Types of arthritis and what’s behind each
Arthritis affects people all over the world. Approximately 53.2 million adults in the United States have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But many more suffer in undiagnosed silence. Globally, nearly 300 million people may live with arthritis.
Arthritis can range from mild to debilitating and stem from a variety of causes. Understanding what’s behind arthritis can help people get the treatment they need. Here are the major types of arthritis and their causes.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, says the Cleveland Clinic. It forms as the result of wear-and-tear on cartilage, which breaks down over time. Aging, repetitive movements or previous joint injuries can cause osteoarthritis.
• Gout: Gout is a metabolic condition caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. The Mayo Clinic says the buildup occurs when the kidneys cannot filter the uric acid effectively or when the body produces too much. Pain, swelling and tenderness can occur in the joints, often in the big toe.
• Autoimmune: Some forms of arthritis are autoimmune in nature, meaning that the immune system
mistakenly attacks the joints. This occurs with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, according to Penn Medicine.
• Infection/injury: Sometimes viral or bacterial infections or acute joint injuries can trigger arthritis, says the Cleveland Clinic.
Certain risk factors elevate the chances of developing arthritis. Risk elevates as joints age and wear down, so older adults are more likely to experience arthritis. Carrying extra weight puts pressure on joints like the knees, so those who are overweight are more likely to get arthritis. Genetics can make a person more vulnerable to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and women are more likely to develop it.
There are various treatments for arthritis, and anyone in pain can work with a doctor to make lifestyle changes that can alleviate symptoms and help them live fuller lives. TF259153
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5 reasons to draw up a will
It is easy to put off estate planning for another day. But having a legally binding will drawn up is one of the most important financial and personal decisions a person can make. A will is not merely a document for the wealthy who have significant portfolios and real estate holdings. A will is a vital tool that honors a person’s wishes, protects their assets and spares their loved ones unnecessary hardships during a time of profound grief. Here are the five reasons why drawing up a will is important.
1. Control asset distribution
Without a will, a person will die intestate. According to MetLife, state intestacy laws dictate who inherits a person’s property, regardless of the decedent’s actual relationships or verbal promises. A will gives an individual sole authority to decide exactly who receives their real estate, savings, family heirlooms, and investments, preventing potential disputes among surviving relatives.
2. Appoint a guardian for minor children
For parents, this is often the most critical function of
a will. If both parents pass away unexpectedly without naming a legal guardian for their minor children, a court will decide who raises them, indicates Snyder Law. A will allows people to choose a trusted individual who shares their values, ensuring children are cared for by someone who parents and children know and trust.
3. Streamline the probate process
All estates must go through probate in the United States. Investopedia says probate is the court-supervised process of distributing assets. Dying without a will complicates and prolongs this process, requiring the court to appoint an administrator and trace legal heirs. A valid will accelerates probate, minimizes legal fees, and allows beneficiaries to access their inheritance much faster.
4. Designate an executor
An executor manages the decedent’s estate — paying off final debts, closing accounts, and distributing assets according to instructions, indicates TIAA. By drawing up a will, one can select a reliable, highly capable individual
to handle these complex duties, rather than leaving them to the court.
5. Minimize estate taxes
A will can be structured to reduce the tax burden on heirs, says Empower. Through strategic asset distribution, establishing trusts or making charitable bequests, a person can shield a larger portion of their estate from inheritance or estate taxes.
Taking the time to draw up a will is a final act of care and responsibility that protects one’s legacy and provides peace of mind for family. TF268040
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