I Care Haven’s Health And Wellness

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Warm Welcome to I Care Haven,

We would like to share about Arthritis health and wellness. This is one of the common diseases that have to deal with our residents in I-Care Haven.

Here you will learn how are the causes, related conditions, some research on arthritis, type of treatments and some useful hints on tips and advise.

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Article 01: What are the Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the white blood cells of the body begin to attack the membranes surrounding the joints, called the synovium. This causes the synovium to become inflamed, and can eventually cause damage to the bone, cartilage and tendons around it. The result is pain and swelling in the joint area, and the eventual deterioration of the joint itself.

While medical professionals understand this part of the process in rheumatoid arthritis, the actual causes of it are still unknown, and are therefore the subject of many studies that are going on around the world today. There are many theories involving the causes of it, and these theories have helped doctors to understand some of the risk factors that are involved. However, like other autoimmune disorders, doctors are still seeking answers to questions about why some people are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and others are not.

Possible Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are many possible causes of it that are being studied today. For example, it is thought that this disease may be a result of a virus or bacterium that causes an infection in the body could be the culprit in the cause of rheumatoid arthritis as well. However, no specific agent has been identified, and there is still a question as to why some exposed to certain viruses may eventually be diagnosed with this and others are not. There are other risk factors that are known to increase your odds of being diagnosed with it at some point in your life.

These include a genetic predisposition to the illness, although genetics do not seem to be a direct cause of rheumatoid arthritis. This disease seems to strike most often in women as they age, but the risk falls considerably after the age of eighty. Exposure to an infection can increase your risk, but only if you are prone to the disease in the first place. Finally, excessive smoking over a number of years can also increase your risk of it, along with a host of other illnesses.

If you have any of these risk factors, you can discuss with your doctor the causes of rheumatoid arthritis and the likelihood that you will be diagnosed with the illness. If you are considered to be in the high risk category, such as having an immediate relative that has been diagnosed already, you can be alert to the symptoms of it, so that you know when to call your doctor.

If you are noticing painful swelling in a number of your joints on both sides of your body, your doctor can run some tests to see if you indeed have rheumatoid arthritis. Early diagnosis can mean a more effective treatment plan in the long run.

Your Independent guide to Arthritis Herbal Remedies and More information on natural remedies for arthritis please visit http://www.arthritisherbalremedy101.com .

Author: John Hilaire
Author’s Email Address: jr.hilaire@gmail.com

Article 02: Arthritis And Related Conditions:

How To Treat Them Naturally and Successfully

As May is National Arthritis month, promoting awareness about a study recently conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on arthritis shows a rather alarming increase this disease has taken. The average person may believe this to be a condition associated with an aging population, however, even arthritis among children (juvenile arthritis) is also a relatively common occurrence.

As the first of America’s baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) advance into late middle age, arthritis and other related rheumatic conditions such as fibromyalgia, gout, and scleroderma are taking up an increasing amount of health care spending. The recent study on arthritis conducted by the U.S. CDC spanned a six year time period from 1997 to 2003, and documented a 25 percent increase in the number of Americans succumbing to painful arthritis and other related rheumatic conditions.

Some 46 million (or 1 in 5) Americans suffer from arthritis, up from 36.8 million six years ago. The $81 billion price tag associated with treating these conditions represents about 3 percent of the gross domestic product. Baby boomers are leading the pack in this spending increase. Out of the newly 9 million people being diagnosed with arthritis and other related rheumatic conditions during this six-year study, 66 percent were between the ages of 44 to 64.

Interestingly, too, according to the researchers of this study, was that most of the increases in arthritis and other rheumatic related conditions occurred among people who also had other health worries such as diabetes, obesity, and heart conditions. This particular group seen an increase of 28 percent, up from 31.8 million to 40.8 million, compared to a 6 percent increase for those who were otherwise healthy, 5 million to 5.3 million.

Being overweight or obese are definite prime culprits for putting you at an increased risk for developing arthritis and its related conditions. A higher level of body mass index will put you at a higher risk for developing osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, and results from the wear and tear of normal movement. Osteoarthritis in the joint this year will eventually become a joint replacement years down the road. The pressure of gravity causes physical damage to the joints and surrounding tissues.

