I have had arthritis since my 20's. The whole time since then I lived in Seattle, Washington. Three years ago, we moved to northern California to the Mediterranean, wine country. So, of course, the better weather made my arthritis better. But after a year here, I started keeping bees. The first year, I didn't get stung much (I only had 6 hives and wore the complete bee suit.) But this year and last year I have been stung a whole lot, because I went after swarms, took bees out of walls and increased the amount of hives I tended. The stings along with eating honey, pollen, royal jelly and propolis have all improved my arthritis and general health. My husband takes propolis if he even THINKS he's got a sore throat. Our health is so much better now. It is difficult with so many factors influencing us, but many days I don't need to use the cane I've used for 10 years. Whatever is responsible....I'm very happy. Kathy Cox, Bloomfield Bees and Bouquets Northern California, Italian, 40 hives www.kathycox.frankcox.net In a message dated 11/10/2004 1:35:52 PM Pacific Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: From: "Bill Truesdell" My arthritis was most painful in the winter and lessened to manageable in the summer (when I was being stung)." When it was also warmer and drier - and your diet included more salads - or even perhaps when the days were longer and you were getting more sunlight. Difficult to isolate a single factor, perhaps? :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::