Battling Rheumatoid Arthritis

Read more

NSD Powerball – How To Start The NSD Powerball Gyroscope With Thumb

I just found this health related video on YouTube … and thought you might enjoy it!

youtube.com/watch?v=znGNmZ8Z92o%3Ff%3Dvideos%26app%3Dyoutube_gdata

Visit www.PowerBallnsd.com For All Powerball Reviews. And For The Best Place To Buy Your NSD Powerball Gyroscopes, Visit www.PowerBallnsd.com ======================================== This video shows you “how to start the NSD Powerball Gyroscope with a thumb” and while I was at it I also tried to break The Powerball World Record…(lol!)…not, just kidding 🙂 I’ve actually been practicing for just a few days, but I really think you should learn how to start the nsd powerball gyroscope with your thumb as soon as possible – after you’ve figured out how to keep it going of course – as it saves you time and it just looks so much better. Enjoy my “NSD Powerball – How To Start The NSD Powerball Gyroscope With Thumb” video…and…try not to laugh 😛 Please also rate my “NSD Powerball – How To Start The NSD Powerball Gyroscope With Thumb” video and feel free to leave a comment or if you’ve purchased your NSD Powerball at The Powerball Shop, please tell us how it went. We’d love to hear from you 🙂 Thanks! Robert The Powerball Shop www.PowerBallnsd.com

Tell us what you think about this video in the comments below, or in the Battling For Health Community Forum!
credit-n.ru/zaymyi-next.html

The Alternative – Mens Health

I just found this health related video on YouTube … and thought you might enjoy it!

youtube.com/watch?v=GtkR6KTDchw%3Ff%3Dvideos%26app%3Dyoutube_gdata

Introduction – Vox-pops from the case studies. Dr. Ian Banks, Men’s Health Forum, introduces the programme by exploding the myth that men don’t care about their health and instead points to the way society does not expect men to discuss their health. Throughout the programme he introduces the different issues: stress, prostate health, exercise and maintaining your identity as you get older. Case Study 1 – Graham was dragged off to yoga by his girlfriend. Case Study 2 – Randy, our second case study. Case Study 3 – Using clear, concise language, together with pictures, the therapist Max Tomlinson is able to describe the prostate gland. Case Study 4 – The final item in the programme shows how complementary medicine can help those men who are going through some kind of change or stressful time in their life.

Tell us what you think about this video in the comments below, or in the Battling For Health Community Forum!
credit-n.ru/zaymyi-next.html

The Alternative – Women’s health

I just found this health related video on YouTube … and thought you might enjoy it!

youtube.com/watch?v=qb2-kE_INlY%3Ff%3Dvideos%26app%3Dyoutube_gdata

Introduction – Vox-pops from the case studies. Nick Avery, a GP and Homeopath, has taken an interest in the relationship between hormones and women’s health problems. He describes how difficult it is to treat hormone problems because even if you have a blood test progesterone and oestrogen vary widely within the normal range. Case Study 1 – We hear from Anne, who had been treated extensively with hormones by her doctor to try and combat painful and almost continuous periods. Case Study 2 – Annette had been trying to have a baby for over a year before she was diagnosed as experiencing early menopause. Case Study 3 – Dr. Marilyn Glenville is a nutritionist who provides a natural alternative for people not wanting to go on HRT. Case Study 4 – Scilla, however, approached the menopause another way under the supervision of zero balancing therapist, John Hamwee.

Tell us what you think about this video in the comments below, or in the Battling For Health Community Forum!
credit-n.ru/zaymyi-next.html

Food For Thought—The Impact Of Your Diet On Arthritis

Everyone knows that a healthy diet is the key to living a healthy life.  However, what many people don’t know is that it can also play a huge role in the risk of developing arthritis.  A person’s diet directly affects their weight and food allergies, both of which are directly related to arthritis.  Eating healthfully is a key way of both preventing and managing arthritis.

Managing Your Weight

One major way that diet is related to arthritis is that it directly affects your body weight.  Body weight is a major risk factor for arthritis.  The risk is quite simple to understand: the more that one weighs, the higher their risk of developing arthritis.  Yet, this phenomenon is not so simple to control in real life.

When someone develops arthritis due to their weight, it puts immense stress on their joints.  This makes it difficult to move and walk, let alone exercise.  Many obese or overweight people who are affected by arthritis often adopt a sedentary lifestyle—and yet, this only makes the problem worse.  The vicious cycle is extremely difficult to deal with.  Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients are commonly affected by this never-ending cycle.

