By JOE GRAEDON and TERESA GRAEDON, Ph.D.
King Features Syndicate
I read with great interest about your readers who have had good results using acupressure bands as a sleep aid. I, too, have had great results from acupressure bands, but as a cure for nausea.
When I was pregnant, I suffered from nausea 24 hours a day. (I'll never figure out why they call it "morning sickness," because I was nauseated morning, noon and night.) I had to travel with plastic bags in my car because I never knew when I would need to vomit.
Finally, a friend sent me these new anti-nausea bands that are worn around the wrist and provide constant pressure on something called the Nei-Kuan acupressure point. I found that I felt so much better, I wore them for the duration of my pregnancy. The bands are called Psi Bands and are adjustable for any size wrist. You can control the amount of pressure you apply, which makes them comfortable to wear.
Even though I am no longer pregnant, I wear them on long car trips and when I travel by air.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Introduction to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Medically Reviewed On: October 04, 2006
Arthritis is not a single disease, but an umbrella term that is used to describe more than 100 chronic conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. All of them cause pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints. Often, these symptoms can make the simplest of everyday tasks, from opening a jar to walking up stairs, difficult to accomplish.
The most debilitating form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, it affects about one percent of the United States population, or about 2.1 million Americans. The condition occurs in all races and ethnic groups.
Rheumatoid arthritis often begins in middle age, usually somewhere between the ages of 30 and 50. However, it can also affect people who are over 50. A similar condition, known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, can strike children and teenagers.
No one knows exactly what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but a variety of factors, including genetics and hormones are suspected. The hormone link may explain why women have proven to be at a much higher risk for the disease. Research indicates that between one and three percent of all women may develop rheumatoid arthritis in their lifetime, and women comprise approximately 70 percent of all people with the disease. The hormone connection also appears likely because of studies which demonstrate that the disease seems to go into remission during pregnancy, and the symptoms tend to increase in intensity after the baby is born. Research has also found that the disease often develops in the year after giving birth.
The Role of the Immune System
Unlike other forms of arthritis, which can result from wear and tear on the joints, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. That means it is an illness which occurs when the immune system malfunctions and produces antibodies or specialized cells which attack and damage the body's own tissues.
In a healthy individual, the immune system protects the body by fighting off foreign substances, called antigens, such as viruses and bacteria. When an autoimmune disease is present, the immune system seems to go into overdrive and starts reacting to the body's healthy cells as well. The result is often damaging inflammation in different organs, joints and body tissue.
In rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation primarily occurs in the membrane that lines the joint, called the synovium. This process is called synovitis and is responsible for the chronic pain, stiffness, swelling and limited motion and function that many people with rheumatoid arthritis experience. The inflammation can destroy the cartilage, bone and ligaments and can eventually cause the joints to become deformed. Most often it is the smaller joints that are affected, such as the ones in the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, knees and ankles.
However, the damaging effects don't stop there. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered a systemic disease, meaning it can affect other parts of the body as well. It can harm virtually every organ or system in the body including the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels and skin.
Long-Lasting Effects
Although the disease is chronic, meaning it can last for years, its symptoms actually wax and wane. There are times when the disease will be active, which is referred to as a flare. There are also times when people with rheumatoid arthritis will experience no symptoms, and those episodes can last for years.
Despite its cyclical nature, rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive illness. If the inflammation is not stopped or slowed down with treatment early, it can cause extensive joint damage and long term disability. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis have difficulty carrying out normal activities associated with daily living, including simple things like standing, dressing themselves, going to the bathroom and carrying out household chores.
The debilitating symptoms can also interfere with people's ability to perform their jobs. As many as half of those with rheumatoid arthritis are no longer able to work ten to 20 years after their condition is diagnosed. Nationwide, rheumatoid arthritis and related arthritic conditions are considered a major cause of disability in the United States, costing the U.S. economy more than 124 billion dollars per year in medical care and indirect expenses such as lost wages and production.
Help is Available
Rheumatoid arthritis has been a primary focus of research for many decades, and the treatments now available have dramatically improved outcomes for patients. Many of these therapies have made it possible to stop or at least slow down the progression of the joint damage, especially if started early.
Arthritis self-management programs also play an important role in helping people learn how to cope with the pain, as well as the other effects of the disease. Research shows that these programs can lead to a reduction in pain and can help people remain active and learn to cope better physically, emotionally and mentally. Giving people the tools they need to manage their condition and take care of themselves has proven useful in helping patients learn to lead independent and productive lives
Arthritis is not a single disease, but an umbrella term that is used to describe more than 100 chronic conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. All of them cause pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints. Often, these symptoms can make the simplest of everyday tasks, from opening a jar to walking up stairs, difficult to accomplish.
The most debilitating form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, it affects about one percent of the United States population, or about 2.1 million Americans. The condition occurs in all races and ethnic groups.
Rheumatoid arthritis often begins in middle age, usually somewhere between the ages of 30 and 50. However, it can also affect people who are over 50. A similar condition, known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, can strike children and teenagers.
No one knows exactly what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but a variety of factors, including genetics and hormones are suspected. The hormone link may explain why women have proven to be at a much higher risk for the disease. Research indicates that between one and three percent of all women may develop rheumatoid arthritis in their lifetime, and women comprise approximately 70 percent of all people with the disease. The hormone connection also appears likely because of studies which demonstrate that the disease seems to go into remission during pregnancy, and the symptoms tend to increase in intensity after the baby is born. Research has also found that the disease often develops in the year after giving birth.
The Role of the Immune System
Unlike other forms of arthritis, which can result from wear and tear on the joints, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. That means it is an illness which occurs when the immune system malfunctions and produces antibodies or specialized cells which attack and damage the body's own tissues.
In a healthy individual, the immune system protects the body by fighting off foreign substances, called antigens, such as viruses and bacteria. When an autoimmune disease is present, the immune system seems to go into overdrive and starts reacting to the body's healthy cells as well. The result is often damaging inflammation in different organs, joints and body tissue.
In rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation primarily occurs in the membrane that lines the joint, called the synovium. This process is called synovitis and is responsible for the chronic pain, stiffness, swelling and limited motion and function that many people with rheumatoid arthritis experience. The inflammation can destroy the cartilage, bone and ligaments and can eventually cause the joints to become deformed. Most often it is the smaller joints that are affected, such as the ones in the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, knees and ankles.
However, the damaging effects don't stop there. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered a systemic disease, meaning it can affect other parts of the body as well. It can harm virtually every organ or system in the body including the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels and skin.
Long-Lasting Effects
Although the disease is chronic, meaning it can last for years, its symptoms actually wax and wane. There are times when the disease will be active, which is referred to as a flare. There are also times when people with rheumatoid arthritis will experience no symptoms, and those episodes can last for years.
Despite its cyclical nature, rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive illness. If the inflammation is not stopped or slowed down with treatment early, it can cause extensive joint damage and long term disability. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis have difficulty carrying out normal activities associated with daily living, including simple things like standing, dressing themselves, going to the bathroom and carrying out household chores.
The debilitating symptoms can also interfere with people's ability to perform their jobs. As many as half of those with rheumatoid arthritis are no longer able to work ten to 20 years after their condition is diagnosed. Nationwide, rheumatoid arthritis and related arthritic conditions are considered a major cause of disability in the United States, costing the U.S. economy more than 124 billion dollars per year in medical care and indirect expenses such as lost wages and production.
Help is Available
Rheumatoid arthritis has been a primary focus of research for many decades, and the treatments now available have dramatically improved outcomes for patients. Many of these therapies have made it possible to stop or at least slow down the progression of the joint damage, especially if started early.
Arthritis self-management programs also play an important role in helping people learn how to cope with the pain, as well as the other effects of the disease. Research shows that these programs can lead to a reduction in pain and can help people remain active and learn to cope better physically, emotionally and mentally. Giving people the tools they need to manage their condition and take care of themselves has proven useful in helping patients learn to lead independent and productive lives
When Psoriasis Gets Under Your Skin and in Your Joints
Author:
Karen Barrow
Medically Reviewed On: May 11, 2005
More than 4.5 million adults suffer from psoriasis, a chronic condition that causes red, flaky patches of thickened skin. This uncontrollable overgrowth of skin cells can appear on the scalp, hands, feet and genitalia. But the lesions most commonly appear on the elbows, knees and lower back, which might give a hint as to why almost one third of psoriasis sufferers also have a compounding disease, psoriatic arthritis, which affects the joints and can be crippling.
Psoriatic arthritis, however, can be effectively treated in most patients if it is recognized early enough. Alan Menter, MD, chief of dermatology at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, Texas outlines this potentially disabling disease and the treatments available for it.
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease that is almost always associated with a skin disease called psoriasis. There are five different subtypes of the joint disease: anything from just a few swollen fingers and toes to more severe involvement of large joints to very disabling involvement where the hands and feet and the spine get pretty inflamed and chronically destroyed, actually. [It is mainly associated with a decrease in the range of motion, more so than pain.] So, it's a whole range from very minor disease to very severe disease, which can be disabling in about 20 percent of patients.
What causes psoriatic arthritis?
As with a lot of other diseases, there's a genetic component, but there's an environmental component as well, possibly illnesses, infections, stress. There are eight different genes associated with the skin disease, and some of those are also associated with the joint disease.
Psoriasis an immune-mediated disease, whereby T cells, [normal immune cells] are increased in number. As these cells circulate into the skin and the joints, they produce a chemical by the name of TNFα. This chemical leads to the destruction of the skin and the destruction of the joints. But the exact trigger factors of psoriasis, outside of the genetic factors, all remain to be elucidated.
Does skin psoriasis always lead to psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriasis usually occurs five to ten years before the joint disease develops. One out of three patients with the skin disease will develop the joint disease. And the severity of the skin disease does not correlate with the development of psoriatic arthritis. In other words, you can get just a few small patches of skin disease but devastating joint disease, or you can get devastating skin disease with no joint disease. However, psoriatic arthritis is going to present as skin disease in nine out of ten cases before it ever occurs in the joints.
Karen Barrow
Medically Reviewed On: May 11, 2005
More than 4.5 million adults suffer from psoriasis, a chronic condition that causes red, flaky patches of thickened skin. This uncontrollable overgrowth of skin cells can appear on the scalp, hands, feet and genitalia. But the lesions most commonly appear on the elbows, knees and lower back, which might give a hint as to why almost one third of psoriasis sufferers also have a compounding disease, psoriatic arthritis, which affects the joints and can be crippling.
Psoriatic arthritis, however, can be effectively treated in most patients if it is recognized early enough. Alan Menter, MD, chief of dermatology at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, Texas outlines this potentially disabling disease and the treatments available for it.
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease that is almost always associated with a skin disease called psoriasis. There are five different subtypes of the joint disease: anything from just a few swollen fingers and toes to more severe involvement of large joints to very disabling involvement where the hands and feet and the spine get pretty inflamed and chronically destroyed, actually. [It is mainly associated with a decrease in the range of motion, more so than pain.] So, it's a whole range from very minor disease to very severe disease, which can be disabling in about 20 percent of patients.
What causes psoriatic arthritis?
As with a lot of other diseases, there's a genetic component, but there's an environmental component as well, possibly illnesses, infections, stress. There are eight different genes associated with the skin disease, and some of those are also associated with the joint disease.
Psoriasis an immune-mediated disease, whereby T cells, [normal immune cells] are increased in number. As these cells circulate into the skin and the joints, they produce a chemical by the name of TNFα. This chemical leads to the destruction of the skin and the destruction of the joints. But the exact trigger factors of psoriasis, outside of the genetic factors, all remain to be elucidated.
Does skin psoriasis always lead to psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriasis usually occurs five to ten years before the joint disease develops. One out of three patients with the skin disease will develop the joint disease. And the severity of the skin disease does not correlate with the development of psoriatic arthritis. In other words, you can get just a few small patches of skin disease but devastating joint disease, or you can get devastating skin disease with no joint disease. However, psoriatic arthritis is going to present as skin disease in nine out of ten cases before it ever occurs in the joints.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Cargill announces GRAS status for non-animal glucosamine
Minneapolis-based Cargill has announced that its Regenasure ingredient, the only non-animal glucosamine available on the market, has been determined generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
The announcement permits the ingredient to break out of the supplements market and break into a variety of foods and beverages. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are the most commonly used supplements for osteoarthritis, with estimated sales of $730m in the US in 2004.
