RSS
 

Archive for February, 2010

Mattress Covers for Allergy Protection

12 Feb



Today we know that allergies have a cumulative effect on our bodies; that is, the older you get, the worse allergies get, depending on what you were exposed to while growing up. Nasty microscopic bed bugs, dust mites, and bacteria live in most mattresses and pillows, separated from your face and body only by the barrier that you place between them and you. They feed on dead skin cells and become, for humans, a major cause of asthma, eczema, and rhinitis.

Unfortunately, standard pillowcases and sheets (in other words, standard bedding), don’t serve as adequate barriers from the nasty little bugs. Fortunately, the right mattress cover can protect you.

We make a substantial investment in a good mattress. For those of us with back and other injuries that we must accommodate by providing additional sleep support, we also spend a hefty sum on therapeutic pillows for our head and neck and on body pillows.

So what happens when we bring home a new mattress and plunk down our old pillow on it? And what happens when we buy an expensive neck or body pillow and put it on our existing mattress?

Well, you can guess that the nasty bugs travel right through our bedding to build a comfy home in the brand new product.

What we really need is a mattress cover that is a breathable yet waterproof barrier fabric that prevents bacteria and dust mites from breeding in our mattresses and pillows. We would all like something that feels soft to the touch yet does not let anything get through to our skin and into the new products that we buy.

And while we’re at it, why not provide a healthy, allergy-free sleep zone for baby to reduce the allergens to which baby is exposed from the start!

There are mattress covers available today that provide the barrier we seek. There are two types.

The less-expensive mattress protectors, such as the Slumber Soft Mattress Pad, are top-layer, waterproof barriers to protect our mattresses from moisture from bed wetting, sweating, etc. They have a super-soft feel like natural cotton, but are typically made from durable polyester Flannelatte Laminated Vinyl to prevent any leakage onto the mattress. That just means that they simulate flannel with an underlying layer of impermeable high-tech vinyl. They make excellent mattress protectors for the crib and for the elderly. Family caregivers appreciate the fact that they are lightweight and easy maintenance (machine washable). With straps to hook around the corners of the mattress, they are easy to remove and clean, and easy to replace on the mattress. Some of the waterproof-only mattress protectors are reversible so you can use them longer. With a super-soft, cottony feel, they give both baby and the elderly a comfortable night’s sleep while protecting the mattress from moisture and odor. The second type of mattress cover is the allergy mattress cover that is slightly more expensive but which provides complete protection both against moisture and dust mites or bacteria. The dust mites or bacteria that may have lived in your mattress will not reach your skin or lungs once your mattress is covered with an impenetrable allergy mattress cover. It wraps your mattress like a fitted sheet. While your skin feels soft cotton on top, the waterproof, impenetrable-barrier layer further down, made from the latest high tech fabric, separates you from the bugs!

There are also mattress covers in baby’s size to protect the crib mattress both from dust mites and from bedwetting moisture, stains, and odor! The allergy mattress cover offers complete protection as a waterproof barrier and as a shield against dust mites and bacteria found in every home. Allergy mattress covers are available in pillow slip-on sizes to protect your face and neck while you sleep.

Just be careful to examine the label on the mattress cover or pillow cover to ensure that you are getting the proper protection. If it is a waterproof mattress cover (for bedwetting) that you are protecting against, either level will do. If it is an allergy mattress cover that interests you, the label should discuss the mattress protection against allergy-causing dust mites and bacteria.

This seemingly minor addition to your bed will enhance your sleeping comfort by creating a healthy sleep zone for you and your family.

 
No Comments

Posted in Allergy And Sinus

 

Allergy Treatment

11 Feb



Allergy means exaggerated reaction by our immune system and responses to bodily contact with certain foreign substance. What allergies do eliminate the item from your body when possible in one way or the other to protect you? However, some allergy reaction can be very strong and actually cause you much pain, damage and even be fatal sometimes.

Here is how you can recognize an allergic reaction, treat it and learn to prevent them in the future. Our immune system is responsible for protecting our bodies from foreign substance and what has the possibility to cause possible damage. Allergies occur when the immune system protects our body from one such occurrence by not recognizing the compound such as, sneezing when you inhale pollen or dust, diarrhea when you drink milk.

