The American Academy of Dermatology has launched a “Don’t Seek the Sun” campaign, reminding us of grim statistics: 1 million cases of skin cancer annually associated with the sun. Yet, in one issue of the National Cancer Institute’s Journal two independent studies suggested that sunlight may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Now, some scientists are “wondering if warning people away from solar rays is doing more harm than good. Are we inviting some diseases – including common cancers – to avoid skin cancers?
Michael Thun, M.D., chief epidemiologist for the American Cancer Society, told the Associated Press that the recent findings have caused the society to review the vitamin D evidence as part of an on-going evaluation of its sun-protection guidelines: “There is now intriguing evidence that vitamin D may have a role in the prevention as well as treatment of certain cancers.”
One reason sunlight is considered important is that vitamin D is relatively scarce in foods. Vitamin D is contained in milk, fortified cereals and juice, and a few types of fish, but is probably not consumed at sufficient levels to meet the recommended daily requirements for vitamin D, and certainly not at levels needed to ward off cancer. On the other hand, just 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure at midday is enough to make 20,000 IUs of vitamin D.
Ultimately, more research is needed. “The proof for a cancer benefit of vitamin D is not airtight,” says Dr. Edward Giovannucci, one of the researchers defending the sun.
SOURCE: TUFTS UNIVERSITY HEALTH & NUTRITION LETTER Aug. 2005, Vol. 23, No. 6 pp4-5
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Does Lack of Vitamin D Cause Winter’s Deadly Toll
With abundant documentation, it is evidence that more people die in winter than any other season. It doesn’t seem to matter where people live. They can live in the colder northern states or in warmer climes.
This puzzle was presented at the International Congress of Biometeorology where a study was released claiming that people do not die because it is cold, but because it is winter. The study was presented by Robert E. Davis, a University of Virginia environmental scientist.
One theory is that winter mortality might be related to vitamin D deficiencies, from lack of sunlight. “It may be a contributing factor,” said Peter Hoeppe, an environmental scientist with Ludwigs-Maximilian University in Munich, Germany. Yet, Heoppe could not explain how vitamin D deficiency might kill at a specific time of year.
Biometeorology disciples have long considered winter to be a time full of aches, and pain, and blahs. But, Davis’ study of mortality rates has cast an even darker shadow on the season.
There are many factors to consider: the frigid cold and heart disease; climatic factors such as El Nino and resulting warmer weather and storms; wind chill and frostbite; and being indoors and passing on diseases. SOURCE: PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER Dec. 22, 2002, n.p. & KNIGHT-RIDDER NEWSPAPERS. Distributed by KNIGHT-RIDDER/
This puzzle was presented at the International Congress of Biometeorology where a study was released claiming that people do not die because it is cold, but because it is winter. The study was presented by Robert E. Davis, a University of Virginia environmental scientist.
One theory is that winter mortality might be related to vitamin D deficiencies, from lack of sunlight. “It may be a contributing factor,” said Peter Hoeppe, an environmental scientist with Ludwigs-Maximilian University in Munich, Germany. Yet, Heoppe could not explain how vitamin D deficiency might kill at a specific time of year.
Biometeorology disciples have long considered winter to be a time full of aches, and pain, and blahs. But, Davis’ study of mortality rates has cast an even darker shadow on the season.
There are many factors to consider: the frigid cold and heart disease; climatic factors such as El Nino and resulting warmer weather and storms; wind chill and frostbite; and being indoors and passing on diseases. SOURCE: PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER Dec. 22, 2002, n.p. & KNIGHT-RIDDER NEWSPAPERS. Distributed by KNIGHT-RIDDER/
Friday, December 19, 2008
Are Alternative Therapies Effective Against Depression
If you are thinking about alternative therapies to fight depression, you need to be discriminating. Following is a summary of study results from five different alternative therapies in the treatment of depression.
Acupuncture – The needles placed at certain point in the body are believed to enhance the flow of energy and relieve emotional problems. A 1995 study found that three quarters of depressed women having acupuncture said they felt “significantly” better after eight weeks.
Herbal Remedies – If taken correctly, herbal compounds taken as teas, tinctures, or pills have been said to alleviate many conditions including depression. Few herbs have been studied as antidepressants, but Saint John’s Wort seemed to work against moderate depression with few side effects in a German study.
