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Archive for January, 2009

Why Gout Relief Through Exercise is So Important

20 Jan



Gout relief doesn’t just come from medications and herbal remedies, but also through taking appropriate actions, such as exercises, to minimize gout symptoms and prevent the condition from flaring up again. When a gout attack is brought under control, exercising is an important part of strengthening the joint as well as reducing weight or maintaining the right weight level. Both of these issues are very important to gout relief as a strong joint will be less likely to suffer from a gout attack, and people who are in their healthy weight range are much less likely to suffer from the condition.

There are three primary forms of exercises that can be practiced in order to achieve gout relief and prevent its recurrence. These are:

- Strengthening exercises that help to increase or maintain muscles that support the joint.

- Range-of-motion exercises that help to keep joints well lubricated and moving, reducing stiffness.

- Endurance exercises, which assist in controlling your weight, provide you with energy, and strengthen your heart.

Of course, your ability to perform these exercises depends on your current physical condition. Before you begin any new exercise regimen, especially one designated for gout relief, you should speak to your doctor. He or she may be able to suggest specific exercises that will improve your chances of success, with the area of your gout attack kept in mind.

Even moderate stretching exercises are able to strengthen and build flexibility in the muscles and tendons surrounding the affected joint. You may also benefit from low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, water aerobics, or bicycling on a stationary bike. These are all great for building strength, flexibility, and endurance, without putting a large amount of stress on your joints.

The worst thing that you can do for your gout is to lead an inactive or sedentary lifestyle. The portion of the population least likely to develop gout or arthritis includes those people who regularly exercise.

A 2008 study by Jennifer Hootman Ph.D. published in the May issue of the American Journal of Preventative Medicine showed that only 30 percent of adults with gouty arthritis met the required minimum activity level set by federal guidelines. One of the main reasons that these gout sufferers refrained from activity was the misconception that their joints would be further harmed by exercise. They also feared the pain that can be involved when first getting started with an activity when suffering from gout.

Indeed, when gout is at its worst, it is often impossible to exercise, but it is the rest of the time that gout sufferers should remain active in order to reach gout relief. When the gout pain subsides enough for exercise to begin, sufferers should start slowly and make sure that the affected joint is always well relaxed and rested. Any inflammation can be treated with cool and warm compresses or with anti- inflammatory drugs.

You should also make sure that you’re making other efforts for gout relief, such as cutting foods out of your diet that may be helping gout to return more frequently. Look into your favorite beverages to ensure that you’re not making your gout worse just by sipping a drink on the couch.

 
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What Are the Different Types of Drinking Water Filters?

19 Jan



Those who are concerned about drinking water, and want to have a contamination free water may wish to install a water filter. There are a number of types of water filters available ranging from filters designed to purify water source to simply filter the drinking water. Let’s take a close look at a few types of them.

An under sink water filter is designed to filter water before it reaches the tap, ensuring that not only will the water has a good taste, but also remove any sediment and impurity that could adversely affect our health. Most of them are designed to be very easy to install to eliminate the need for a professional plumbing.

The reverse osmosis water filter are pretty good at removing particles and it removes almost all contaminants. Generally, there are at least three stages in the water filtering process. The water is first forced through a small strainer that strains sediment, and then it is passed through a membrane to screen out smaller contaminants. The last stage is a carbon filter. With these three stages, reverse osmosis water filters will remove a wide range of contaminants, including minerals, bacteria and viruses, and provide a pure water source at low cost.

The UV type designed with a UV lamp in a transparent sleeve, which is usually made of quartz or thick glass. The water passes through the lamp and is exposed to UV rays. The UV rays destroy bacteria that are harmful if consumed by humans.

Most countertop water filters have dual filtration system, the first is a Kinetic Degradation Fluxion Filter which will remove chlorine, mercury, iron and hydrogen sulfide from liquids The second system is a Carbon Filter. Carbon Filter is really the only method that removes all contaminants from your drinking water while leaving the essential minerals for our body needs. With these two systems, the majority of harmful chemicals and contaminants are filtered out.

Most manufacturers will list what they do and do not filter. So if you do not know which type you should go for, you can ask the local health department for testing the drinking water contaminants for you.

 
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Posted in Allergy And Sinus

 

Hidden Food Allergies and Weight Gain

18 Jan



Do you have cravings for a particular food? Food allergies often result in food cravings. This seems to be a controversial statement but it is a fact accepted by medical establishment. This kind of allergy is called type B allergy and means food intolerance. Such intolerance can lead to weight gain, bloating, fatigue, water retention, etc. Some foods we crave will not necessarily make us fat, but others can be major contributors to weight gain.