It is more important than ever to monitor your diet if you have arthritis, because having arthritis makes exercise nearly impossible!  You can begin managing your arthritis through a diet by avoiding alcohol, sodium, fat, cholesterol, and sugar.

Allergic Reactions

Another reason to monitor your diet when you have arthritis is because certain foods can trigger arthritis flares.  Certain foods can impact the immune system, and affect the production of anti-inflammatory compounds.  Rashes, hives, and asthma are all allergic reactions that could indicate that you have consumed a food that is also an arthritis flare.

There are several other foods that could possibly cause an arthritis flare or worsen arthritis.  These foods include: red meats, chocolate, additives and preservatives, caffeine, salt, and dairy products.

Tips On What To Eat

If you have arthritis and are trying to manage your diet, there are a few tips that could be of help.  First of all, snack on grapes, pineapples, and other fruits.  Many fruits contain the compound resveratrol, which is known for blocking cell inflammation.  Additionally, eating vegetables, especially broccoli, is known to reduce inflammation.  Fish is also a good choice because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to decrease inflammation.

Under Control

For people who suffer from arthritis, diet might seem like an unnecessary thing to worry about.  Yet, the relationship between diet and arthritis is quite clear.  Your diet is a modifiable risk factor for arthritis—and it could be something you need to change.

Farm-Raised Tilapia Bad Food for People With Arthritis

According to researchers of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, the popular fish – the farm-raised tilapia has less very low levels of the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and very high levels of omega-6 fatty acids.

The said combination is bad one, making tilapia not a good food for some people suffering from heart disease, arthritis, asthma and other allergic and auto-immune diseases (particularly vulnerable to an “exaggerated inflammatory response).

Inflammation is known to cause damage to blood vessels, the heart, lung and joint tissues, skin, and the digestive tract.

The study authors published their findings this month in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association:

“In the United States, tilapia has shown the biggest gains in popularity among seafood, and this trend is expected to continue as consumption is projected to increase from 1.5 million tons in 2003 to 2.5 million tons by 2010.

They say their research revealed that farm-raised tilapia, as well as farmed catfish, “have several fatty acid characteristics that would generally be considered by the scientific community as detrimental.

Tilapia has higher levels of potentially detrimental long-chain omega-6 fatty acids than 80-percent-lean hamburger, doughnuts and even pork bacon.

For individuals who are eating fish as a method to control inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, it is clear from these numbers that tilapia is not a good choice.

All other nutritional content aside, the inflammatory potential of hamburger and pork bacon is lower than the average serving of farmed tilapia.”

Well…that definitely gives a new meaning to intake of more fish in the diet. Then we gotta pick the fish we eat.

The American Heart Association now recommends that everyone eat at least two servings of fish per week, and that heart patients consume at least 1 gram a day of the two most critical omega-3 fatty acids, known as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

I haven’t had tilapia in  a long time. Since I came home more than two years ago. Around here, a coastal town, bounty from the sea is more popular than farm-raised fishes such as tilapia. In a province that surrounds a bay where I stayed for some 18 years…it was there i learned to eat tilapia.

Now I gotta remember that it a potentially dangerous food for people with arthritis. But then, there are far more delicious, healthier oliy fish from the sea. So why settle for tilapia alone, right?

Some Arthritis Patient Story

Strong we can relate to ( in this case arthritis patient story) is something that can inspire us, learn lesson from or just plainly give strength that you are not alone in your woes.

Here are a few recent arthritis stories I found on the web, in case you miss it:

In an Indianapolis Zoo, a polar bear is suffering from arthritis in the legs and shoulders

Arthritis has settled into the bones of the 600-pound polar bear, the nation’s second-oldest in captivity. She’d probably be dead if she were in the wild, where the old and weak are often eaten or simply crawl away to die.

Instead, Tahtsa is one of about a dozen animals that are living past their prime in the back alleys of the Indianapolis Zoo — mostly outside the view of the general public and with special attention from a team of caregivers specializing in geriatrics.

Canadian singer finally feeling relief from nagging arthritis

Chantal Chamberland extends her hands for closer inspection.