"Regenasure glucosamine with GRAS status allows our food and beverage customers to confidently incorporate glucosamine into new of existing products, allowing them to innovate in mainstream markets and address consumer joint health needs with ease," said Bill Gruber, VP of Cargill Acidulants.
The fungus-derived ingredient, being the only non-animal glucosamine available (other glucosamine products are derived from the shell of crabs, lobster and shrimps) eliminates fears over shellfish allergues, and is also Kosher/Halal certified.
According to Cargill, the ingredient is also highly soluble and clean tasting.
Proving its ease of formulation, Coca-Cola launched a Minute Maid beverage this month with the ingredient, with each serving containing half the daily amount of glucosamine demonstrated by clinical trials to be effective in promoting joint health (750 mg).
The joint health benefits of glucosamine have been reported in numerous clinical trials, most notably the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), sponsored by the National Institute of Health, that studied the effect of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements on 1583 people with osteoarthritis and found that the combination supplement was highly efficacious in reducing moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis pain (New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 354, pp. 795-808).
The ingredient is reported to work by rebuilding cartilage in the joints.
Cargill's Regenasure also gives manufacturers a more stable source, since the introduction of trade tariffs at the end of 2004 halved the profits made by shrimp farmers in China and other producing countries, causing many to give up the business and glucosamine prices to soar.
The announcement permits the ingredient to break out of the supplements market and break into a variety of foods and beverages. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are the most commonly used supplements for osteoarthritis, with estimated sales of $730m in the US in 2004.
"Regenasure glucosamine with GRAS status allows our food and beverage customers to confidently incorporate glucosamine into new of existing products, allowing them to innovate in mainstream markets and address consumer joint health needs with ease," said Bill Gruber, VP of Cargill Acidulants.
The fungus-derived ingredient, being the only non-animal glucosamine available (other glucosamine products are derived from the shell of crabs, lobster and shrimps) eliminates fears over shellfish allergues, and is also Kosher/Halal certified.
According to Cargill, the ingredient is also highly soluble and clean tasting.
Proving its ease of formulation, Coca-Cola launched a Minute Maid beverage this month with the ingredient, with each serving containing half the daily amount of glucosamine demonstrated by clinical trials to be effective in promoting joint health (750 mg).
The joint health benefits of glucosamine have been reported in numerous clinical trials, most notably the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), sponsored by the National Institute of Health, that studied the effect of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements on 1583 people with osteoarthritis and found that the combination supplement was highly efficacious in reducing moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis pain (New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 354, pp. 795-808).
The ingredient is reported to work by rebuilding cartilage in the joints.
Cargill's Regenasure also gives manufacturers a more stable source, since the introduction of trade tariffs at the end of 2004 halved the profits made by shrimp farmers in China and other producing countries, causing many to give up the business and glucosamine prices to soar.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
More tiny babies being born in UK
More babies are born at dangerously low birth weights in Britain now than in 1989, a report says.
The study was carried out by the Fabian Society, a left-leaning think-tank, which called the finding a "scar on the national conscience".
It calls for more financial support for at-risk women, better access to antenatal services and one-to-one care for all newborns in intensive care.
A minister said the recommendations must be studied carefully.
The researchers found that in 2006, 78 out of every 1,000 babies were born weighing less than 5lb8oz (2.5kg). That amounted to a total of more than 50,000 babies.
In 1989, 67 out of every 1,000 babies were born under weight.
Low-birth weight is linked to an increased risk death and disability, and a range of long-term health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression.
The report found that older women and teenagers were most likely to have a low birth weight baby.
It said more work was needed to cut teenage pregnancy rates, and employers should offer more support to women, so fewer felt compelled to put off having a child.
The report also found lone parents were nine times as likely to have a stillbirth as other parents.
Babies born to working-class mothers were twice as likely to die before their first birthday as those with middle-class parents.
Mothers of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin had a high risk of having low birth-weight babies - their babies are on average 300g lighter than those of white mothers.
These mothers also attended fewer antenatal appointments than other ethnic groups.
Lead researcher Louise Bamfield conceded that medical advances meant more low birth weight babies were now surviving, but she said social deprivation and low income were significant factors.
She said: "If Britain had the same record on low birth weight as the best countries in Europe, 24,000 babies would have much improved life chances.
"The facts should shock us all. Britain has the worst rate of every country in western Europe, except Greece.
"And being born very small creates health risks throughout life - and will affect the health of babies they will themselves have years later."
Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman said: "We have made important progress since 1997 on reducing child poverty and creating the early years agenda.
"We must now be bolder and develop the new policies to make building a fairer society the central theme of Labour's next term in office.
"The Fabian Society's evidence on inequalities at birth must be studied carefully by government and the Labour party. The political argument will need to be won too."
Andy Cole, chief executive of Bliss, the premature baby charity, said: "Around 40,000 babies are born underweight each year in England alone, and many will undoubtedly spend time in a neonatal unit before going home.
"The very first days after birth are critical for their health and it is vital that the recommended standard of one-to-one nursing for babies in intensive care is made mandatory."
The study was carried out by the Fabian Society, a left-leaning think-tank, which called the finding a "scar on the national conscience".
It calls for more financial support for at-risk women, better access to antenatal services and one-to-one care for all newborns in intensive care.
A minister said the recommendations must be studied carefully.
The researchers found that in 2006, 78 out of every 1,000 babies were born weighing less than 5lb8oz (2.5kg). That amounted to a total of more than 50,000 babies.
In 1989, 67 out of every 1,000 babies were born under weight.
Low-birth weight is linked to an increased risk death and disability, and a range of long-term health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression.
The report found that older women and teenagers were most likely to have a low birth weight baby.
It said more work was needed to cut teenage pregnancy rates, and employers should offer more support to women, so fewer felt compelled to put off having a child.
The report also found lone parents were nine times as likely to have a stillbirth as other parents.
