Vaccines contribute to significant reduction of childhood diseases such as Diptheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Polio, Haemophilus Influenzae type-b and Hepatitis B to name a few. Parents should take the time to learn the facts about the benefits and risks of vaccination.
Also, learn about the potential consequences of not vaccinating against certain diseases. As a service provider, plain language should be used in communicating information about vaccines and their use to an individual. Printed information should also be available to compliment any verbal explanations.
Parents should know that the risk of having a reaction to a vaccine is much smaller than the risk of serious illness that comes with infectious diseases. Some parents are surprised to learn that children can die of measles, chicken pox, whooping cough and other vaccine-preventable diseases. The bacteria or virus that causes vaccine-preventable diseases and death still exists and can be passed on to people who are not protected by vaccines.
In Australia and the United States Of America, vaccine coverage rate is high as a result of successful vaccination programs. Infant deaths caused by childhood diseases have almost disappeared.
Vaccination not only protects individuals, but also others in the community, by increasing the general level of immunity and minimising the spread of infection. Vaccines may contain live, (attenuated) or killed (inactivated) forms of disease causing bacteria or viruses. They trigger a response by the body’s immune system when injected or given by mouth. Vaccines stimulate the body to make antibodies – proteins that specifically recognize and target the disease causing bacteria and viruses, and help eliminate them from the body. It is important that the public be made aware of the proven effectiveness of immunisation to save lives and prevent serious illness.
Occupational Health and Safety have put in place strict guidelines for the development of vaccines. The vaccines are developed with the highest safety standards. Every Service Provider should have an anaphylaxis response kit ready at all times. Vaccine storage is strictly monitored in purpose-built refrigerators with a 24hour temperature monitoring gauge. Vaccines being transported from main storage facility to external clinics, use the cold chain transport system.
Diptheria – Can infect the throat, causing a thick covering that can lead to problems with breathing, paralysis, or heart failure.
Tetanus (Lockjaw) – Caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani. The bacteria are spread from the environment to open wounds where they can enter the blood stream. Toxins can cause muscle spasms, lockjaw, difficulty speaking/breathing, stiffness and pain in the shoulders, back and neck.
Whooping Cough – Is caused by a highly infectious bacteria spread by droplet and causing upper respiratory and lung infections. Symptoms include coughing and ‘whooping’. Complications of the disease is lack of oxygen to the brain leading to brain damage and possible death.
Polio -Is caused by a virus, and symptoms of the disease include headache, nausea and vomiting, tiredness, neck and back stiffness and severe muscle pain. Polio can cause meningitis and paralysis.
Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib) – Commonly found in the upper respiratory tract (lungs and windpipe), Hib can cause infection in children under 2 years, because they do not have the necessary antibodies to fight this infection. Hib infection can cause meningitis (an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord), epiglottitis (severe swelling of the throat), arthritis and pneumonia.
Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B can cause liver infections and damage, liver cancer and death. Symptoms include, weakness, tiredness, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal discomfort, pain, muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, jaundice.
Pneumococcal Infections – The bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause meningitis (infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord), pneumonia, septiacaemia (blood infection), and middle ear and sinus infections. Symptoms can include vomiting, sensitivity to light, neck stiffness, poor appetite, confusion, irritability and drowsiness. May include fever, coughing and difficulty in breathing.
Varicella (Chickenpox) – chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is a member of the herpes group of viruses. Symptoms can include a rash that turns into open itchy, lesions which will crust over. Complications can include skin infection of the lesions, scarring, pneumonia, difficulty walking and balancing, meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (brain infection).
Measles – A highly infectious disease, measles is caused by the Morbillivirus. It is spread from person to person through droplets in the air. Measles is a respiratory infection that causes skin rash and flu-like symptoms. Also fever, cough, runny nose, and, inflammation of the eye are common symptoms. Complications of measles include ear, brain and lung infections, which can lead to brain damage and death.
Mumps – Caused by a virus, mumps is a salivary gland infection. the mumps virus is passed through air droplets and contact with the saliva of an infected person. Common symptoms include fever, headache and swollen glands, especially salivary glands. It can effect other glands such as the testicles. ovaries, pancreas, liver and brain. It can also cause sterility in some men, and lead to deafness in some people.
Rubella (German Measles) – Caused by a virus. this virus is spread from person to person through droplets in the air. It is an infection of the skin and lymph nodes. Symptoms can include rash, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph glands), and joint pain which sometimes leads to arthritis. Rubella infection during pregnancy can lead to birth defects.
Meningococcal Infections – Caused by a number of different strains of the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, it is a serious disease. It is a leading cause of bacgterial meningitis in children 2 – 18 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can also cause septicaemia, pneumonia, arthritis and conjunctivitis. Symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, irritability and drowsiness.
Rotavirus – Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children, causing around half of all hospitalised causes of gastroenteritis in children less than 5 years of age. This viral infection of the stomach and intestines can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting, and fever, which may lead to serious dehydration. The illness can begin abruptly and up to one third of affected children have a temperature of higher than 390 C in the first few days of the illness.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection – Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name for a group of viruses that cause skin warts, genital warts and some cancers. Many different types of HPV can affect different parts of the body. HPV types that can cause genital warts or cervical cancer can be spread by direct skin-to-skin contact during all types of sexual activity with a person who has the virus. Symptoms of cervical cancer, includes abnormal and precancerous vaginal and vulvar lesions, and genital warts in females ages 9 to 26. Gardasil is licensed for the prevention of cervical cancer.
All of the above are preventable childhood diseases. Common possible side effects from the vaccinations include soreness, redness, warmth and swelling at the injection site, fever, irritability, drowsiness, mild rash, loss of appetite, muscle aches, diarrhoea or vomiting.
You as the parent must tell your Health Care Provider beforehand if:
Your child has a known or weakened immune system, is allergic to any of the ingredients of the vaccine, or has ever had an allergic reaction after getting a dose of the vaccine. Or if your child is moderately or severely ill or had a reaction to the antibotics neomycin, streptomycin, polymyxin B, gelatin, or eggs.
Vaccination recommended for routine childhood immunization is listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and funded for children under the Immunise Australia and USA Program.
Vaccination is an important step in getting children off to a healthy start and has contributed to a significant reduction in many childhood diseases. Children or adults can be re-vaccinated (with some, but not all vaccines) if their immunity from the vaccines falls to a low level or if previous research has shown that a booster vaccination is required for long-term protection.
It’s important to remember that vaccines are many times safer than the diseases they prevent!!
Vaccines – A Parent’s Guide For Children
Five Reasons Why Fish Oil Helps Arthritis
Commonly referred to as the “inflammation of a joint,” arthritis is one of those conditions that can be long-tern and can lead to disability if not given proper medical attention.
There are two main types of arthritis: the most common form called “Osteoarthritis” characterized by a mild yet painful aches that occurs to aging people and the “Rheumatoid Arthritis” (RA) characterized by pains in the joints that lead to fever, weakness, and deformity and affects people of all ages.
Studies show that about two percent of the people around the world are suffering from this systemic inflammatory disease. In this percentage, women become more prone to having the disease. RA is characterized by the inflammation and swelling of the joints affected, stiffness of the affected especially in the morning, exhaustion, fatigue, depression, swelling, bulging, and inflammation of patient’s eyes and noticeable lumps or nodules beneath the person’s skin.
RA is hard to cure because its cause is not yet determined. Researchers say that RA is attacks like a culprit because it starts with destroying innocent tissues in the body especially those located in the cartilage and joints.
From this attack, numerous joints suddenly turn swollen, red, and hot and will create a symmetrical sequence of inflammation that occurs on body’s both sides.
