iStockphoto/Thinkstock
More than 70 percent of the 2 million people who suffer with rheumatoid arthritis are women.
Except where the size of their paychecks are concerned, celebrities tend to be like everyone else.
They have parents, they went to school and they may be prone to certain diseases.
The following wellknown celebrities have suffered, or presently suffer, with rheumatoid arthritis:
• Actress, Rosalind Russell
• Actor, James Colburn
• Actress, Kathleen Turner
• Funny lady, Lucille Ball
• Actress, Camryn Manheim
• Actress, Aida Turturro
• Artist, Pierre-Auguste Renoir
• Professional golfer, Kristy McPherson
• Actor, David Prowse
• Actress, Neve Campbell
• Actress and dancer, Debbie Allen
One woman who has done an exemplary job of bringing awareness to rheumatoid arthritis is journalist Deborah Norville.
According to USA Today, Norville lost her mother to rheumatoid arthritis when she was only 20 years old. Personally, I especially remember Norville’s philanthropic efforts when she lived in Chicago as she was honored by the Arthritis Foundation.
In an interview with Lifescript.com, Norville offered some solid advice to family members whose loved ones may suffer from RA. Her first very important tip was to learn and educate yourself and other family members about the disease.
Information about RA is available readily available at bookstores and on the web. The Arthritis Foundation http://www.arthritis.org/ is one of the best websites which offers a plethora of information.
According to Norville, “The more I know, the better I can be. I think that’s very true for someone who has a family member with RA.”
Another tip is to be supportive as well as empathetic to someone who has RA or any illness for that matter. Norville stated, “You also need to know that emotions play a big part in someone dealing with an illness. It sometimes requires a level of understanding and empathy that doesn’t come naturally.”
Norville continued to say, “There’s an old saying: Custom will render it easy. The more you do it, the easier it will be for you to empathize with a cranky parent, sibling, spouse or whoever is dealing with illness.”
Listening and being non-judgmental can really go a long way. As a survivor of lupus, I know that when I have a flare-up, I temporarily “lose my basket.” I just need someone to listen to my fears, anxiety and concerns. I just need time to vent my stress.
A big thank-you to all my friends and “my man of steel” husband who all listen to me kvetch as this is when I need them the most.
References:
Acting with Arthritis: Hollywood’s Leading Ladies. Arthritis Foundation | Symptoms Treatments | Prevention Tips | Pain Relief Advice. Retrieved October 18, 2012, from
http://www.arthritis.org/acting-with-arthritis.php
Orenstein, B. Celebrities With Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatoid Arthritis Center - Everyday Health. Health Information, Resources, Tools & News Online - EverydayHealth.com. Retrieved October 18, 2012, from
http://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis-pictures/celebrities-with-rheumatoid-arthritis.aspx#/slide-1
Rheumatoid Arthritis. Health Central. Retrieved October 18, 2012, from
http://www.healthcentral.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/cf/slideshows/10-celebrities-with-rheumatoid-arthritis/camryn-manheim
USATODAY.com - Deborah Norville reports on rheumatoid arthritis. News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World - USATODAY.com. Retrieved October 18, 2012, from
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/spotlighthealth/2003-07-11-spotlighthealth_x.htm
Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Stories | Read Stories from Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis | Lifescript.com. Women's Health Issues | Women's Health Questions & Answers | Women's Health Articles | Lifescript.com. Retrieved October 18, 2012, from
http://www.lifescript.com/health/centers/arthritis/articles/deborah_norville_on_living_with_rheumatoid_arthritis.aspx
Reviewed October 19, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith
