For Immediate Release
July 12, 2007
Contact: Donna Sellmann
(732) 530-2282
dsellmann@meridianhealth.com

RIVERVIEW OFFERS FREE LECTURE, "LIVING A FULL AND ACTIVE LIFE WITH ARTHRITIS"

Red Bank, NJ - One in three American adults suffer from arthritis or some form of chronic joint pain. Women are 1.5 times more likely to develop arthritis than men, and although most people think of it as a condition of the elderly, arthritis can affect anyone at any age.

On Monday, July 30, Edward C. Allegra, M.D., a board certified rheumatologist at Riverview Medical Center, will lead a free educational and inspirational program that will address ways in which arthritis sufferers can bring vitality and invigorating activities back into their lives. The free program will begin at 7 p.m. in the medical center's Blaisdell Auditorium. Call 1-800-560-9990 to register.

Just a few years ago, according to Dr. Allegra, physicians were able to treat only the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, not the underlying causes. Survival rates mirrored that of Stage IV cancer - that's how aggressive this disease is. But now, with new drugs and advanced diagnostic technology, patients no longer have to experience the characteristic "crumpled" hands or extreme pain of rheumatoid arthritis.

"The way we treat rheumatoid arthritis has been turned on its head," attests Dr. Allegra. "It is not the grim prognosis it used to be." The important thing, Dr. Allegra stresses, is to get the word out to patients and their primary care physicians so that rheumatoid arthritis can be treated early, correctly, and aggressively.
Community members are welcome to attend the program on July 30th to learn more about this disease and how to live a more active lifestyle. The program is free and registration is required by calling 1-800-560-9990

Riverview Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health Family, is a non-profit community hospital located in Red Bank, New Jersey, providing health care programs and services in all major medical disciplines, including maternity; oncology; orthopedics and rehabilitation; general, neuro, thoracic and vascular surgery; cardiology; renal dialysis; diabetes management; and emergency and critical care services. Riverview's Booker Cancer Center is an affiliate of the renowned Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, and Riverview is home to the only fully accredited acute comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation center in Monmouth County. In addition, its Women Center and Childbirth Center specialize in the full spectrum of needs for the body, mind and spirit. For more information about Riverview Medical Center and Meridian Health, please call the Meridian Health Line at 1-800-560-9990 or visit www.riverviewmedicalcenter.com.

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