Arthritis

OET Online PASSAGE ARTHRITIS - A Holistic Approach Can Help Paragraph 1 Mosby's Medical and Nursing Dictionary defines arthritis as any inflammatory condition of the joints, characterized by pain and swelling. The name derives from the Greek word "arthron" which means joint and "itis" which means inflammation. In its various forms arthritis afflicts millions throughout the world from juveniles to the elderly. Paragraph 2 A 2003-2005 National Health Interview Survey in the United States of America reported 21.6% of adults have self reported, doctor diagnosed arthritis. In Australia it is estimated that by 2020 one in every five Australians will have arthritis. To date, despite the expenditure of an enormous amount of money on research and the considerable efforts of scientists throughout the world, a cure for arthritis has proved elusive. Paragraph 3 Medical treatments range from simple pain relievers like Paracetamol, which eases pain and if taken as recommended has few side effects, to powerful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. Such drugs can provide effective relief from the pain, joint stiffness and inflammation but do not result in a permanent cure. Unlike Paracetamol, these medications taken long term can have serious side effects and they must be regularly and carefully monitored. There may also be contraindications relating to other medical conditions, use during pregnancy or lactation and adverse reactions as a result of allergies. Paragraph 4 Surgical interventions such as hip and other joint replacements are usually performed to relieve severe pain and loss of function where other non-surgical treatments are unable to bring sufficient relief. Such procedures can be highly effective in enhancing mobility in the majority of cases. The need for hip replacement surgery is becoming increasing common among the elderly as

Medical English Professionals longevity increases. For example the 2007 Spring Issue Joint News reports "over the last ten years, hip replacement surgery has increased in Australia by 94.1%”. Paragraph 5 Other non-pharmacological treatments such as physiotherapy, acupuncture, therapeutic massage and aqua aerobics can help to relieve some symptoms. There are also a number of nutritional supplements that may relieve the inflammation, pain and slow degeneration of effected joints. Such supplements are advertised widely and available from chemists, health food outlets, and many supermarkets. However even "natural" products can have side effects or conflict with other medication so always check first with your doctor or pharmacist. Paragraph 6 In relation of dietary supplements, a number of studies conclude that Fish Oils containing omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Research published in a reputable medical journal also suggests a glucosamine dietary supplement can slow down the deterioration of joints associated with osteoarthritis. As a result selected hospitals are conducting clinical research trials to determine the validity of the research. Paragraph 7 While there is no "miracle food" that cures arthritis, general dietary advice recommends a healthy balanced diet rich in foods that contain calcium to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. A wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, plenty of fluids, preferably water and fresh fruit juices rather than carbonated drinks are recommended. The intake of alcohol should preferably be kept to low level. Paragraph 8 Dieticians also advise arthritis sufferers to eat fatty fish such as herring, tuna, mackerel, salmon or sardines at least twice a week. There is also anecdotal evidence from people with arthritis that certain foods impact negatively on their condition. Keeping a food diary over a period of a month or more could help individuals identify any particular foods that appear to regularly provoke their arthritic symptoms.

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OET Online Paragraph 9 It is universally acknowledged that exercise programs which improve the fitness of the heart and lungs, correct poor posture, build muscular strength, increase joint flexibility and improve balance are beneficial to people of all ages and can reduce the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. The ancient Chinese martial art of Tai Chi, in an appropriately modified style, is a form of exercise which achieves all this and also enhances both mental and physical relaxation. Paragraph 10 Dr Paul Lam, a family physician who lives in Sydney Australia began to have signs of arthritis after graduating from medical school. He took up Tai Chi and found it improved his arthritis and enabled him to enjoy his chosen and busy lifestyle. He is now a highly respected Tai Chi teacher and practitioner and has created a number of Tai Chi programs to improve people's health and well being. Arthritis Foundations and organisations in the Britain, America and Australia, New Zealand support his work. He has travelled the world to train instructors in the Tai Chi for Arthritis Program and produced books, videos and DVDs. Paragraph 11 The Sun style Tai Chi movements are fluid, gentle and slow and help reduce the pain and stiffness associated with arthritic conditions. The movements incorporate breathing techniques and place an emphasis on posture and on the importance of weight transference which is an essential component of good balance. To ensure smoothness and harmony they require a mental as well as a physical commitment. People who practice these movements regularly, either individually in their homes or with a group in a park or community hall, report many benefits. Paragraph 12 In many countries there are government funded and other support organizations whose purpose is not only to fund raise for

