Joy Fawcett: the Olympics, Soccer and RA

Not surprisingly, Joy emphasizes the importance of physical activity to keep the joints moving and she still plays soccer recreationally. However, any exercise is good, she said, "even if it's just a walk" because it "helps you do the daily stuff."

Joy chose to become a paid spokesperson for the GeneRAtions program because she wants "to get the message out there ... so that people can learn about these symptoms, [can] go see a rheumatologist and get diagnosed early... [and to] help family members understand what we're dealing with." As well, she said it's very important to communicate well with your doctor, to tell him/her how you're feeling and to ask questions.

Joy said: "It's good to bring it out in the open so people can talk about it and ... feel good that you are not alone."

For the GeneRAtions website, click here. You can find a physician Q&A here and for a PDF file of a summary of the study results, click here. 

You can read more of Lene's writing on The Seated View.