Richard Edward Ward https://richardedwardward.com Reconnecting With Spirit Sun, 11 Feb 2024 23:05:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 19505638 Richard Edward Ward Reconnecting With Spirit clean Judaism https://richardedwardward.com/my-points-of-reference/judaism/ Sun, 11 Feb 2024 23:05:50 +0000 https://richardedwardward.com/?page_id=29144 Judaism is one of the oldest and most influential religions in the world. Judaism provides the foundation for Christianity as Jesus the Christ was a Jew, and view by his followers as the Jewish Messiah. The Old Testament in the Christian Bible is written in Hebrew.

I studied Old Testament Hebrew when I was studying Theology in The School of Religious Studies at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Israel

Israel is the ancestral home of Judaism and the Jewish people. Israel is a small country in the Middle East, in West Asia, with a long and complex history that goes back more than 3,500 years.

Israel, officially the State of Israel, is bordered by:

  • Lebanon to the north,
  • Syria to the northeast,
  • Jordan to the east,
  • the Red Sea to the south,
  • Egypt to the southwest,
  • the Mediterranean Sea to the west, and
  • the West Bank along the east and the Gaza Strip along the southwest

Judaism is Based on the Torah

Judaism is based on the Torah, which is the first part of the Hebrew Bible. The Torah contains the Five Books of Moses, which tell the story of how God chose the Jewish people as His special nation and gave them His laws and commandments. The Torah is also known as the Written Torah, because it was given along with an Oral Torah, which explains and interprets the Written Torah. The Oral Torah was later written down in the Midrash and the Talmud, which are collections of stories, teachings, and legal discussions by Jewish sages throughout history.

Different Branches Or Denominations Of Judaism

Judaism is not just a religion, but also a culture and a civilization. There are different branches or denominations of Judaism that have different ways of understanding and practicing their faith. The main branches in alphabetical order are:

  • Conservative Judaism
  • Orthodox Judaism
  • Reconstructionist Judaism
  • Reform Judaism
  • Conservative Judaism: This branch emerged in the 19th century as a reaction to the Reform movement, which was seen as too liberal and assimilated. Conservative Jews try to balance tradition and modernity, by preserving the core values and practices of Judaism while adapting to changing circumstances. They accept the authority of the halakhah, but also allow for some flexibility and diversity in interpretation and application. They also value Jewish scholarship and education, as well as social justice and engagement with the wider society.
  • Orthodox Judaism: This is the most traditional branch of Judaism, which follows the Jewish law (halakhah) strictly and believes that it is binding for all Jews in all times and places. Orthodox Jews observe the Sabbath (Shabbat), dietary laws (kashrut), and other rituals according to the halakhah. They also study the Torah and Talmud extensively and use Hebrew as the language of prayer. Orthodox Judaism has several subgroups, such as Modern Orthodox, Hasidic, and Sephardic.
  • Reconstructionist Judaism: This is the smallest and most recent branch of Judaism, founded by Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan in the 20th century. Reconstructionist Jews view Judaism as an evolving civilization rather than a fixed religion. They do not believe in a personal God or supernatural miracles, but rather in a naturalistic conception of divinity. They also reject the idea of chosenness or exclusivity, and embrace pluralism and diversity within Judaism and among other faiths.
  • Reform Judaism: This branch started in Germany in the early 19th century as a response to the emancipation and integration of Jews into European society. Reform Jews wanted to reform Judaism to make it more compatible with modern values and lifestyles. They rejected the binding nature of the halakhah, and focused more on ethics and spirituality than on rituals and laws. They also introduced changes in liturgy, such as using vernacular languages, music, and gender equality. Reform Jews emphasize personal autonomy and choice in matters of faith and practice.

These are just some of the main branches of Judaism, but there are many more variations and movements within each branch.

Judaism Information Online

Judaism is a rich and complex tradition that has many facets and expressions. If you want to learn more about Judaism, you can check out these links:

I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something about Judaism.

Thanks for reading!

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]]> 29144 2024-02-10 February 10, 2024 is a Powerful Day https://richardedwardward.com/2024-02-10-february-10-2024-is-a-powerful-day/ https://richardedwardward.com/2024-02-10-february-10-2024-is-a-powerful-day/#respond Sat, 10 Feb 2024 21:41:41 +0000 https://richardedwardward.com/?p=29133 2024-02-10 February 10, 2024 is a powerful day & a time in many cultures to be grateful for our blessing & to set our intentions for a year ahead full of great health, joy, abundance, prosperity, laughter, love, & clarity of purpose.