Remedies for the “culprit” disease
Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by matching a specific pattern of symptoms with a certain laboratory result. After the diagnosis, treatment would be recommended to the patient. Today, the most common means of treating RA is through medical treatment that is categorized into two types of drugs that include drugs that are “anti-inflammatory” that only relieve the symptoms of the disease but does not affect its progression, and drugs that belong to the “disease-modifying antirheumatic” or DMARDs group that greatly affects RA itself.
Sadly, these drugs used to treat RA are said to change the route of the disease and they can cause harsh side effects to patient. Because of the severity of the side effects, experts tried looking for a milder approach in treating the disease like natural treatments and alternatives especially in the early stages of RA.
Fish oils as a powerful preventive alternative remedy
For people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, it is indeed a challenging and tiring disease to battle with. Aside from trying medical treatments, more and more people who have RA are now looking for other options to somehow lessen the burden of the disease. Aside from anti-inflammatory drugs, people who suffer from RA are now more open to trying other alternative options such as different programs or sets of exercises, diet programs that include the consumption of fish oil, adequate rest, and proper exposure to heat.
Among all these alternative options, using fish oil is becoming more popular. Many studies are finding out how fish oil may help arthritis-especially rheumatoid arthritis. The following are just some of the reasons why many people are trying this breakthrough approach for an arthritis remedy.
1. Fish oil helps in the reduction of inflammatory compounds in the affected area. Studies show that adequate supplementation of fish oil in the affected area-such as joints or tissues-helps reduce the discharge of inflammatory composites from attacking the tissues.
2. Fish oil helps relieve some arthritis symptoms. With regular and proper use of fish oil, it helps relieve various symptoms of arthritis that include stiffness of the affected area especially in the morning.
3. Fish oil helps diminish joint pains. By using an average of three to six grams of fish oils everyday, it can lessen the inflammation and pain of joints especially those that are already tender.
4. Fish oil also helps in the reduction of heart disease risks especially in arthritis patients. Because of the Omega 3-fatty acids found in fish oils, the possibility of RA patients to develop various cardiovascular diseases is lessened.
5. Fish oil helps patients to save money. Compared to the price of drugs used in the medical treatments, RA patients are provided with what might be a cheaper and safer option for treating arthritis by using fish oils.
Golf Putting Tips – Essential Golf Putting Tips to Improve Your Gaming Skills
According one survey, golf is one of the preferred sports for most of the people; some of them play for relaxation and some of them play for participating in tourneys. There are so many aspects to be measured for the game of gold and putting is one of them. Most of the public are unable to understand that putting is first and foremost an intellectual game. So many qualified players are still spending essential amount of the time on these putting techniques. They consider that developing a wonderful putting stroke is the answer to reducing more putts. The main reason fro developing putting techniques is it requires more coolness and you need to adjust the way you think and not just the procedure of your putting stroke. When you are trying to improve your putting, you need to focus on good mechanics, and also you need to consider that it should not be your main focus. At this time, it is recommended to take few putting lessons from one of your local golf professionals.
Even in PGA tours, every professional player has their own exclusive putting style. Most of the professional players are interested to use these admired putting styles to win the major tournaments. One thing we need to consider is that key to great putting is your approach. At this point, you need to think yourself as a great putter, and you need to develop a selective memory. When it comes to discriminating memory, you need to remember certain event and forgot the other things. And also you need to remind yourself rarely and more importantly you must forget your misses. Do not dwell on your mistakes, learn whatever you can from them and move on.
And also it is recommended that, please do not spend the more and more excessive amount of time on these putting mechanics, it is recommended that just a few minutes will be enough to keep your mechanics solid. At the time of playing, you need to concentrate and thinking about your target and nothing else. When you are trying to hit your putt, it is suggested that, please do not think about the putting mechanics. When you are trying to execute any golf shot, then you need to think about the golf putting mechanics. Every time when you are trying to make the putt, it is important key elements that always step over a putt believing that you can do. Finally, there are some well established and experienced web sites are offering this great golf putting techniques to their clients. For more information and details, please visit their valuable web site.