Babies born to working-class mothers were twice as likely to die before their first birthday as those with middle-class parents.
Mothers of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin had a high risk of having low birth-weight babies - their babies are on average 300g lighter than those of white mothers.
These mothers also attended fewer antenatal appointments than other ethnic groups.
Lead researcher Louise Bamfield conceded that medical advances meant more low birth weight babies were now surviving, but she said social deprivation and low income were significant factors.
She said: "If Britain had the same record on low birth weight as the best countries in Europe, 24,000 babies would have much improved life chances.
"The facts should shock us all. Britain has the worst rate of every country in western Europe, except Greece.
"And being born very small creates health risks throughout life - and will affect the health of babies they will themselves have years later."
Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman said: "We have made important progress since 1997 on reducing child poverty and creating the early years agenda.
"We must now be bolder and develop the new policies to make building a fairer society the central theme of Labour's next term in office.
"The Fabian Society's evidence on inequalities at birth must be studied carefully by government and the Labour party. The political argument will need to be won too."
Andy Cole, chief executive of Bliss, the premature baby charity, said: "Around 40,000 babies are born underweight each year in England alone, and many will undoubtedly spend time in a neonatal unit before going home.
"The very first days after birth are critical for their health and it is vital that the recommended standard of one-to-one nursing for babies in intensive care is made mandatory."
Monday, March 26, 2007
What holds men back?
When it comes to their health, men are notoriously apathetic about seeking help. Sometimes embarrassment gets in the way. Often, though, it's because of outdated attitudes such as "pull yourself together", which don't help men at all.
Another common reason why men delay seeking help is the false belief that if they ignore something, it will go away. In fact, most health problems are simply and easily treated, but the longer they're left, the less this is true. Not only is early treatment more likely to be successful, but it also means less worry and fewer sleepless nights.
Unlike women, men don't usually ask each other for advice about health problems, but they should, because it might save a lot of unnecessary worry.
Fearing the worst
The big fear is that a symptom will turn out to be a life-threatening illness such as cancer, but most health problems are far less serious.
Take, for example, the urinary symptoms that one in three men over the age of 65 experience: getting up at night to urinate, having to urinate more frequently during the day, and feeling an urgent need to go and then passing only a weak dribble.
The most likely cause is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, which can be successfully treated.
Catching it early
Other common problems include a lump in the scrotum. The chances are it's not testicular cancer. But if it is, the earlier it's diagnosed, the better - 95 per cent of men survive after treatment.
Bleeding from the back passage isn't usually cancer, but it must always be checked out by a doctor because early treatment is most successful.
Overcoming embarrassment
Another reason why men find it difficult to go and see the doctor is that they're frightened everyone knows why they're there. Traditionally, women are used to talking and asking about their health because they've had to go to the doctor for a variety of reasons, such as contraceptive advice and cervical screening.
Many men are pleasantly surprised when they go to their doctor's surgery. They find that there are other men in the waiting room - men who are there for a variety of reasons, such as lung problems, heart problems, joint problems and rashes.
If you still can't face the doctor
Don't forget the pharmacist. They don't just sell condoms and can offer excellent advice if you're a man who isn't quite ready for the unexplored territory of the doctor's surgery.
Another common reason why men delay seeking help is the false belief that if they ignore something, it will go away. In fact, most health problems are simply and easily treated, but the longer they're left, the less this is true. Not only is early treatment more likely to be successful, but it also means less worry and fewer sleepless nights.
Unlike women, men don't usually ask each other for advice about health problems, but they should, because it might save a lot of unnecessary worry.
Fearing the worst
The big fear is that a symptom will turn out to be a life-threatening illness such as cancer, but most health problems are far less serious.
Take, for example, the urinary symptoms that one in three men over the age of 65 experience: getting up at night to urinate, having to urinate more frequently during the day, and feeling an urgent need to go and then passing only a weak dribble.
The most likely cause is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, which can be successfully treated.
Catching it early
Other common problems include a lump in the scrotum. The chances are it's not testicular cancer. But if it is, the earlier it's diagnosed, the better - 95 per cent of men survive after treatment.
Bleeding from the back passage isn't usually cancer, but it must always be checked out by a doctor because early treatment is most successful.
Overcoming embarrassment
Another reason why men find it difficult to go and see the doctor is that they're frightened everyone knows why they're there. Traditionally, women are used to talking and asking about their health because they've had to go to the doctor for a variety of reasons, such as contraceptive advice and cervical screening.
Many men are pleasantly surprised when they go to their doctor's surgery. They find that there are other men in the waiting room - men who are there for a variety of reasons, such as lung problems, heart problems, joint problems and rashes.
If you still can't face the doctor
Don't forget the pharmacist. They don't just sell condoms and can offer excellent advice if you're a man who isn't quite ready for the unexplored territory of the doctor's surgery.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Doctors abandon talks on job row
Junior doctors have abandoned talks with the government's review group set up to solve the recruitment crisis.
The review was set up to look into failures in the online Medical Training Application Service.
It has proposed offering nearly all junior doctors one interview - over a third currently have none.
But the British Medical Association's junior doctors committee said it was "unacceptable" for doctors offered two or more to now settle for just one.
The online questionnaire was designed to speed up the process for placing doctors in specialist jobs, but a catalogue of complaints have emerged.
Doctors say the forms are badly worded, do not ask pertinent questions, do not allow them to set out relevant qualifications and experience, and have no facility for attaching a CV.
The result, they say, is that the best candidates are not being selected for the right jobs and has left thousands without any interview at all.
Critics are also aggrieved that about 28,000 UK trainees are applying for 22,000 posts under the Modernising Medical Careers reforms, of which MTAS is part.
Doctors' training was revamped in 2005, with the aim of speeding up progress so juniors could reach consultant level in an average of 11 years, rather than the current 14.
However doctors who have been through their initial stage of training under both the old and the new systems are all competing for a limited number of specialist training posts.
This is the point at which a doctor would select to focus on an area such as cancer medicine or paediatrics.
The BMA said its research showed that the one interview proposals - for junior doctors with GMC registration, a work permit and the necessary qualifications - could disadvantage more than 11,000 doctors who have been offered more than one.
