Happy Easter To All

Happy Easter to all those celebrating Easter…

I went to the beach yesterday with my friends — the first time I’ve been back since December 2007 when I last had sand therapy. I did enjoy it, though there were just too many people frolicking there because of this recent holiday.

There wasn’t time to sit in a corner and bury my legs in the sand. Besides, I was too busy looking out for this little boy.

Since we arrived there at around 3 pm, we stayed until dark (around 8 pm) — so much so that my legs suffered the wet and cold, enough for my legs to cramp once more. A nice bath and some efficascent oil later, my legs were propped up in bed under a thick warm blanket.

In the morning when I wake up, it’s like nothing happened.

Anyways…here are a few stuff/news regarding arthritis:

New Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug Works for Adults, Children

The new anti-arthritis drug tocilizumab, now being tested, appears to be effective in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in both adults and children, according to the results of two new studies.

Tocilizumab works by blocking the interleukin-6 receptor. Interleukin-6 is a molecule involved in promoting the painful inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

Gel may hold key to arthritis cure

Using light waves, polymers and a nuclear reactor, researchers here are investigating a superstrong, experimental gel that might some day turn into a novel treatment for millions of people who suffer from arthritis.

Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have spent two years shooting neutron beams at the mysterious hydrogel, trying to determine why it is almost as strong, flexible and resistant to friction as the cartilage in the human knee.

Arthritis program offers pain relief

Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center will again offer the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program ” beginning on April 1, 2008. Developed by physical therapists specifically for people with arthritis, this low-impact, joint-safe exercise program has been documented to help decrease arthritis pain and relieve stiffness while increasing flexibility and range of motion.

Arthritis Foundation certified instructors, each of whom have completed in-depth training on arthritis and the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, teach the program.

Gardening with arthritis

It might just take a few modifications to regular activities to reduce the stress on painful joints.

Gardening With Arthritis is a seminar planned to provide a few tips on how to do it.

Occupational therapist Katie Wrenn will give general advice on how to use joints wisely and sparingly without too much repetition, and demonstrate the use of gadgets like the tap-twister that makes it easier to turn the hose off and on.

Well, that’s all for now folks! I hope your Easter holiday is a lot better that mine. 😉