“Look, no inflammation,” the Canadian jazz songbird says smugly. Her supple hands have looked like this for the last 18 months, and, she hopes, superstitiously knocking on the table in front of her, they’ll stay that way the rest of her life.

A joint effort in a woman’s fight against rheumatoid arthritis

An active mother of two sons, Laura Janson keeps appointments with her physician and her physical therapist, shows up for X-rays and tests and takes all the medications prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis.

Janson also is active in terms of self-care, working out twice a week to build muscular strength, which in turn reduces stress on her joints. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2000. “We were living in Naples, Fla., at the time, and I was used to jogging three miles a day,” Janson says. “Then I started having trouble with my feet.”

MÖTLEY CRÜE Guitarist Says He Lost 6 Inches Through Arthritis

MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist Mick Mars is a prisoner of his own home when he’s not on the road with his band — because a debilitating form of arthritis has left him unable to drive anywhere.

Mars was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) when he was 19 and reveals the degenerative disease has left him unable to move his head.

He tells Blender magazine, “If I could go places I would, but I’m stuck. This stuff I have won’t allow me to move my head, so I can’t drive. It’s quite an inconvenience.”

Wonder woman Jane’s life of pain

WONDER woman Jane Evans has defied doctors by overcoming a life of pain.
Crippled by rheumatoid arthritis for more than 30 years, she has undergone numerous operations to her joints.

Despite her condition, the 34-year-old has battled on to walk, drive and even have a child – all things experts warned she’d never do.

Just a few inspiring stories to let us know that arthritis need not be a life sentence. Have a nice read!

A Glass of Pomegranate Juice A Day Keeps Arthritis Away

It is already known that pomegranate juice has anti-inflammatory properties. Maybe this is also the reason why researchers believe that a glass of pomegranate juice daily may help fight arthritis. Such were the findings published in the Journal of Inflammation.

The findings however were from an animal study, but which the team of scientists from Case Western Reserve University behind it believes that the same could be true in humans.

If true, it could point the way to a new treatment which could avoid the side effects of current anti-inflammatory drugs, which can include nausea and bleeding in the stomach.

The scientists, from Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland, Ohio, gave extracts of the fruit, equivalent to a 175ml tumbler of pomegranate juice, to rabbits.

They then tested the level of activity of certain proteins known to trigger inflammation in the animal’s blood.

They found that the pomegranate extracts had inhibited the activity of many of the proteins, some by almost half.

It also raised levels of antioxidants, which can also reduce inflammation, in their blood system.

Researchers of the above study believe that their findings suggest that eating pomegranate or drinking the juice could have a beneficial effect on arthritis.

Read more from The UK Telegraph.

This benefit against arthritis is not the first health benefit reported on pomegranate or pomegranate juice. Previous reports have linked pomegranate juice to lowering cholesterol levels, among other health benefits.

Pomegranate juice has been shown to work well as a blood thinner. Some research has shown it may be an excellent agent for promoting blood flow to the heart. It also has been shown to reduce plaque in the arteries, and to raise “good” levels of cholesterol while helping lower “bad” cholesterol.

This preliminary research suggests that pomegranate juice may be helpful in preventing heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Most physicians are quick to point out pomegranate juice should be just one aspect of a healthy diet and exercise program. Pomegranate juice alone would probably not cure or completely prevent heart disease.

Some research has also evaluated the antioxidant nature of pomegranate juice and its usefulness in fighting certain forms of cancer. Pomegranate juice has been tentatively shown to reduce incidence of breast and skin cancer. It has also been tested and shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer in mice.

Well…it isn’t surprising that pomegranate juice can do all of the above. It is a powerful antioxidant — yes maybe even more powerful that read wine and green tea.

Okay…let’s wait and see. The above findings anyway admit that further research is necessary in order to determine how well the pomegranate extract is absorbed in the blood stream.

Meanwhile? I guess CHEERS to pomegranate juice! 😉

Giraffe Ailing With Arthritis, Put To Sleep

Earlier this week, a Maryland Zoo eutanized a giraffe suffering from arthritis. The said giraffe is 22-year old Gretchen – called ‘The Lady Of The House” – whose life was decided by the caretakers to end due to a fast moving arthritis.

Wow. Imagine a giraffe with arthritis?! The poor thing and her poor joints. It must have a very hard decision to make for her caretakers!