Identify Your Body Type

One is not born with allergic reaction but develops them along the way; while some may experience it when they are born with milk some may develop them even in their adulthood. It is very important to learn about your own body and listen to its reactions carefully, as each one of us is unique in his or own way and therefore will react to certain things differently.

Keeping track of what you eat and do as well as any unusual reaction that may occur during the day or immediately after you have consumed a product may help you trace an allergy when it happens and treat it.

Allergic Reaction Symptoms

To get any allergy treatment you need to recognize the symptoms and here are some of the most common types, Skin rashes that are usually of red color and itch, nausea, vomiting, sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes, unclear vision, not able to focus. Serious cases you will have difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat to the point where one can get into shock if not treated quickly.

Importance of Treatment

Several allergy reactions require treatment right away such as for shell fish allergies or nuts where one’s breathing pipes lines will close and literally you will be out of oxygen. You can save your or someone else’s life by getting immediate allergy treatment as the symptom occurs or sometimes people carry on them drugs and shots that will provide the required allergy treatment.

Tips

If you know your allergies always carry the necessary allergy treatment along if you may need it when away from home like at office and while driving and if possible place it in a box with the necessary instructions. If you have babies in the house make a first aid box in the house where you can place their allergy treatment clearly marked so everyone can access and use if required.

 
No Comments

Posted in Allergy And Sinus

 

3 Big Reasons to Choose an Aquasana Refrigerator Water Filter Over a Brita Water Filter Pitcher

10 Feb



Three developments have fueled the desire for more convenient home water treatment devices. First, an awareness about dangerous cancer-causing chemicals showing up in our water has grown rapidly over the last several years. So much so that it’s very common for people not to trust unfiltered drinking fountains at parks, schools and other public places. Second, the modern family’s life has become busier and busier and the desire for healthy filtered water on the go continues to expand. Lastly, technology keeps making filtration devices cheaper, more effective and more convenient.

Water Filters can be found on counter tops; installed under sinks; placed inside the lid of a water bottle; part of a water pitcher and fitted to a refrigerator water filter. Two of the most convenient and popular water filter types are pitchers, like those made by Brita, and refrigerator water filters. There are 3 very big differences that you should consider before choosing between a water filter pitcher and a fridge water filter.

Convenience

There is no doubt that grabbing a pitcher or using the refrigerator’s water and ice dispenser are extremely convenient ways to provide cold filtered water for your family, especially if you have kids. But when you look closer at both methods, one is a clear winner for ease and maintenance.

While you can go to the fridge and quickly grab a Brita pitcher, they hold relatively little water and need to be refilled often. This requires taking the container over to the sink and letting the top portion fill up with water. After waiting for the water to slowly pass through the filter, you need to repeat the step several times until the pitcher is full. Unfortunately, it becomes easier and easier for family members to avoid this mundane task. If you have young ones and the responsibility of refilling the container falls on them, the situation is even more ripe for neglect. For adults and children, a refrigerator filtration system is an ideal appliance because the automatic water dispenser gives you a convenient way get healthy water without having to deal with the upkeep of a water filter pitcher.

Performance

Both the Brita pitchers and in-line refrigerator water filters by Aquasana use GAC (Granular Activated Carbon). GAC is recognized by the EPA as the best available technology for removing organic chemicals like chlorine. Yet, the fridge filter contains a great deal more of the carbon media and is therefore more effective and able to last longer.

Brita does offer a 2-stage faucet filter. Before water reaches the GAC, it first passes through a non-woven screen that blocks sediment. However, the non-woven screen also has the drawback of being very small and less effective than larger filter systems.

Refrigerator water filters like Aquasna’s AQ-7000 are also able to incorporate a second filtration technology. It uses ion exchange. During this phase, lead ions are replaced with potassium ions. The process is very effective for filtering out lead and heavy metals, as well as enhancing your waters natural mineral balance. Unlike the the AQ-7000, the Brita pitcher does not even meet the revised standard for lead reduction. For these reasons, a refrigerator filter easily surpasses even the best pitcher filter on the basis of performance. Now on to how the choice between the two filter types will affect your wallet.

