Many people think of arthritis as an affliction of the elderly. Quite rightly, everybody is delighted when Granny finally has a new hip which helps to maintain her mobility. However, the word arthritis is a broad term which covers approximately 200 different conditions. Unlike Granny's painful 'wear and tear' problem with individual joints, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune disease. This means that a fault develops with the body's immune system, causing it to attack the individual in many ways. Not only can all joints become inflamed, agonisingly painful and at risk of destruction, there is also a constant exhaustion which is often described as feeling like the onset of a nasty dose of 'flu. Rheumatoid Arthritis can attack people of any age, including children, causing pain, fatigue, disability and, in some cases, heart disease. There has been a great deal of research into the cause and effects of this painful and destructive condition. This research is ongoing and hopes are high for a treatment which will effectively halt the progress of RA. New drugs now 'tame' the immune system and reduce or slow the effects of the disease. The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) was set-up in 2002 by Ailsa Bosworth who, having developed RA as a young woman, saw the need for an organisation which could support and inform anybody affected by the condition. From small beginnings, NRAS has grown into a significant presence in the UK with support groups in Wales, England, Scotland and imminently, in Northern Ireland. NRAS offers detailed information about all aspects of the disease, telephone support, practical advice about benefits and many other services. It also liaises with NHS professionals and rheumatology consultants. In areas where treatment provision is inadequate, NRAS takes on a campaigning and advocacy role. The website address is http://www.rheumatoid.org">www.rheumatoid.org , the telephone helpline, 0845 458 3969.

OPEN DAY

The Pembrokeshire NRAS Support Group will be holding an Open Day tomorrow (Saturday) from 11 am to 4 pm at the Picton Centre, Haverfordwest. (The Picton Centre is on the site of County Hall. There is disabled access and ample parking.) All are welcome to 'drop in' for tea, coffee, biscuits. Local volunteers will be there to help and members of the Withybush General Hospital Rheumatology Team will be available to answer questions and demonstrate useful aids for the disabled.