  • New Moon in Aquarius
  • Year of the Wood Dragon New Year
  • Amavasya – Hinduism
  • Imbolc – Celtic on Feb 1

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]]> https://richardedwardward.com/2024-02-10-february-10-2024-is-a-powerful-day/feed/ 0 29133 Starting 2024 Anew: The Metaphysical Dynamics of Beginning a New Year https://richardedwardward.com/starting-2024-anew-the-metaphysical-dynamics-of-beginning-a-new-year/ https://richardedwardward.com/starting-2024-anew-the-metaphysical-dynamics-of-beginning-a-new-year/#respond Sun, 31 Dec 2023 23:25:17 +0000 https://richardedwardward.com/?p=29052 Starting 2024 Anew: The Metaphysical Dynamics of Beginning a New Year by Dr. Paul Leon Masters, the founder of the International Metaphysical Ministry is taken from Dr. Master’s publication “The Theocentric Way of Life,” Volume 2: Module 40. I have taken the liberty of adding ‘2024’ to the title of my blog post.

New Year Affirmation

I recognize that my first priority as I start a New Year and throughout it is to seek God’s heavenly consciousness at the center of my mind, knowing that through such contact all else that I need will be added to me.
– Dr. Paul Leon Masters

Happy New Year. I wish you all the best in 2024, and I hope that you enjoy this article by Dr. Masters.

The beginning of each New Year symbolizes the possibility of a new beginning or an improvement over what was. It can be a dream or a hope of what can be. To one who is intimately involved with one’s soul in a physical sense, it can be the anticipation that Divine Presence will somehow touch one’s life with increased blessings of some kind in the New Year.

To most people, a New Year does indeed present an opportunity for positive expectation, that somehow, in some way, the possibility exists that things will be better. In order for such dreams and wishes to become realities, the mind must adopt an attitude and state of consciousness that is expectant of improvement, both inwardly and outwardly, and willing to take the action necessary to give energy to one’s thoughts in the day-to-day world of one’s environment.

There are numerous factors that contribute to one finding oneself in a position of starting anew. Metaphysically, each new start symbolizes the karmic release from something that was necessary to one’s human life experience, and the need to progress to the next step of one’s personal soul evolution. This is very difficult for most people to do, since there is a human need to attempt to hold on to or cling to what has been. Starting anew, for many people, is only a last resort and something that they do not do cheerfully.

Resistance is psychologically understandable, as people may find themselves reacting internally to the fear of the unknown while clinging to the security that exists within the confines of familiarity. Starting anew encompasses many unanswered questions that threaten one’s sense of sameness. In the more surface human levels of the mind, the choice may be to leave well enough alone, even though what constitutes well enough may be far from what might be a necessary part of evolution.

To experience expansion and growth in a New Year, you must believe in your heart that you can. No surface, casual, simple wishing will make it so. The mind responds to the power of your belief because belief becomes faith when the basis of belief is enforced by a spiritual premise to give its possibility credence.

It requires a newness of spirit to sublimate the uncertainties of old patterns of thought into a new dynamic energy able to lift one beyond what has been to what can be. In short, the need is to be fueled by the fire of one’s own spirit or, more specifically, the Spirit that is the Presence of God within oneself.

The chains of psychological dependency to the past can melt away when contacted by the pure white heat of one’s own God-Spirit. An internal cleansing, as it were, takes place, to give newness to the mind, or, as the Bible states, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

The mind must concentrate its focus on the present and future, and not on the past and what has been. Along with a willingness to let go of the past, you must be more aware and conscious of your own Spiritual Reality. Concisely stated, you must grow. It is more likely for growth to come correctly and readily when you are aware of and using the God-Part of your mind.

You must consider yourself in a different position than you were in years past and regard the differences as positive, because with more living and experience, you have grown to be wiser and more aware than in the past. In order to confirm that you are a different person in a positive way, you will put your consciousness into action: make new choices and do new things that you did not take on in the past.

To activate this resolution, it is suggested that you look into yourself, into the God-Part of your mind, so that you may be intuitively guided to know what new directions, activities, thoughts, and decisions you should implement. The realization must be present in your mind that repeating identical lifestyle experiences of past years, without introducing anything new, will prevent you from truly starting a New Year in a way that will set positive dynamics into motion.

