RSS
 

Archive for January, 2010

Jacuzzi – The King Of Whirlpools And Hot Tubs

29 Jan

Jacuzzi The King Of Whirlpools And Hot Tubs
 Powered by Max Banner Ads 

12th October 2009 - World Arthritis Day

Jacuzzi is one of the most recognized hot tub, whirlpool and spa manufacturers in the world, and in fact its brand name has become synonymous with whirlpools and hot tubs. The Jacuzzi brand specializes in whirlpools, which are basically large bathtubs, or pool-like structures that are electrically equipped to sprout jets of water and air bubbles into the water from different points of the tub.

Jacuzzi whirlpool is a great recreational addition to your home, allowing you to enjoy and unwind in the comfort of your own home. It is especially relaxing after a long and tiring day to just soak in the Jacuzzi tub with jets of water gently massaging your aching body. Jacuzzi whirlpools not only help release your stress, they also help rejuvenate your mind and spirit. Nowadays, Jacuzzi whirlpools are not only popular in residential homes; they are also popular in hotels suites and even aboard cruise ships.

If you are looking into purchasing a Jacuzzi, you need to start by deciding on your budget. You also need to assess how much space you have available for the installation. Having something like a jetted Jacuzzi whirlpool tub in your home is definitely worth the cost and trouble. You will find that there are great prices on many high quality Jacuzzi whirlpool and Jacuzzi tubs available in the stores.

Jacuzzi whirlpools come in different shapes and designs. Unlike other types of bathtubs, Jacuzzi often fits in the corner of a bathroom. Over the years, Jacuzzi has pioneered and introduced innovative whirlpool and spa designs and features, and today there are many Jacuzzi whirlpool tub and Jacuzzi spa models to pick from to meet everyone’s needs.

Jacuzzi whirlpool jet system produces a hydro-massage effect by pulling water from the bath and pumping the water, mixed with air, from the jets back into the tub at high pressure. This hydro-massage or hydrotherapy has wonderful therapeutic benefits as it helps the muscles relax. It is especially beneficial to those suffering from arthritis and rheumatism as it helps soothe away the pain.

A Jacuzzi spa is a wonderful way to entertain friends and family as well. With a Jacuzzi spa you can relax with a glass of wine or a nice chilled beer and unwind to start off the weekend. Or you could soak in your Jacuzzi on a Sunday night to get rested and prepared for the busy week to come. Your Jacuzzi spa can also provide wonderful entertainment whenever you hold parties or small get-togethers.

 
No Comments

Posted in arthritis and rheumatism

 

Aloe Vera and its benefits

28 Jan

Hands affected by arthritis, 1963

Aloe vera (syn. A. barbadensis Mill., A. vulgaris Lam.) is a species of Aloe; a plant 80-100 cm tall, spreading by offsets and root sprouts. It has long history of use as ornamental plant and in herbal medicine.

When we say Aloe Vera, it often refers to Aloe Vera gel, obtained from tissue that makes up the inner portion of the leaves. The gel contains carbohydrate polymers, plus various other organic and inorganic compounds.

Aloe Vera contains over 20 minerals, all of which are essential to the human body. It also contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E. But the gel of the Aloe plant, when exposed to oxygen for a prolonged time oxidizes loosing its all values. Many products go through special stabilizing procedures, but the best source of aloe gel would be direct from a broken leaf of the plant.

Aloe Vera has been known for its healing properties since the dawn of civilization, but only recently have scientists attempted to verify benefits that it has. Gel has been used for treatment of wounds, minor burns, cuts, eczema and skin irritations. Many cosmetic companies are using it for its products like makeup, moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, shampoos and lotions because of its well known healing properties.

Aloe Vera is very good in treating inflammation. It helps to regenerate new cells and disperse damaged tissue with no side-effects. The steroids present in the plant are also good in treating sunburns, arthritis and rheumatism, insect bites and stings, rashes, mouth ulcers, inflamed stomach and bowel disorders.