The Painful Truth About Using Arthritis Drugs For Men and Women
The Bextra arthritis drug by Pfizer is classified as a COX-2 selective inhibitor. Bextra (valdecoxib) was cleared for release by the FDA on November 16, 2001 and was marketed in March 2002.
It is indicated for relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used for treatment of primary dysmennorhea.
COX-2 inhibitors belong to the category of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Drugs falling under this category, which include popular name brands like Motrin and Naprosyn, relieve pain and inflammation.
This type of NSAIDs works by limiting the effect of a natural enzyme called COX-2. This next generation of NSAIDs does not interfere with COX-1, a related enzyme that provides protection to the lining of the stomach.
Thus, Bextra arthritis drug and other COX-2 inhibitors are less likely to cause bleeding and ulcers. These side effects are the common concerns to the sustained use of the older NSAIDs.
FDA Warning on Bextra Arthritis Drug
The FDA, following results of a recent study, has ordered Pfizer on April 7 2005 to withdraw Bextra arthritis drug from the market.
The FDA order was based on the general findings that “the overall risk versus benefit profile for the drug is unfavorable.” Pfizer, Inc. has since then suspended marketing and distribution of Bextra pending further discussion with FDA.
Special Warning on Bextra
Patients are likely to develop stomach problems especially if they have a history of ulcers or had bleeding in the past. Older people and those with compromised health conditions are more likely to develop side effects. Other factors that can create complications include smoking, alcoholism, and long term use of NSAIDs.
This drug can also cause liver problems. Symptoms usually include nausea, fatigue, rash, itching, right-upper stomach pain, flu-like symptoms, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
The long term use of Bextra can harm the kidneys. People with heart condition, poor kidney function, or liver problems are at serious risk of kidney damage. Also exposed to potential risks are people suffering from dehydration and people taking water pills or ACE inhibitors.
Documented Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Though the documented adverse reactions are considered rare, some patients required hospitalization. This adverse reactions can be life threatening and FDA had strongly recommended that people discontinue the drug immediately at the onset of adverse reaction.
Since this adverse reactions starts with rashes, FDA, from the onset of its release to the market, have warned patients with known allergy to sulfa and sulfa-containing drugs not take Bextra.
The more common side effects include- abdominal pain; diarrhea; headache; nausea; swelling in the hands and feet, and upper respiratory infection.
The following are the less common and rare side effects – abdominal fullness, abnormal or bloody stool, blood disorders, breast pain, and constipation.
Patients were also observed to develop several adverse reactions that include:
* Skin rashes
* Swelling of the tongue, face and throat
* Difficulty of breathing
The FDA has also documented 20 reported very serious reactions which include:
* Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
* Toxic epidermal necrolysis
* Exfoliative dermatitis
* Erythema multiforme.
Hypersensitivity reactions include:
* Anaphylactic reaction
* Angioedema
The Bextra arthritis drug has so far been withdrawn by the drug company, Pfizer, Inc., pending results of ongoing study.
Pau D’Arco – Pau D Arco Effectively Treats Infections, Arthritis, Even Complications of AIDS
Though it has been used for centuries, its fame really began in the 1960s. Dr. Theodore Meyer learned about the use of pau d’arco (pronounced powdy arco) by natives of the tropical rain forest of the Amazon. They had used the inner bark of this hardwood tree as a medicine. Dr. Meyer followed their lead and claimed he successfully cured five advanced cases of leukemia with it. The herb suddenly rose to fame! A decade later however, the National Cancer Institute determined that the quantity needed of the cancer curing drug in pau d’arco would have too many dangerous side effects. As a result, the “miracle drug” lost its place of prestige.
In spite of this negative report, pau d’arco has since been used successfully to treat such things as fevers, arthritis, infections, malaria, skin problems, cancers, and even complications of AIDS. Two reasons for the discrepancy between the research and reality are these.
