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With COVID-19 hitting the U.S. at peak flu season, it’s no wonder some confusion has ensued. 

How to Tell the Difference Between the Flu and the Coronavirus

Flu vs. Coronavirus

Flu or Coronavirus? Here's How to Tell the Difference

Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis takes some detective work, especially because so many health problems cause similar symptoms. Our guide helps you spot the clues so you can get the treatment you need. 


9 Sneaky Conditions That Mimic RA

Conditions that Mimic RA 

9 Conditions That Mimic RA

Is discharge normal? What about soreness? Here’s what to look out for—and when to give your doctor a call. 

Nipple Issues: When to Worry, When to Wait

Common Nipple Issues

What's just as important as knowing what's not normal when it comes to breast health? Knowing what it is! 

black and white image of topless woman from behind

7 Signs of Healthy Breasts

There could be a number of things going on in your body and brain that make sex feel like a low priority item.

Too Tired for Sex?

Low Sex Drive

Genital herpes is quite common, but a great deal of stigma still exists surrounding the virus. Know the facts from the falsehoods.

10 Myths About Genital Herpes

Something sank its teeth into you? We'll help you figure out what type of insect, chigger, or spider might be to blame. 

What Is That?! How to ID 8 Common Bug Bites

Adopt these 10 heart-smart tips now to lower your risk for having a heart attack in the future.

10 Ways to Prevent a Heart Attack

Heart Attack Prevention

A diagnosis of acid reflux no longer means saying goodbye to all of your favorite fruits. These super foods are an important part of a healthy diet. Fruits are usually low in fat and rich in the sort of fiber that can protect against acid reflux.

Low-Acid Fruits for Acid Reflux

When Traci Martin decided to row 8,600 miles solo, her rheumatoid arthritis was the least of her worries.

Warning: Rough Waters Ahead

RA Journey

An RA diagnosis taught Anna Legassie to accept things she couldn't change—and fight like hell for everything else.

Defining Anna

Lene Andersen has fought a lifetime battle with rheumatoid arthritis. Her not-so-secret weapon? Living every day like it could be her last.

Gratitude and Grit

A year after sharing her story with HealthCentral, Lene Andersen is taking things to a whole new level.

On the Move

In this exclusive series, a top rheumatoid arthritis doc tackles your biggest questions. Don't miss her surprising answers.


Just One More Question About RA!

RA Videos

“I get more satisfaction from helping others than I do from worrying about my RA.”

My Story: Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Patient Stories

Heart Health

These conditions share more in common than you might think. The culprit? Chronic inflammation.

Here’s Why Having RA Increases Your Heart-Disease Risk

RA and Heart Disease

Why the words we use to describe our life with chronic illness matter

How to Talk About Life With RA

RA Words Matter

In medspeak, brain fog is called cognitive impairment, and it can be way more disruptive than you realize.

How I Deal With RA Brain Fog

Brain Fog Tips

Science may not support a strong connection between weather and symptom flares, but ask anyone with chronic pain: It’s a thing.

My Body Can Beat Your Weather Radar

RA and Weather

My RA Body Can Beat Your Weather Radar

Living in a body that's battled a lifetime of rheumatoid arthritis means ignoring the limits the world sees in you and finding your own adventure. Lene Andersen shows us how.

Arthritis & Joints

HealthCentral's patient advocate Lene Andersen shares what it means to live a #NoLimits life with rheumatoid arthritis. 

One Woman's Secret to Living Fully—and Freely—With RA

Fitness & Exercise

With the right attitude and medication, there are #NoLimits to success for athletes living with RA.

Loving Sports, Living With RA

Sports With RA

From kitchen tools to book pillows, these cool finds help people with rheumatoid arthritis create their own #NoLimits home.

13 Great Gadgets That Make Life With RA Easier

RA Product Guide

Whether they're 15 months or 15 years, kids have #NoLimit to their energy. These expert tips will help you keep up and more.

How to Raise Kids When You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA Parent Tips

Raising Kids When You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis

Nodding off reading this? Get (and stay) powered up with these #NoLimits energy tips for rheumatoid arthritis.

7 Simple Energy Boosters for RA

It's not easy (what biz is?!), but the reward is building a career that works around your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

You Can Run a Small Business With RA

‘Spoon theory’ can help you edge out pain and fatigue to get through today without the inevitable flare tomorrow.

two young woman jumping together, one wearing backpack that reads EXCITED ABOUT LIFE

A Simple Energy Boost for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis

A Simple Energy Boost for People With RA

Truly coming to terms with a chronic diagnosis like rheumatoid arthritis isn't something that happens only once. It's something you'll do over and over again. 

What Accepting Your RA Really Means

RA Acceptance

An RA diagnosis doesn't place you in the role of the "patient" in your romantic relationships. It's time for us—and the rest of the world—to start believing that.

St Francisco at Guatemala City, Guatemala

My Boyfriend Is Not a Saint for Putting Up With My RA

Boyfriend and RA

Smiling through the pain might make small talk with others easier, but no one’s giving out Oscars for denying your truth.