Some famous allergens are coffee, wheat, milk, corn, eggs. Rice is sometimes recommended as a safe substitute for allergens however some people can be allergic to rice! If you always crave a particular food and can’t go without it then you are allergic to it. If you are overweight and have difficulties losing weight the food you are allergic to might be the cause. There are some tests that can help uncover allergies to more than 200 substances. One of these tests is called ELISA. There are also blood tests that can help uncover type B allergies. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Through the tests discover what foods you are allergic to and then refrain from those foods for at least 10 days. You should be able to see the difference in how you feel and have dramatic results with your weight loss.

2. Follow a detox program those 10 days to help diminish or eliminate the negative changes caused to the body by offensive food. Detox can also help with cravings.

3. After refraining from allergens for 10 days, start to introduce them one by one into your diet. For example, if you are allergic to wheat and eggs start eating wheat after the 10-day period and wait for 2-3 days to see your reaction to wheat before introducing eggs. If the symptoms return, stop eating that particular food.

You can facilitate the weight loss process by simply refraining from the foods you are allergic to.

 
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What is Ankle Fusion?

16 Jan



Ankle fusion is the surgical removal of the cartilage portion of the joint and diseased bone and fusing (growing) of the bones together into one unit. Good cartilage normally forms the joint and allows for essentially pain free motion between bones. Damaged and/or diseased cartilage can allow some motion but this motion can be quite painful and disabling. There are three different bones that have their cartilage removed. There is the talus which has a dome shaped top where the cartilage is removed. There is the tibia, the large long bone in you leg and the fibula the thinner long bone on the outside of you leg. Removing the cartilage exposes the underlying bone. This underlying bone can grow and fuse to other bone. The goal of ankle fusion is to eliminate painful joint motion by fusing the tibia bone to the talus bone; the fibular bone may also be fused to the other bones.

Why is Ankle Fusion performed?

Ankle fusions are performed to eliminate pain, improve ambulation (walking), and to improve the quality of life. Typically conservative options are first attempted. These conservative treatments consist of treating the arthritis pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and analgesics are used. Corticosteroid infiltrations can be tried. Physical therapy is attempted. Bracing with ankle braces or ankle foot type orthosis is used to try and immobilize the arthritic joint. Occasionally immobilization in a cast or cam-walker cast is tried. Sometimes the ankle joint has arthroscopy (scope procedures) or arthrotomy (opening and cleaning) procedures are performed in an attempt to repair or remove arthritic joint cartilage or bone. If these treatments prove unsuccessful ankle fusion is performed.

What are some of the conditions that can damage the ankle and cause chronic pain?

Trauma including ankle fractures and crush injuries can lead to an arthritic joint. Chronic arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, severe osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, traumatic arthritis and numerous other arthritic conditions can cause significant pain. Infection of the ankle joint may destroy the cartilage facilitating fusion. Failed ankle surgeries such as misaligned fracture surgery, failed ankle implants, failed arthroscopy and arthrotomy can all lead to fusion. There are also some congenital deformities that may need fusion and neuromuscular disease that create unstable painful ankle joints. Ankle joint instability after severe or chronic ligament tears may lead to chronic pain. Occasionally the bone in the ankle can lose its blood supply and die internally in a condition known as avascular necrosis; this is usually secondary to trauma. A severe form of arthritic destruction known as Charcot arthropathy (joint disease) which is secondary to the nerve damage of neuropathy (nerve disease) can also be a causative condition.

How is ankle fusion performed?

Historically there are many different ankle fusion procedures. Now most fusions fall into one of two general techniques. Ankle fusion can sometimes be performed by arthroscopic technique. This utilizes small incisions to remove the ankle cartilage. The open technique has larger incisions on the outside and front of the ankle. To hold the bones together to immobilize them for healing various forms of internal surgical hardware is used. Bone screws, bone staples, bone plates and rods, and various other forms of immobilization are used. External surgical fixation devices can also be used. Occasionally bone grafts are added if there is significant bone destruction or defects.

What usually happens after surgery?