God’s Presence alone, within oneself, can reveal the purpose of one’s soul and the newness that must be its experience. This far supersedes the surface level of the mind. Such revelation does take place, whether in the twinkling of an eye or over a lengthy period so that further experience can occur. This enables the mind to comprehend that its real life is the presence and purpose of the soul, and that the soul is an individualized manifestation of the Spirit, or God. If we are to be rescued from a jail-like existence in our own mind, we must receive the inspiration of God from the sanctuary of our heart.

Ever-renewing newness is the nature of God-Presence. God as Infinity is constantly renewing all within Creation that, as the Bible states, “… live, move, and have their being” within God.

In your consciousness, you must firmly establish that you will let God guide you in doing new things and taking new directions. With faith that God will intuitively guide you, resolve within yourself that you will put into action those choices, directions, and activities that you have had an interest in doing, but for one reason or another, have not executed.

The closer that one is to God, the greater the possibility that the person’s soul will touch the Universal Spirit whose Nature, being part of constant renewal, will infuse the soul with the energy of its newness. It will thus translate that newness of Divine Energy into thought that is discernible to one’s conscious mind as an inspiration to enliven one’s sense of life and living to start anew.

Thank You Dr. Masters

This was a delightful and insightful article to read as I prepare to greet 2024. Thank you Dr. Masters.

Article published on December 31, 2023.

I have quoted the complete article “Starting Anew: The Metaphysical Dynamics of Beginning a New Year” by Dr. Masters above. You can read it here on the website of the University of Metaphysics.

There is also an audio version read by Rev. Steven Lane Taylor, B.Msc.

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]]> https://richardedwardward.com/starting-2024-anew-the-metaphysical-dynamics-of-beginning-a-new-year/feed/ 0 29052 Isha Kriya Guided Meditation https://richardedwardward.com/reconnecting-with-spirit/meditation/isha-kriya-guided-meditation/ Wed, 27 Dec 2023 18:52:15 +0000 https://richardedwardward.com/?page_id=29019 Isha Kriya Guided Meditation, a powerful guided meditation, is a simple yet potent process rooted in the timeless wisdom of the yogic sciences. Guided by yogi and mystic Sadhguru, it has the potential to transform the life of anyone willing to invest just 12 minutes a day.

The purpose of Isha Kriya Guided Meditation is to help an individual get in touch with the source of his existence, and to create life according to his own wish and vision.

Daily practice of Isha Kriya Guided Meditation helps bring health, dynamism, peace, and wellbeing. It is a powerful tool to cope with the hectic pace of modern life.

Learn Isha Kriya Guided Meditation

A single Isha Kriya guided meditation session takes only 12 minutes. This video instructs you how to perform this guided meditation:

  1. Preparation: Find somewhere comfortable to sit — either cross-legged on a cushion or mat or on a chair. Straighten your spine, close your eyes, tilt your face slightly upward, and place your hands on your thighs with your palms facing up.
  2. For the next 7 minutes, breathe in and out, slowly and deeply. As you inhale slowly, mentally repeat to yourself: “I am not the body.” As you exhale slowly, mentally repeat to yourself: “I am not even the mind.”
  3. After 7 minutes have passed, let out a long exhale while saying “ahhh” — do this seven times total.
  4. For the next 5 minutes, sit in silence with your eyes closed, face slightly upturned, with a slight focus on the small space between your eyebrows.
  5. Listen to Sadhguru chanting
  6. Slowly open your eyes.

Isha Kriya Guided Meditation Without Introduction & Instruction

There are a number of sources to access the Isha Kriya Guided Meditation with Sadhguru without the Introduction and instructions.

  • I use the Insight Timer version because the app links to other apps that I use to record my various activities.
  • The Sadhguru App is available to download for free.

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]]> 29019 Upon All Those Near and Dear To Me https://richardedwardward.com/upon-all-those-near-and-dear-to-me/ https://richardedwardward.com/upon-all-those-near-and-dear-to-me/#respond Sun, 17 Dec 2023 02:46:04 +0000 https://richardedwardward.com/?p=28988 “Spirit, God the Creator & Source of All, & God’s Presence within me, upon all those near and dear to me, bestow your love & blessings; peace of mind & body; health of mind & body; & your Spiritual Presence.”