First, the research isolated the chemical lapachol in pau d’arco that they felt cured the cancer. Since then Researchers have isolated over 20 active chemicals in pau d’arco. Some feel it is a combination of several or all these together that makes it effective. Second, it has been shown that the use of the whole herb does not create the side effects that extracted lapachol causes.
Pau d’arco has effectively treated malaria, yeast infections, tuberculosis, strep, and dysentery. Pau d’ arco in small dosages increases immune system activity and in large doses suppresses some immune responses such as inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory work have given pau d’arco promise as a treatment for arthritis, allergies, ulcers, skin problems, and other similar conditions. Add to that list diabetes, flu, lupus, parasites, and skin diseases, and it is easy to see why it was once toted as a ‘wonder drug.’
Pau d’arco is available in health food stores in capsules, tinctures, and as dried bark. The recommended dosage is one to two capsules or one to two droppers of tincture taken one to four times per day, depending on the condition and patient.
Tea can be made from the bark by adding one tbsp of bark for every three cups of water. The tea should be boiled for twenty minutes or longer in a non-aluminum pot. One cup of tea can be taken three or four times daily for acute conditions. One-half cup three or four times daily is recommended for other conditions. Pau d’arco tea has a cool, bitter flavor.
Pregnant and nursing women should not use pau d’arco until it is sufficiently researched. Pau d’arco has been shown to have blood-thinning actions in some people, and may cause anemia when used long term. Possible side effects from ingesting too much pau d’arco include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and stomach cramps. Another precaution consumers should heed is assuring that the product they purchase is produced by a reputable manufacturer. Some tested have very few active ingredients. The pau d’arco imported from Argentina is generally considered to be the highest quality bark.
Which Golf Training Aids Really Work? How to Find Out
There are thousands of golf training aids out there in this day and age. At any given time, there are thousands of people looking for ways to improve their game, or simply just get it going. If only there was a way to uncover the honest, first hand opinions from real life people that have found the ones that work. Well, there is a way and I will show you an easy way to find tons of information on any aid you might be thinking of.
If you happen to be using a search engine to find golf training aids that work, then you are not going to find very much. Sure, you find run into a slew of product pages and such, but how do you know if they will work for “you”. You don’t, which is why this next technique will allow you to find out what exactly is working for other people. What better way is there to know what works than by hearing it from other people in the same position than you? Exactly.
The way I have found so many useful tips on golfing is by using internet forums. If you use them to find honest info on golf training aids, you will be pleasantly surprised. Golfing is a major subject in a lot of forums, so you better believe there are thousands of topics on this very subject. People have tried any golf training aids you can imagine and they talk about them in forums.
You can get first hand account of what other golfers are finding the most beneficial in the blink of an eye. You can also talk to other golfers about anything you might be wondering about. It’s a win-win situation that can help you find great golf training aids and anything else you might be wondering about this wonderful game.
Herbal Sinus Treatment – How Sinus Infections Are Treated With Herbal Medicine
Every more and more people are down with Sinus infection. Antibiotic medicines do give relief to an extent but it is seen that in most people the infection comes back with a vengeance. Even surgery is not very effective as many months later it is seen the sinus passage fails to remain open. Sinus often causes inflammation of the mucous membrane which causes major discomfort to the patient.
Many of the infected people turn to herbal cure as they do not find much relief in allopathic way of medicine. The herbal medications have in use for centuries and they do not cause any ill side effects like the other medicines. Herbal treatment gives relief only after a continuous usage of many months.
Herbs like Angelica (angelica dahuria, the root of angelica dahuria is suggested for acute sinusitis as it encourages discharge of infected mucus and serves as the best herbal sinus treatment. It also relieves congestion in inflamed nasal passages.