Cost

While Brita’s pitcher water filter has a less expensive startup cost than a refrigerator water filter, the Brita product actually costs more in the long run. The Brita pitcher costs about 22 cents a gallon compared to only 9 cents a gallon for Aquasana’s AQ-7000. The Brita pitcher filters 100 gallons and needs to be changed about every 4 months. Brita replacement filters cost around $18.99 compared with the Aquasana AQ-7000 cartridge that runs $47.99. So, if you use 300 gallons over a six month period you will pay $47.99 for filtered water from the fridge, but a hefty $56.97 to use the Brita pitcher.

Conclusion

Convenience, performance and price are perhaps the 3 most important factors when choosing between a water filter pitcher and refrigerator water filter. In this comparison, the fridge filter wins on all 3 counts. Now that you have some of the important facts before you, take some time to research a trustworthy water filter company. A quality dealer will often offer a risk-free transaction; provide a money-back guarantee and have a proven track record. Check for these service benefits and you should be very happy with your choice.

 
No Comments

Posted in Allergy And Sinus

 

Is it a Cold or Flu? Relief and Symptoms For Each

09 Feb



Stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches. When symptoms arise, it’s sometimes hard to decipher the difference of whether you’re coming down with a cold or flu.

The common cold is milder than seasonal flu and lasts for about a week at the most, whereas the flu and its aftermath can take hold much longer. The flu can also result in serious health problems such as pneumonia and severe respiratory distress syndrome. Both complications can send the person to the hospital, and in some severe cases of the swine flu, possible death.

The common thread of cold and flu is that the preventative measures one takes to improve respiratory health are the same. And with both illnesses, the symptoms can be minimized and duration shortened with several flu remedies.

How To Know If It’s A Cold

The common cold usually begins with a scratchy feeling in the back of the throat, or a sore throat. Symptoms that follow within the next two to five days include a runny nose, chest congestion and a cough. Fever is present often in children, and less likely in adults.

The most miserable part of a cold is usually nasal discharge, starting with watery secretions and sneezing, and becoming darker and thicker as the illness progresses. This is a natural occurrence and does not mean a bacterial infection exists.

For the first three days of a cold, the infected person is contagious. It’s wise to stay home during this period and get plenty of rest. If symptoms do not subside within a week, a bacterial infection may have taken hold that requires antibiotics to clear it from the body.

And It’s The Flu If…

The symptoms from seasonal flu and H1N1 (swine) flu are very similar. They are usually more severe than cold symptoms and manifest themselves more rapidly. Symptoms include a sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches and pains, congestion and coughing. If the illness is the swine flu, symptoms may include diarrhea and vomiting. As is the case with contracting a cold, the influenza virus enters the body through the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and mouth.

Flu symptoms typically subside within two to five days, but depending on the person’s immune response, it can take hold longer, making the person to feel run down for several weeks. Pneumonia is one common complication of influenza, most notably in young children, the elderly and individuals who have lung and heart problems. If one experiences shortness of breath, a health care profession should be contacted immediately.

Cold And Flu Remedies That Work

Prevention is the best way to avoid catching a virus. Healthy life habits, flu vaccinations and immune boosting supplements are the best ways to maintain respiratory health. At-risk groups including the elderly and young children under age five are advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to get vaccinations against seasonal and H1N1 strains of the flu. Healthy life habits include getting plenty of sleep, staying well hydrated, maintaining a regular exercise schedule and frequent washing of the hands with soap and warm water while in public places are the easiest ways to avoid getting sick and maintain good respiratory health. Adding supplements such as vitamin C, zinc and elderberry extract, in the form of elderberry lozenges, to one’s daily routine is also considered to be one of the most highly effective flu remedies.

Vitamin C and zinc are effective antioxidants that can boost immunity. Elderberry extract has also been demonstrated in laboratory tests to be effective in fighting influenza A and B. In a randomized double-blind placebo controlled study, elderberry extract was shown to significantly reduce the duration of the flu by about four days. Elderberry lozenges are an easy way to get the immune boosting benefits of elderberry extract and have been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of the flu.

