile in that all of the straps are detachable so you could wear this as a shoulder bag or as a little handheld purse. When you pair this with a stunning dress, you will be sure to turn heads at any formal event or night out on the town.

These bags can be found at many of your favorite retailers and department stores. Make sure to shop Saks Fifth Avenue bags for the latest in deals and trends for the 2021 year.

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Jewelry is the one of the best accent pieces for any outfit you choose to wear. The right necklace, or the right bracelet, can really put the finishing touch on an amazing outfit. You may opt to wear a necklace on a night out, or a set of bangles to run some errands. Either way there are a few styling hacks to help maximize your jewelry. Here are six jewelry styling hacks to follow:

1. Use earrings for a pop of color
It can be a great idea to match a few pieces of jewelry, however, when they’re all very similar in style and color, they can really blend together. To solve this issue, try using earrings to create that pop of color. Earrings can really balance out an outfit

2. Know when it’s too much
Jewelry can provide a great accent to your favorite outfit but you need to be careful you don’t overdo it. By having too much, you’re really taking away from the effect your jewelry adds to your outfit

3. Personalize with statement jewelry
Something like customized wrist bracelets can be super personal. This can be a piece that no one has that truly stands out on its own. These are often hard to duplicate because they’re one of a kind and customized. Check Kay Jewelers clearance sale and see if there’s anything that you could customize and make truly unique

4. Minimal jewelry with patterned clothing
When your outfit is full of patterns, it’s already incredibly loud. Something like stripes or plaid can be a super powerful statement in itself so when picking out jewelry, make sure to keep it minimal. When it’s overdone it can have the opposite effect of what you’re looking for. One simple necklace or bracelet can be a nice, quick addition to a loud outfit with many patterns

5. Create layers with necklaces and bangles
Sometimes when we wear jewelry it can be hard to get the most out of it. Sometimes our jewelry is too thin and won’t really pop with our outfits. That’s where layering comes into play. By layering bangles you can create a super nice, textured set of bracelets that will surely stand out. With necklaces, you want to look at the style and length. By mixing and layering different necklace lengths, you can create the illusion of a much bigger piece and have them all flow together seamlessly. Either way, you really can’t go wrong with layering

6. Mix metals in jewelry
Most jewelry is made of various metals like gold, silver, and platinum. By combining different metals, you can really make them pop. When mixing and matching gold and silver you really create a palate with different colors and materials. It helps them stand out. When you wear all your jewellery in one material or one color, the pieces tend to blend in with each other. Mixing metals will help your pieces to really make a statement

When choosing jewelry, make sure to follow these 6 hacks for best results!

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