Medical English Professionals further medical research into a cure for arthritis but also equally to provide comprehensive advice and assistance for people living with arthritis. This can include running education programs and seminars to provide the public with reliable and well researched information and also to providing aids to help in everyday living. These aids range from simple devices to assist in opening jars and cans and to larger equipment to assist with mobility. Paragraph 13 Ultimately, to live as full a life as possible with an arthritic condition, you need to gain a full understanding of your condition. This can be achieved by working with a medical care team who shares their knowledge, is supportive and recognizes the contributions you can make. The best outcomes require a close partnership between you, your doctor and any health professionals or practitioners involved in your treatment Paragraph 14 A degree of self management has proved effective in managing arthritic conditions. This can be achieved in a number of ways. Keep up to date and enquire about the latest research results. Learn about and choose foods that will ensure you have a healthy well balanced diet. Always take medicines as directed and do not try any new “natural” supplement or medication without first consulting with your doctor or pharmacist. Undertake an exercise regime such as Tai Chi that is suitable to you and that you can enjoy in the company of others. Paragraph 15 Until such time as a cure for all forms of arthritis becomes a reality, a holistic approach to the control of arthritis incorporating many of the treatments, therapies and concepts outlined in this article, will help you discover that living with arthritis does not mean you cannot have an enjoyable and fulfilling life.


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Medical English Professionals QUESTIONS: Arthritis

1. Which of the following statements is correct? a) More adults in Australia have arthritis than in the US b) More adults in the US have arthritis than in Australia c) Over 20 % of Australians have arthritis d) 4 in every hundred people have arthritis 2. According to the article a cure for arthritis is: a) Much too expensive to justify b) A major focus for Australian scientists c) Hard to find d) Likely within 2 - 3 years 3. Which of the following statements is not reflected in the article? a) Paracetamol has few side effects b) Some powerful drugs can provide a permanent cure c) Pregnancy and lactation contraindicate the use of certain drugs d) Powerful non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs can provide effective relief from pain, joint stiffness and inflammation. 4. Which of the following statements is correct? a) In the US hip replacement surgery has increased by 94.1% in the last decade b) Such surgery is unsuitable for the elderly c) Hip replacement surgery usually improves mobility d) Hip replacement surgery is not expensive and is easily accessible 5. According to the article which one of the following statements is false? a) Glucosamine dietary supplement is clinically proven b) Natural products can have side effects c) A number of nutritional supplements may relieve the inflammation, pain and slow degeneration of effected joints. d) Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation 6. In paragraph 8 the expression anecdotal evidence can best be described as: a) A personal observation b) Scientific investigation c) An old wives tale d) None of the above 7. Which of the following statements appear in the article relating to diet? a) Alcohol in moderation is beneficial b) Carbonated drinks are recommended c) Arthritis sufferers indicate that some foods adversely affect their condition d) Fatty fish such as herring, tuna, mackerel and sword fish must be eaten twice weekly 8. In which paragraph can you find a description a style of Tai Chi which is useful for sufferers of arthritis? a) Paragraph 9 b) Paragraph 10 c) Paragraph 11 d) Paragraph 12 9. Which of the following is correct from the article’s point of view? a) The major purpose of Government funded and other support organisations is to raise money for further medical research b) Seminars and education programs are run to provide the public with consistent and thoroughly researched information c) Simple devices can assist in opening jars and can d) For optimum results a close relationship between you and medical professionals is essential 10. The article makes the following suggestions a) Self management is ineffective in managing arthritic conditions b) Having arthritis does not mean a fulfilling life is impossible c) There may be a cure for arthritis soon d) Have a spirit of adventure and try anything new


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Title Arthritis

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Answer Sheet

Question 1 (Para 2) a) Incorrect b) Correct: …….in the United States of America reported 21.6% of adults have self reported, doctor diagnosed arthritis. In Australia it is estimated that by 2020 one in every five Australians will have arthritis. c) Incorrect d) Incorrect Question 2 (para 2) a) Incorrect b) Incorrect c) Correct: …..a cure for arthritis has proved elusive. Elusive is synonym for hard to find d) Incorrect Question 3 (para 3) a) Incorrect b) Correct: …powerful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. Such drugs can provide effective relief from the pain, joint stiffness and inflammation but do not result in a permanent cure. I c) Incorrect d) Incorrect Question 4: (para 4) a) Incorrect b) Incorrect c) Correct: ….such procedures can be highly effective in enhancing mobility in the majority of cases d) Incorrect Question 5 (para 5/6) a) Correct: False …not proven yet b) Incorrect: True However even "natural" products can have side effects or conflict with other medication c) Incorrect: True There are also a number of nutritional supplements that may relieve the inflammation, pain and slow degeneration of effected joints. d) Incorrect: True Fish Oils containing omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Question 6 (para 8) a) Correct: Key word: There is also anecdotal evidence from people with arthritis b) Incorrect c) Incorrect d) Incorrect Question 7 (para 8) a) Incorrect b) Incorrect c) Correct: There is also anecdotal evidence from people with arthritis that certain foods impact negatively on their condition. d) Incorrect Question 8 a) Incorrect: b) Incorrect c) Correct d) Incorrect Question 9 (para 13) a) Incorrect b) Incorrect c) Incorrect d) Correct: The best outcomes require a close partnership between you, your doctor and any health professionals or practitioners involved in your treatment Question 10 (para 15) a) Incorrect b) Correct: living with arthritis does not mean you cannot have an enjoyable and fulfilling life. c) Incorrect d) Incorrect


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Arthritis

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