The review was set up to look into failures in the online Medical Training Application Service.
It has proposed offering nearly all junior doctors one interview - over a third currently have none.
But the British Medical Association's junior doctors committee said it was "unacceptable" for doctors offered two or more to now settle for just one.
The online questionnaire was designed to speed up the process for placing doctors in specialist jobs, but a catalogue of complaints have emerged.
Doctors say the forms are badly worded, do not ask pertinent questions, do not allow them to set out relevant qualifications and experience, and have no facility for attaching a CV.
The result, they say, is that the best candidates are not being selected for the right jobs and has left thousands without any interview at all.
Critics are also aggrieved that about 28,000 UK trainees are applying for 22,000 posts under the Modernising Medical Careers reforms, of which MTAS is part.
Doctors' training was revamped in 2005, with the aim of speeding up progress so juniors could reach consultant level in an average of 11 years, rather than the current 14.
However doctors who have been through their initial stage of training under both the old and the new systems are all competing for a limited number of specialist training posts.
This is the point at which a doctor would select to focus on an area such as cancer medicine or paediatrics.
The BMA said its research showed that the one interview proposals - for junior doctors with GMC registration, a work permit and the necessary qualifications - could disadvantage more than 11,000 doctors who have been offered more than one.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Do you need to lose weight?
Why a healthy weight is important
If your BMI or your waist measurement is above the healthy range (see What's healthy) you're at increased risk of a number of serious medical conditions, especially heart disease and diabetes. You're also more likely to suffer from joint problems and back pain, and you may find you become breathless and may have difficulty sleeping.
The more weight you gain, the more severe these problems may become. The good news is that losing weight will alleviate many of these problems.
Weight loss
Losing weight is about eating fewer calories than you burn off in your everyday life. Try to make small but permanent changes to your lifestyle, rather than opting for a dramatic new diet. You may lose weight more slowly, but you'll reduce the chances of regaining it again later.
Most doctors recommend that, on average, you should aim to lose no more than 1kg (2lb) a week.
If your weight stays the same for a week or two, don't abandon all you've achieved
Some weeks you may lose more weight than others. As long as your weight is continuing to decrease overall, there's no need to worry. If your weight stays the same for a week or two, don't abandon all you've achieved; instead, focus on the amount and type of foods you are eating and try to be a little more active.
Losing five per cent of your initial body weight in three months, or ten per cent in six to 12 months, is an excellent start. Reward yourself with a special treat - a beauty treatment, a new item of clothing or even a bunch of fresh flowers can all mark your success.
If your BMI or your waist measurement is above the healthy range (see What's healthy) you're at increased risk of a number of serious medical conditions, especially heart disease and diabetes. You're also more likely to suffer from joint problems and back pain, and you may find you become breathless and may have difficulty sleeping.
The more weight you gain, the more severe these problems may become. The good news is that losing weight will alleviate many of these problems.
Weight loss
Losing weight is about eating fewer calories than you burn off in your everyday life. Try to make small but permanent changes to your lifestyle, rather than opting for a dramatic new diet. You may lose weight more slowly, but you'll reduce the chances of regaining it again later.
Most doctors recommend that, on average, you should aim to lose no more than 1kg (2lb) a week.
If your weight stays the same for a week or two, don't abandon all you've achieved
Some weeks you may lose more weight than others. As long as your weight is continuing to decrease overall, there's no need to worry. If your weight stays the same for a week or two, don't abandon all you've achieved; instead, focus on the amount and type of foods you are eating and try to be a little more active.
Losing five per cent of your initial body weight in three months, or ten per cent in six to 12 months, is an excellent start. Reward yourself with a special treat - a beauty treatment, a new item of clothing or even a bunch of fresh flowers can all mark your success.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Glucosamine Gel
What is Bioflex Glucosamine Gel ?
Bioflex glucosamine gel is a unique massage gel that has been specially developed for bones, joints and muscles to help keep them flexible and healthy. It contains Glucosamine; a naturally occurring amino sugar formed from glucose and L-glutamine in the body and is renowned for safeguarding joint health. Glucosamines main function in the body is to help maintain healthy joints and muscles by supporting the constant regeneration of connective tissues in and around the joints and providing essential nutrients for overall joint health.
What is Bioflex Glucosamine Gel for ?
Bioflex glucosamine gel is essentially for aching bones, joints and muscles, as Glucosamine is utilised to help produce tendons, ligaments and connective tissue in and around the joints, every day wear and tear may cause these joints, muscles and connective tissue to become tender, Bioflex glucosamine gel is designed to support these hard working joints to help keep them flexible and healthy.
Who needs to use Bioflex Glucosamine Gel ?
The need for Glucosamine becomes increasingly important as we age, when our body’s natural stores decline, however Bioflex glucosamine gel is recommended for both men and women of all ages, but especially suitable for:
• Those who wish to take special care of their joints and muscles during later life.
• Athletes, active sports persons and gym members who tend to use their joints and muscles continuously to maximum.
• For those who have gone through cartilage, ligament and other joint related surgery.
• Ideal for those who may have had accidental injuries or sprains.
How does Bioflex Glucosamine Gel work?
Glucosamine provides the building blocks needed to repair and produce tendons, ligaments and connective tissue; it also improves synthesis of synovial fluid. Glucosamine is a major precursor of hyaluronic acid, this is found in the viscous fluid (synovial fluid) that cushions our ligaments, cartilage, tendons and spinal discs.
The Glucosamine is able to facilitate the manufacture of the hyaluronan, collagen and proteoglycans, which are necessary for the restoration of articular cartilage and the lubricant synovial fluid, however, if there is breakdown of hyaluronic acid due to free radical damage or in the event of any form of inflammation, injury, operation or damage from sports, means there is a breakdown of synovial fluid into a watery crumbly consistency, hence the growing wear and tear on our joints and increasing creakiness as we age.
