The Gout and Uric Acid Education Society

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

GUAES — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:26:44 +0000

Gout is in the news as we approach Gout Awareness Day. Click here to read the article by Jane Brody in the May 10 edition of The New York Times.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

GUAES — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:39:21 +0000

As part of the Gout & Uric Acid Education Society’s mission to inform the healthcare community about gout and the related healthcare consequences of hyperuricemia, the society will be attending the American College of Physicians Internal Medicine 2011 meeting from April 6-9, 2011, in San Diego. The sharp increase in the prevalence of gout, from 5 million several years ago to 8.3 million sufferers in the United States in the last few years[1], has led to increased need for awareness and education among primary healthcare providers.

Stop at our booth in the exhibit hall, #1534, to learn more about gout and complimentary educational resources you can order for your practice, including the newly updated “About Gout” brochure.

One of our board members, Dr. Brian F. Mandell, will also be giving two lectures about gout during the Scientific Program Sessions. Board member Joan McTigue will be available at the booth to answer questions.

The Society’s annual Gout Awareness Day is May 22. Take the opportunity now to ensure that your staff has the latest in treatment information and patient education.

[1] According to the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007-2008

Monday, October 4, 2010

GUAES — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 20:03:28 +0000

A new study suggests that taking off the pounds could help control one of the major causes of gout. Hyon Choi, MD, DrPH, a professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine and a Gout and Uric Acid Education Society board member, found that even modest weight loss may help control hyperuricemia. Weight loss was found to lower uric acid.

The study is a good reminder that lifestyle modifications like eating a healthy, balanced diet and keeping active are important to people with gout. For everyday tips to stay healthy and active, read the guidelines outlined in the “Living With Gout” section of this web site or ask your doctor.

Monday, October 4, 2010

GUAES — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 19:57:51 +0000

A new study by Hyon Choi, MD, DrPH, a professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine and a Gout and Uric Acid Education Society board member suggests that even modest weight loss may help control hyperuricemia, one of the causes of gout. Weight loss was found to lower uric acid and may reduce the risk of gout.

In some cases, weight loss may help patients to limit gout attacks and make it possible to avoid prescription medication. The study demonstrates the importance of talking to your patients about lifestyle changes – specifically diet and exercise. For diet and activity guidelines that are easy for patients to follow, refer to the tips in the “Treatment Options” section of this web site.

To learn more about the study as reported in Arthritis Today, click here.

Tuesday, June 29 2010

GUAES — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:07:48 +0000

Several Gout & Uric Acid Society (GUAES) board members participated in a round-table discussion last winter about preventing and treating acute gout attacks across the clinical spectrum. The forum focused on the diagnosis and management of the acute attack in the outpatients and inpatient settings. GUAES board member Brian F. Mandell, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic hosted the discussion. other participants included GUAES chairman N. Lawrence Edwards, MD.

Click here to read the transcript which was recently published in a supplement to the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine.

Friday, May 28 2010

GUAES — Sat, 29 May 2010 01:21:11 +0000

The results of our 2010 Gout Awareness Day survey are in. They show that most people don’t associate gout with the severity of other arthritic diseases. In fact, only 1 in 4 Americans (28%) of Americans believe that gout can have a major negative impact on health and well being while 60 percent cited rheumatoid arthritis as having a major negative impact1?

Help us bridge the awareness gap by helping your patients understand that if left untreated, advanced gout can lead to the same level of work loss, physical disability and diminished quality of life as advanced rheumatoid arthritis.

1 IOnline survey within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of GUAES from March 22-24, 2010, among 2,283 adults age 18 and older.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

GUAES — Wed, 26 May 2010 03:00:36 +0000

One of the most frequent questions we get asked is where to find a physician to help manage gout. Your primary care physician may be able to provide a referral. Otherwise, we recommend that you visit the doctor locator on the American College of Rheumatology website, http://www.rheumatology.org/directory/geo.asp.

Here are some questions you may want to ask the doctor at your initial visit:
1. Are there any lifestyle changes I can make that might reduce my risk of developing gout or having a gout attack?
2. Will any of the current medications I am taking increase my risk for hyperuricemia?
3. How does medication work to help my gout?
4. How and when should I take my medication?
5. Could gout medication interact with other medications I am taking?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
6. What should I do if my symptoms are not relieved while taking gout medication?

Tuesday, May 25 2010

GUAES — Wed, 26 May 2010 01:20:32 +0000

We’ve just posted our downloadable patient education tools. They’re handy reference tools patients can refer to once they’re home and can help you and your staff discuss important modifications to diet and activity level. Let us know if there are other frequently-asked topics that we can discuss on the website or in our patient and medical professional blogs.

If you haven’t already, be sure to order a quantity of our “About Gout” brochure available at no cost to healthcare professionals.

Are you on Twitter or Facebook? So are we. Join us for ongoing news and information updates in cyberspace.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

GUAES — Fri, 21 May 2010 03:02:45 +0000

Gout Awareness Day is Saturday, May 22. Are you ready? Prepare for the day by reading up on gout! Learn how to manage the disease so you can put your awareness into action. We’ll keep the conversation going all year long, here and on Facebook and Twitter. And, don’t forget to order or download our free About Gout brochure to keep all of this information handy.

Thursday, May 20 2010

GUAES — Fri, 21 May 2010 01:18:11 +0000

Did you know that most Americans underestimate the serious health implications of gout? Click here and read consumer research results suggesting the importance of talking with your patients about the disease and its lifestyle implications.

Encourage your patients to learn more about gout. Visit the Patient Information Resources page to download simplified dietary guidelines, a gout and lifestyles fact sheet, and information on clinical trials. Also, place an order for our free About Gout brochures to distribute to your patients.