Aloe Vera is antioxidant as well. We know that they are essential for a healthy metabolism and protect against free radicals. Aloe Vera contains natural antioxidants in the form of vitamins B complex, C and E, plus beta-carotene which is converted by the body into vitamin A.

It is interesting that doctors never prescribe something like Aloe Vera; they usually stick to the branded medications, often not so good for us like natural ones. I always keep Aloe Vera gel, and use it on the skin at least once in two weeks. It smooths the skin, regenerates it, and boosts it up. It really works well for me, and I am always happy when using natural products. I advise everyone to have it.

 
No Comments

Posted in arthritis and rheumatism

 

Osteoarthritis Diet + Exercise Plan

13 Jan

The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, affects nearly 20 million people. More than half of the population over the age of 65 is afflicted with this disease in at least one of their joints.

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition, is a form of arthritis that causes the gradual breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the joints, resulting in bones rubbing against bones. This cause stiffness and pain when movement is attempted. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. It also is common in the fingers.

DIET AND OSTEOARTHRITIS:

FOODS TO AVOID: There are several factors that contribute to the disease; the ageing process, joint injury and being overweight. There are some foods that should be avoided if at all possible from your diet.

The nightshade family of vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and potatoes are specific allergens for many people with arthritis. Dairy products, orange juice, wheat, and corn are often responsible for food allergies. Eliminate all the suspect foods from your diet for at least one month. If your arthritis improves, gradually reintroduce the foods, one at a time (every seven days). This way, you can determine which food is causing problems.

Decrease your consumption of all animal products other than fish. This should help reduce the inflammation in the joints. It is also very important to eliminate alcohol, coffee, sugar, saturated and hydrogenated fat, and excess salt.

FOODS TO INCLUDE: A joint-friendly diet should be rich in fruits and vegetables.

*Fruit:

Those high in Vitamin C like strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, peaches, mango, and cantaloupe.

*Vegetables:

Those high in Vitamin A (beta-carotene) and Vitamin C. Carrots, squash, sweet potato, spinach, kale, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.

*Anti-Inflammatory Foods:

Ginger, garlic and apples.

*Oily Fish:

Rich omega-3 essential fatty acids and high in Vitamin E like salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, tuna and trout.

*Nuts and Seeds:

Rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids and high in Vitamin E. Unsalted nuts like walnuts, brazil nuts and almonds, and seeds like sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

*Pulses and Grains

Lentils, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), brown rice, and whole grains (breads, cereals, pastas,etc.).

*Drink at least 48 ounces of pure water every day.

EXERCISE AND OSTEOARTHRITIS:

EXERCISE: One of the best forms of treatment and prevention is exercise. It strengthens the muscular support around the joints and improves joint mobility and function.

There are three types of exercise that are beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis:

*Stretching exercises – help reduce stiffness and increase joint movement and flexibility.

*Strengthening exercises – increase muscle strength. Strong muscles help support and protect the joints that are affected by arthritis.

*Aerobic exercises – improve cardiovascular fitness, control weight and improve the bodys overall function.

Start with a warm-up and begin exercising slowly. Resting frequently will reduce the risk of injury. Before beginning any type of exercise program, consult your doctor to find out which exercises are appropriate for you and which exercises you should avoid.

While you cannot prevent osteoarthritis, you can eliminate or decrease your symptoms by eating a joint-preserving diet, maintain your ideal weight, and exercise regularly. Exercise also helps control weight and improves mental outlook by releasing feel-good chemicals in our brains.

Remember, being overweight not only carries a highly increased risk of developing osteoarthritis, it increases your risk of many other ailments and diseases.

 
No Comments

Posted in osteoarthritis treatment

 

Magnetic Bracelets and their contribution to pain relief from Osteoarthritis

12 Jan

Dr. Paget thanks his family, secretaries and staff

Can magnetic bracelets play a significant role in helping to reduce pain from Osteoarthritis?
There is a growing body of evidence to say yes.

Osteoarthritis What Is It?