The 411 On Cold and Flu

Regardless of which virus you catch, neither is a picnic. Scientifically speaking they aren’t as similar as they feel, but their commonalities are that they both have a negative impact on respiratory health, have similar methods of contraction and require the same remedies to shorten the duration. By practicing good life habits, being vaccinated if you are a member of a high-risk group and supplementing your diet with respiratory health boosters that include vitamin C, zinc and elderberry lozenges, you are taking a giant step in fighting both the common cold and the flu virus.

 
No Comments

Posted in flu

 

Sticks and Stones Break My Bones, and Arthritis Always Hurts Me

08 Feb



On September 30, 2004, Merck & Co Inc (MRK) recalled Vioxx due to negative clinical trial results. Recipients of this drug seem to experience increased experience of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, or intestinal bleeding. Both the American Journal of the American Medical Association and the New England Journal of Medicine stress the dangers of this prescription drug. European and American cardiologists recognize the implicit dangers of this highly marketed arthritis prescription. This does not have to happen to you when safe natural and effective arthritis pain relief might provide relief!

Did you know that pharmaceutical drugs have their history embedded in herbal medicine? Apothecaries offered medicines with medical care. The cost of medical help was expensive(sound familiar), so many families made home remedies. However, today’s pharmaceuticals derive from the the medicines stirred and pounded by the apothecary in the mortar by the pestle. “The history of Merck & Co., Inc. can be traced back to Darmstadt, Germany, in 1668 when an apothecary named Frederic Jacob Merck opened a chemical firm.” You may learn more about it here.

Further historical proof is found in 1792, Alexandria, Virginia. Three Hundred homes nestled near the Potomac River; on Fairfax Street, Edward Stabler, a Quaker pharmacist, started a family business which operated until 1933. To this day, many of Stabler’s herbs, potions and paper labels in his apothecary desk. Stabler like other apothecaries of his day prescribed Native American Indian remedies like witch hazel for external treatment of inflammatory conditions, You can learn much more about Alexandria medical history here.

Today, most patients visiting a doctor go for cold and flu symptoms or joint and muscle pain. Modern prescriptions provide relief, but sometimes with side effects. Now, you can get temporary relief from minor arthritis pain by using remedies derived from all natural ingredients. For example, the non greasy, penetrating and topical cream referenced below, brings soothing relief quickly. Further relief comes from Boswellia serrata, used in India for centuries as a proven pain reliever.

Although pharmaceutical drugs may cause side effects, other studies indicate that glucosamine has no effect. You might consider reading this October 2004 study by researchers at the the University of British Columbia. Whatever choices you make, take time to research, and then take action. As these debates continue, the American Journal of the American Medical Association has considered glucosamine effective when promoting cartilage formation for your joint health.

So, why not get some spring back in those steps? You can find relief using high quality natural alternatives to side-effect laden drugs. One manufacturer with years of experience has natural alternatives. This company started in 1955; read about this remarkable company, its philosophy and contributions.

To read more about these natural and effective alternatives to arthritis, type the product numbers found below into the search box found here.

Pain Relief – 20667

Read the label.

Read the product information sheet product information sheet.

Joint & Muscle – 20669

Read the label

Read the product information sheet product information sheet.

Joint Health – 20668

Read the label.

Read the product information sheet.

If you don’t have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer; get it here for free.

Sometimes too much information brings confusion; on the other hand, too little information leads to unwise choices. Good health involves your wisdom, discipline, and desire to feel better. As a friend reminds me, I remind you, “Think healthy”, and choose your medicine carefully. The natural alternatives offered in this article provide you with a safe, natural, and effective arthritis pain reliever.

The Internet serves a library of information and resources. We all have to be careful about self-diagnosis and prescription. Read wisely by cross-referencing the content. These articles may be of further benefit as you search relief for your arthritic pain.