Exercise – It lessens anxiety and other negative emotions for hours, or if done regularly, for days and weeks. According to a 1970’s study of men who reported moderate depression, those who took up exercise were 12 times less likely than non-exercisers to remain depressed two years later.
Meditation – The “relaxation response” of meditation is said to decrease pain and reduce anxiety and depression. Based on dozens of studies, doctors have been urged to accept meditation as an effective treatment for chronic pain, anxiety, and panic attacks.
Nutrition – Some alternative practitioners recommend a fast to purge “toxins” from the body; types of food are then gradually re-introduced to track how patients respond. There is no reliable scientific literature on the psychological value of abstaining from food.
SOURCE: HEALTH - JAN / FEB 1997 PP 72-78
Acupuncture – The needles placed at certain point in the body are believed to enhance the flow of energy and relieve emotional problems. A 1995 study found that three quarters of depressed women having acupuncture said they felt “significantly” better after eight weeks.
Herbal Remedies – If taken correctly, herbal compounds taken as teas, tinctures, or pills have been said to alleviate many conditions including depression. Few herbs have been studied as antidepressants, but Saint John’s Wort seemed to work against moderate depression with few side effects in a German study.
Exercise – It lessens anxiety and other negative emotions for hours, or if done regularly, for days and weeks. According to a 1970’s study of men who reported moderate depression, those who took up exercise were 12 times less likely than non-exercisers to remain depressed two years later.
Meditation – The “relaxation response” of meditation is said to decrease pain and reduce anxiety and depression. Based on dozens of studies, doctors have been urged to accept meditation as an effective treatment for chronic pain, anxiety, and panic attacks.
Nutrition – Some alternative practitioners recommend a fast to purge “toxins” from the body; types of food are then gradually re-introduced to track how patients respond. There is no reliable scientific literature on the psychological value of abstaining from food.
SOURCE: HEALTH - JAN / FEB 1997 PP 72-78
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Alopecia Areata – An Autoimmune Disease
Alopecia Areata, a disorder which prompts the immune system to attacks an individual’s hair follicles, causes hair to fall from the scalp, face, and other parts of the body. It is an autoimmune disease in that it is caused by the immune system mistaking the body’s very own cells as foreign invaders. It is one of many autoimmune diseases that can strike various body systems.
It is not known why the immune system reacts to body systems in this way. But, most scientists believe that genes and environmental factors play a role. The disease itself, however, needs a trigger.
If the skin is the target, you may have skin rashes, blisters, or color changes. In Alopecia Areata, the hair follicles are attacked. In diagnosing an autoimmune disease, blood tests may help in the diagnosis, but not always. Your doctor may be able to diagnose your condition quickly based on your medical history, exam, and test results, but the process often takes time.
Autoimmune diseases are treated in various ways. Treatments aim at relieving symptoms, preserving organ function, and targeting the disease mechanisms themselves. Different autoimmune diseases may require different treatments and different doctors. In some cases, only one doctor is necessary to manage the disease. In other cases, you may require a team of doctors to treat the disease. Individuals with Alopecia Areata should consult a dermatologist as this specialist treats problems of the skin, hair, and nails.
Persons with Alopecia may face problems with self-esteem, but treatments can help. SOURCE: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT…AUTOIMMUNITY (JAN. 2002
PAGES 1-30) HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin DiseasesSuDoc Number: HE20.3917:AU8
It is not known why the immune system reacts to body systems in this way. But, most scientists believe that genes and environmental factors play a role. The disease itself, however, needs a trigger.
If the skin is the target, you may have skin rashes, blisters, or color changes. In Alopecia Areata, the hair follicles are attacked. In diagnosing an autoimmune disease, blood tests may help in the diagnosis, but not always. Your doctor may be able to diagnose your condition quickly based on your medical history, exam, and test results, but the process often takes time.
Autoimmune diseases are treated in various ways. Treatments aim at relieving symptoms, preserving organ function, and targeting the disease mechanisms themselves. Different autoimmune diseases may require different treatments and different doctors. In some cases, only one doctor is necessary to manage the disease. In other cases, you may require a team of doctors to treat the disease. Individuals with Alopecia Areata should consult a dermatologist as this specialist treats problems of the skin, hair, and nails.
