Monday, February 25, 2008

Swimming Soothes Fibromylagia Pain

Swimming can significantly soothe fibromyalgia pain, European researchers reported in February after studying aquatic exercise as an effective fibromyalgia treatment.


In this study, published in the journal "Arthritis Research & Therapy," researchers divided 33 female study participants into two groups. For eight months, one group exercised in warm water for more than 60 minutes three times weekly. The other group did no aquatic training.

The swimming women reported an improved quality of life and said the workouts eased their pain.

Researchers noted that adding an aquatic exercise program to the fibromyalgia treatment mix is effective for pain and cost-effective in terms of both health care costs.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Depression and Early Retirement

A study from Finland indicates that depression increases the liklihood of workers taking early retirement.


Depression in middle-aged men will cause more men to retire early whereas women with mild depression will take the leap to retire early. The high number of US workers' who decide to retire early would indicate the severity of depression's impact.

Exercise: Best Arthritis Treatment

As unusual as it sounds, exercise is one of the best treatments for arthritis. If you have stiff and painful joints and you do not have a regular exercise regimen, now is the time to start working out. People who follow a regular exercise routine are better able to decrease the stiffness and pain associated with arthritis.

The best types of exercises for arthritis:
•Range of motion exercises help maintain or increase flexibility. This in turn relieves stiffness.
•Strengthening exercises build the muscles around the joints and takespressure off the joints.
•Endurance exercises help maintain overall body health. Endurance exercises also help with weight management and increase cardiovascular fitness.

The goal of exercise is to relieve stiffness without aggravating the joints or worsen symptoms. With that in mind, start slowly when starting an exercise program. You can build up in time and intensity as you gain strength. Always, always listen to your body. Your body will let you know loud and clear if you are doing too much too soon.

Remember to warm up and stretch your body with range of motion exercises before exercising and do the same when you are cooling down. But above all, remember to have fun. If you select exercise activities that you enjoy, you are more likely to keep your routine.

No exercise article would be complete without the "talk to your doctor before starting" disclaimer. In additional to that, seriously consider working under the supervision of a physical therapist or trainer in the beginning. These exercise experts will teach you how to get the best out of your exercise program while also being kind to your body. Your local YMCA or health club should have a trainer on staff.

Arthritis and Exercise

Exercise is a very important treatment. While arthritis causes stiffness and painful joints, exercising relieves the stiffness and lessens the pain. If you adhere to a regular routine you will be able to fight off many illnesses and decrease stiffness and arthritic pain. The most important exercises to follow are:
  • Range of motion: to help maintain/increase flexibility and relieve stiffness
  • Weights: to strengthen muscles around the joints
  • Endurance: cardio exercises help with overall body health including weight management.

Begin your exercise program slowly and keep working up to the goal of not injuring yourself or aggravating your joints. Remember to discuss your program with your physician and if possible under supervision of a physical therapist. Once your body has become accustomed to regular exercises you can add recreational exercises (biking/swimming) and aerobic exercises.
Enjoy your exercises and choose them well. People who have fun are more likely to keep a regular routine and get the best from exercising.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

An ounce of prevention...

You know the old say; "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” If you want to avoid arthritis later in life, take these preventative steps now;
•Loss the weight: That extra weight you carry around is no friend to your feet, ankles, hips, knees, and spine and causes excess wear and tear on weight-bearing joints.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise strengthens muscles so the muscles can do their job of supporting the joints while weak muscles place a strain on joints. Lose the weight, but use your muscles.
•But don’t over do it: Regular exercise is essential for overall health.
Overusing your joints has a detrimental effect on the body. The key is balance. Maintain a consistent exercise schedule instead of playing "Weekend Warrior."
•Avoid repetitive movements: Repetitive movements can cause problems later in life so to decrease your chances of developing arthritis, avoid repetitive strain on the joints.
•Eat well and drink plenty of water: A healthy diet is an important factor in
avoiding arthritis. Keeping your body hydrated keeps your joints hydrated. Watch your diet now and you can avoid sore joints later.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Easing Arthritis Pain Naturally

Here are a few natural ways to help ease your pain;

  • Vitamin C: Researchers at Boston University Medical Center found that 75 mg of Vitamin C daily slows the development of knee pain. Vitamin C is needed to make collagen, an important ingredient for cartilage.
  • Exercise: Exercise pumps nutrients into joints and provides a means to nourish cartilage. Hence, less hip and knee replacements.
  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Glucosamine gives cartilage its structure. Together, both glucosamine and chondroitin attract and hold water, which cushions the cartilage. Recommended dosage is 1,500 mg of glucosamine and 1,200 mg of chondroitin with meals.
  • Diet: A mostly vegetarian diet is shown to reduce inflammation. Concentrate on complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, veggies, legumes and fruits and omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in flaxseed oil.
  • Nutritional supplements such as Arthritin for natural pain relief and anti-inflammation.
  • MSM:

If you have arthritis, you are most likely aware of the dangers of taking prescription and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. To avoid these dangers, try natural methods of fighting arthritis and arthritis pain.