Gretchen was born at the Denver Zoo in May 1986, and had problems with her legs all her life. When she was little, she had shown bleeding wounds on three of her legs, which had been considered to be caused by her mother stepping on her, a common accident in the giraffe world.

Latter on, the caretakers had discovered that her hooves had been rotating inwards, instead of growing outwards, the way they were supposed to. Even though this condition made the animal feel uncomfortable, the Zoo staff’s efforts of periodically cutting her hooves had made her life a lot easier.

During the last years, however, Gretchen had begun suffering of arthritis, and had sometimes been in a great amount of pain. People at the Zoo had noticed that she was rarely leaving her barn on rainy days, and that her posture was starting to deteriorate. The caretakers have tried everything to cure the loved animal and ease its pain, but without success.

At least treatments have been tried! I don’t know how long a giraffe’s lifetime is….but 22 years for a giraffe might be pretty old.

Even though the decision was hard to make, the Zoo staff decided that it was better for Gretchen if she was euthanized. On Sunday, she was taken to a chute built for this occasion and was given a high dose of barbiturates. She died in her sleep.

Because of the condition that affected her hooves, ‘The Lady of the House’ had never been allowed to breed, for fear of passing the disorder to her children as well. However, the 4 giraffes that shared the same hill with her at the Maryland Zoo will most probably feel her absence in the days to come.

On Sunday, Gretchen died in her sleep after a high dose of barbiturates. I’m pretty sure she will be missed.

This story is not the first reported of animals suffering from arthritis. Most common are common house pets such as cats and dogs and are often related to the animal’s old age. Maybe was just extreme and worse with the giraffe’s case due to its unusually long extremities that must have taken toll on the giraffe’s joints. That must have been awful for the said giraffe!

Stem Cell Transplantation For Animal Arthritis

A Memphis Vet – Dr. Kathy Mitchener – is one of only a few doctors in the U.S. who’s got credentials to perform such life-saving procedure that is now hailed as a cure for arthritis in animals.

Just months ago, Memphis vets performed the first successful stem cell transplant. Now they’re developing a new technique that uses cells from the patient’s body instead of developing embryonic stem cells.

Yes folks, even animals – your pets – can get arthritis too.

As our pets age, they can develop many diseases that are also common in humans, including arthritis. I asked Dr. Sue Losito about some of the signs to look for in our pets.

“If your pet is having trouble getting up, or if they are walking with a limp, they may be showing signs of arthritis,” said Losito.

Going back to the stem cell transplantation procedure mentioned above, according to Dr. Mitchener:

“It effectively is the only treatment we have right now that literally stops the progression of arthritis in its tracks and restores the joint to a normal metabolism, so that the animal can return to function.

The short, minimally invasive procedure requires Mitchener to go in surgically and remove a small amount of fat from the animal. Two days later, the cells are injected into the affected joints.

I think this is probably the most exciting procedure I’ve been involved with in the 20 something years I’ve been a vet, because it uses the animal’s body to restore health.”

Apparently, cats are going to be next and maybe humans in the future. HUMANS.

Now, that is indeed exciting. I’m elated to know that this works on dogs. Who knows? Maybe stem cell transplantation will work on arthritis patients.

Stem cell transplantation, though sometimes controversial, is in my opinion really promising. What if this the key to the treatment of various serious medical conditions, and yes including arthritis.

As defined by Mayo Clinic:

A stem cell transplant is the infusion of healthy stem cells into your body. A stem cell transplant may be necessary if your bone marrow stops working and doesn’t produce enough healthy stem cells. A stem cell transplant can help your body make enough healthy white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets, and reduce your risk of life-threatening infections, anemia and bleeding.

Although the procedure to replenish your body’s supply of healthy blood-forming cells is generally called a stem cell transplant, it’s also known as a bone marrow transplant or an umbilical cord blood transplant, depending on the source of the stem cells. Stem cell transplants can use cells from your own body (autologous stem cell transplant) or they can utilize stem cells from donors (allogenic stem cell transplant).

What if this is indeed the key? I cannot help thinking along those lines each time stem cell transplantation comes to mind. What do you think?

Free Arthritis Lectures in Arizona

What: Free Coffee Hours (Arthritis Lectures)

When: May 18 after the church services (each of which will last about 90 minutes)

Where:

• Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 850 N. 11th Ave.: Service begins at 11 a.m.
• AZUSA, 7474 E. Broadway, Suite 100: Service begins at 10 a.m.
• Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 210 E. Lester St.: Service begins at 9:45 a.m.

