Rheumatoid Arthritis: Maintain Healthy and Normal Lifestyle
Forty-six million people have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, or a related condition, like lupus, gout, or fibromyalgia. Among them, 1.3 million Americans have rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatologist Lakshmi P. Kocharla, M.D. will discuss 'Rheumatoid Arthritis: Maintaining a Healthy and Normal Lifestyle' on Thursday, March 19 at Burnham Brook Center. Senior Health Partners presents the program as part of its 'Aging Well' series, which is free to the public.
A lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. Kocharla's presentation at noon. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling the class/seminar registration line at 877-GO2-BCHS (877-462-2247).
The purpose of Dr. Kocharla's presentation is to help educate the community on various types of arthritis; evolution, diagnosis, and management of rheumatoid arthritis, when to seek medical attention, what treatment options are available, and how to live a healthy and normal life.
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation of lining of the joints or synovium. It is a chronic form of arthritis, which can be disabling if left untreated. Prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment have been shown to control disease activity and maintain the integrity of the joints. Though there is no cure, with advancement in research and drug developments, the newer medications have been helping patients achieve good disease control and helping them live healthier and happier lives.
Senior Health Partners, a community partnership of Battle Creek Health System, CentraCare, Region 3B Area Agency on Aging, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle Creek Health System as a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
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About the Presenter:
Lakshmi P. Kocharla, MD, who specializes in internal medicine and rheumatology, is part of the Battle Creek Health System medical staff and is affiliated with Associated Internal Medicine Specialists.
Dr. Kocharla received her medical degree from the Guntur Medical College in Guntur, India. She completed her residency training at McLaren Regional Medical Center through Michigan State University's Department of Internal Medicine. She received her subspecialty training in rheumatology as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio.
Dr. Kocharla is board certified in internal medicine and her subspecialty certification in rheumatology is pending.
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