Enter as search words:

Vitamin C and Arthritis

The link between smoking and rheumatoid arthritis in men

Ice beneficial in treating gouty arthritis

Genetic Factors Play Small Role in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Benefits of exercise decline over time in osteoarthritis sufferers

Vegan diet may be helpful in rheumatoid arthritis

 
No Comments

Posted in Arthritis

 

Flu Season – The Most Miserable Time Of The Year!

08 Feb



Introduction

Flu (influenza) season means the months of the year when a lot of people have it and it’s easy to catch. Outbreaks usually begin suddenly and occur mainly in the late fall and winter. It is a respiratory infection caused by a number of different viruses. Vaccines are usually given in the fall, before flu season starts and are available as a shot or nasal mist. Shots are most important for: people 65 or older, nursing home patients, children over 6 months old, people with health problems such as asthma or with long-term diseases, such as HIV or heart disease, children or teen-agers who must often take aspirin, people who are often around older people or those with health problems. Symptoms can be mild or severe – and if they’re mild can become severe without notice.

Symptoms

If you get infected by the virus, you will usually feel symptoms 1 to 4 days later. Signs of the flu may include: fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, dizziness, loss of appetite, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, weakness, ear pain, diarrhea. They come on suddenly and are worse than those of the common cold however; having these symptoms does not automatically mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms. It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other infections on the basis of these signs alone.

If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about your illness, especially if you are at high risk for complications, you should consult your health-care provider. Based on your signs, your doctor can usually tell if you have influenza, especially during times when a lot of it is going around. After 5 days, fever and other signs have usually disappeared, but a cough and weakness may continue for a while. All symptoms are usually gone within a week or two.

Vaccine

Two kinds of flu vaccines are available in the United States: The “flu shot” – an in-activated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm OR the nasal-spray – a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause influenza (sometimes called LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine” or FluMist

 
No Comments

Posted in flu

 

ADHD Medications – Their Advantages and Disadvantages

07 Feb



For years, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been a growing problem among children. In the US alone, many children have been diagnosed with this disorder. Many ADHD medications were formulated to address the problem. However, these medications were put in question because of the many side effects that were reported arising from the intake of these ADHD drugs. Nonetheless, doctors continue using these medications because despite their side effects, they still show improvements in ADHD patients.

Some of the known ADHD medications are Ritalin, Strattera, Wellbutrin, Concerta, Focalin HR, Metadate CD, Adderall, Dexedrine, Dextrostat, and Vyvanse. Most of these medications are psychostimulants. In case stimulants do not work in certain patients, non-stimulants and antidepressants are used. For years, these drugs have been used and a lot of research has supported their efficacy in addressing the symptoms of ADHD.

“What about their side effects? Should those be ignored?” As a concerned parent, you may ask this question with raised eyebrows. Before we answer this question, let us first compare the number of advantages of ADHD medications to the number of their disadvantages.

Prescription medications for ADHD, albeit known to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of ADHD can have the following side effects:

o Headaches
o Stomach aches
o Skin allergies
o Palpitations
o Insomnia or sleep problems
o Dry mouth
o Either diarrhea or constipation
o Vomiting, nausea
o Hallucinations and psychosis
o Increased heart rate
o High blood pressure
o Nervousness
o Anorexia
o Weight loss
o Mood swings
o Hypersensitivity of the skin
o Tics
o Lethargy or tiredness
o Cardiac arrhythmia
o Abdominal pain
o Swelling of the face
o Tachycardia or relatively rapid heart action
o Impotence or changes in sex drive
o Dependence on the drug
o Suicidal tendencies

These side effects are only among the many side effects that medication for ADHD brings. There are too many of them they would take much of the space if they were all to be listed here. However, not all of these side effects will be felt by the person taking the medication. Usually, only one of these will be felt. In some individuals, the side effect could be mild while in some others, it could be very unpleasant.

Meanwhile, the advantage of medications lies in the fact that they do create improvements in the child or individual taking them. Sometimes, the side effects are caused by the medications wearing off. These are the reasons why medications are still used in the treatment of ADHD.