Symptoms are:

1.pain
2.swelling
3.tenderness
4.decreased function

Rheumatoid arthritis is a little different, it is an autoimmune problem that occurs when the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (cell lining inside the joint). If left untreated over the course of years, a gross disfigurement of the affected joints begin to appear in fingers, toes, knees, and elbows. This is a very chronic, and potentially disabling disease that causes symptoms such as:

1.joint pain
2.stiffness
3.swelling
4.loss of joint function

Arthritis is really not just a single disease. There are actually around 100 different variations of arthritis, or other related rheumatic conditions. Arthritis literally means ‘joint inflammation’, and the term ‘itis’ actually means inflammation. So, in essence, any part of your body can become inflamed and painful due to arthritis. Some rheumatic conditions can result in debilitating, even life-threatening complications, and affect other parts of the body including muscles, bones, and internal organs.

In conclusion, drug treatment options did rise sharply during this six year study period (24%). But, other costs such as hospital stays dropped, so that actual per-person spending evened out to remain unchanged. Researchers concluded that the main reason for increased spending on treatment was due to the newly increased number of people developing arthritis.

In comparing the rising cost of treating arthritis, how do you suppose these findings compare to the rising costs of other health care problems Americans are being diagnosed with in general?

Clearly, the only control that seems to make much sense at all is to help educate and motivate people to become healthier. There is no question that the incidence of arthritis does seem to increase with age, however, nearly three out of every five sufferers are under the age of 65. You can not control the aging process, no one can, of course. However, you can choose to make yourself healthier, that is an option that is realistically doable for anyone.

Getting enough exercise to help increase joint mobility in arthritis sufferers is one option that is consistently being preached. But, it alone will not be enough, it is very hard to freely move painful joints through exercise that are chronically dry and dehydrated. Diets need to be addressed and modified. Increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids and other whole food nutrients will swing the odds in favor of a successful remission of symptoms.

F. Batmanghelidj’s book “How To Deal With Back Pain and Rheumatoid Joint Pain” is an inexpensive self-help manual anyone can read to learn more about water’s amazing role in relieving joint pain naturally. In this short paper back book, you will learn that joint pain is simply just a signal that your body is emitting to let you know that joints are thirsty and dehydrated.

Listen to that signal, give your joints what they need to be healthy and stay lubricated every day with nothing more than pure water!

Brenda Skidmore has spent the last four plus years actively researching natural health care alternatives. It is her sincere desire to empower others by sharing this important information. To improve your health today visit http://www.mywater4life.com

Author: Brenda Skidmore
Author’s Email Address: brenagail@alltel.net

Article 03: Learning About Arthritis Research

There is an incredible amount of arthritis research that has and that continues to be conducted, and this is incredibly important, especially considering the fact that arthritis is one of the most common ailments worldwide. Arthritis research is what is going to be able to help scientists find better forms of treatment and pain relief for arthritis sufferers, something which will be a truly wonderful feat once it takes place.

The Best Arthritis Research Centers

There are several arthritis research centers and organizations in particular that are especially respectable, and one of those in particular is the Arthritis Foundation. This organization is one which is known as being the only non-profit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis that are present in the world today.

They offer a wide array of classes, courses, programs, and arthritis research study groups that you can attend, so that people in general, not only just those people who are actually directly suffering from arthritis are able to become more knowledgeable on the subject.

Another of the best organizations focusing in the area of research on arthritis is the Canadian Arthritis Network, which is an organization that has a mission, which is to improve the quality of life for those people who are presently suffering from arthritis, and as well to decrease the personal, societal and economic burden of the disease itself.

Their focus is on the strategic research initiatives in osteoarthritis, inflammatory joint diseases and bioengineering for restoration of joint function, in particular, and they are truly a catalyst in terms of how they are going to be able to achieve their vision through the strength of their partnerships with consumers, academics and clinicians.

The Importance of Arthritis Research

The conduction of research on arthritis is truly invaluable, as it is exactly what is going to be able to help arthritis sufferers in the future. Sure there are plenty of other diseases and ailments in the world, but arthritis is one of the most common of all, meaning that it makes sense that such a large amount of focus and perspective is put onto it as an ailment in particular.

Through proper research and trial, we can feel safe and assured knowing that in the future there will be more and better forms of treatment available for the pain and agony that is caused by arthritis. Doing your part to help out organizations such as those previously discussed will only be beneficial, and so you should definitely consider this.

