Nearly 3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, a painful, incurable connective-tissue disease that attacks the hands and feet as well as the joints and may lead to deformities and permanent disabilities. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Plan to Win offers an inspiring, scientifically based game plan for minimizing the effects of this chronic illness, and ultimately, achieving optimal health. Here is the definitive resource for practical strategies and emotional support, whether you need help controlling pain, are concerned about medication side-effects, or want to locate a reliable RA news source or support group on the Internet. Helpful chapters detail the latest therapies, special dietary and exercise needs of people with RA, how to deal with arthritis at home and in the workplace, prepare for surgery, pregnancy and childbirth, enjoy healthy sexuality, use the mind-body connection to control symptoms, make informed decisions about alternative medicine, and perhaps most important, how to build a healthcare team and maintain excellent communication and working relationships with that team. By using this book as a starting point and a 24/7 reference guide, people with RA will be better equipped to form an effective plan of action, making well-informed decisions about their health along the way, and greatly enhancing their ability to live happy, productive lives. Cheryl Koehn, who was an Olympic-caliber athlete when she developed RA, is a leading advocate and spokesperson for people with arthritis. Together with her co-authors, John Esdaile, MD, and science writer Taysha Palmer, Koehn provides a wealth of information and practical advice, assembled from thousands of research papers as well as from her personal experiences with this debilitating disease.

Cheryl Koehn's profile page

Taysha Palmer's profile page

John Esdaile M.D.'s profile page

Cheryl Koehn is a former US National Volleyball Team member and an activist and spokesperson for RA patients. She lives in Vancouver, Canada. John Esdaile, M.D. is professor and head of the Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia and Scientific Director of the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada, and is a leading authority on rheumatoid arthritis. Taysha Palmer is a freelance health and science writer.

"Cheryl Koehn is a modern-day hero in the arthritis world. Since her debut as an outstanding arthritis advocate in 1997, Cheryl has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of other people with arthritis. Together with the internationally respected Rheumatologist/Researcher Dr. John Esdaile and her good friend writer Taysha Palmer, Cheryl has transferred her will to strive for the best life (with arthritis) possible onto paper. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Plan to Win will both encourage and empower countless people."--Denis Morrice, President and CEO, The Arthritis Society, Canada

"A book that should be read by everyone with RA as well as their health care providers. This book gives us insight into how an expert patient and her rheumatologist deal with the problems and frustrations of this disease. All of us have much to learn from their example."--Kate Lorig, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, and co-author of The Arthritis Helpbook

"This is the complete arthritis handbook, with answers to all the questions you thought you might ask--and more. Exercise, nutrition, treatments--complementary and traditional--sex and surgery--quality information in a most readable form. This is the book that will help you cope with rheumatoid arthritis."--Peter Brooks, Executive Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia

"A thoughtful, up-to-date guide providing real assistance for everyday issues confronting the patient with rheumatoid arthritis. A must read!"--E. Keystone, Director, The Centre for Advanced Therapeutics in Arthritis

"This is a truly extraordinary book--a must read for anyone with rheumatoid arthritis, their families, and loved ones. It is written with passion and has a clear and simple message--knowledge and taking control are tools of empowerment that change the lives of people with rheumatoid arthritis."--John H. Klippel, M.D., Medical Director, Arthritis Foundation