Typically after surgery rest, ice and elevation are needed. Usually patients are not allowed to walk on the surgical site for two to three months. A non-weight bearing knee cast is typically applied. Occasionally it takes longer than three months. After this initial immobilization a weight bearing cast may be applied and partial weight bearing is usually allowed; and crutches or a walker are used to help with ambulation. Pain medications are used as needed. Slowly patients are re-introduced to full weight bearing ambulation. Physical therapy is often used. Complete recovery can take six to twelve months.

 
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The Seven Anti-Arthritis Foods That Really Work

15 Jan



Ask anybody who is suffering from arthritis and he or she will tell you that the pain from this condition is unbearable. In fact, many elderly people who have arthritis problem would prefer not to move or walk and instead take medications that have several side effects rather than permanently experience the excruciating pains every time they move their knotty joints.

If you are suffering from early signs of arthritis, however, there are a lot of things you can do not only to relieve the symptoms of this condition, but also to prevent further exacerbation of the problem. Aside from trying to exercise regularly and maintaining your weight, eating the right types of foods is crucial in treating arthritis. For more information about anti-arthritis foods, read on.

1. Fish Rich In Omega 3

Generally, it is really better to eat grilled, poached, and steamed fish rather than meat when you are suffering from this joint disease. However, it would be best if you feast on fish that are rich in Omega 3, an essential fatty acid containing substances that aid in controlling prostaglandin, which is partly responsible for joint inflammation woes.

Mackerel, salmon, halibut and anchovies are great sources of Omega 3. However, if you need to go easy on sodium, better count anchovies out. It is also important to note that for more potent Omega 3 content, it would be better if the sources of your fish came from cold water and not from a fish farm or warm water.

2. Cantaloupe

Experts believe that vitamins A and C are important for people who are suffering from arthritis because these two vitamins contain antioxidants that prevent damage from free radicals. If there is one sweet fruit that is rich in both these vitamins, it is cantaloupe. Thus, next time cantaloupe is in season, better grab one and enjoy this anti-arthritis treat.

3. Apple

An apple a day really keeps the doctor away. This red (or green) juicy fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals that prevent the exacerbation of a lot of diseases and conditions, including arthritis. However, one mineral in apple that is scientifically proven to lower the risk of osteoarthritis is boron. On top of that, boron is also known to ease pain.

4. Chili Peppers

Another pain-relieving food that you might need to include in your grocery list is chili pepper. This spicy food contains capsaicin, which provides heat and aids in blocking pain. Although cooked peppers are good, eating them raw and crunchy in salads and vegetable dishes are better.

5. Papaya

This fleshy fruit is widely used in traditional medicine to treat problems varying from hay fever to diarrhea. However, arthritic patients can also load up on this fruit because of its high content of beta-carotene and Vitamin C.

6. Ginger Root

This knotty root is used in many dishes because it provides food with rich aroma and flavor. But did you know that ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties? If you have arthritis, you do not want any inflammation because it is the primary cause of pain. By the way, crushed ginger can also be applied topically as it can provide heat to ease pain away.

7. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits, such as grapefruit and orange, contain flavonoids which are known to boost the antioxidant effects of Vitamin C and also minimize inflammation. Since you need at least five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day, it would be ideal to have at least one or two servings of citrus fruits daily. Besides, they can also help enhance your immune system.

Taking supplements that contain Omega 3 and other important pro-bone health ingredients is also another way to ease arthritis and inflammation. Just make sure that the product you buy contains only natural ingredients. One supplement you may want to consider using is Flexcerin.

 
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Tai Chi and Arthritis Pain

14 Jan



The pain of arthritis is caused by the inflammation of the joints, and in some cases by the drying of synovial fluids which cause the joint to literally rub bone on bone with minimal fluid to lubricate it. There is considerable pain involved in the more advanced cases, and often in the beginning stages as well. Additionally the joints will become stiffened and the range of motion is significantly reduced. There is a significant myth regarding arthritis, which is that it is a disease of the elderly; however many very youthful people have the disease as well. The Juvenile Arthritis Foundation estimates that nearly 300, 000 children have arthritis in the United States.

Tai Chi originated in China where groups of people practice this martial art every morning in parks. It is known to require internal power and strength. Its name was derived from the mandarin term “tai chi chuan” which means “supreme ultimate boxing.” It was established as a branch of Neijia which is a form of traditional Chinese martial arts. its techniques and movements have been comprehensively described by its masters in the Tai Chi Classics which is a set of writings. The Chinese believe that if one gets aware of the ways in which Tai Chi can be used as self-defense, it indicates that the individual is well-learned in this martial art.