Find more Helpful Arthritis Herbal Remedies tips, advice Click Here: http://www.arthritisherbalremedy101.com. A Popular website that specializes in tips and resources to include natural remedy for arthritis

Author: John Hilaire
Author’s Email Address: jr.hilaire@gmail.com

Article 04: Arthritis Treatments You Can Live With

We use this title because not all arthritis treatment is, shall we say, enjoyable. If you suffer from the painful effects of this debilitating condition though, very little can seem worse. The pain is often so severe that the simplest movements can cause anguish and even tears. But, there are treatments to help arthritis. Can they cure it? That is still to be seen, but many have shown to be effective in fighting off the pain. First, there are many different types of arthritis. The causes of each will help to determine the treatment. But, here, we will talk mainly of the treatment options available and then those that are quite possibly the best at treating rheumatoid arthritis.

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The symptoms of any arthritis start with pain. There is pain in the joints in a way that limits the amount of movement a person has. Now, remember, as well, that arthritis can strike any individual, not necessarily just older people. So, if a child stops using a limb complaining of pain, a doctor should be seen. On top of this, if symptoms of pain are accompanied with fever a doctor should be seen immediately as this can be a sign of a deadlier arthritis known as septic arthritis. In all cases, arthritis is an inflammation in the joints. The problem in rheumatoid arthritis is that, in trying to deal with the inflammation, the immune system ends up attacking the cartilage in the joints. The end result is pain and lessened use of the effected joint.

In order to stop this process, arthritis treatments can be anything from surgery to medications. There are some good notes about medications, but in the end, they can not resolve the entire problem, only mask the pain for a while. Surgery is invasive and costly. Physical treatment is available and has shown good progress in helping some patients. There are also herbal remedies that have shown good signs of helping as well. There is one product that we would like to mention in a little more detail. What is so unique about this product, though, is that it is a natural treatment that can be taken.

In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in particular, collagen type II can be just as good as a cure to some individuals. This natural substance is actually a main component of cartilage itself. But, no injections are needed because this is an oral treatment. You will take a pill, in other words. There are many reasons why this medication works including the fact that it has an absorption rate of 70 to 90 percent. This means more of it is used and fewer doses are needed. There are other reasons why it works so well.

For instance, the immune system has a component of cells in the intestine called the GALT. This is where proteins are recognized as food or friends and therefore not treated as allergies or sensitivities by the digestive system. When collagen type II is ingested, the GALT recognizes this amino acid as a friendly protein. This action switches off the immune system’s attack on collagen elsewhere in the body as in arthritic joints. Instead of the immune system fighting the inflammation and destroying the remaining good material, the Galt simply tells it to stop. And, probably the most important aspect of this natural arthritis treatment is that it can also help to rebuild the damaged and destroyed cartilage. The combination of these two factors can help to restore a normal way of life.

Floyd Bogart

For more information visit:
http://www.floydbogart.com/JA.html

Author: Floyd Bogart
Author’s Email Address: floyd@hijackmyebooks.com

Article 05: Arthritis – Useful Hints, Tips and Advice

Here are some of the tips I accumulated over the years that are simple, yet effective and all are easy to do.

Don’t Exercise
Not really (read below), but do pay attention to overstressing the joints. With arthritis, “Pain is NOT gain!”. Be careful to allow joints sufficient time to rebuild and stretch before doing anything that will place stress on them. One of the most useful pieces of advise is to maintain your own weight – keep it constant. Weight affects the pressure on hips and knees, which are critical to overall body movement.

Exercise
Despite the warnings (above) movement is the number one “force” to slow down the effects of arthritis. The exercise regime that works is the one that provides for the maximum amount of range of motion. Contact your doctor or search the web, there are a number of resources that provide diagrams of excellent range-of-motion exercises that really, really work.

Grab that Citrus
Oranges, orange juice and other citrus fruits are an excellent source of both Vitamin C and especially antioxidants, which have been shown over and over again to reduce effects of osteoarthritis and its progression. In addition to building up your immune system, they fight arthritic effects, taste great and are excellent source of folic acid, which has numerous positive effect for the body.

Work
Gardening, shopping, walking, painting, redoing your deck …etc. are all relatively simple “jobs” that force your muscles and joints to move in random motions, a bit at a time, which is what is needed to slow down arthritis. Constant movement and light stress is very beneficial and often fun because it doesn’t feel like exercise.