Osteoarthritis is a commonly described as the wear and tear disease. It is a widespread degenerative disorder of joints characterized by loss of articular cartilage with thickening (sclerosis) of underlying bone. Some areas of bone may become porous with formation of bone cysts. Bony lumps can also form called osteophytes. Debilitating symptoms are varying degrees of pain, stiffness, discomfort, swelling around joints and restricted mobility. Most people over the age of 60 will present evidence of osteoarthritis via x rays. Approximately 15 per cent of the population have problems related to it. It is more common in women and is related to age, obesity, previous joint injury and previous joint deformity.

The UK Arthritis Research Council has a few interesting statistics

- More that 7 million adults in the UK have long-term health problems due to arthritis and related conditions.
- More than 2 million people visited their GP in the past year because of osteoarthritis.
- The number of people with osteoarthritis has risen over 10 years as the population ages and more people are seeking their GPs help.
- At least 4.4 million people in the UK have x-ray evidence of moderate to severe osteoarthritis in their hands.
- At least 550,000 people in the UK have x-ray evidence of moderate to severe osteoarthritis in their knees.
- At least 210,000 people in the UK have x-ray evidence of moderate to severe osteoarthritis in their knees.
- The cost of drugs prescriptions was 341 million in the year 2000.
- The cost of GP consultations was 307 million in the year 2000.

Since osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, the damage of joints has shown to be irreversible. The medical profession has no cure. Medical treatment is with NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and analgesics (painkillers).

Alternative Approaches To Treatment

Osteoarthritis sufferers have been seeking their own help and using other resources such as complementary medicine. These may include acupuncture, herbs, supplements and increasingly magnetic therapy and magnetic bracelets. What many arthritis sufferers are looking for with these alternative approaches are safe natural solutions that are drug free so there are no side effects, reasonable pricing and more importantly therapeutically effective. Magnetic therapy appears to fulfil many of these criteria and can work for many arthritic sufferers.

Magnetic Therapy and Magnetic Bracelets

Magnetic therapy is as the name suggests the therapeutic application of magnets, this includes products such as magnetic back, wrist, elbow, knee, ankle and shoulder wraps and supports. It also includes the application of block magnets, dot magnets and drinking magnetic water. Wearing a magnetic bracelet is part of the magnetic therapeutic approach. Scientists are now beginning to discover that magnetic therapy can have a beneficial affect on the human body. Like some aspects of medical science and complementary medicine magnetic therapy is not fully understood. Some mystery surrounds the subject, but initial research has started to indicate that the use of magnetic bracelets can play a useful role in reducing the debilitating symptoms of osteoarthritis.

This positive conclusion is not news to the millions of users of magnetic bracelets and other magnetic therapy products around the world who have accepted them as an additional therapeutic medium to help with the symptoms of osteoarthritis. For more information on the subject of magnetic therapy please visit our web site.

Magnetic Bracelet Research and Anecdotal Evidence

The increasing acceptance of the use of magnetic bracelets is due to two factors. Firstly the sheer weight of anecdotal evidence. Most people find their way to magnetic bracelets by the good reports of friends and family. Secondly, because of the positive feedback, the publicity and consistently great results, the scientific world has been prompted to investigate and research their efficacy.

In December 2004 the British Medical Journal (BMJ) published the results of a randomised controlled trial of magnetic bracelets for relieving pain in Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. The study involved 194 men and women aged between 45-80 years with Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. The patients wore one of three bracelets standard strength static neodymium magnetic bracelets, weak magnetic bracelets and non-magnetic (dummy) bracelets for twelve weeks.

The research results were very positive in that the evidence showed a beneficial effect of magnetic wrist bracelets on the pain of Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee and compared favourably with other drug treatments. The study had unresolved questions over the placebo effect (some participants guessed they had a standard (strong) bracelet) and indicated that further research was needed (See our Website for further details), but a significant conclusion was: Whatever the mechanism, the benefit from magnetic bracelets seems clinically useful.

How Do Magnetic Bracelets Work?

So why is it that a bracelet with magnets lying close to the main arteries in the wrist can reduce pain so far away such as in the knee, hip or back? There are various theories and hypothesis, some relate to alternative medical theory such as acupuncture points and meridians, others use a more modern medical scientific approach, it is very much a work in progress.