Glucosamine works to help renew and repair cartilage, and maintain the lubricating properties of fluids in and around the joints. The lack of Glucosamine in our body leads to the gradual thinning of cartilage, which lines our joints and eventually promotes to Osteoarthritus. ‘Osteoarthritis is a common disease that develops when linings of joints fail to maintain normal structure, leading to pain and decreased mobility’. It is associated with aging and injury (it used to be called “wear-and-tear” arthritis), and can occur secondary to many other conditions. (Pharmacy Health Notes)
‘Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition; it is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks the joints and sometimes other parts of the body’. (Pharmacy Health Notes).
Bioflex glucosamine gel contains a specially formulated blend of Glucosamine Hydrochloride with added menthol oils, which is used traditionally for it’s anti-inflammatory properties, soothing action and muscle relaxant, together it provides support when the gel is massaged into tired, aching joints and muscles.
Caution: Please seek professional advice before applying this product on to the skin if you are pregnant, or if you are on any topical prescribed medication.
Bioflex glucosamine gel is a unique massage gel that has been specially developed for bones, joints and muscles to help keep them flexible and healthy. It contains Glucosamine; a naturally occurring amino sugar formed from glucose and L-glutamine in the body and is renowned for safeguarding joint health. Glucosamines main function in the body is to help maintain healthy joints and muscles by supporting the constant regeneration of connective tissues in and around the joints and providing essential nutrients for overall joint health.
What is Bioflex Glucosamine Gel for ?
Bioflex glucosamine gel is essentially for aching bones, joints and muscles, as Glucosamine is utilised to help produce tendons, ligaments and connective tissue in and around the joints, every day wear and tear may cause these joints, muscles and connective tissue to become tender, Bioflex glucosamine gel is designed to support these hard working joints to help keep them flexible and healthy.
Who needs to use Bioflex Glucosamine Gel ?
The need for Glucosamine becomes increasingly important as we age, when our body’s natural stores decline, however Bioflex glucosamine gel is recommended for both men and women of all ages, but especially suitable for:
• Those who wish to take special care of their joints and muscles during later life.
• Athletes, active sports persons and gym members who tend to use their joints and muscles continuously to maximum.
• For those who have gone through cartilage, ligament and other joint related surgery.
• Ideal for those who may have had accidental injuries or sprains.
How does Bioflex Glucosamine Gel work?
Glucosamine provides the building blocks needed to repair and produce tendons, ligaments and connective tissue; it also improves synthesis of synovial fluid. Glucosamine is a major precursor of hyaluronic acid, this is found in the viscous fluid (synovial fluid) that cushions our ligaments, cartilage, tendons and spinal discs.
The Glucosamine is able to facilitate the manufacture of the hyaluronan, collagen and proteoglycans, which are necessary for the restoration of articular cartilage and the lubricant synovial fluid, however, if there is breakdown of hyaluronic acid due to free radical damage or in the event of any form of inflammation, injury, operation or damage from sports, means there is a breakdown of synovial fluid into a watery crumbly consistency, hence the growing wear and tear on our joints and increasing creakiness as we age.
Glucosamine works to help renew and repair cartilage, and maintain the lubricating properties of fluids in and around the joints. The lack of Glucosamine in our body leads to the gradual thinning of cartilage, which lines our joints and eventually promotes to Osteoarthritus. ‘Osteoarthritis is a common disease that develops when linings of joints fail to maintain normal structure, leading to pain and decreased mobility’. It is associated with aging and injury (it used to be called “wear-and-tear” arthritis), and can occur secondary to many other conditions. (Pharmacy Health Notes)
‘Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition; it is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks the joints and sometimes other parts of the body’. (Pharmacy Health Notes).
Bioflex glucosamine gel contains a specially formulated blend of Glucosamine Hydrochloride with added menthol oils, which is used traditionally for it’s anti-inflammatory properties, soothing action and muscle relaxant, together it provides support when the gel is massaged into tired, aching joints and muscles.
Caution: Please seek professional advice before applying this product on to the skin if you are pregnant, or if you are on any topical prescribed medication.
Good health as men behave badly
Men's health is one of the UK's most familiar oxymorons. Where physical well-being is concerned, the battle of the sexes is no contest. While women are on first-name terms with every crevice and contour of their bodies, most men are lost in a Neanderthal darkness and emerge blinking into the light only when they are on the verge of a near-death experience.
Men's health is something of a joke down under, too. Except it's a joke of an entirely different order, a joke that men even want to laugh at. Having realised that no matter how often and earnestly doctors repeated the central tenets of basic health awareness most men studiously ignored the message, a few Australian doctors decided four years ago to try another tack. "We call it health by stealth," says Dr Greg Malcher, a GP in Daylesford, an old mining town of about 8,000 inhabitants 70 miles outside Melbourne. "We wanted to get to men in their comfort zones, where they might be more receptive to the message."
The favourite comfort zone of the average Aussie male is the bar, so that's where Malcher organised a series of men's health nights. He assembled a line-up of prominent Aussie sports stars and assorted entertainers and promised liberal quantities of beer. Before long he had a full house of nearly 400. Even then Malcher adopted a softly, softly approach. "We started off with Simon Madden, an Aussie Rules Football player, talking about his health, before I talked about heart disease and basic preventative medicine," he says. "We then had a drag act and a bar break before moving on to more difficult topics, such as depression and suicide."
Men's nights have caught on in other areas of Australia with similar results. Malcher is not claiming an overnight transformation in the male psyche and he is aware that much more needs to be done for men in the 20-55 age group, but he does think that he is building up a bedrock of awareness; a significant number of his patients no longer regard the surgery as a no-go zone and most now know there are lifestyle choices that can affect their health.
This Men Behaving Badly approach has knocked on to health programming on Australian TV. Out have gone the camera-friendly TV doc magazine shows and in has come a stand-up, or rather sit-down, health show presented by John Clarke and Bryan Dawe, the Australian equivalents of John Bird and John Fortune. "The public seemed to respond well to the idea of two blokes who knew next to nothing about the subject talking about their health," laughs Dawe. The show, which can be seen on the Discovery Health channel in this country, drew excellent ratings in Australia and at the very least had an effect on Dawe. "A viewer stopped me in the street and asked why I still smoked," he says.
"I couldn't think of a good answer so I quit."
