Scleroderma

African Americans have more severe complications from systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, than Caucasians. Findings published today in, Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), show that compared with Caucasians, African-American patients were more likely to have antibodies that increased frequency and severity of pulmonary fibrosis, which is associated with decreased survival.

According to the ACR there are 49,000 adult American diagnosed with systemic

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsens with age. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is usually caused by normal wear and tear, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder (a condition where the body actually attacks itself). Other types of arthritis include gout, infectious arthritis and joint problems

Management of systemic sclerosis is likely to improve as soon as an ongoing convergence of mechanistic insights, improved understanding of clinical trial design, and interest by industry results in new treatments, according to Dr. Robert F. Spiera.

Of particular note are recent trials, with both positive and negative results, of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and autologous stem cell transplantation, he said at a rheumatology meeting sponsored by New York University. Even while awaiting a big breakthrough in treatment, "we can now do a lot for our patients with Scleroderma," said Dr. Spiera, director of the Scleroderma and Vasculitis Center at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

Bad news cola lovers: Soda isn't the healthiest thirst-quencher in the cooler. In fact, health risks surrounding sugary drinks are increasingly well-documented. Rates of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes are higher among people who sip them regularly.

In one strange case, experts suspect cola overload may have helped to kill a 30-year-old New Zealand woman who died of a heart attack in February 2010. Natasha Harris reportedly drank 8 to 10 liters of cola per day, according to the Associated Press.

For centuries, spices have been used as medicines. Today their healing potential is again being rediscovered, especially curcumin. In one recent medical study, curcumin was found to be better than conventional medications at relieving the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Curcumin is derived from the spice turmeric. Turmeric is a member of the ginger plant family. The ginger family is comprised of more than 1,300 members and many are considered medicinal plants including ginger, turmeric, melegueta pepper and cardamom.

If you don't get enough sleep, you're not alone; 70 percent of adults report that they obtain insufficient sleep or rest at least once each month, and 11 percent report insufficient sleep or rest every day of the month. Like eating well and being physically active, getting a good night's sleep is vital to your well-being. Here are 10 tips to help you get a good night's sleep...