A popular view point says its all in the blood, and that the answer lies in the fact that healing works on a cellular level. Several studies have been done on the effects of magnetism at the cellular level. Nearly 1% of our blood is charged particles or ions. These ions can be affected by a magnetic field from good quality magnetic bracelets; the ions polarize creating an electric field which in turn creates a small induced electric current. Any ions that have attached themselves to the artery walls are freed by this weak current to flow back into the main stream. The small current increases the quantity of ions and the newly ionised blood circulates throughout the body improving oxygenation to the cells, thereby significantly contributing to the efficiency of the blood flow with the resultant healing effect.

The Future of Magnetic Bracelets

Research and anecdotal evidence indicates that magnetic bracelets can be very useful in reducing many of the debilitating symptoms of osteoarthritis. Further research is definitely needed to confirm some of the reported experiences and findings. Research is also needed to determine some of the key magnetic bracelet variables such as; minimum magnetic strength, magnet size and polarity.

A question arises about when or even if this research will ever be conducted, as most research is drug related and budgets are tight. It would be unfortunate if sufferers of osteoarthritis missed out on the potential pain relief benefits of magnetic bracelets while waiting for more research, unless off course we conduct our own personal research project by experimentation.

 
No Comments

Posted in osteoarthritis treatment

 

Arthritis treatment guide

12 Jan

Marilyn Monroe

Arthritis Treatment Guide:

Arthritis is a group of conditions characterized by inflammation of one or more joints of the body. The inflammation may be caused by infection, trauma, degenerative changes and metabolic disturbances.

If you have arthritis of a joint, it will usually be painful, swollen and stiff. It can affect you at any age but you are more likely to get affected if you are an older adult or elderly; that too, more likely if you are a woman.

Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the US. According to an article published on January’s edition of Arthritis & Rheumatism, nearly one in five US adults (46 million people) has arthritis and an estimated 67 million people will be affected by 2030.

There are several forms of arthritis and the cause may overlap or may be completely different for each of them.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is also known as degenerative arthritis, degenerative bone disease, ostoarthrosis and hypertrophic arthritis. It is a chronic condition characterized by destruction of the joint’s cartilage. Cartilage covers the ends of the bones inside a joint and acts like cushions. When the cartilage wears off the bone surfaces are less well protected and rubs against each other causing pain, stiffness and restriction of the joint movement. Osteoarthritis for this reason is said to be a wear-and-tear’ kind of arthritis.

Today, an estimated 27 million Americans live with osteoarthritis.

Juvenile Arthritis (JA)

A group of arthritic conditions seen in children, teens and young adults are classified under Juvenile Arthritis. Juvenile Arthritis includes Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), Juvenile Spondyloarthropathy, Juvenile Dermatomyositis and Lupus in Children.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) is the most common form of arthritis seen in children. It is a chronic condition which may involve one or more joints. In some children, other organs are also involved. It causes few problems in some children and serious complications in others. Because JRA affects multiple organs in some cases treatment of the disease involves a carefully coordinated, team care approach by the medical team involved.

Treatment of Arthritis:

Treatment of arthritis includes a variety of modes. Unfortunately, some forms of arthritis like osteoarthritis does not have a complete cure; the main aim of treatment is to relieve pain and suffering.

*1. Lifestyle

 
No Comments

Posted in arthritis and rheumatism

 

Arthritis Treatment and Prevention

12 Jan

Lawrence Welk & The Lennon Sisters

Arthritis is a disease that causes pain and loss of movement of the joints. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 55. Arthritis affects the movements you rely on for everyday activities. Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. There are many forms of arthritis, each of which has a different cause. Inflammatory arthritis is characterized by inflammation of tissues associated with joints. Connective tissue diseases, crystal deposition diseases, infectious arthritis, and spondyloarthropathies are examples of inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases in which the body is attacking itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint that results in subsequent inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. It is a disabling and painful inflammatory condition, which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. Arthritis sufferers include men and women, children and adults.