Persons with Alopecia may face problems with self-esteem, but treatments can help. SOURCE: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT…AUTOIMMUNITY (JAN. 2002
PAGES 1-30) HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin DiseasesSuDoc Number: HE20.3917:AU8
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Alternative Arthritis Remedies Go Mainstream
Environmental Nutrition Offers Primer
Those seeking relief from the pain, stiffness and inflammation of arthritis are not alone. A recent survey reveals that half of the 43 million Americans with arthritis have lost faith in conventional remedies. With no cure in sight, it is not surprising that two-thirds of sufferers have tried alternative treatments like diet, vitamins, and herbs.
For chronic diseases such as arthritis, the benefits from certain dietary changes and some supplements may outweigh the risks, says William J. Arnold, M.D., a rheumatologist and chair of the Arthritis Foundation’s Task Force on Complementary and Alternative Therapies.
Following is a look at some promising therapies:
Glucosamine is one-half of the “arthritis cure” popularized by a 1997 book. A growing body of evidence supports its role in relieving pain, swelling and tenderness of Osteoarthritis (OA). Researchers are optimistic about glucosamine’s ability to relieve symptoms as effectively as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but without the serious gastrointestinal side-effects. In addition, glucosamine may also halt the breakdown of cartilage.
Chondroitin is the other half of the “arthritis cure”. This substance acts as a “liquid magnet,” drawing fluid into cartilage, making it spongy and protecting it from destructive enzymes. Yet, there is no clear clinical evidence to support the theory that chondroitin rebuilds cartilage. Chondroitin is also expensive.
Glucosamine/Chondroitin Combo – In his 1997 book, The Arthritis Cure, and in Maximizing the Arthritis Cure, Jason Theodosakis, MD, a sports and preventive medicine specialist at the University of Arizona in Tuscon, advocates a combination of these two substances to treat OA. He speculates that the two together have a synergistic effect. The National Institutes of Health recently launched a study to determine the short-term effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin, both individually and in combination.
SAM-e or S-adenosylmethionine is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. Researchers believe supplemental amounts relieve pain and improve joint mobility by increasing cartilage thickness. However, like chondroitin, this supplement is very expensive.
Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals - Antioxidant nutrients like vitamins C and E, beta carotene and the mineral selenium may offer some protection to joints. People with OA who eat an antioxidant-rich diet, especially one high in Vitamin C, may reduce cartilage loss and slow disease progression.
Vitamin D – It has long been known that inadequate Vitamin D can lead to rickets and other bone problems. A Boston University study showed that older people with low D intakes and low blood levels of D were three times more likely to experience worsening of OA of the knee.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – found in fish, canola oil, flaxseed and avocado may be protective. More than 20 clinical trials have described improvement in tender joints, fatigability, and morning stiffness in people taking fish oil supplements.
GLA – Certain oils – black current oil, borage seed oil and evening primrose oil, all contain gammalinolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that acts more like Omega-3. The studies vary on showing a benefit from GLA.
Arthritis Diets – There is a slew of dietary advice for arthritis sufferers. However, there is no proven miracle diet or cure. If you simply eat right – lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains, plus maintain a healthy weight, you can probably alleviate some arthritis symptoms. Not only is being overweight a strain on the joints, but people with arthritis often become sedentary as a result of their limited mobility. Exercise can be beneficial, helping to maintain weight and reduce stiffness.
Herbal Remedies – Many herbal remedies recommended to alleviate arthritis may not be familiar to westerners. Turmeric contains the yellow pigment curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When mixed with Boswellia, a gum from an Asian tree, and zinc, it has been shown in test tube and animal studies to inhibit prostaglandins that trigger inflammation.
The bottom line is that people with arthritis need to be especially vigilant when assessing the benefits of alternative remedies. Since the chronic symptoms of arthritis typically wax and wane over time, it is difficult to tell what has actually helped.
(Summarized from Environmental Nutrition, April, 2000; article by Betsy Keller, M.S., R.D. – Copyright© 2000 by Environmental Nutrition, Inc. and R.L. Polk& Co. All rights reserved)
Those seeking relief from the pain, stiffness and inflammation of arthritis are not alone. A recent survey reveals that half of the 43 million Americans with arthritis have lost faith in conventional remedies. With no cure in sight, it is not surprising that two-thirds of sufferers have tried alternative treatments like diet, vitamins, and herbs.
For chronic diseases such as arthritis, the benefits from certain dietary changes and some supplements may outweigh the risks, says William J. Arnold, M.D., a rheumatologist and chair of the Arthritis Foundation’s Task Force on Complementary and Alternative Therapies.