“Spirit, God the Creator & Source of All, & God's Presence within me, upon all those near & dear to me, bestow your love & blessings; peace of mind & body; health of mind & body; & your Spiritual Presence.” Richard Edward Ward

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]]> https://richardedwardward.com/upon-all-those-near-and-dear-to-me/feed/ 0 28988 Cancer in Men: An Overview of the Situation in Canada and USA https://richardedwardward.com/health-issues-and-info/cancer/cancer-in-men-an-overview-of-the-situation-in-canada-and-usa/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 23:20:53 +0000 https://richardedwardward.com/?page_id=28979 Cancer in men is a major public health issue that is a leading cause of death in men in both Canada and the USA. In this blog post, I will provide an overview of the current situation of cancer in men in these two countries, based on the latest available statistics.

I am a Prostate Cancer Survivor.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a group of diseases that occur when cells in the body grow abnormally and uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system. There are more than 200 types of cancer, each with different causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes.

How common is cancer in men in Canada and the USA?

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, it is estimated that there will be 233,900 new cancer cases and 85,100 cancer deaths in Canada in 2022. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada and is responsible for 28.2% of all deaths. Of these new cases, 121,100 will be diagnosed in men and 45,100 men will die from cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 1,806,590 new cancer cases and 599,274 cancer deaths in the USA in 2020. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the USA after heart disease and is responsible for 21.3% of all deaths. Of these new cases, 874,478 were diagnosed in men and 299,046 men died from cancer.

What are the most common types of cancer in men?

The four most common types of cancer in men are lung, prostate, colorectal and bladder cancers. These four cancers account for 46% of all new cancer cases in men in Canada and 44% of all new cancer cases in men in the USA.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer in men and also the leading cause of cancer death in both countries. It is estimated that 13% of all new cancer cases and 25% of all cancer deaths in men will be due to lung cancer in Canada in 2022. In the USA, lung cancer accounted for 13% of all new cancer cases and 23% of all cancer deaths in men in 2020.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men and also the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men. It is estimated that 21% of all new cancer cases in men will be due to prostate cancer in Canada in 2022. In the USA, prostate cancer accounted for 20% of all new cancer cases in men in 2020. However, prostate cancer has a high survival rate and is not among the top causes of cancer death in men.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in men and also the second leading cause of cancer death in both countries. It is estimated that 12% of all new cancer cases and 11% of all cancer deaths in men will be due to colorectal cancer in Canada in 2022. In the USA, colorectal cancer accounted for 10% of all new cancer cases and 9% of all cancer deaths in men in 2020.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in men and also among the top ten causes of cancer death in both countries. It is estimated that 6% of all new cancer cases and 3% of all cancer deaths in men will be due to bladder cancer in Canada in 2022. In the USA, bladder cancer accounted for 5% of all new cancer cases and 3% of all cancer deaths in men in 2020.

What are the risk factors for developing or dying from cancer?

The risk factors for developing or dying from cancer vary depending on the type of
cancer. However, some general risk factors include:

  • Age: The risk of developing or dying from most cancers increases with age.
  • Genetics: Some cancers are inherited or have a strong family history.
  • Lifestyle: Some behaviors or habits can increase or decrease the risk of certain cancers, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, physical activity, sun exposure, etc.
  • Environment: Some exposures or pollutants can increase or decrease the risk of certain cancers, such as radon, asbestos, pesticides, etc.
  • Infections: Some viruses or bacteria can cause or contribute to certain cancers, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B or C, Helicobacter pylori, etc.
  • Screening: Some tests or procedures can detect some cancers early or prevent them from developing, such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), the colonoscopy, etc.

What are the signs and symptoms of cancer?

The signs and symptoms of cancer depend on the type of cancer, the location of the tumor, the size of the tumor, and the effects of the tumor on nearby organs or tissues. However, some general signs and symptoms that may indicate cancer include:

  • A lump or swelling in any part of the body
  • A change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or a wart
  • A sore that does not heal or bleeds easily
  • A cough or hoarseness that does not go away
  • A change in bowel or bladder habits
  • Difficulty swallowing or indigestion
  • Unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Unexplained fever, night sweats, or fatigue
  • Persistent pain in any part of the body
  • Unusual bleeding or discharge from any opening in the body

It is important to note that these signs and symptoms are not specific to cancer and may be caused by other conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor if any of these signs and symptoms persist or worsen.

How is cancer diagnosed and treated?

