Let’s Talk RA campaign to improve doctor-patient communication

This March, the Arthritis Foundation will launch a year-long national education and awareness program on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It will offer a free guide to help people with RA talk more effectively with their doctors. There will also be 10 “town hall” meetings across the country where people can ask RA experts how to manage their disease. A foundation survey found that nearly 70% of people treated for RA experience stiffness, fatigue, or pain every day. To receive the best care, these people need to clearly describe their symptoms and specify how the disease is affecting their life. The “Let’s Talk RA” guide discusses how to prepare for each doctor visit and the types of questions to ask. You can order the guide and get an update on where and when the meetings will be held by visiting the foundation’s website at www.arthritis.org or by calling 800-568-4045.

(The Arthritis Foundation)