Following is a look at some promising therapies:
Glucosamine is one-half of the “arthritis cure” popularized by a 1997 book. A growing body of evidence supports its role in relieving pain, swelling and tenderness of Osteoarthritis (OA). Researchers are optimistic about glucosamine’s ability to relieve symptoms as effectively as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but without the serious gastrointestinal side-effects. In addition, glucosamine may also halt the breakdown of cartilage.
Chondroitin is the other half of the “arthritis cure”. This substance acts as a “liquid magnet,” drawing fluid into cartilage, making it spongy and protecting it from destructive enzymes. Yet, there is no clear clinical evidence to support the theory that chondroitin rebuilds cartilage. Chondroitin is also expensive.
Glucosamine/Chondroitin Combo – In his 1997 book, The Arthritis Cure, and in Maximizing the Arthritis Cure, Jason Theodosakis, MD, a sports and preventive medicine specialist at the University of Arizona in Tuscon, advocates a combination of these two substances to treat OA. He speculates that the two together have a synergistic effect. The National Institutes of Health recently launched a study to determine the short-term effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin, both individually and in combination.
SAM-e or S-adenosylmethionine is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. Researchers believe supplemental amounts relieve pain and improve joint mobility by increasing cartilage thickness. However, like chondroitin, this supplement is very expensive.
Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals - Antioxidant nutrients like vitamins C and E, beta carotene and the mineral selenium may offer some protection to joints. People with OA who eat an antioxidant-rich diet, especially one high in Vitamin C, may reduce cartilage loss and slow disease progression.
Vitamin D – It has long been known that inadequate Vitamin D can lead to rickets and other bone problems. A Boston University study showed that older people with low D intakes and low blood levels of D were three times more likely to experience worsening of OA of the knee.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – found in fish, canola oil, flaxseed and avocado may be protective. More than 20 clinical trials have described improvement in tender joints, fatigability, and morning stiffness in people taking fish oil supplements.
GLA – Certain oils – black current oil, borage seed oil and evening primrose oil, all contain gammalinolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that acts more like Omega-3. The studies vary on showing a benefit from GLA.
Arthritis Diets – There is a slew of dietary advice for arthritis sufferers. However, there is no proven miracle diet or cure. If you simply eat right – lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains, plus maintain a healthy weight, you can probably alleviate some arthritis symptoms. Not only is being overweight a strain on the joints, but people with arthritis often become sedentary as a result of their limited mobility. Exercise can be beneficial, helping to maintain weight and reduce stiffness.
Herbal Remedies – Many herbal remedies recommended to alleviate arthritis may not be familiar to westerners. Turmeric contains the yellow pigment curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When mixed with Boswellia, a gum from an Asian tree, and zinc, it has been shown in test tube and animal studies to inhibit prostaglandins that trigger inflammation.
The bottom line is that people with arthritis need to be especially vigilant when assessing the benefits of alternative remedies. Since the chronic symptoms of arthritis typically wax and wane over time, it is difficult to tell what has actually helped.
(Summarized from Environmental Nutrition, April, 2000; article by Betsy Keller, M.S., R.D. – Copyright© 2000 by Environmental Nutrition, Inc. and R.L. Polk& Co. All rights reserved)
Monday, December 1, 2008
Arthritis Advice
There are many different kinds of arthritis, each with different symptoms and treatments. Arthritis can attack joints in almost any part of the body. Some forms of arthritis cause changes you can see and feel – swelling, warmth, and redness in your joints. In some cases, the pain and swelling lasts only a short-time, but may be very painful. Other types cause less severe symptoms, but nevertheless, still slowly damage your joints.
The most common type of arthritis is Osteothritis (OA). It usually affects older people, and starts when cartilage begins to become ragged and wears away. Cartilage is the tissue that pads bones in a joint. OA symptoms can range from stiffness and mild pain that comes and goes with activity to severe joint pain that stays even when you are at rest.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. This means your body attacks the lining of a joint just as it would if it was trying to protect you from injury or disease. RA leads to inflammation in your joints. This inflammation causes pain, swelling, and stiffness that last for hours, and it may occur in many different joints at the same time. People with RA often do not feel well. They may be tired and run a fever. People of any age can develop RA, and it is more common in women.
Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. It begins when crystals of uric acid form in the connective tissue and / or joint spaces. These deposits lead to swelling, redness, heat, pain and stiffness. Gout attacks often strike after eating foods like shellfish, liver, dried beans, peas, anchovies, or gravy. Also, being overweight and certain medications can make Gout worse. Most often Gout presents in the big toe, but it can affect other joints.