Herbal sinus treatment such as Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)- Astragalus root is recommended for its immune-boosting properties and can be considered one of the safe herbal sinus treatment. It is used to Controls the spread of infection, especially in upper respiratory tract. It is often combined with other therapeutic herbs to enhance their effects.
Colloidal Silver and Thuja clears foreign and antibiotic resistant infection from the area.
Echinacea – Echinacea helps improve the immune system and makes it work better. It is also known to destroy some viruses of the respiratory system through this herbal sinus treatment.
Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) – Steam from infusion may also be inhaled for congestion relief. It soothes inflamed nasal and throat tissues. Helps drain mucus from nasal passages.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic (controls coughing). Tea made from its leaf gives good relief from congestion.
Xanthium and magnolia – while magnolia helps expel phlegm, Xanthium (which is the roadside weed cocklebur) quells nasal inflammation and fights headache. It also helps in flare-ups, runny rose, yellow mucus.
Licorice – The root of this herb helps decrease inflammation and encourages the immune system to fight sinus infections. Rutin found in Black Currant fruit juice or Buckwheat Flour helps heal the fragile blood vessels.
Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis – Defined
Arthritis pain and the options for relieving pain can be very frustrating. According to Gene Hunder, M.D., rheumatology specialist at Mayo Clinic, if joint damage is already evident, the arthritis pain worsens with stressful or repetitive activities to the joints affected. However, if mild joint pain exists a gentle exercise program may be beneficial.
Ankylosing Spondylitis – This arthritis affects the spine, hips, heart, lungs and heels, which is chronic, painful and progressive. Ankylosing spondylitis can eventually cause fusion of the spine in those of genetic predisposition. Typical symptoms affect males between the ages of 15-30 consisting of chronic pain and stiffness in the lower back and fatigue. Children as young as three may experience knee pain often misinterpreted as rheumatisms. Generally, X-ray tests will show indications of any spinal changes and sacroilitiis characteristic to ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis is classified as a systematic rheumatic autoimmune disease, with no known cure available. However, medication, physical therapy and exercise are available to reduce pain, inflammation and symptoms.
Juvenile Arthritis – This arthritis affects children between the ages of 6 months to 16 years. Many of the symptoms are the same as rheumatoid arthritis (see below) and usually the child outgrows juvenile rheumatoid arthritis before reaching adulthood. Medications are available to improve symptoms, which might include a variable fever.
Osteoarthritis – Degenerative arthritis, another name for osteoarthritis affects the joints. The wearing of the cartilage, which acts as a cushion for the joints, causes inflammation and pain. Because the bone surfaces have less protection from the cartilage, walking and standing, or any other weight bearing activity creates pain, but little if any inflammation. Currently this arthritis affects 21 million people within the United States. Because it is, so far anyway, impossible to replace cartilage, there is no cure for Osteoarthritis. The type of pain usually associated with osteoarthritis is described as a sharp ache, or burning sensation in the muscles and tendons associated with the bone. Occasionally when the joint moves or is touched, it will make a crackling noise. Other symptoms noted include muscle spasms, tendon contractions and fluid in the joint. Areas affected by Osteoarthritis are hands, feet, spine, hips, knees and in theory any joint in the body. When knees are affected, they tend to curve outward and usually feel worse the more they are used during the day. This separates osteoarthritis apart from rheumatoid arthritis. On fingers nodes form, but usually are not painful. Bunion formation that may become red or swollen is a common form on the toes. There are two causes of osteoarthritis; Primary, caused by aging where the water content of the cartilage increases and loss of protein composition; Secondary, other diseases or conditions including, but not limited to, obesity, repeated trauma, hormonal disorders, surgery and inflammatory diseases. Because 60% of the population has family members affected by osteoarthritis, this indicates a hereditary condition. X-rays and MRIs, in addition to a physical examination, are the most common techniques used to diagnose osteoarthritis. No matter how severe the osteoarthritis condition, weight control, appropriate rest and exercise and support devices, if necessary are the most beneficial treatments. To relieve pain associated with exercise, apply heat before and cold after for 10-20 minutes each, along with mild pain relievers, if necessary. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove fragments, reposition bones, or bone fusion, which will increase stability.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – This chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder allows the immune system to attacks joints, which is both painful and destructive and may create loss of mobility. Rheumatoid arthritis differs from other forms of arthritis because it attacks the soft-tissue of many joints at the same time and stiffness and pain are worse in the morning, improving with use. Rheumatoid arthritis may lead to joint deformity should joint surfaces erode or become destroyed, such as fingers and assume unnatural shapes. This disorder is more common among women and is genetic. Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are morning stiffness, soft-tissue swelling in three or more joints, arthritis of hand joints, symmetric arthritis, subcutaneous nodules in specific places, radiological changes that suggest joint changes. Blood tests are used to determine if a patient suffers from Rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists do not know what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but suspicions lead to an offending organism causes an immune response that leaves behind antibodies specific to that organism. Though this disease is progressive, regular diet and exercise can ease the symptoms of pain and stiffness associated.
