Volunteering can be powerful 'medicine'

Some research suggests volunteering can have a positive effect on overall health and well-being - and may help recovery from illness. For the more than 1 million Americans with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the other good news is that volunteering may help them better manage the disease.

RA is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and can cause chronic pain, disability and leave people feeling limited or isolated by their disease. Women are two to three times more likely to have RA than men, and the disease is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50.

A new nationwide initiative - Hand in Hand for RA - aims to change that by empowering people with RA and showing that they can do more. In fact, results of a recent survey commissioned by the campaign showed that a majority of people with RA want to be more active and not feel limited by their condition. Moreover, four in 10 want to give back through volunteering or public service to prove they are not limited by their RA.

For more information on how to get involved with Hand in Hand for RA or to post your personal volunteering story and send kudos to current volunteers, visit www.handinhandforRA.com.