Other forms of arthritis include psoriatic arthritis (in people with the skin condition psoriasis), ankylosing spondylitis (affecting the spine), reactive arthritis (occurring as a result of another condition in the body), and arthritis in the temperomandibular joint (where the jaw joins the skull).
Warning Signs
You might have some form of arthritis if you have:
Lasting joint pain
Joint swelling
Joint stiffness
Tenderness or pain when touching a joint
Problems moving the joint normally
Warmth and redness in a joint
If any of these symptoms persist, you should see your doctor. If you have these symptoms and also a fever, or feel physically ill, you should see your doctor sooner.
Treating Arthritis
Each kind of arthritis is handled differently, but there are also some common treatment choices. Rest, exercise, eating a healthy, well balanced diet, and learning the right way to protect your joints are keys to living with any type of arthritis.
Regarding medicines for arthritis, there are Acetaminophens which can safely ease arthritis pain, and NSAIDS, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The may be sold over the counter, but stronger doses must be sold with a prescription. In 2005, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) warned people about the dangers of NSAIDS. It is important you understand the potential side effects and discuss with your doctor the side effects and how to take this medicine. You can also check with the FDA on the latest information about these drugs and their risks.
Specific treatments for each arthritis-type are the following:
Osteoarthritis – Medicines, as noted above, can help relieve pain from OA, and diet and exercise will make it easier for you to move your joints. Sometimes your doctor might give you injections in the site, and some might require repair or replacement of damaged joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – In addition to pain medications, your doctor may suggest antirheumatic drugs called DMARDs (disease modifying antirheumatic drugs). These drugs can slow progression of the disease. In addition to DMARDs, drugs like prednisone can ease swelling until the DMARDs take effect. There are also biologic response modifiers that block damage done by the immune system.
Gout – In gout, you need to discuss with your doctor the possible reason for your gout, and how to prevent future attacks. While in the acute stage, you might be given NSAIDs or corticosteroids, such as prednisone. The attacks usually last only a few days.
Exercise can help many forms of arthritis, along with taking the right medicine and properly resting your joints. Exercise keeps muscles strong, and controls arthritis symptoms. There are various types of exercises that can help including: range-of-motion, strengthening exercises, and aerobic or endurance exercises. You can contact the National Institute of Aging (NIA) for an 80-page booklet on how to treat and stick with a safe exercise program.
Beware of unproven remedies that have not been thoroughly tested. Keep up with future research. Some promising therapies such as acupuncture may ease OA pain for some people, and the use of glucosamine and chondroitin, two dietary supplements, may help lessen your OA pain. Scientists are currently studying these alternative supplements.
Most importantly, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and possibly remedies, so that you can work together to safely lessen pain and prevent more serious damage to your joints.
For further information, check on these resources about arthritis:
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicines
888-644-6226 (toll-free)
866-464-3615 (TTY toll-free)
www.nccam.nih.gove
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
877-226-4267 (Toll free)
301-565-2966 (TTY)
www.niams.nih.gov
American College of Rheumatology / Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals
404-633-3777
www.rheumatology.org
Arthritis Foundation
800-568-4045
www.arthritis.org
National Institute on Aging Information Center
800-222-2225 (Toll free)
800-222-4225 (TTY Toll free)
To order publications (in English or Spanish) or sign up for regular e-mail alerts, visit www.niapublications.org.
The National Institute of Aging website is: www.nia.nih.gov
Also visit the NIH Senior Health website: www.nihseniorhealth.gov, a senior-friendly website from the National Institute on Aging. It features popular health topics for older adults. It also has large type and a “talking” function that reads the text out loud.
(Summarized from AGE PAGE, May 2005, pgs 1-14. Health and Human Services Department (HHS) and National Institute of Aging (NIA)
SuDoc Number: HE 20.3861:AR 7/2005)
Article 2 (759 Word w/o Resources – 810 w/ resources)
The most common type of arthritis is Osteothritis (OA). It usually affects older people, and starts when cartilage begins to become ragged and wears away. Cartilage is the tissue that pads bones in a joint. OA symptoms can range from stiffness and mild pain that comes and goes with activity to severe joint pain that stays even when you are at rest.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. This means your body attacks the lining of a joint just as it would if it was trying to protect you from injury or disease. RA leads to inflammation in your joints. This inflammation causes pain, swelling, and stiffness that last for hours, and it may occur in many different joints at the same time. People with RA often do not feel well. They may be tired and run a fever. People of any age can develop RA, and it is more common in women.
Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. It begins when crystals of uric acid form in the connective tissue and / or joint spaces. These deposits lead to swelling, redness, heat, pain and stiffness. Gout attacks often strike after eating foods like shellfish, liver, dried beans, peas, anchovies, or gravy. Also, being overweight and certain medications can make Gout worse. Most often Gout presents in the big toe, but it can affect other joints.
Other forms of arthritis include psoriatic arthritis (in people with the skin condition psoriasis), ankylosing spondylitis (affecting the spine), reactive arthritis (occurring as a result of another condition in the body), and arthritis in the temperomandibular joint (where the jaw joins the skull).
Warning Signs
You might have some form of arthritis if you have:
Lasting joint pain
Joint swelling
Joint stiffness
Tenderness or pain when touching a joint
Problems moving the joint normally
Warmth and redness in a joint
If any of these symptoms persist, you should see your doctor. If you have these symptoms and also a fever, or feel physically ill, you should see your doctor sooner.
Treating Arthritis
Each kind of arthritis is handled differently, but there are also some common treatment choices. Rest, exercise, eating a healthy, well balanced diet, and learning the right way to protect your joints are keys to living with any type of arthritis.
Regarding medicines for arthritis, there are Acetaminophens which can safely ease arthritis pain, and NSAIDS, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The may be sold over the counter, but stronger doses must be sold with a prescription. In 2005, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) warned people about the dangers of NSAIDS. It is important you understand the potential side effects and discuss with your doctor the side effects and how to take this medicine. You can also check with the FDA on the latest information about these drugs and their risks.
Specific treatments for each arthritis-type are the following:
Osteoarthritis – Medicines, as noted above, can help relieve pain from OA, and diet and exercise will make it easier for you to move your joints. Sometimes your doctor might give you injections in the site, and some might require repair or replacement of damaged joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – In addition to pain medications, your doctor may suggest antirheumatic drugs called DMARDs (disease modifying antirheumatic drugs). These drugs can slow progression of the disease. In addition to DMARDs, drugs like prednisone can ease swelling until the DMARDs take effect. There are also biologic response modifiers that block damage done by the immune system.
Gout – In gout, you need to discuss with your doctor the possible reason for your gout, and how to prevent future attacks. While in the acute stage, you might be given NSAIDs or corticosteroids, such as prednisone. The attacks usually last only a few days.
Exercise can help many forms of arthritis, along with taking the right medicine and properly resting your joints. Exercise keeps muscles strong, and controls arthritis symptoms. There are various types of exercises that can help including: range-of-motion, strengthening exercises, and aerobic or endurance exercises. You can contact the National Institute of Aging (NIA) for an 80-page booklet on how to treat and stick with a safe exercise program.
Beware of unproven remedies that have not been thoroughly tested. Keep up with future research. Some promising therapies such as acupuncture may ease OA pain for some people, and the use of glucosamine and chondroitin, two dietary supplements, may help lessen your OA pain. Scientists are currently studying these alternative supplements.
Most importantly, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and possibly remedies, so that you can work together to safely lessen pain and prevent more serious damage to your joints.
For further information, check on these resources about arthritis:
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicines
888-644-6226 (toll-free)
866-464-3615 (TTY toll-free)
www.nccam.nih.gove
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
877-226-4267 (Toll free)
301-565-2966 (TTY)
www.niams.nih.gov
American College of Rheumatology / Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals
404-633-3777
www.rheumatology.org
Arthritis Foundation
800-568-4045
www.arthritis.org
National Institute on Aging Information Center
800-222-2225 (Toll free)
800-222-4225 (TTY Toll free)
To order publications (in English or Spanish) or sign up for regular e-mail alerts, visit www.niapublications.org.
The National Institute of Aging website is: www.nia.nih.gov
Also visit the NIH Senior Health website: www.nihseniorhealth.gov, a senior-friendly website from the National Institute on Aging. It features popular health topics for older adults. It also has large type and a “talking” function that reads the text out loud.
(Summarized from AGE PAGE, May 2005, pgs 1-14. Health and Human Services Department (HHS) and National Institute of Aging (NIA)
SuDoc Number: HE 20.3861:AR 7/2005)
Article 2 (759 Word w/o Resources – 810 w/ resources)
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