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer depend on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, the overall health of the patient, and the preferences of the patient. However, some general steps involved in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer include:

  • Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will ask about the patient’s personal and family history of cancer, as well as any signs and symptoms that the patient may have. The doctor will also examine the patient’s body for any abnormality or indication of cancer.
  • Diagnostic tests: The doctor may order one or more tests to confirm or rule out the presence of cancer, such as blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests (such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, etc.), biopsy (taking a sample of tissue for microscopic examination), etc.
  • Staging: The doctor will determine the extent or spread of the cancer in the body, based on the results of the diagnostic tests. The staging system may vary depending on the type of cancer, but it usually involves a number from 0 to 4, where 0 means no evidence of cancer and 4 means advanced or metastatic cancer.
  • Treatment: The doctor will recommend one or more treatment options for the patient, based on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences. The treatment options may include surgery (removing part or all of the tumor), radiation therapy (using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells), chemotherapy (using drugs to kill cancer cells), immunotherapy (using substances that stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells), targeted therapy (using drugs that target specific features of cancer cells), hormone therapy (using drugs that interfere with hormone production or action that affect cancer growth), etc.
  • Follow-up: The doctor will monitor the patient’s response to treatment and check for any recurrence or spread of the cancer. The follow-up may involve regular visits to the doctor, repeat tests, scans, biopsies, etc.

What are the survival rates for cancer in men?

The survival rate for cancer is a measure of how likely a person with a certain type and stage of cancer is to survive for a specific period of time after diagnosis, compared to a person without cancer. The survival rate is usually expressed as a percentage or a ratio. For example, a 5-year survival rate of 80% means that 80 out of 100 people with that type and stage of cancer are expected to be alive 5 years after diagnosis.

The survival rate for cancer varies depending on many factors, such as the type and stage of the cancer, the age and overall health of the patient, the availability and effectiveness of treatment, etc. Therefore, it is important to remember that survival rates are only estimates based on statistics and do not reflect the individual situation of each patient.

According to Statistics Canada, based on data from 2015 to 2017, the 5-year net survival rate for all cancers combined in men was 61%. This means that men diagnosed with any type of cancer had a 61% chance of surviving at least 5 years after diagnosis. However, this survival rate varied widely depending on the type of cancer. For example:

  • The 5-year net survival rate for prostate cancer was high (91%).
  • The 5-year net survival rate for colorectal cancer was about average (67%).
  • The 5-year net survival rate for lung cancer was low (22%).
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    ]]>     28979     The far-left has, sadly, become a powerful example of what not to do, say, or think. https://richardedwardward.com/the-far-left-has-sadly-become-a-powerful-example-of-what-not-to-do-say-or-think/ https://richardedwardward.com/the-far-left-has-sadly-become-a-powerful-example-of-what-not-to-do-say-or-think/#respond Wed, 13 Dec 2023 01:17:14 +0000 https://richardedwardward.com/?p=28975 “The far-left has, sadly, become a powerful example of what not to do, say, or think.“
    -Richard

    The far-left has, sadly, become a powerful example of what not to do, say, or think. - Richard Edward Ward

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    ]]>     https://richardedwardward.com/the-far-left-has-sadly-become-a-powerful-example-of-what-not-to-do-say-or-think/feed/ 0 28975     “I am grateful that I am grateful.” https://richardedwardward.com/i-am-grateful-that-i-am-grateful/ https://richardedwardward.com/i-am-grateful-that-i-am-grateful/#respond Wed, 29 Nov 2023 21:07:35 +0000 https://richardedwardward.com/?p=28968 “I am grateful that I am grateful.”
    -Richard

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    ]]>     https://richardedwardward.com/i-am-grateful-that-i-am-grateful/feed/ 0 28968     Cancer https://richardedwardward.com/health-issues-and-info/cancer/ Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:15:48 +0000 https://richardedwardward.com/?page_id=28957 Cancer is a term that describes a group of diseases that occur when abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably, sometimes forming lumps called tumours. Cancer can affect any part of the body and can spread to other tissues and organs through the blood or lymphatic system.

    I am a Prostate Cancer survivor, having been treated using radiotherapy and Firmagon/Dagarelix hormone therapy.

    Many Types of Cancer

    There are many types of cancer, each with different causes, symptoms, treatments and outcomes. Some of the most common types of cancer are breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer and skin cancer. Some cancers are named after the organ or tissue where they start, such as liver cancer or brain cancer. Others are named after the type of cell or tissue involved, such as leukemia (cancer of blood cells) or sarcoma (cancer of connective tissues).