Be Positive
Sure, its easy to say it, but not so easy to do it, but you must at least try. Live life to its fullest. Buy that latest MP3 (even though you might need to get your grandkids to show you how to use it), listen to your favorite music and go out for a walk. Try something new, start a new hobby, laugh more, read a new book, overcome the fear of a computers …etc. anything that will make your overall self perception positive. As advanced as our medicine is, we are only now finding out the true power that our emotions, especially positive emotions, have on our wellbeing. Any “trick” that you can do to raise your mental attitude, will work wonders at slowing or even eliminating arthritic effects, let alone give your immune system a boost of energy.

Eat Right
There are three meals in a day. The most important one is breakfast. Don’t skip it or circumvent it with garbage food. Instead, opt for some fruit, fiber cereal (oatmeal), maybe some water (try to cut down on coffee) and a nice magazine. There are hundreds, if not thousands of sources of good breakfast ideas that you can use to spice your breakfast experience. Do it, its important for your body and your positive mental attitude.

Drugs
Try to avoid them, as much as you can. Don’t go overboard either, but if there is a choice of a quick-fix using drugs or some exercise, opt for the later. In the long run, the exercise effects will start to accumulate and you will find less need for medicine. Having said that, treat drugs with respect. Know what you are taking and why. Listen to your own body for any side effects that you feel. Keeping a journal of these is not a bad idea.

In conclusion, arthritis is a disease that doesn’t have an instant cure or a magic pill, at least not yet. But, there are fairly simple ways that you can use to minimize the effects that it has on you and live your life to the fullest. Slight changes to your routine, more attention to pleasure rather than pain, slight changes to your diet and other actions will, in the long run make your life worth living and more enjoyable.

Joseph Vishnev likes to write about things that offer quick relief and provide positive difference in people’s lives. He constantly researches various resources to find common sense, practical ways to treat arthritis and its effects. For more, see: http://www.JointsPain.com

Author: Joseph Vishnev
Author’s Email Address: vishnev@jointspain.com

Article 06: Healthy Habits:

Steps You Can Take Towards Arthritis Prevention

Arthritis is a common cause of pain in the joints, especially among the elderly. Persistent, aggrivating, and excruciating, arthritis is capable of reducing the quality of your life by hindering your everyday movements.

Arthritis prevention is reliant on an early diagnosis. Once you are diagnosed with arthritis, you should take steps towards arthritis prevention immediately to ensure that no further joint damage occurs. What basic habits can you change to prevent arthritis? It’s not as difficult as you might think.

Changing Your Life Style

Arthritis prevention requires changing certain aspects of your lifestyle. By simply adjusting your diet and amount of exercise, you can make a major leap toward preventing arthritis.

You diet is one aspect of your life that you should consider changing if you are trying to prevent arthritis. In studies completed by the University of Manchester, it was determined that those people who had a low intake of fruits and vegetables, predominantly those fruits and vegetables containing Vitamin C, had an increased risk of developing arthritis.

Even swapping out your usual can of Coke for a healthy dose of green tea can help with arthritis prevention. Studies have shown that the catechins found in green tea, which are also full of antioxidants, both slow down the breakdown of cartilage and reduce inflammation of the joints.

Another important lifestyle change you can make is increasing the amount of regular exercise you complete. Not only does regular exercise work to prevent arthritis by building and maintaining strong and healthy joints, but it can also help to decrease the pain and fatigue which are often associated with the disease.

Both increased exercise and a better diet will help with weight maintenance, which is another method of arthritis prevention. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the stress on your joints and can help to prevent arthritis from developing in your hips, hands, and knees.

Last Resort

Some people choose medical options in order to prevent arthritis. One such option is estrogen replacement therapy, which is proven to increase bone density and reduce bone loss. Some medicines commonly used to replace estrogen include Alendronate and Raloxifene.

Living Life To The Fullest

The prevention of arthritis might not be of concern you now. However, you never know if, ten years from now, you might be faced with the severe challenges and disappointments that accompany the disease. Don’t wait for that time to come; take the first steps towards arthritis prevention now!

Find more Helpful Arthritis Herbal Remedies tips, advice Click Here: http://www.arthritisherbalremedy101.com. A Popular website that specializes in tips and resources to include natural remedy for arthritis

Author: John Hilaire
Author’s Email Address: jr.hilaire@gmail.com

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