So how would a similarly laddish approach go down here? A few nurses have been known to hold Wellman clinics in pubs, but what would happen if we went the whole hog and stuck Martin Clunes and Neil Morrissey at the head of a men's health campaign? TV doctor Mark Porter is far from convinced it would make much difference. He believes that most men are just as interested in their health and that the problems of male diagnosis and treatment are structural as much as psychological.
"Most GPs arrange their surgeries at times that are highly inconvenient for working men. Similarly, government funding for raising awareness and improving treatments for male-specific diseases has been ridiculously low. Breast cancer and prostate cancer have similar mortality rates, but until recently breast cancer received £10 million per year while prostate cancer got just £40,000." He also reckons that magazines, such as Men's Health, which could play an important role in promoting health issues, tend, instead, to pander to the narcissistic tendencies of their readers and advertisers. "You get a lot about the perfect abs and biceps and how to satisfy your partner, but not much else."
Where Dr Porter is somewhat measured in his responses, Dr Keith Hopcroft, author of A Bloke's Diagnose It Yourself Guide to Health, is far more outspoken.
"There are a lot of myths talked about men's health and this new body fascism is only going to turn men off," he says. "Most men know that smoking and drinking too much are bad for them and don't need to have it rammed down their throat, and going on and on about testicular and prostate cancer is more likely to create a bunch of male neurotics. Testicular cancer is actually very rare and is usually accompanied by an identifiable ache, so endless bouts of self-examination are only likely to turn up harmless abnormalities that cause sleepless nights. Similarly, prostate cancer is almost unheard of in the under-fifties so talking endlessly about it is only going to clog up the surgeries with people demanding tests for an ill-ness they almost certainly don't have. Even for the over fifties, the test creates as many problems as it solves, as it can only indicate the possibility of an abnormality and, in any case, there is no evidence that early treat-ment of prostate cancer improves the outcome.
"The message for men has to be: if you think you've got a problem see your doctor. If you don't, stay away."
Some people, of course, may take this a little too literally. Dr Malcher referred a patient to get a mark on his forehead seen by a skin cancer specialist and was concerned when the appointment wasn't kept. "The patient told me that he'd gone out to the garage and removed the mark with a soldering iron," smiles Malcher. "He said it had smoked a bit but it hadn't reappeared, so he reckoned it must be OK." I guess there's men's health and then there's real men's health.
Men's health is something of a joke down under, too. Except it's a joke of an entirely different order, a joke that men even want to laugh at. Having realised that no matter how often and earnestly doctors repeated the central tenets of basic health awareness most men studiously ignored the message, a few Australian doctors decided four years ago to try another tack. "We call it health by stealth," says Dr Greg Malcher, a GP in Daylesford, an old mining town of about 8,000 inhabitants 70 miles outside Melbourne. "We wanted to get to men in their comfort zones, where they might be more receptive to the message."
The favourite comfort zone of the average Aussie male is the bar, so that's where Malcher organised a series of men's health nights. He assembled a line-up of prominent Aussie sports stars and assorted entertainers and promised liberal quantities of beer. Before long he had a full house of nearly 400. Even then Malcher adopted a softly, softly approach. "We started off with Simon Madden, an Aussie Rules Football player, talking about his health, before I talked about heart disease and basic preventative medicine," he says. "We then had a drag act and a bar break before moving on to more difficult topics, such as depression and suicide."
Men's nights have caught on in other areas of Australia with similar results. Malcher is not claiming an overnight transformation in the male psyche and he is aware that much more needs to be done for men in the 20-55 age group, but he does think that he is building up a bedrock of awareness; a significant number of his patients no longer regard the surgery as a no-go zone and most now know there are lifestyle choices that can affect their health.
This Men Behaving Badly approach has knocked on to health programming on Australian TV. Out have gone the camera-friendly TV doc magazine shows and in has come a stand-up, or rather sit-down, health show presented by John Clarke and Bryan Dawe, the Australian equivalents of John Bird and John Fortune. "The public seemed to respond well to the idea of two blokes who knew next to nothing about the subject talking about their health," laughs Dawe. The show, which can be seen on the Discovery Health channel in this country, drew excellent ratings in Australia and at the very least had an effect on Dawe. "A viewer stopped me in the street and asked why I still smoked," he says.
"I couldn't think of a good answer so I quit."
So how would a similarly laddish approach go down here? A few nurses have been known to hold Wellman clinics in pubs, but what would happen if we went the whole hog and stuck Martin Clunes and Neil Morrissey at the head of a men's health campaign? TV doctor Mark Porter is far from convinced it would make much difference. He believes that most men are just as interested in their health and that the problems of male diagnosis and treatment are structural as much as psychological.
"Most GPs arrange their surgeries at times that are highly inconvenient for working men. Similarly, government funding for raising awareness and improving treatments for male-specific diseases has been ridiculously low. Breast cancer and prostate cancer have similar mortality rates, but until recently breast cancer received £10 million per year while prostate cancer got just £40,000." He also reckons that magazines, such as Men's Health, which could play an important role in promoting health issues, tend, instead, to pander to the narcissistic tendencies of their readers and advertisers. "You get a lot about the perfect abs and biceps and how to satisfy your partner, but not much else."
Where Dr Porter is somewhat measured in his responses, Dr Keith Hopcroft, author of A Bloke's Diagnose It Yourself Guide to Health, is far more outspoken.
"There are a lot of myths talked about men's health and this new body fascism is only going to turn men off," he says. "Most men know that smoking and drinking too much are bad for them and don't need to have it rammed down their throat, and going on and on about testicular and prostate cancer is more likely to create a bunch of male neurotics. Testicular cancer is actually very rare and is usually accompanied by an identifiable ache, so endless bouts of self-examination are only likely to turn up harmless abnormalities that cause sleepless nights. Similarly, prostate cancer is almost unheard of in the under-fifties so talking endlessly about it is only going to clog up the surgeries with people demanding tests for an ill-ness they almost certainly don't have. Even for the over fifties, the test creates as many problems as it solves, as it can only indicate the possibility of an abnormality and, in any case, there is no evidence that early treat-ment of prostate cancer improves the outcome.
"The message for men has to be: if you think you've got a problem see your doctor. If you don't, stay away."