It's OK to Be Vulnerable About Your RA

It's OK to Be Honest About Your RA

Up to 80 percent of people with RA have neck pain. Find out which symptoms you should not ignore. 

When Your RA Is an Actual Pain in the Neck

Rheumatoid arthritis can increase your risk of interstitial lung disease. Learn the symptoms plus how to stay safe.

RA & Dry Coughs: Why You Need to Call Your Doctor Now

These meditation tips will help you stick with your practice and cope with your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, too.

5 Meditation Tips for Beginners

Having a positive body image with RA is tricky when you don't feel great about the way your joints look and feel. But it *is* possible to love your body. You just need to embrace a different view of what you see in the mirror.

Happy woman walking in the woods listening to music.

That RA Body is Rockin'

Love Your RA Body

There is no maximum number of ‘asks’ when it comes to needing help from a loved one, so why does it often feel uncomfortable to make yet another request?

Yes, You Need Help for Your RA, but You Are Not Helpless

I Am Not a Burden Because of My Chronic Illness

When kids grow up with a parent who has RA, they learn to be empathetic and helpful. So what happens when they move out on their own? Here are tips on filling the void they've left behind.

Empty nesters waving at their children through video chat.

When Helpful Kids Leave the Nest

Being an Empty Nester With RA

Do you feel sheepish about sharing your happy moments with your peers in the RA community? Our RA stories may be different, but we share one thing in common: We all need support.

Is Pain a Requirement for Getting RA Support?

Your RA is Not My RA: Educating the RA Community

A decade with RA changes you physically and mentally. And it can alter the way you see your future. Emil shares his personal journey 10 years post-diagnosis.

The '10 Year Challenge' — RA Style

10 Years With RA: A Look Back and a Look Ahead

You are the expert on how you feel. Help your doctor find the best treatment options for your RA by speaking up for yourself in the exam room. 

It's Your Rheumatoid Arthritis, Not Your Doctor's

Taking the Reins: When NOT Following Doctor’s Orders can Help Your RA

Emil tried pilates for rheumatoid arthritis. Find out why he thinks it's a good workout option for staying fit while relieving joint stress.

Pilates With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Healthy Recipes

When it comes to special-occasion food, there are dishes so good, and so easy to make, they quickly make their way into your regular recipe rotation — like this one!

A Warming Side Dish That Won’t Mess With Your RA

Warm Up With RA-Friendly Butternut Squash Stuffing

Mental Health

Coping with a chronic illness, like RA, can take an emotional toll. You don’t have to go it alone. Here’s how a mental health professional can help.

Happy young women talking in group therapy.

Mental Health and Rheumatoid Arthritis

How Mental Health Resources Can Help You Live Better With RA

Sleep Disorders

When rheumatoid arthritis pain hits, it can wreak havoc on your sleep, causing a condition called painsomnia. Learn how these advocates are helping.

Woman unable to sleep due to arthritis-related pain.

Do You Have Painsomnia From RA?

The Problem of Painsomnia: Shining a Light on a Common Issue for Those With RA

We all do it — pretend that everything is OK when really, it isn’t. Here's how to be yourself with rheumatoid arthritis, even if it means showing your pain.

Stop Pretending That You’re Fine With RA

Masking RA: How to Stop Pretending We're Fine

If you're a mother with rheumatoid arthritis, you know the feelings of guilt that come with not always being there for your kids. Here's how I deal with it.

Mother and daughter embracing while sitting on a bench.

A Mother's Guilt With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Feeling Guilt When You Have Children and RA

Women's Health

If you’re feeling down because rheumatoid arthritis has taken a visible toll on your body, don't let shame overshadow your strength.

Taking Pride in Your RA Body

Pain Management

It may seem impossible, but just as you trained your brain to walk, or drive a car, you can push past the pain of your rheumatoid arthritis.

Human head x-ray with lightning in brain, pain concept.

Break the RA Pain Cycle — With Your Mind

Use Your Head to Break the Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Cycle

Food & Nutrition

There’s no specific RA diet, but these anti-inflammatory food and drink choices can help you fight inflammation every day of the week.

Foods for RA: An Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan

Foods for RA: Tasty, Inflammation-Free Choices 

It’s common knowledge that RA affects joints in the hands, arms and legs. But there are other joints you should know about.

4 Surprising Joints Affected by RA

Less Common Joints Affected by RA

4 Little-Known Joints Affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis

A man with rheumatoid arthritis tries his wife's Zumba class. The good: constant movement with no joint pain. The bad: confusion, and...twerking?

A Guy's Perspective on Zumba for RA

The Benefits of Zumba for RA

A former professional athlete tries yoga with rheumatoid arthritis. Learn how he was able to enjoy his sessions by modifying the poses.

How to Enjoy Yoga With Rheumatoid Arthritis

HealthCentral Tries It: Modified Yoga for RA

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that affects the lining of the joints, and can cause painful swelling and joint damage. If left untreated, it can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity.

Can you guess which world record this mom with RA broke? Find even more stories of men and women staying active with rheumatoid arthritis, from the dance studio to the shores of the Great Lakes.

Living Your Best RA Life