In the late 1990s a family practitioner who was also a Tai Chi master, Dr Lam, using a team of health care practitioners as well as Tai Chi specialists developed a program of modified Tai Chi for use in the treatment and management of arthritis pain and stiffness.

Studies showed that it reduced pain and improved many other health aspects of the people who were in the test group.

Some physicians of the American Medical community disclaimed the effects of the routine and refused to consider the techniques. CNN reported that Tai Chi did have benefits according to the study but it was still too early to establish concretely that Tai Chi is a healing technique. The reason for this was the claim of Dr. ChenChen Wang that the study design was flawed.

Recently, additional testing has been done by health researchers from the Sydney’s Institute for International Health, who concluded that Tai Chi, as well as another tested method hydrotherapy can in fact aid in reducing, if not eliminating the pain and sometimes the stiffness of arthritis. It was also seen to improve the range of motion of the test subjects. This study examined 150 men and women above the age of 60 suffering who suffered from chronic arthritis. It was led by Marlene Fransen and was posted in the mid 2007 Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatism. The members of the group were assigned by random choice to a waiting group, a Tai Chi class or hydrotherapy, which they were to attend two days per week for one hour at a time. Twelve weeks later, a major improvement was shown when measurements of pain and joint function were done. Another twelve weeks later, after twenty four weeks, the increased joint function and pain alleviation had continued, with no member worsening in their symptoms.

Tai Chi has been practiced in one form or another in China for many centuries. There are several different varieties, or styles, with each being found suitable for use with those who have arthritis. Its five essential forms are:

o Chen Style

o Yang Style

o Wu or Wu/Hao style of Wu Yu-hsiang (Wu Yuxiang)

o Wu style of Wu Ch’uan-y

 
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Arthritis in Dogs – Natural Dog Pain Relief

14 Jan



It’s really bizarre, the number of animals suffering from ‘people’ type disease like arthritis in dogs. To see some poor dog limping around, (and it’s happening in younger ones) is something most of us cannot bear to watch.

It’s true that it’s more common in the larger breeds and in particular the purebreds, but I have to say even smaller dogs have arthritis pain. As for the purebreds, I believe that the genetic manipulation which is prevalent in their lines may cause expression of various desired traits like coat color, structure, behavior etc., but at the expense of heartier, sturdy genetics resulting in chronic ailments coming out which in nature, they would not.

Arthr (joint) itis (inflammation) is as it’s root words indicate, an inflammation in the joints, particularly the weight bearing ones. Commonly, dog arthritis pain occurs in the hips and ankle joints.

The normal joint is the meeting of two bones which are lined with a pad of cartilage and bathed in a nutrient rich liquid called synovial fluid. In arthritis, the fluid starts to dry up, the cartilage thins and as this gets worse and worse the two bones end up rubbing together creating bone destruction and crippling pain.

Obviously, your dog can’t tell you about their joint pain..so look for symptoms or indications such as:

1) Favoring one leg
2) Difficulty getting up and/or laying down.
3) Sleeping more
4) Avoiding or hesitating when you want to go for a walk, especially when they loved it before
5) Weight gain
6) Disposition changes, especially more cranky or aggressive
7) Being less alert or bright

Don’t forget that inflammation in one area of the body, will predispose to inflammatory problems throughout, such as Diabetes, Heart problems, Skin disorders, etc.

Glucosamine For Dogs and Other Natural Solutions For Dogs With Arthritis

First and foremost, do NOT give your dog any Ibruprofen or Tylenol-type medications! They are extremely toxic to animals and just far too risky. Besides, they solve nothing. Your dog is not suffering from joint pain and arthritis because they lack acetominophen or ibruprophen!

The best anti-inflammatory for dogs is in their food. And they key to avoiding arthritis in dogs is to feed them naturally, chemical free food from day one.

Commercial pet food is filled with dye, chemical flavor enhancers, preservatives and that doesn’t even mention the quality of the ‘protein’. That can be from dead, diseased animals, chicken feathers, beaks and feet. It’s really very disgusting.

I was fortunate enough to find a book by a Vet who had lost his dear pet to these types of foods and according to him the typical medications he was trained to use in college. Dr. Jones admitted that approach is wrong.

Combine that information with the use natural arthritis cures such as glucosamine for dogs, homeopathics like Rhus Tox for stiffness, Ruta Grav for acutual joint pain and Belladonna for that really hot, sore joint.

Arthritis in dogs can be treated successfully and changes in your dog’s diet will save them from other chronic diseases, leaving them to live happy healthy lives.

