In Her Own Words: Dr. Tamika Henry

Dr. Tamika Henry is the founder of Unlimited Health Institute. PHOTO BY ANTHONY BRYCE PHOTOGRAPHY.
Dr. Tamika Henry is the founder of Unlimited Health Institute. PHOTO BY ANTHONY BRYCE PHOTOGRAPHY.

 In Her Own Words: Dr. Tamika Henry

By Tia Carol Jones

Dr. Tamika Henry is the Founder of Unlimited Health Institute and is a board-certified family physician with an emphasis in functional medicine. She shared information about Rheumatoid Arthritis with the Citizen Newspaper.

Citizen Newspaper: What is rheumatoid arthritis and how does it affect young people differently than it affects adults?
Dr. Tamika Henry: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventual damage. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative condition due to wear and tear, RA results from the body's immune system mistakenly attacking healthy joint tissues.  RA is a complex interplay of genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences. To effectively manage the disease, we must explore each patient's unique story and tailor a personalized treatment plan. Traditional treatment focuses on managing inflammation and pain through medications, but functional medicine delves deeper into understanding the factors triggering the immune system's misdirected attacks.
In young individuals, RA can potentially present a more aggressive disease course compared to adults, often affecting multiple joints simultaneously right from the onset. This early manifestation can lead to a greater degree of joint damage, potentially increasing the risk of long-term disability if not properly managed. Younger people's active lifestyle and growth phase could also impact how the disease affects them. 

Citizen Newspaper: How would someone know if they had rheumatoid arthritis?

TH: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can manifest subtly, making it difficult to recognize initially. The onset of this disease is often characterized by persistent joint pain, predominantly in the hands, feet, and knees. Many people experience morning stiffness that lasts more than an hour, noticeable joint swelling, warmth in the affected areas, and even a general sense of fatigue. These symptoms can be particularly alarming and perplexing for younger individuals and their families. My personal journey involved pain and frequent visits to my doctor along with multiple days of hospitalizations.

Determining whether someone has RA typically involves unresolved symptoms, multiple doctor visits and a series of tests. This process can be daunting but is crucial for obtaining an accurate diagnosis and starting the appropriate treatment. In the realm of functional medicine, the approach to diagnosing and managing RA goes beyond simply addressing the symptoms. It emphasizes the need to identify the root cause of the disease, recognizing that triggers can greatly vary from one individual to another. Such triggers might include food choices, exposure to environmental toxins, genetic predisposition, emotional well-being, and the impact of past infections. By understanding these potential stressors, we can better manage the disease and even reduce the severity of symptoms, reinforcing the importance of a holistic and individualized approach to health care.

Citizen Newspaper: Why is health and wellness so important for people with rheumatoid arthritis?

TH: For individuals with RA, maintaining overall health and wellness can significantly influence the disease's progression and their ability to manage symptoms. Regular physical activity can help preserve joint flexibility, decrease pain, and increase strength in the muscles around the affected joints. Following a balanced diet, particularly one rich in anti-inflammatory foods (omegas, phytonutrients, cruciferous vegetables), can help reduce systemic inflammation. Other key components for overall well-being and disease management are adequate rest, effective stress management, and good sleep hygiene.
Health and wellness are cornerstones of functional medicine and in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Avoiding processed foods, optimizing sleep patterns, and stress management techniques are indeed very important, but we must not forget to include mindfulness practices to foster a harmonious mind-body connection.

Citizen Newspaper: How can people with rheumatoid arthritis get and stay active?

TH: People living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), despite their potential physical limitations, can and should strive to remain physically active as part of their treatment plan. Regular physical activity aids in maintaining joint flexibility and muscle strength, decreasing pain, which can help improve mobility and overall health. Engaging in low-impact exercises, such as swimming, tai chi, walking, gardening, or practicing yoga, can be beneficial. These activities help maintain muscle tone and joint function without causing undue strain or damage.

For younger individuals with RA, maintaining an active lifestyle may present unique challenges due to the disease's potential effects on their growing bodies. It's crucial to adapt exercises to their needs and abilities, and professional advice from a physical and/or occupational therapist may be useful in tailoring suitable exercise plans.

I believe in empowering young patients by enhancing their understanding of RA and the factors contributing to their condition. By encouraging their active involvement in managing their health, we can foster resilience, promote self-care, and lay the foundation for lifelong wellness habits, despite the challenges of living with RA.

Citizen Newspaper: What tips do you have for children living with rheumatoid arthritis?

TH: 1. Explore a Balanced Diet: Encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while minimizing processed foods and sugary snacks.

2. Stay Active and Mindful: Engage in age-appropriate physical activities, such as swimming, walking, hiking, or yoga, and learn mindfulness techniques to manage stress.

3. Open Communication: Encourage open dialogue about symptoms and emotions to build a strong support system.

4. Balance Rest and Activity: Allow time for rest and recovery when experiencing joint pain or fatigue while maintaining a healthy level of physical activity. Acknowledge the need for rest when joints feel fatigued or painful.

For more information about Dr. Tamika Henry, visit unlimitedhealthinstitute.com.

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