Rheumatoid Arthritis

55 and older luncheon 55 Up, a group for those ages 55 and older will meet for lunch and an educational seminar on Tuesday, June 24, at Dimensions Dining & Catering, 132 Old National Pike, Hagerstown. The seminar will be presented by a guest speaker. For information and to register, call 888-803-1518. Volunteers needed for rheumatoid arthritis study FREDERICK, Md. - The Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center of Maryland needs volunteers for a 12-week research study of a drug for subjects with rheumatoid arthritis who use Methotrexate.

On Oct. 19, the Tri-County Long-Term Care Director of the Nurses Association held its annual awards ceremony. The ceremony recognizes long-term care health care workers for excellence in their fields. Health care workers in Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties were honored. There are four categories for the Nurse of the Year awards - Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Medicine Aide (CMA) and Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA). A Nursing Manager of the Year is also selected.

By MEG H. PARTINGTON / Staff Writer photo: RICHARD T. MEAGHER / staff photographer An exploding amount of research has resulted in a host of new drugs to treat the pain and swelling of arthritis. In the last 18 months, at least seven new drugs have gained recognition, though not all have been approved by Food and Drug Administration for use on arthritis patients. [cont. from lifestyle ] Dr. Raymond L. Malamet of Rheumatology Consultants in Hagerstown expects even more drugs to be available in the next six to eight months.

Audrey Leigh Ridenour, 77, of Hagerstown, Md., died after a long illness, Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at Meritus Medical Center. Born Jan. 28, 1935, in Fairfax Station, Va., Audrey was the daughter of the late Herbert Schley Barker and Ola Marie DeBusk Barker. After graduating from Fairfax High School in 1953, she married Richard Hayes Ridenour on Jan. 18, 1957, and moved to Hagerstown. She was dedicated as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and enjoyed teaching and studying the Bible.

andrear@herald-mail.com Until recently, Sandra Seymour's rheumatoid arthritis crippled her quality of life. The registered nurse at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Martinsburg, W.Va., said she experienced severe pain in her hands and feet, her joints ached, and she was tired all the time. "It was pretty rough in the beginning, trying to work and hurting badly," said Seymour, 58, of Charles Town, W.Va. "It got very difficult for me. I thought I was going to have to retire - and I wasn't ready to retire.

This wasn't just a walk in the park. It was about giving a little sole to a good cause. An Arthritis Walk, sponsored by the Western Maryland Branch of the Arthritis Foundation, was held Saturday at Fairgrounds Park. About 100 people turned out for the event, which was aimed at raising awareness, as well as funds, for arthritis research and programs in Maryland. "This has been a national event for several years and is usually held in May, which is National Arthritis Month," said Bonnie Hayman, executive director of the area organization.

This wasn't just a walk in the park. It was about giving a little sole to a good cause. An Arthritis Walk, sponsored by the Western Maryland Branch of the Arthritis Foundation, was held Saturday at Fairgrounds Park. About 100 people turned out for the event, which was aimed at raising awareness, as well as funds, for arthritis research and programs in Maryland. "This has been a national event for several years and is usually held in May, which is National Arthritis Month," said Bonnie Hayman, executive director of the area organization.

HANCOCK -- For 10 years or so, Tori Anderson has been the lead vocalist for Possum Holler, a local band with a full spring and summer schedule performing at carnivals and fairs. Anderson, who also plays some acoustic guitar and mandolin, said she's been singing for as long as she can remember, often singing as a child with her parents as they traveled to churches and revivals. Her mother said Tori wrote her first song at age 4, a song about cookies. The oldest of five girls, Anderson said she loves performing with her "brothers and sisters" in the six-member band, which includes one of her sisters and Tori's husband of 22 years, Michael.

Audrey Leigh Ridenour, 77, of Hagerstown, Md., died after a long illness, Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at Meritus Medical Center. Born Jan. 28, 1935, in Fairfax Station, Va., Audrey was the daughter of the late Herbert Schley Barker and Ola Marie DeBusk Barker. After graduating from Fairfax High School in 1953, she married Richard Hayes Ridenour on Jan. 18, 1957, and moved to Hagerstown. She was dedicated as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and enjoyed teaching and studying the Bible.

Volunteers needed for two medical studies FREDERICK, Md. - The Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center of Maryland is looking for volunteers to participate in a study for those diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Candidates should be 18 or older, diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, and taking a disease-modifying medication. Eligible candidates will receive, at no cost, study-related exams and physician visits, laboratory tests, reimbursement for time and travel. The Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center of Maryland is also looking for volunteers for a 28-week research study of an oral investigational drug for subjects with rheumatoid arthritis receiving Methotrexate.

HANCOCK -- For 10 years or so, Tori Anderson has been the lead vocalist for Possum Holler, a local band with a full spring and summer schedule performing at carnivals and fairs. Anderson, who also plays some acoustic guitar and mandolin, said she's been singing for as long as she can remember, often singing as a child with her parents as they traveled to churches and revivals. Her mother said Tori wrote her first song at age 4, a song about cookies. The oldest of five girls, Anderson said she loves performing with her "brothers and sisters" in the six-member band, which includes one of her sisters and Tori's husband of 22 years, Michael.

This wasn't just a walk in the park. It was about giving a little sole to a good cause. An Arthritis Walk, sponsored by the Western Maryland Branch of the Arthritis Foundation, was held Saturday at Fairgrounds Park. About 100 people turned out for the event, which was aimed at raising awareness, as well as funds, for arthritis research and programs in Maryland. "This has been a national event for several years and is usually held in May, which is National Arthritis Month," said Bonnie Hayman, executive director of the area organization.

This wasn't just a walk in the park. It was about giving a little sole to a good cause. An Arthritis Walk, sponsored by the Western Maryland Branch of the Arthritis Foundation, was held Saturday at Fairgrounds Park. About 100 people turned out for the event, which was aimed at raising awareness, as well as funds, for arthritis research and programs in Maryland. "This has been a national event for several years and is usually held in May, which is National Arthritis Month," said Bonnie Hayman, executive director of the area organization.

On Oct. 19, the Tri-County Long-Term Care Director of the Nurses Association held its annual awards ceremony. The ceremony recognizes long-term care health care workers for excellence in their fields. Health care workers in Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties were honored. There are four categories for the Nurse of the Year awards - Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Medicine Aide (CMA) and Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA). A Nursing Manager of the Year is also selected.

andrear@herald-mail.com Until recently, Sandra Seymour's rheumatoid arthritis crippled her quality of life. The registered nurse at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Martinsburg, W.Va., said she experienced severe pain in her hands and feet, her joints ached, and she was tired all the time. "It was pretty rough in the beginning, trying to work and hurting badly," said Seymour, 58, of Charles Town, W.Va. "It got very difficult for me. I thought I was going to have to retire - and I wasn't ready to retire.

kevinc@herald-mail.com He sits in a recliner, feet propped up as he takes another sip of water to keep his throat moist. When it comes time to move across the room to show the bone scan pictures that illustrate how rheumatoid arthritis has ravaged his body from head to toe, the methodical effort to rise up is noticeable. Funny thing is, by outward appearances, the 42-year-old looks as if he could bench press you with one hand tied behind his back while stifling a yawn.