In lieu of May as the National Arthritis Month, churches in Tucson, Arizona have teamed up with with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the Arthritis Foundation — coming up with free Coffee Hour events.

Such events will educate Arizona residents about the causes of, risk factors for developing, and options for arthritis – practically everything there is to know about arthritis.

Refreshments will be served and the lectures will start right after the church service.

The events are open to anyone who is at risk for developing or has arthritis and/or family members/friends with arthritis.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.3 million Americans annually, while 27 million people are living with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis among the black, Asian, Hispanic and white populations.

Information campaign is crucial. People should know about arthritis as it is being called the “coming epidemic”. It is good to know that even churches are getting involved to disseminate information.

For more information about the free coffee hours on arthritis in Arizona, call ADHS at 1-602-542-1214.

Source: AZStarNet

On the web, I recommend the following websites for comprehensive information about arthritis:

1. The Arthritis Foundation
2. Medline Plus on Arthritis
3. MedicineNet on Arthritis
4. Arthritis at About
5. WebMD Arthritis Health Center

For people that have no access to the web, it pays to have services via their local communities in order to get informed on various conditions, not only arthritis.

More Than 5o Percent of Diabetic American Adult Has Arthritis

As revealed by a new government report, more than half of diabetic American adult has arthritis too. This is the case especially in older adults (65 years old and above) who have diabetes.

In diabetes, lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercise regimen is critical in the management of diabetes. But then in these older adults, they are not able to exercise because they have arthritis too.

From The Washington Post:

Arthritis strikes more than half of the 20.6 million American adults who have diabetes, and the painful joint condition may be a barrier to exercise among these patients, a new government report shows.

Being physically active helps people manage both diseases better by controlling blood sugar levels and reducing joint pain, according to the report in the May 9 issue ofMorbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, a publication of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to Dr. John H. Klippel, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation:

“The prevalence of arthritis is astoundingly high in people with diabetes. Over half the people with diabetes have arthritis.

Although there appears to be a connection between arthritis and diabetes, the reason for it isn’t known. A possible explanation is obesity, which is a risk factor for both osteoarthritis and diabetes.

In addition, those individuals who have diabetes and arthritis are less physically active. We know that physical activity is critically important for the control of diabetes, both for the control of blood glucose and the prevention of complications.”

Obesity and exercise are critical factors not only in diabetes, but in arthritis too. The more an individual is sedentary, the more you are obese. The more one is obese, the more is the risk in developing diabetes. If you are in your 60’s and have all these conditions, it is no wonder if you have arthritis too. I mean, being obese is enough to take a toll on our joints (especially the knees).

As what CDC researchers found using the data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System:

• 29.8 percent of people with both diseases were more likely to be inactive, compared with 21 percent of those who only have diabetes, 17.3 percent of those with arthritis alone, and 10.9 percent of those with neither condition.
• For people who suffer from both diabetes and arthritis, arthritis appears to be a barrier to being physically active.
• But being physically active by doing aerobic exercise, strength training, walking, swimming or biking can benefit people with both diseases.

But if we come to think of it, not everyone in their 60s are so keen into strength training or biking.

Hmmm…the more I am convinced that Tai Chi is really beneficial to people of all ages, with or without arthritis.

Read more from The Washington Post.

May is Arthritis Awareness Month

May isn’t just Spring and therefore a month of flowers, but it is also the Arthritis Awareness Month in the United States of America (USA).

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 Americans suffer from arthritis pain. It is projected that by the year 2030, 67 million people in the U.S. will live with arthritis, up from current estimates of 46 million.

Arthritis is not only painful but debilitating, thereby directly affecting a person’s physical activity and quality of life.

The motto for this month is GET UP AND MOVE. So very fitting, once again emphasizing how physical activities such as walking and some light exercises are crucial to the managing life with arthritis.

Arthritis can be a painful, life-impacting condition, but its effects may be lessened through physical activity.

Physical activity, such as walking, is crucial in preventing and managing the nation’s most common cause of disability.

In fact, the Arthritis Foundation says Americans cannot afford to be inactive. This simple, inexpensive activity can help achieve and maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of arthritis.

According to Patience White, M.D., chief public health officer, Arthritis Foundation:

“Physical activity is a natural pain reliever for most people suffering from arthritis. Walking just 10 minutes, three times a day can ease joint pain, improve mobility and reduce fatigue often associated with arthritis.

