Arthritis generally, is an inflammation of one or more joints. In its most common and troubling forms arthritis may occur in several joints of the body as a long term condition that may cause progressive disability.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting about 80% of people over 65 years of age, although only 25% may actually have symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis is by far the more serious, painful and potentially crippling form of arthritis. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints, characterized by swelling, pain, stiffness and loss of function of the small joints of the fingers, shoulders, neck, elbows, knees and hips that may progress to other parts of the body. Not only is it chronic, rheumatoid arthritis is also characterized by flare-ups and remission of symptoms. Women are three times as likely to get the disease as men, and the age of onset is usually 30-50 years. Other associated factors include improper treatment of injuries around the joints, genetic factor, environmental factors and infection.
Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the joints primarily, but may affect supporting connective tissue throughout the body causing fever, weakness, fatigue, and deformity. Destruction of cartilage, erosion of the bones and loss of use of the joint itself can occur over time.
Although no cure has been discovered, the disease can be controlled. Pain relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs are used, as well as programs of exercise, rest, heat and assistive devices to maintain joint motion and function.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
COPING WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS 2
WHAT YOU CAN DO
(a) Strengthen your body: becoming a couch potato because of your illness will only make things worse. A sedentary lifestyle can weaken the muscles and increase fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis patients. You should engage in low impact exercises such as walking, tai-chi, water aerobics and light swimming as they will help to boost your strength and endurance.
You should also do stretching exercises to maintain your flexibility. Consult your doctor on the best workout plan for your condition.
(b) Control your weight: Excess weight puts extra strain on the joints, it is important that you embark on a weight reduction / maintenance program, if needed. Chose a diet programme that will help you to maintain the appropriate weight for your body. You should also talk to your doctor about taking fish oil and vitamin E supplements for the beneficial anti-inflammatory effects.
(c) Take things easy: While exercise is important in building up your strength, getting enough rest can also do much good. You also need to ease up on strenuous activities that may aggravate the condition. Plan your day and activities and make out enough time for rest. Consider using assistive devices like canes, walkers and supportive shoes, as well as household appliances that simplify everyday cooking and cleaning. Consult an occupational therapist if you are having difficulty in everyday duties.
(d) Clear your mind: Daily meditation, breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques help in relieving stress and in improving overall wellness. Relaxation exercises reduce muscular tension and help to relax the body, thereby protecting against injuries and enhancing circulation. Acupuncture and spa therapy can also be helpful in reducing pain.
(e) Heat /cold applications: Applying heat (using a heating pad, a piece of cloth soaked in hot water or a hot bath) can ease muscle tension and throbbing pain. Also cold application (from an ice pack or a cold bath) can numb painful joints and reduce muscle spasms.
(f) Stay informed-Get all the information you can on the latest rheumatoid arthritis research and alternative therapies.
This information will help you know about your illness and keep you up to date on the best available treatments for your condition. Get a grip on rheumatoid arthritis by learning all you can about it today.
(a) Strengthen your body: becoming a couch potato because of your illness will only make things worse. A sedentary lifestyle can weaken the muscles and increase fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis patients. You should engage in low impact exercises such as walking, tai-chi, water aerobics and light swimming as they will help to boost your strength and endurance.
You should also do stretching exercises to maintain your flexibility. Consult your doctor on the best workout plan for your condition.
(b) Control your weight: Excess weight puts extra strain on the joints, it is important that you embark on a weight reduction / maintenance program, if needed. Chose a diet programme that will help you to maintain the appropriate weight for your body. You should also talk to your doctor about taking fish oil and vitamin E supplements for the beneficial anti-inflammatory effects.
(c) Take things easy: While exercise is important in building up your strength, getting enough rest can also do much good. You also need to ease up on strenuous activities that may aggravate the condition. Plan your day and activities and make out enough time for rest. Consider using assistive devices like canes, walkers and supportive shoes, as well as household appliances that simplify everyday cooking and cleaning. Consult an occupational therapist if you are having difficulty in everyday duties.
(d) Clear your mind: Daily meditation, breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques help in relieving stress and in improving overall wellness. Relaxation exercises reduce muscular tension and help to relax the body, thereby protecting against injuries and enhancing circulation. Acupuncture and spa therapy can also be helpful in reducing pain.
(e) Heat /cold applications: Applying heat (using a heating pad, a piece of cloth soaked in hot water or a hot bath) can ease muscle tension and throbbing pain. Also cold application (from an ice pack or a cold bath) can numb painful joints and reduce muscle spasms.
(f) Stay informed-Get all the information you can on the latest rheumatoid arthritis research and alternative therapies.
This information will help you know about your illness and keep you up to date on the best available treatments for your condition. Get a grip on rheumatoid arthritis by learning all you can about it today.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
EXERCISE IS GOOD FOR YOU!
At times you have heard people say things like “I used to do that when I was younger. But I don’t think my body can take that now”.
This is proof enough that when the body doesn’t get reasonable doses of exercise on regular basis, things begin to go wrong. The body grows stiff, muscles lose their tone, the joints lose their suppleness, and fat start to accumulate around the waist and along the spine.
