Arthritis Today Magazine

When my husband was first diagnosed with arthritis in his toe he went to www.arthritis.org and decided to subscribe to Arthritis Today. I have been recently diagnosed with Arthritis (A bone scan, 2 x-rays and 2 sets of blood tests still don't tell me what kind it is.) so I am reading it myself.

When I first thought about reviewing the magazine I wondered who would be the audience other than those with arthritis. Well that was answered for me in a letter from a reader in the magazine. She wrote that she subscribes to the magazine and doesn't have arthritis. She went on to explain that she reads it because of friends and family members who have been diagnosed and finds it very helpful. I have to agree with her. This isn't just for those suffering.

Although the target audience is those who have arthritis, there are articles such as "How Smart Patients Use the Internet (And why wise doctors encourage it)" that would be helpful to a family member, for example, who wants to help their loved one who is suffering. I found this article to hit very close to home. My husband saw his doctor (not for arthritis) and came with articles from reputable sources. (The article just mentioned will put you in touch with those sites that are reputable.) This particle doctor was demeaning about it and my husband doesn't intend to go back! In this case, an article in Arthritis Today was relevant in dealing with another type of specialist.

Arthritis Today is a comprehensive magazine. You won't just be reading about the disease, which is something I really like. I find myself getting anxious as I read the magazine sometimes thinking about what might lie ahead but then I'll get to an article that makes me realize that for most this isn't a death sentence. For example the article, "Investment or Dust Catcher? The Lowdown on Exercise Equipment" was terrific. Although many of the articles are short, they are to the point and give me the information I want.

The articles are a mixed bag. You'll find what I call organized chaos of pages with 3 or 4 short paragraphs about totally different issues. For example on one page you'll read "Napping- How Much is Enough?, "Rest Up before your Flu Shot," and webs sites that helps with prescription drug payments.

Every issue has:

"Features" which are usually several easy-to-read practical stories. You might read about how to do wise shopping online or about gadgets that will make you life easier at home.

"your Self" is where you would find the article on fitness equipment, recipes, nutrition or how to say no. I learned that I shouldn't have more Omega 6 than Omega 3, just as I ran out of my Flaxseed Oil!

"your Health" is one section that scares me the most but can also uplift me knowing there are resources and success stories. You'll read about new drugs on the market, drug interference or how to survive surgery.

"your Life" is a fun section, in my opinion. Here you'll read perhaps about a jewelry maker or social know-hows from Peggy Post.

"Also in this Issue" has our letters and parting thoughts just to give you a couple of examples of what you will find.

"Cover Stories" are obviously the stories featured on the cover, which change from issue to issue.

All the ads have something to do with arthritis. You won't see an automobile advertisement (If you do let me know.) but rather ads on drugs or products that will make your life easier (spas, joint supports, medication). I have found great coupons for over-the-counter joint pain medication. The last one I used was for $5.00!

My final thoughts:

Certainly if you have arthritis this should be coming in your mailbox. This might even be a good gift for a family member with whom you are close so she or he has more of an idea of what you are dealing with. If you know someone with arthritis who doesn't have this, it is a wonderful gift. I look forward to getting it rather than dreading see it because then I have to read it.