document.write('				<span class="boldtxt14">Join the Arthritis Foundation Community Today!<img src="http://community.arthritis.org/assets/arthritisfoundation/blogs/4/2/1/6/4216D2D9-FAAF-404C-97CE-8B9A23775E27/images/iStock_RACSmall_20091104040828_400.jpg" align="right" border="0"></span><p>Start a <a href="http://community.arthritis.org/forums/Forum1831-1.aspx">discussion</a><strong> </strong>on the<strong> RAConnect </strong>Forum and start sharing today! </p><p>The RA Connect forum is for anyone with RA, or someone caring for someone with RA. Ask question, lend support, build friendships and start news ones! </p><p><font face="Tahoma"><strong>Blogs</strong></font></p><p>If you are interested in a little extra self expression start your own&nbsp;<strong><em><a href="http://community.arthritis.org/community/app/nf/vistafs.aspx" target="_self">blog</a></em></strong> or read the blogs of others with arthritis. <br><br>Creating a blog is a great way to journal your daily activities and your journey with arthritis. Start yours today and share it with others!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><hr width="95%" noshade="noshade" size="1"><br><span class="boldtxt14">What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?</span><br><br><div align="left">Rheumatoid arthritis (rue-ma-TOYD arth-write-tis) is a chronic disease, mainly characterized by inflammation of the lining, or synovium, of the joints. It can lead to long-term joint damage, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function and disability.<table>    <tbody>        <tr>            <td>            <ul>                <li><font size="2"><a href="http://www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&amp;df=causes" target="_blank">What Causes It?</a></font></li>                <li><font size="2"><a href="http://www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&amp;df=effects" target="_blank">What are the effects?</a></font></li>                <li><font size="2"><a href="http://www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&amp;df=diagnosed" target="_blank">How is it diagnosed?</a></font></li>            </ul>            </td>            <td>            <ul>                <li><font size="2"><a href="http://www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&amp;df=treatments" target="_blank">Treatment options </a></font></li>                <li><font size="2"><a href="http://www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&amp;df=whos_at_risk" target="_blank">Who is at risk?</a></font></li>                <li><font size="2"><a href="http://www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&amp;df=resources" target="_blank">Resources &amp; We also suggest </a></font></li>            </ul>            </td>        </tr>    </tbody></table></div>								 ');