Though it's no substitute for treatment, regular exercise can benefit how you live with RA. The key is to start slowly, progress at a comfortable pace, and keep a journal to track how you're doing. Once you develop a routine, the results should be well worth your effort. Please consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

The Resident Assistant (RA) plans programs and activities for enjoyment and learning. They are a referral source for residents and are available to answer any questions you may have.

We now know a great deal about what causes RA and how to control it. While we cannot cure it at present, joint damage can now be prevented -- with early use of disease-modifying drugs that are essential in order to avoid joint erosions and limitation in function. The rate at which new advances in care are occurring in RA is mind-boggling!

The diagnosis of RA is based on clinical signs and symptoms, but it is supported by laboratory tests. If someone presents with a clinical pattern suggestive of RA, a variety of blood tests and X-rays will be performed.

Today, many rheumatologists have been using a combination of treatments to account for the different ways that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect you. One particular treatment that has shown great promise is called targeted B-cell therapy.

You may have heard claims that the right diet can provide relief from RA. Unfortunately, studies show that diet alone is not the answer. But diet is still important to your health, and it can impact the way you live with RA. The Arthritis Foundation recommends a diet low in saturated fats and calories, and rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, and remember that diet is no substitute for treatment.

The key is to be as open as possible. Tell your family and friends how you feel and what your needs are, and ask them to do the same. We all like to feel independent, like we don't have to rely on others, but everyone needs help from time to time. Don't be afraid to ask for some, and return the favor when you're feeling better. For a guide that you can hand out to family and friends to help them better understand RA, click here.

If you're like most of our new students, this will be the first time you've lived away from your family. This can be both an exciting and challenging time for you. Fortunately, you will be able to depend on Tech's Resident Assistants (RA's) to lend you a hand. All the residence halls have RA's who are upper-class students. RA's at Tech play many different roles: peer counselors, resource people, authority figures, academic advisors, educators, programmers, and administrators.

For most RAs, being an RA is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding and enriching aspects of their college experience.

If you are applying for an RA position during the academic year, no. The RA position requires a year-long commitment. If you are applying for the summer, possibly. International Programs prefers to give as many students as possible the opportunity to participate in the RA program. However, being hired for one RA position does not necessarily eliminate you from other RA positions.

The term RA refers to Regular Retirement Annuity contracts offered by TIAA-CREF. A Retirement Annuity (RA) is used to fund your main or "basic" plan with Contributions made by your employer and/or yourself once you've met some basic eligibility requirements (e.g., your length of service). The term GSRA refers to Supplemental Retirement Annuity contracts also offered by TIAA-CREF.

Diet may play a role in some patients with RA. However, in most, a well-balanced diet is the correct prescription. Patients should keep a diary to determine whether eating one type of food is commonly associated with a flare of RA, If that is the case, a trial of avoiding that food is reasonable. Optimal weight is always appropriate, especially patients with joint inflammation in the legs.

The immune system plays a major role in development of joint inflammation and damage, fatigue, and the feeling that you have a chronic viral illness. The immune system is made up of body-protecting cells and antibodies. In normal people, these help to fight off invading infectious agents. In RA, however, something goes awry, and immune system appears to be directed against the person's tissues. Thus, it is called an autoimmune disorder.