The prevalence of obesity continues to rise even though it can often be prevented by staying active through simple activities such as walking. A weight loss of 15 pounds can decrease the pain due to osteoarthritis by 50 percent.”

Okay folks…let’s walk. 😉 Arrgghhh… I really should get my butt off this chair! Sigh.

As the organization celebrates its 60th anniversary, the Arthritis Foundation is working to inform the public of the benefits of walking to ease the pain of arthritis or prevent some forms from developing. In addition to causing pain, disability and loss of independence, arthritis exacts a hefty financial toll on the U.S. economy, costing the nation $128 annually.

May is Arthritis Awareness Month and to get Americans moving, each year the Arthritis Foundation hosts Arthritis Walk events around the country designed to educate Americans about the health benefits of walking while raising critical funds to fight arthritis.

In order to sign up for Arthritis Walk events, visit www.arthritis.org. For a free copy of the Arthritis Today Walking Guide, including tips on getting started, staying injury-free and keeping it all fun, call 800-283-7800 or visit www.arthritis.org.

Source

Sun Exposure and Arthritis

We’ve always been told to lessen our exposure to the sun in order to lower our risk of developing skin cancer.

However, according to The Arthritic Association, avoiding the sun totally can lead to arthritis.

That makes sense became sunshine is necessary for the body to produce Vitamin D. Vitamin D is then necessary for the absorption of calcium for general bone health.

Which reminds me to take my calcium supplements and spend sometime in the sun each morning! It’s summer around here and most days are sunshiny.

The national arthritis charity warns that sunshine is crucial for the body to produce vitamin D which is required to ward off degenerative conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.

Earlier this year, James E Dowd, an American rheumatologist, published details of his use of vitamin D in treating arthritic patients. However, The Arthritic Association states that supplementation alone is not the answer.

“The body needs sunshine in order to synthesise the vitamin D required for optimum health,” explains The Arthritic Association’s John Wedlake-Griffiths. “Although you could take a vitamin D supplement, it’s easy to overdose, and that can be counter-productive. So moderate exposure to sunlight is better – for example, earlier or later in the day, for short periods of time.”

I really think that it won’t be difficult to get enough exposure to the sun, enough against arthritis and not too much as to risk skin cancer. Morning persons won’t have a problem at all as it is best to catch the sun early in the morning.

Of course, we have to remember the supplementation of Vitamin D-Calcium combo will always be not enough. We gotta drag ourselves out of bed early and catch some some good sunlight. Yeah, right. I am definitely speaking for myself. Ha ha!

Source: Nursing in Practice

The Arthritis Association, is by the way UK’s organization promoting natural arthritis treatment and remedies.

The Arthritic Association aims to relieve the suffering and pain of arthritis by natural methods.

Our Home Treatment Programme, developed by Charles de Coti-Marsh, is a natural, drug free way to treat arthritis, based on a 3-stage recovery process.

The Programme offers an easy to follow holistic approach to managing your own health. A lessening of arthritic symptoms can be realistically achieved within 4 months.

Believed to be an effective natural treatment for most forms of arthritis, the Home Treatment is essentially a self-care programme: the patient’s motivation, pro-activity and willingness to investigate every aspect of the treatment are crucial.

Visit The Arthritic Association for more information on natural arthritis treatments.

Extracts in Chinese Ants May Fight Against Arthritis and Others

Chemists in China have identified substances in some of their ant species that may be able to fight against arthritis and other diseases (i.e. hepatitis, etc).

Apparently in China, ants has been used for centuries as a healthy ingredient in food or drink, against various conditions such as arthritis and hepatitis.

In the new study, Zhi-Hong Jiang and colleagues analyzed extracts from a particular species of Chinese medicinal ant (Polyrhacis lamellidens) commonly used in folk medicine.

The researchers identified at least two polyketides, potent natural products also found in plants, fungi and bacteria that have shown promise in studies by others for fighting arthritis, bacterial infections, and a variety of other diseases.

The researchers suspect that the health benefit from ants may be due to the anti-inflammatory or anti-pain properties of the substances found in ants.

However, the exact chemicals or compounds responsible for such health benefits are yet to be known.

Find more details from Science Daily.