Arthritis dates back as far a 4500 BC when the remains of Indians were found in Tennessee. The first text written is dated 123 AD noting symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis – Tips for Easing the Pain
Contrary to popular beliefs, arthritis is not a product of old age alone. In fact, there are several types of arthritis, which have nothing to do with one’s chronological age. Being afflicted with arthritis can greatly interfere with how you spend your time. The pain associated with it can be so debilitating that you might find yourself with no interest or strength left to do the things you have always enjoyed so much.
However, this does not mean that you have to spend your time wasting away. Here are several suggestions that you can follow to spring back to life and start doing the things you love to do before the disease took over.
. Don’t just sit there, exercise! The best time to exercise is when the inflammation has already calmed down. There are a number of exercises which can benefit arthritis sufferers most. Among these are range-of-motion exercises, isometrics and certain weight bearing exercises. Stretching and warming up the joints should always be incorporated as the first steps in the routine to make the joints more flexible. And as a safety precaution, remember to consult with your family physician first before engaging in these types of activities.
. Every movement counts. The best way to dodge arthritic pains is to keep your joints moving. Maintaining movement in your joints helps them to function properly for longer periods of time. It does not matter if small movements are all that you can manage. Remember that every little bit of movement counts!
. Consider exercising in the pool. Exercising in a heated pool might be a very good idea especially if you feel pain with even the simplest of movements. The natural buoyancy of the water will help reduce the pressure in your joints and the heat coming from it will actually help you loosen those joints. This idea, however, is not recommended for people with high blood pressure.
. Water workout for the hands. If your hands are in pain, a warm water workout may just do the trick. Try doing hand exercises in a tub of warm water and notice the comfort that it will bring.
. Exercise is good but do not overdo it. Overdoing your routine will not help you and may only bring you more pain. A good indication of how much is too much when it comes to exercising can be determined by observing how you feel a few hours after you have completed your routine. Then again, see how you feel after 24 hours. If you notice any significant increase in pain during that period, you definitely are overdoing it. It is best to cut back on the rate and amount of exercise that you are doing.
. Put on your gloves. Wearing your gloves provides the warmth needed to reduce the pain. Using a pair of stretch gloves might even help reduce the swelling that accompanies arthritis. For best results, keep your gloves on all night while you sleep.
. Go easy on over-the-counter creams. These may provide temporary relief but overusing these preparations can actually activate certain enzymes that can damage the cartilages in the joints.
. The bed issue. Several studies indicate that arthritis sufferers who used to sleep in water beds actually noticed reduced morning stiffness, especially when they used heated water beds. Similarly, patients who used sleeping bags on top of their beds also noticed reduced morning aches and pains.
. Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, the joints naturally bear a heavier load. Thus, losing excess weight can actually reduce the stress on your joints and help them function better.
Following these suggestions can help you get back on the swing of things and may allow you to spend your days doing the things you want to do.