If you are wary of giving medications to your child because of the many possible side effects, there are alternative treatments which you can choose from. Consult your doctor and ask for the right alternative treatment for your child. Alternative treatments such as homeopathic remedies and herbal remedies can be just as effective as medications. It may take longer, though, before the effects of these treatments can be seen. However, you do not have to fear of any discomfort that may arise because these treatments do not have any side effects.

 
No Comments

Posted in flu

 

Homeopathy For Allergy Symptoms

07 Feb



You can consider trying homeopathy to help reduce your allergy symptoms. While homeopathy is considered an alternative treatment and often criticised as a medical practice that is not proven, there are many people who have reported good results with this form of natural allergy treatment. So what is homeopathy all about?

Homeopathy is a practice that involves giving you, the patient, minute doses of treatments that produce the same symptoms as the ones that you are trying to relieve. Doing so helps to stimulate your body’s own natural immune system to help fight off the allergy and resulting symptoms. A homeopathy treatment is a gradual process and is not designed to give you instant results. Your homeopathic practitioner needs to monitor your results progressively and may need to adjust your prescription as you go along. This process can take up to weeks or even a few months.

You may question the logic of using even small amounts of substances that can trigger an inflammatory response and over a long term period, if the homeopathic treatment would cause implications. However, it has been said that water-based homeopathy, developed by a few homeopathic companies, is suitable for those with allergies.

Here are a couple of homeopathic remedies that are known to help reduce allergy symptoms:

- Blood Root. Blood root can be helpful in treating allergy symptoms as chronic runny nose, headache, facial pain, coughing, or a dry throat.

- Cevadilla Seed. Cebadilla seed is excellent or sneezing, dry nose, red eyes, pressure, dry coughs, and a sore throat.

- Eyebright. This homeopathic remedy is a great treatment for the symptoms of a watery nasal discharge and watering eyes. Patients who experience their most severe symptoms while lying down, in the morning, or while they are outside in the air will be aided the most by this remedy.

- Selenium. Selenium helps to stimulate the immune system response and protect cellular membranes.

- Green Tea Extract. Green tea is helpful in fighting off the allergy symptoms.

- Histaminum. Histaminum is usually given in small amounts to help the body fight off the allergies and the associated symptoms.

- Arbor Vitae. Arbor vitae is helpful in treating a green nasal discharge, headache, runny nose, and sinusitis that is associated with allergies.

The above list is not exhaustive. You can get more information from a homeopathic practitioner as well.

Some people prefer not to use prescription or over the counter medications simply because they have many side effects. If you are one of these people, then you may want to look into using homeopathy for your allergy symptoms. There is no need to suffer needlessly from your symptoms as there are natural treatments that can possibly help you.

 
No Comments

Posted in Allergy And Sinus

 

A New Option For Joint Pain

07 Feb



Currently, joint pain and the quest for relief is a growing issue that is getting more and more attention. Along with glucosamine and chondroitin, there is now another product available to help relieve joint pain. This third choice, known as cetylated fatty acids or CFAs, has been shown to work well in conjunction with a daily regimen of glucosamine or chondroitin treatment. Available as both a cream and an oral supplement, research is showing promising results in the treatment of joint pain and stiffness when treated with cetylated fatty acids.

One such study, led by University of Connecticut researcher William Kraemer, Ph.D., and reported in the April 2004 issue of Journal of Rheumatology, tested the arthritis cream Celadrin against placebo treatments in 40 patients with knee osteoarthritis. Celadrin is made in both a cream and supplement form and contains those promising CFAs. “The scientific findings were quite impressive and are very encouraging,” Kraemer said in a news release. “These findings show that a topical cream can be a very effective and viable alternative. It is exceptionally impressive that 100% of the patients using Celadrin topical cream reported significant benefit when compared to the placebo group, with no reported side effects.”

The results of this study on CFAs done in 2004 showed that many different types of aches and pains in various areas were relieved. Every patient that used the arthritis cream reported reduced pain. Patients with elbow osteoarthritis had a 20% to 30% improvement in muscle endurance with the arthritis cream. Patients with wrist osteoarthritis had a 25% to 40% improvement in muscle endurance. Patients with knee osteoarthritis had 12% improvement in stair-climbing ability, which is very encouraging. They also had a 16.5% improvement in balance and strength, with a 3.5% improvement in range of motion. Some of these numbers may appear to be small; however, for those people living with joint pain and arthritis, the reality of even a small improvement can make a significant difference in quality of life.