 
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Golf Putting Tips For Beginners

13 Jan



First and foremost, the most important club in your golf bag is your putter. It’s the one you’ll use most during every round of golf you play (unless you forget it at home). This is the reason you should focus on the right golf putting tips to improving your putting if you want to start playing your best golf.

Many golfers are under the false impression that putting is a difficult skill and is only mastered by the top players in the world. Yes, the pros do make it look easy. However, the skills that the pros have learned throughout their years that have made them so good are the same as the ones you too can learn.

Here are some time-tested golf putting tips that will help you improve in this area:

Use only one ball when you practice. The more you make your practice like your time out on the course, the better you’ll preform when you’re out there for real. Using one ball forces you to evaluate each putt as though it was counting towards your score. Instead of just putting ball after ball from the same area on the green, practicing this putting tip aids in your concentration because it is more like a real round.

Don’t let your wrists break down during the stroke. Keeping the palms of your hands facing each other in the grip will help, but won’t eliminate your wrists from breaking. You need to be conscious of keeping your wrists flat during the entire stroke. This will keep the putter face square to your target.

Relaxation is key! Remember to keep your muscles like Play-Doh. Soft and movable. Tense muscles do not move fluidly and create jerking during the putting stroke that can send your putt off in any direction. Focus on making your through stroke the same length (or longer) than your backstroke. This putting tip assures that you accelerate through the ball on the putt.

Let your shoulders do the work. Don’t rely on your wrists to make the stroke. Using your larger muscles to preform the stroke will produce much better results. Much to your spouse’s delight, practice on your carpet in the living room during the “off-season”. This enables you to practice daily and keeps the most important part of your game from getting rusty.

And most importantly – Have your putter fitted to you! Nearly all of the golf putting tips you learn will be in vein if you have to contort your body to use a putter that is not properly fitted to you. The small expense of having your putter custom fitted to your body and stroke, will pay off in huge dividends out on the course.

 
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Posted in aids & hiv

 

Natural Swine Flu Treatments – Sore Throat

13 Jan



A sore throat is one of the initial symptoms of a virus, including swine flu. Accompanying symptoms like fever, chills, aches and pains, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, digestive upsets

 
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Arthritis Joint Pain

10 Jan



Arthritis joint pain can be a chronic condition which sees sufferers go through hell with immense pain. There are other implications that will see your condition become much worse due to the condition. One of the condition that is likely to develop is endocrine failure. You will also develop a thyroid problem.

People who suffer from this condition have been seen to have some inactive glands. These glands are androgen and estrogen. This problem will prompt an immediate medical investigation. Other conditions might be discovered. Therefore, arthritis joint pain presents a real challenge when it affects you. The condition has always been associated with old age or the aging process.

Arthritis joint pain will result in so much more devastation. If you had an injury which was repeatedly injured in the past, there will be formation of a mineral like calcium. This will be the onset of bone degeneration and deterioration. This process is pretty hard to reverse. There are various signs you need to look out for when you have this condition.

You will experience swelling then, you might have skin irritation. Loss of movement and general impairment is generally the final outcome of arthritis joint pain. Crippling of the joints will cause a lot of devastation to many who are affected. Therefore, it is vital for you to seek medical attention early. You must realize that medications that are administered for occasional joint pain will not do the trick.

You need to go for specialized care which will be effective. For arthritis joint pain, you will need to stimulate the cartilage naturally so that it can regenerate. This is sometimes done by the administration of mineral supplements. The use of these supplements has elicited different reactions showing different levels of success.

Another treatment that is used to stimulate regeneration is amino sugar. However, it does not also have standard results for all people. Consultation with your health provider will enable you choose your treatment regiment. This has to be done after many factors are considered and several tests run. You must go for a treatment and ignoring the problem is not an option.

It does not really matter the length of time you have been suffering from the condition; you need to seek medical help. This is because treatments might work for you. You can go for programs that will help the pain subside. You can choose various things like a warm massage. Pressure puncture is also a good way to ensure that you alleviate the pain.

Consider reflex stimulation and see whether it will work for you. You will have to change your lifestyle to accommodate your problem. This means getting the right treatment and undertaking helpful exercises. Let a doctor guide you to the right direction when it comes to treatment.

You should consider every treatment available when other treatments prove not to work. Above all, keep a positive attitude so that you can facilitate your recovery. If the condition is pretty bad, learn to adapt and make the most out of what you have.

 
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