When a lack of fitness is allowed to go on, very soon the body begins to suffer as we become less and less capable of dealing with the stress of everyday life, both physical and mental stress. We may even become susceptible to various illnesses. That is why regular exercise is very important for optimum health.
Exercise is the closest thing yet to the fountain of youth, and truly the only way to change the appearance, shape and strength of your body. EXERCISE IS GOOD FOR YOU! Just to put a little more emphasis on the issue, you will be given a list of 20 reasons why you should find the time for exercise on a regular basis. If you can find even one benefit on this list, you will have enough reason to begin an exercise programme and take steps to take care of yourself.
This is proof enough that when the body doesn’t get reasonable doses of exercise on regular basis, things begin to go wrong. The body grows stiff, muscles lose their tone, the joints lose their suppleness, and fat start to accumulate around the waist and along the spine.
When a lack of fitness is allowed to go on, very soon the body begins to suffer as we become less and less capable of dealing with the stress of everyday life, both physical and mental stress. We may even become susceptible to various illnesses. That is why regular exercise is very important for optimum health.
Exercise is the closest thing yet to the fountain of youth, and truly the only way to change the appearance, shape and strength of your body. EXERCISE IS GOOD FOR YOU! Just to put a little more emphasis on the issue, you will be given a list of 20 reasons why you should find the time for exercise on a regular basis. If you can find even one benefit on this list, you will have enough reason to begin an exercise programme and take steps to take care of yourself.
EXERCISE IS GOOD FOR YOU! _2
Regular exercise can …
Ø Help you lose weight, especially fat.
Ø Improve your physical appearance.
Ø Increase your level of muscular strength and endurance.
Ø Maintain your resting metabolic rate to prevent weight gain.
Ø Increase your stamina and ability to do continuous work.
Ø Improve fitness levels, or your body’s ability to use oxygen.
Ø Provide protection against injury.
Ø Improve your balance and co-ordination.
Ø Increase bone density to prevent osteoporosis.
Ø Lower resting heart rate and blood pressure.
Ø Lower Body Mass index (BMI) – your height-to-fat ratio.
Ø Reduce triglycerides, bad cholesterol (LDL), and raise good cholesterol (HDL).
Ø Enhance sexual desire and performance.
Ø Reduce heart disease and stroke.
Ø Reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Ø Increase insulin sensitivity, thereby preventing type 2 diabetes.
Ø Reduce your level of anxiety and help you mange stress.
Ø Improve function of the immune system.
Ø Improve your self – esteem and restore confidence.
Ø Help you sleep better, relax, and improve mood.
In addition, the tremendous health benefits associated with a well orchestrated strength, flexibility and cardiovascular training programme can add quality years to your life. Everyone exercises for different reasons. But no matter your initial motivation, you'll still get all the benefits.
At least half an hour of exercise (even brisk walking) three or four days a week can go a long way towards putting you on the path to physical fitness. It is recommended that you check with your doctor before begining any workout program, particularly if you are out of shape, have cardiovascular problems or simply haven't worked out in a long time.
After making the decision to start working out, it may be necessary for you to make some lifestyle changes, especially as it regards eating. So, cut down on processed and high-fat foods, reduce your intake of alcohol and quit smoking. Eat more of natural foods like whole grain, lean meat, fruits and vegetables, and above all, be consistent in your workout routine. A combination of proper diet, a good workout programme and appropriate relaxation techniques will begin to effect a change in your body beyond belief.
Ø Help you lose weight, especially fat.
Ø Improve your physical appearance.
Ø Increase your level of muscular strength and endurance.
Ø Maintain your resting metabolic rate to prevent weight gain.
Ø Increase your stamina and ability to do continuous work.
Ø Improve fitness levels, or your body’s ability to use oxygen.
Ø Provide protection against injury.
Ø Improve your balance and co-ordination.
Ø Increase bone density to prevent osteoporosis.
Ø Lower resting heart rate and blood pressure.
Ø Lower Body Mass index (BMI) – your height-to-fat ratio.
Ø Reduce triglycerides, bad cholesterol (LDL), and raise good cholesterol (HDL).
Ø Enhance sexual desire and performance.
Ø Reduce heart disease and stroke.
Ø Reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Ø Increase insulin sensitivity, thereby preventing type 2 diabetes.
Ø Reduce your level of anxiety and help you mange stress.
Ø Improve function of the immune system.
Ø Improve your self – esteem and restore confidence.
Ø Help you sleep better, relax, and improve mood.
In addition, the tremendous health benefits associated with a well orchestrated strength, flexibility and cardiovascular training programme can add quality years to your life. Everyone exercises for different reasons. But no matter your initial motivation, you'll still get all the benefits.
At least half an hour of exercise (even brisk walking) three or four days a week can go a long way towards putting you on the path to physical fitness. It is recommended that you check with your doctor before begining any workout program, particularly if you are out of shape, have cardiovascular problems or simply haven't worked out in a long time.
After making the decision to start working out, it may be necessary for you to make some lifestyle changes, especially as it regards eating. So, cut down on processed and high-fat foods, reduce your intake of alcohol and quit smoking. Eat more of natural foods like whole grain, lean meat, fruits and vegetables, and above all, be consistent in your workout routine. A combination of proper diet, a good workout programme and appropriate relaxation techniques will begin to effect a change in your body beyond belief.
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