    Causes of Cancer

    The causes of cancer are not fully understood, but some factors that may increase the risk of developing cancer include genetic mutations, exposure to radiation or chemicals, infections, smoking, obesity, age and family history. However, having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will get cancer. Likewise, some people may develop cancer without any known risk factors.

    Treatment of Cancer

    The treatment of cancer depends on many factors, such as the type, stage and location of the cancer, the overall health and preferences of the patient and the availability of resources. Some of the common treatments for cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy. Sometimes, more than one type of treatment is used to achieve the best results.

    Prevention of Cancer

    The prevention of cancer is not always possible, but some steps that may help reduce the risk of developing cancer include avoiding tobacco use, limiting alcohol consumption, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, protecting the skin from sun exposure, getting vaccinated against certain infections and getting regular screening tests.

    Cancer is a complex and challenging disease that affects millions of people around the world. However, there is also hope and progress in the field of cancer research and care. Many types of cancer can be cured or controlled with early detection and effective treatment. New therapies and technologies are being developed and tested to improve the outcomes and quality of life for people with cancer.

    Sources:

    Cancer Information

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    ]]>     28957     Arthritis https://richardedwardward.com/health-issues-and-info/arthritis/ Sat, 11 Nov 2023 23:02:39 +0000 https://richardedwardward.com/?page_id=28948 I suffer from Osteoarthris in my knees, shoulders, and lower back. Arthritis is a general term that refers to the inflammation of one or more joints. It can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the affected joints. Arthritis is not a single disease, but a group of more than 100 different conditions that affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

    Some of the most common types of arthritis are:

    • Osteoarthritis (OA)
    • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
    • Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
    • Gout
    • Infectious arthritis

    Osteoarthritis (OA)

    Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent type of arthritis, affecting over 32 million people in the United States and 4 million in Canada. It occurs when the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in a joint wears away, causing bone-on-bone friction and inflammation. OA can affect any joint, but it is more common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. OA can be caused by aging, obesity, injury, overuse, or genetic factors.

    Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

    Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints (synovial membrane), causing chronic inflammation and damage to the cartilage and bone. RA can affect any joint, but it is more common in the wrists, hands, feet, and ankles. RA can also affect other organs and tissues, such as the heart, lungs, eyes, and skin.

    RA can cause symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, swelling, deformity, fatigue, fever, and weight loss. RA can be triggered by genetic or environmental factors.

    Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

    Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. PsA can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in any joint, but it is more common in the fingers, toes, knees, ankles, and lower back. PsA can also cause nail changes, eye inflammation, and skin lesions. PsA can be mild or severe, and it can flare up or go into remission.

    Gout

    Gout is a type of metabolic arthritis that occurs when there is too much uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product that normally dissolves in the blood and passes out through the urine. However, when there is too much uric acid or the kidneys cannot excrete it properly, it can form crystals that deposit in the joints and cause sudden attacks of severe pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. Gout usually affects one joint at a time, often the big toe. Gout can be caused by diet, alcohol consumption, medications, or genetic factors.

    Infectious Arthritis

    Infectious arthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by an infection in a joint. The infection can be bacterial (such as from gonorrhea or tuberculosis), viral (such as from hepatitis or HIV), fungal (such as from candida or histoplasmosis), or parasitic (such as from Lyme disease or toxoplasmosis). Infectious arthritis can cause symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, fever, chills, and weakness. Infectious arthritis can be acute or chronic, and it can affect one or multiple joints.

    Many Other Types of Arthritis

    These are some of the most common types of arthritis, but there are many others that are less frequent or more specific to certain populations or regions. Some examples are ankylosing spondylitis (a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (a type of arthritis that affects children under 16), reactive arthritis (a type of arthritis that occurs after an infection elsewhere in the body), septic arthritis (a type of arthritis that occurs when bacteria enter a joint through an injury or surgery), and thumb arthritis (a type of osteoarthritis that affects the base of the thumb).

    Quality of Life and Daily Functioning

    Arthritis can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life and daily functioning, and it has done so with my life.

    However, there are many treatments and management strategies available to help reduce symptoms and prevent complications depending on the type and severity of arthritis.

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    Arthritis - Health Issues and Info - richard edward ward

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    "Be practical and expect miracles when you just take the first step forward every day." -Richard Edward Ward
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