Findings of the above study will appear in the April 25 issue of American Chemical Society‘s Journal of Natural Products — in an article entitled “Bicyclic Polyketide Lactones from Chinese Medicinal Ants, Polyrhacis lamellidens”.

In this particular research, the said Chinese medicinal ant specie is Polyrhacis lamellidens. When I searched the web, only Polyrhachis lamellidens from the Japanese Ant Image Database.

Original Reference

Smith, F. (1874) Descriptions of new species of Tenthredinidae, Ichneumonidae, Chrysididae, Formicidae, &c. of Japan. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London (4) 7: 373-409.
Description

Total length of workers around 7-8 mm. Body bicolored; head, legs and gaster black; mesosoma and petiole reddish brown. Dorsal surface of mesosoma flattened, dorsolateral edges carinate. Pronotum with a pair of forwardly-directed spines.

Mesonotum with a pair of backwardly curved spines. Propodeal spines long, their apices curved. Dorsolateral margins of propodeum carinate. Petiole with a pair of long, hooked spines.

Hmmm…seems the same as the Chinese specie used in the above study.

Well, the interesting ending remains to be seen. Really interesting. 😉

Manuka Honey For Arthritic Pain Relief

What do you rub on your joints for arthritic pain relief? I have always relied on Efficascent Oil (Methyl Salicylate Camphor + Menthol) — which could be available under different brand names in other countries.

When my knees become stiff, this home remedy efficascent oil is really a lot of help.

Have you heard of Manuka Honey? Don’t worry, I haven’t either.

Manuka Honey – a special type of honey -has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it a viable treatment solution for people with arthritis.

In treating arthritis and other forms of inflammation, eliminating the underlying cause and inflammation is necessary. Doctors and other medical professionals are now discovering that a particular type of honey called “Manuka Honey” has natural anti-inflammatory properties that are extremely effective in treating these conditions. In addition, Manuka Honey has the ability to diffuse into the depths of skin tissue so as to get to affected areas.

“Manuka Honey is an organic, all-natural substance that is more effective in relieving pain than most analgesic products that are available over-the-counter,” says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International which is a manufacturer of Manuka Honey products. “Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, Manuka Honey is now being considered a viable treatment option for arthritis and other muscle and joint pain.”

Manuka Honey products are manufactured by Honeymark International.

You can purchase Honeymark’s Pain Relief Cream with Manuka Honey by calling 1-866-427-7329 or visiting www.HoneymarkProducts.com.

[Story and Photo Source]

Nintendo Wii and Adult Arthritis

Whether the Nintendo Wii game system can help against arthritis in older adults, are being investigated by three Longwood University researchers.

Yes, you heard it right. The Nintendo Wii game system. Against arthritis in older adults? That which if really true, remains to be seen.

Hmmm…Nintendo Wii?! What about for somebody like me who doesn’t get such kinds of games at all. Maybe it isn’t too late to give it try.

Reported at Richmond Times-Dispatch:

The three faculty members in the department of health, recreation and kinesiology are measuring the game’s effects on the lower extremity endurance and the range of shoulder motion of nine people who have arthritis.

The subjects meet once a week in an on-campus classroom to play a simulated bowling video game, with the simulated results displayed on a large television screen in front of them.

Specifically the Wii Bowling for these older adults suffering from arthritis.

According to Dr. Susan Lynch, one of the project’s leaders and teaches in the Therapeutic Recreation program:

“We’re trying to determine if there is a difference between the experimental group, which is those nine people, and the control group, which consists of eight people, also older adults with arthritis, who are not doing the bowling but are still being measured.

Our hypothesis is that the range of motion of their dominant shoulder – the one they bowl with – will improve as well as that their lower extremity endurance will increase. There have been lots of news articles recently about Wii bowling, but I don’t think there’s been a study as to its effectiveness in rehabilitation. We’re trying to prove that Wii works.

They have to follow a certain bowling protocol, which is the proper bowling technique.There’s also a social aspect, just like in regular bowling. We sit around and eat lunch and have snacks.”

Why the Wii sports games instead of the real bowling thing? Because the Wii bowling is a lot less repetitive and painful than traditional therapy. If Wii sports games can be the new craze rehab therapy for patients recovering from strokes, broken bones, surgery and even combat injuries, why not see if it will work for arthritis?

