Monongahela Valley Hospital (MVH) presents All About Arthritis a four- week lecture series beginning September 6, 2006. For four consecutive Wednesdays, MVH physicians and educational staff will discuss a different topic pertaining to arthritis. The goal of the team of professionals is to educate area residents about arthritis and associated diseases. They will provide pertinent information to help individuals with arthritis make decisions regarding treatment options.

There are over 100 types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. All About Arthritis will provide the latest information on new drug treatments, therapies and surgeries. Donna Hatalowich, RN, MVH health educator, said, “This program was designed to help individuals with arthritis and their families understand their physician’s treatments and expound on the explanation and information that was given to them by their physician or other health care professional.”

The series commences on Wednesday, September 6, with guest speaker Ajay K. Mathur, M.D., F.A.C.P., a rheumatology specialist, who will give an overview of the most common forms of arthritis, drugs that are being utilized, and different operations that are performed. In addition, he will answer questions about rare forms of arthritis. A pharmacist will also be available to assist in answering drug treatment questions.

On September 13, a physical therapist will discuss how the body is affected by arthritis and the many treatment options available including aqua therapy. An occupational therapist will discuss and display the different kinds of adaptive equipment now available to individuals with arthritis.

On September 20, Scott L. Baron, M.D., orthopedic surgeon, will continue the series with a discussion on joint replacement surgery and other specialized surgeries available to patients entitled What’s New in Arthritis Surgery.

Concluding the series on September 27, Cheryl Tucker, Stress Management Specialist, will discuss Alternative Therapies and Stress Management for Those Suffering with Arthritis. There are a number of studies being conducted relating to the mind/body connection and looking at the effects of psychology and behavior on different health issues. Discussion will focus on ways to manage stress and ease the pain.

The impact of arthritis in Pennsylvania and across the United States is astonishing. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one in two Pennsylvanians have arthritis; one out of every three adults have arthritis or chronic joint syndromes; arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the United States; and more than half of people affected with arthritis are under age 65.

The All About Arthritis series is free and open to the public. The program will be held at the Mon Vale HealthPlex in Rostraver from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Refreshments will be served and ample parking is available. Participants attending all four classes will receive a free one-day pass to Mon-Vale HeathPLEX’s Center for Fitness and Health. Advance reservations are requested by calling 1-877-400-9892.