One of the biggest advantages of using treatment with CFAs is that there have been no reported side effects. The lack of contraindications with other medications is promising, although it is always best to consult your physician before starting any new medication or supplement. As people use the cream or the supplement, they are finding more and more relief. Many find that they have noticeable improvement after 30 days of use. As they continue to use the products they have better and better results, still with no side effects!

Those who are afflicted with arthritis know that every little bit of pain relief goes a long way. Many have found that they are enjoying a better quality of life every day as they are able to move around with less pain and stiffness in their joints. The supplements and creams using CFAs are not claiming to be be a cure for arthritis; they are simply helping people to get back to their more active lifestyles. Maybe people can still have their happily ever after, sans joint pain.

 
No Comments

Posted in Arthritis

 

Need Relief from Flat Foot Pain?

06 Feb



Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, is a condition that occurs when the arch in the foot collapses. The collapse of the arch causes the entire sole of the foot to come into complete contact, or almost in complete contact, with the floor. As a result, people with flat feet are unable to tread normally and are forced to alter their steps.

What causes flat feet?

- Genetics – In most cases, (approximately 20-30% of the population) flat feet is genetic and both feet are affected. Those born with naturally flat feet usually have a malformed joint, or two or more bones may have merged together that caused the feet to become stiff and flat.

- Injury that causes stiffness and distorts the foot joints such as a ruptured tendon

- Arthritis

- Illness – Diseases that affect the nervous system or muscles (I.E. spian bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy) can cause flat feet because muscles become week and stiff, and can no longer function effectively together.

- Natural aging process

- Pregnancy – Sometimes pregnant women develop flat feet from the temporary changes caused by an increase in elastin in their body.

Usually, flat feet is a permanent condition.

What symptoms can occur from having flat feet? People with flat feet are at a higher risk of developing foot problems because they suffer from over-pronation. Over-pronation is when the feet roll excessively inward due to the stress overload placed on the ligaments and tendons of the ankle. This weakens the ankle and inside portion of the foot causing it to turn inward. Over-pronation can lead to painful symptoms including -

Bunions – A deformity of the big toe that occurs when the joint becomes misaligned and protrude outward.

Calluses – When the big toe loses flexibility, calluses usually occur under the sole of the foot near the second toe where stress is being placed.

Hammer toes – When the angle of the big toe increases inward, it begins to slide under the second toe. As a result, the metatarsal bone rises up and causes a hammer toe to form.

Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs – The Achilles tendon becomes shorter and pulls up on the heel of a person with flat feet, causing the arch to flatten and the foot to become longer. Thus, the plantar fascia (tight band of muscle under the foot arch) becomes abnormally stretched, which can lead to pain in the heel bone (plantar fasciitis) and heel spurs.

Low back pain – This usually occurs due to strain on the sciatic nerve. This nerve links the lower back to the foot via the leg. The strain is typically caused by repeated shock from running and over-pronation.

Finding relief from symptoms – There are different methods for treating flat feet, such as -

- Stretching exercises – Engage in exercises (2 – 3 times daily) that focus on the arch of your foot and Achilles’ tendons (IE. rolling your foot back and forth over a rolling pin or foot gymnastics). This will help increase flexibility and reduce the stress and pain felt by these areas.

- Lose weight – If you are overweight, losing weight helps to provide relief for your feet.

- Wear supportive shoes – Keep an eye on the stability of your footwear. Don’t wear shoes that are worn, tight, or tilt inwards. These shoes only increase your risk of injury and pain. Also, use orthotic insoles for your shoes to provide your foot with better support.

- See a professional – If you suffer from chronic discomfort or pain, seek the attention of a foot specialist such as a podiatrist or orthopedist. They can help provide you with proper shoes and orthotics that are custom made for your foot. They can also recommend exercises and even surgery if it is in the patient’s best interest.

 
No Comments

Posted in Arthritis

 
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »