INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis and is caused by the gradual wearing out of joints due to overuse, obesity and/or joint injuries. OA doesn't involve much inflammation and can often be managed by losing weight, switching activities/exercises that are more gentle on joints and changing your diet (less sugar and preservatives, more water and fresh produce).  OA most often affects weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips and spine, although OA in the hands is common also. OA is diagnosed by a physical exam and x-rays. Wearing away of cartilage and the development of small bone spurs are characteristic of OA on x-ray. Treatment for OA centers around lifestyle changes and either non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, or painkillers like acetaminophen. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not nearly as common as OA, but it seems to be more prevalent compared to past decades. What causes it is a bit of a mystery, but it's assumed that the immune system gets confused and attacks joint tissues and other parts of the body by mistake — also described as an over-active immune system. RA is characterized by lots of inflammation and pain, which can come and go (called flares).  RA usually affects the body bilaterally — the same joints on both sides of the body at the same time. RA seems to have more of a genetic link, so if your close relatives have it, you're much more likely to develop it. Women are much more likely to develop RA compared to men. Unlike in OA, children can be affected by RA — called juvenile idiopathic arthritis or JIA. RA is diagnosed by a physical exam, x-rays and a blood test. Inflammation and joint deformity are characteristic of RA on x-ray. Between 70–80% of people with RA test positive for a marker in their blood called rheumatoid factor.  Treatment for RA centers around taking strong NSAIDs, as well as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic response modifiers (biologics). Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood from having a purine-rich diet. High levels of uric acid eventually precipitates out within the blood, forming sharp crystals, which get deposited in and around joints. The sharp crystals quickly create lots of inflammation and severe pain, most often in the big toe, but also in other joints of the feet, hands and limbs. Gout attacks are typically short-term (a few days or so), but can re-occur on a regular basis.  Uric acid crystals can form crusty lumps or nodules called tophi around affected joints, which can mimic RA. Purine-rich foods include organ meats (liver, kidneys), bacon, shellfish, sardines, anchovies, chicken and gravies . Too much beer and red wine can also trigger gout attacks. Gout is diagnosed by a physical exam, dietary history, x-rays and a blood test. People with gout will have high levels of uric acid in their blood (called hyperuricemia). Treatment for gout is centered on short-term use of NSAIDs or corticosteroids, as well as colchicine (Colcrys). Long-term prevention is based on dietary changes.

SUMMARY: Understand what OA is. Learn about RA. Don't confuse gout with OA or RA.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Consider the kind of climate you want, whether sunny and tropical, or cool and wintry, and the time of year you're traveling in order to pick the perfect destination. You should also consider what kind of vacation you're looking for--one that's full of adventure, relaxation, or wildlife-watching, for example.  The best year-round destinations are Hawaii, Asia, the Caribbean, Riviera Maya (Mexico), South Asia, and the South Pacific.  Some of the most popular first-timer destinations include the Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Europe, and Hawaii. Do you want to fly or drive to your ship? Most people prefer to drive, so many cruise companies have added ports in major cities to make it easier for customers to drive to their ships. Find a port close to you and pick a method of travel. If you choose to fly, you will need to budget in the extra cost of flying to and from the port, as well as the cost of a hotel if you want to stay the night before departure and the night you get back. Cruise lines often offer multiple itinerary options with the same final destination but different port stops. Look through your options and determine which stops you would prefer.   Do you want more city or countryside stops? Would you rather have more days at sea or stops at ports? Also take into account the types of off-ship excursions that the stop will offer. Do you want more adventurous or relaxing excursions? Almost every cruise includes one full day at sea, so that is likely a given. Whether it’s a three-day trip or a world cruise that lasts five months, find an option that fits your timeframe. Many first-timers choose cruises that last a week or less to get a taste for what the travel style is like. The cruise line you choose will depend on the kind of cruise you want, whether it's a family cruise, gay or lesbian cruise, singles cruise, booze cruise, or more. Disney, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean are perfect for families, while Windstar, Regent, and Star Clippers offer wonderful honeymoon cruises.  Take into account who you want to share the cruise with. Traveling with like-minded passengers can make the experience far more enjoyable. Do you want to cruise with fellow partiers, families, or seniors? You should also consider size. Do you want the intimacy of a smaller ship or the anonymity of a larger ship?

SUMMARY: Pick your destination based on climate and time of year. Choose a convenient embarkation point. Pick an itinerary that suits your interests. Choose a length of time that works with your schedule. Select a cruise line depending on the type of cruise you want.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Your cookie dough needs to be log shaped so it's thin enough to fit into the barrel of the cookie press. To roll the dough into a log, pick it up and roll it between your hands. Make sure the log is short enough and thin enough to fit in the cookie press barrel.  To save time, buy premade cookie dough that comes in a log shape. Avoid using cookie dough that has big pieces like chocolate chips or nuts in it. Use thin doughs like sugar cookie dough and spritz dough instead. Make sure the ring is twisted all the way on so it's tight. If the ring is on properly, the patterned disk will be on the inside of the barrel. Once the ring is on the barrel, you're ready to start pressing out your cookie dough!

SUMMARY:
Roll your cookie dough into a log. Screw the ring back onto the barrel.