RA is a systemic disease, often affecting extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and muscles. Psoriatic arthritis (or arthropathic psoriasis) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects around 20% of people suffering from the chronic skin condition psoriasis. It occurs more commonly in patients with tissue type HLA-B27. Treatment of psoriatic arthritis is similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis. More than 80% of patients with psoriatic arthritis will have psoriatic nail lesions characterised by pitting of the nails, or more extremely, loss of the nail itself (onycholysis). Psoriatic arthritis is said to be a seronegative spondyloarthropathy. Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) is a ubiquitous joint disease characterized pathologically by deterioration of cartilage lining the joints and new bone formation beneath the cartilage. The disease is very common in older persons and is thought to be inherent in the aging process.Degenerative joint disease is marked by a progressive stiffness, loss of function, and destruction of the larger, weight-bearing joints of the body.

Nonarticular rheumatism is a group of diseases, also called soft-tissue rheumatisms, that includes tendonitis, bursitis, tenosynovitis, and fibrositis. Septic arthritis is the invasion of the joint space by an infectious agent. The usual etiology is bacterial, but viral, mycobacterial, and fungal arthritis occur occasionally. Bacteria are either carried by the bloodstream from an infectious focus elsewhere, introduced by a skin lesion. For bacterial infection, Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been found to infect joints, for example in children who have sustained a puncture wound. This bacteria also causes endocarditis. Septic arthritis should be suspected when one joint (monoarthritis) is affected and the patient is febrile. Gout is a painful condition that occurs when the body cannot eliminate a natural substance called uric acid. The excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the joints that cause swelling and severe pain. Gout most often affects the big toe, knee and wrist joints. Gout is a form of arthritis (an inflammation of the joints). Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present.

Arthritis Treatment and Prevention Tips

1.Treatment options is depending on the type of arthritis and include physical and occupational therapy, and medications (symptomatic or targeted at the disease process causing the arthritis).

2.Arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) may be required in eroding forms of arthritis.

3.In conventional treatment, painkillers, such as paracetamol, are essential. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can help with episodes of more severe pain.

4.In recent years a new type of NSAID treatment, called Cox-2 inhibitors, has been launched. These were initially claimed to be less harmful to the stomach and many patients have found that they provided good pain relief for their arthritis.

5.Physiotherapy relieves pain and strengthens muscles around the damaged joint, helping the joint to work better.

6.Regular exercise is beneficial for the same reasons and, once pain is under control, easy to do.

7.Hip and knee replacements are common and usually involve a short hospital visit.

8.Disease-modifying drugs that slow disease progression are available for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

 
No Comments

Posted in arthritis and rheumatism

 

Jacuzzi – the King of Whirlpools and Hot Tubs

05 Jan

Arthritis warm water therapy

If you are looking into purchasing a Jacuzzi, you need to start by deciding on your budget. You also need to assess how much space you have available for the installation. Having something like a jetted Jacuzzi whirlpool tub in your home is definitely worth the cost and trouble. You will find that there are great prices on many high quality Jacuzzi whirlpool and Jacuzzi tubs available in the stores.

Jacuzzi whirlpools come in different shapes and designs. Unlike other types of bathtubs, Jacuzzi often fits in the corner of a bathroom. Over the years, Jacuzzi has pioneered and introduced innovative whirlpool and spa designs and features, and today there are many Jacuzzi whirlpool tub and Jacuzzi spa models to pick from to meet everyone’s needs.

Jacuzzi whirlpool jet system produces a hydro-massage effect by pulling water from the bath and pumping the water, mixed with air, from the jets back into the tub at high pressure. This hydro-massage or hydrotherapy has wonderful therapeutic benefits as it helps the muscles relax. It is especially beneficial to those suffering from arthritis and rheumatism as it helps soothe away the pain.

A Jacuzzi spa is a wonderful way to entertain friends and family as well. With a Jacuzzi spa you can relax with a glass of wine or a nice chilled beer and unwind to start off the weekend. Or you could soak in your Jacuzzi on a Sunday night to get rested and prepared for the busy week to come. Your Jacuzzi spa can also provide wonderful entertainment whenever you hold parties or small get-togethers.

 
No Comments

Posted in arthritis and rheumatism