Wii sports games, which are less repetitive and less painful than traditional therapy, are “fast becoming a craze in rehab therapy for patients recovering from strokes, broken bones, surgery and even combat injuries,” according to a recent article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

“Wii games require body movements similar to traditional therapy exercises…Patients become so engrossed mentally that they’re almost oblivious to the rigor. Some call it Wiihabilitation.”

I will like very much to see how this investigation will work out.

Find more details from Longwood University.

Diabetes and Arthritis Medications

Arthritis is very common and affects many diabetics. Because arthritis is so common, it is important for diabetics who may have arthritis know about the interactions that can occur with arthritis medication and diabetes medications.

Common Interactions

Aspirin:
Low dose aspirin is often prescribed to people with arthritis and other conditions. It can slightly lower blood glucose levels, so care must be used when using with insulin. Higher doses of insulin can raise glucose levels. Aspirin overdose can occur when aspirin and oral glucose medications are used together.

Gout Medications:
Can interact with oral diabetes medications, lowering blood glucose drastically.

Steroids:
Steroids can raise glucose levels and cause poor control of levels in diabetics.

Be Aware

Be aware of the medications you are taking. Speak with your doctor and be sure to read the pamphlet that comes with any new medication. Talk with your pharmacist about possible interactions with your diabetes or diabetes medications.

It is vitally important that you are aware of all possible interactions. The ones I have posted are by no means all that can occur. The pain of arthritis can be hard to cope with and medications can help with that pain and stiffness. Inflammation can be lessened as well. It is just a matter of careful monitoring of your conditions when using medications for both disorders.

For more information on arthritis, visit Battling Arthritis, one of the Battling for Health family of blogs.

New Arthritis Treatment Center Opened in Del Mar

In Del Mar (San Diego, Ca. USA), a new center opened on April 7 – which will offer traditional and alternative treatments for arthritis.

Located in 12865 Pointe Del Mar Way, the said arthritis treatment center is called The Institute for Specialized Medicine.

The center’s founder – Dr. Alexander Shikhman – is a local doctor who previously worked for Scripps Health.

Shikhman put $70,000 toward site renovations and $50,000 towards specialized equipment. The total investment was $500,000.

It is the only center in San Diego County that specifically treats arthritis and autoimmune disorders, according to Shikhman, who called the center “a kind of one-stop shop.”

The Institute will function as a private company with three full-time staff members. Shikhman said he plans to add up to three more employees this year.

Treatments, including physical exams, ultrasounds, shock wave therapy and infusion therapy, begin with a diagnostic evaluation, which will be used to create an individualized therapy program.

Nutrition counseling, Tuina (a Chinese therapy similar to massage) and acupuncture will be available.

Hmmm…my kind of treatment center! 😉

Read more from the San Diego Business Journal Online.

Stem Cells May Repair Cartilage in Osteoarthritis Patients

Listen to this folks: stem cells may be able to repair the damaged cartilage in osteoarthritis sufferers.

Wouldn’t that be the day?! Definitely a lot better than what the chondroitin-glucosamine tandem have done in both repair and un-repair (!) of the cartilage.

Scientists at Cardiff University have successfully identified stem cells within articular cartilage of adults, which although it cannot become any cell in the body like full stem cells, has the ability to derive into chondrocytes – the cells that make up the body’s cartilage — in high enough numbers to make treatment a realistic possibility. The team have even been able to identify the cells in people over 75 years of age.

This is one of the things I am loving about stem cell therapy, despite the controversy behind it — is its potential to treat or reverse serious conditions, especially one as debilitating as arthritis.

More of the said report from Science Daily:

The research team, funded by the Arthritis Research Campaign and the Swiss AO Foundation, have identified a progenitor, or a partially derived stem cell in bovine cartilage that can be turned into can be turned into a chondrocyte in culture. Their breakthrough came in identifying a similar cell in human cartilage that was more like a stem cell with characteristics that they could be used to treat cartilage lesions due to trauma but also mark the onset of osteoarthritis

Lead researcher Professor Charlie Archer from the Cardiff School of Biosciences said: “We have identified a cell which when grown in the lab can produce enough of a person’s own cartilage that it could be effectively transplanted. There are limitations in trying to transplant a patient’s existing cartilage cells but by culturing it from a resident stem cell we believe we can overcome this limitation.

You have to agree, that this one study,who results are worth watching out for. I just hope it won’t take them too long to validate the potential of stem cells against arthritis.

Next Page »