Some people, of course, may take this a little too literally. Dr Malcher referred a patient to get a mark on his forehead seen by a skin cancer specialist and was concerned when the appointment wasn't kept. "The patient told me that he'd gone out to the garage and removed the mark with a soldering iron," smiles Malcher. "He said it had smoked a bit but it hadn't reappeared, so he reckoned it must be OK." I guess there's men's health and then there's real men's health.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Cargill announces GRAS status for non-animal glucosamine
Minneapolis-based Cargill has announced that its Regenasure ingredient, the only non-animal glucosamine available on the market, has been determined generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
The announcement permits the ingredient to break out of the glucosamine supplements market and break into a variety of foods and beverages. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are the most commonly used supplements for osteoarthritis, with estimated sales of $730m in the US in 2004.
"Regenasure glucosamine with GRAS status allows our food and beverage customers to confidently incorporate glucosamine into new of existing products, allowing them to innovate in mainstream markets and address consumer joint health needs with ease," said Bill Gruber, VP of Cargill Acidulants.
The fungus-derived ingredient, being the only non-animal glucosamine available (other glucosamine products are derived from the shell of crabs, lobster and shrimps) eliminates fears over shellfish allergues, and is also Kosher/Halal certified.
According to Cargill, the ingredient is also highly soluble and clean tasting.
Proving its ease of formulation, Coca-Cola launched a Minute Maid beverage this month with the ingredient, with each serving containing half the daily amount of glucosamine demonstrated by clinical trials to be effective in promoting joint health (750 mg).
The joint health benefits of glucosamine have been reported in numerous clinical trials, most notably the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), sponsored by the National Institute of Health, that studied the effect of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements on 1583 people with osteoarthritis and found that the combination supplement was highly efficacious in reducing moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis pain (New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 354, pp. 795-808).
The ingredient is reported to work by rebuilding cartilage in the joints.
Cargill's Regenasure also gives manufacturers a more stable source, since the introduction of trade tariffs at the end of 2004 halved the profits made by shrimp farmers in China and other producing countries, causing many to give up the business and glucosamine prices to soar.
Artical from Cargill announces More >>
The announcement permits the ingredient to break out of the glucosamine supplements market and break into a variety of foods and beverages. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are the most commonly used supplements for osteoarthritis, with estimated sales of $730m in the US in 2004.
"Regenasure glucosamine with GRAS status allows our food and beverage customers to confidently incorporate glucosamine into new of existing products, allowing them to innovate in mainstream markets and address consumer joint health needs with ease," said Bill Gruber, VP of Cargill Acidulants.
The fungus-derived ingredient, being the only non-animal glucosamine available (other glucosamine products are derived from the shell of crabs, lobster and shrimps) eliminates fears over shellfish allergues, and is also Kosher/Halal certified.
According to Cargill, the ingredient is also highly soluble and clean tasting.
Proving its ease of formulation, Coca-Cola launched a Minute Maid beverage this month with the ingredient, with each serving containing half the daily amount of glucosamine demonstrated by clinical trials to be effective in promoting joint health (750 mg).
The joint health benefits of glucosamine have been reported in numerous clinical trials, most notably the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), sponsored by the National Institute of Health, that studied the effect of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements on 1583 people with osteoarthritis and found that the combination supplement was highly efficacious in reducing moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis pain (New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 354, pp. 795-808).
The ingredient is reported to work by rebuilding cartilage in the joints.
Cargill's Regenasure also gives manufacturers a more stable source, since the introduction of trade tariffs at the end of 2004 halved the profits made by shrimp farmers in China and other producing countries, causing many to give up the business and glucosamine prices to soar.
Artical from Cargill announces More >>
What is Arthritis?
While often referred to as if it were a single disease, arthritis is actually an umbrella term used for a group of more than 100 medical conditions that collectively affect nearly 46 million adults and 300,000 children in America alone. While the most common form of arthritis - osteoarthritis (OA) - is most prevalent in people over 60, arthritis in its various forms can start as early as infancy. Some forms affect people in their young-adult years as they are beginning careers and families and still others start during the peak career and child-rearing years.
The common thread among these 100-plus conditions is that they all affect the musculoskeletal system and specifically the joints - where two or more bones meet. Arthritis-related joint problems include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage (the tough, smooth tissue that covers the ends of the bones, enabling them to glide against one another) and surrounding structures. Such damage can lead to joint weakness, instability and visible deformities that, depending on the location of joint involvement, can interfere with the most basic daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, using a computer keyboard, cutting your food or brushing your teeth.
For many people with arthritis, however, joint involvement is not the extent of the problem. Many forms of arthritis are classified as systemic, meaning they can affect the whole body. In these diseases, arthritis can cause damage to virtually any bodily organ or system, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels and skin. Arthritis-related conditions primarily affect the muscles and the bones.
Together, arthritis and related conditions are a major cause of disability in the United States, costing the U.S. economy more than $124 billion per year in medical care and indirect expenses such as lost wages and production - and costing millions of individuals their health, their physical abilities and, in many cases, their independence. And unless something changes, the picture is going to get worse. As the population ages, the number of people with arthritis is growing.
The common thread among these 100-plus conditions is that they all affect the musculoskeletal system and specifically the joints - where two or more bones meet. Arthritis-related joint problems include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage (the tough, smooth tissue that covers the ends of the bones, enabling them to glide against one another) and surrounding structures. Such damage can lead to joint weakness, instability and visible deformities that, depending on the location of joint involvement, can interfere with the most basic daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, using a computer keyboard, cutting your food or brushing your teeth.
For many people with arthritis, however, joint involvement is not the extent of the problem. Many forms of arthritis are classified as systemic, meaning they can affect the whole body. In these diseases, arthritis can cause damage to virtually any bodily organ or system, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels and skin. Arthritis-related conditions primarily affect the muscles and the bones.
Together, arthritis and related conditions are a major cause of disability in the United States, costing the U.S. economy more than $124 billion per year in medical care and indirect expenses such as lost wages and production - and costing millions of individuals their health, their physical abilities and, in many cases, their independence. And unless something changes, the picture is going to get worse. As the population ages, the number of people with arthritis is growing.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)