Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and affects millions of people in the United States. Osteoarthritis can interfere with a person’s ability to perform routine daily tasks and activities. People who have osteoarthritis experience limited movement and joint pain because the cartilage in their joints begins to break down and eventually wears away. Once the cartilage erodes, the bones rub together causing pain and a reduction in range of movement. Over time, bone spurs build up which will cause more severe pain and further limit the movement of the joints. There is no known cure for osteoarthritis.

The Principle Symptoms of Osteoarthritis Are:

Joint stiffness

Joint pain

Limited range of motion

Swelling in the joint

Osteophyte formation (bone spurs)

Greater pain and stiffness upon waking

Treatments to Manage Osteoarthritis Pain:

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) offers guidelines for the treatment of osteoarthritis which include pharmacologic (drug) and non-pharmacologic treatments. Non-drug treatments should always be considered initially and will likely provide some relief in the early stages of osteoarthritis.

Non-Drug Treatments:

Weight reduction

Stretching and range of motion movement

Exercise

Hot and cold therapy

Stress control

Drug Treatments:

Acetaminophen NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) COX-2 inhibitor (Celebrex, etc) Over-the-counter creams and gels Injections into the joint (corticosteroids, etc.)

Attempting non-drug therapy first is advisable due to the potential for side effects with any medication. A few of the more common non-drug treatments are exercise, weight reduction and control, hot and cold therapy, and stress control.

Exercise and Weight Reduction For Osteoarthritis:

Being overweight, even moderately, can have severe consequences for the weight-bearing joints and can contribute to the pain and progression of osteoarthritis. For every pound a person is overweight, it adds the equivalent of three to five pounds of additional pressure on the joints as you walk, run, or exercise. Losing ten pounds means that the joints will bear 30 to 50 pounds less of stress. Exercise should be an important part of any weight-loss regimen. Regular exercise helps shed pounds, contributes to joint mobility, and is vital in keeping the muscles strong. Walking, swimming, yoga, and bicycling are all excellent forms of exercise for someone who is experiencing pain from osteoarthritis. Both cardio and strength exercises should be included in an exercise program. Any proper fitness program will also include stretching; this is even more important for those suffering from osteoarthritis. Stretching will help increase and maintain range of motion and reduce overall stiffness. Before beginning any exercise program it is advisable to check with your physician first. It can also be helpful to work with a physical therapist or personal trainer in the beginning; these exercise experts can help design an appropriate fitness program that may help relieve the pain of osteoarthritis.

Hot and Cold Therapy:

Hot and cold therapy can be useful in any pain management program. Some people respond better to heat therapy while others experience more relief with cold therapy. Heat is often utilized to relax muscles or lessen pain prior to exercise. Cold therapy can be used to reduce swelling and decrease the pain in a sore joint.

How to Use Heat Therapy: Hot packs or heating pads can be placed over painful joints· Moist heat such as warm towels, showers, baths, or hot tubs help relieve pain· Heat should be applied at a comfortable temperature

How to Use Cold Therapy: Ice or reusable cold packs can be applied directly to the painful area· Ice and cold packs should never be placed directly on the skin· Ice or cold packs should not be applied for more than 20 minutes

Stress Control:

Stress and emotional anxiety are generally more important considerations with rheumatoid arthritis, but stress control can still help decrease the pain from osteoarthritis. Repeated stress from money problems, family issues, work hassles, and other stressful activities may increase joint pain and reduce the effects of pain management efforts. Some techniques to reduce stress include:

Muscle relaxation

Breath control and breathing exercises

Self-hypnosis

Time management

Coping skills and assertiveness training

Social support with family and friends

The Bottom Line on Treating Osteoarthritis:

There are 16 different non-pharmacologic treatments for hip and knee osteoarthritis specified by The American College of Rheumatology. It is best to do research about each one and consult with a doctor or therapist to determine what treatment offers the highest chance for success. Before attempting to manage pain with drugs or surgery, non-drug treatment should always be considered.

Cinergy Health & Life Insurance Agency is dedicated to providing quality health and life insurance plans for people in a variety of life situations. For more information on a selection of health and medical topics, visit the Cinergy Health & Life Learning Center at http://www.cinergyhealth.com .

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Acupuncture plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine, and it is a widely recognized part of Western medicine as well. It has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of depression, ease the pain of arthritis, reduce the incidence of migraine, and now it is becoming more common in the treatment of infertility.

For decades, couples have turned to high tech medical treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and drugs like Clomid, but acupuncture is surging in popularity due to not only its more holistic treatment of infertility, but also its high success rate.

Acupuncture can help women with a wide variety of fertility troubles. It works primarily by stimulating pelvic blood flow, restoring the proper flow of Qi, and balancing the body. Women with irregular menstrual cycles or amenorrhea (no menstrual cycles), endometriosis, luteal phase defect, irregular ovulation, thin endometrium, or even recurrent miscarriage can benefit from acupuncture.

Acupuncture can stimulate ovulation as much as some fertility drugs, making it an excellent option for women who are suffering from irregular ovulation or anovulatory cycles. Women with poor egg quality may also benefit from acupuncture, as pelvic blood flow is restored and egg quality can be improved by better nourishment. Women with unexplained infertility may especially benefit from acupuncture.

Women are not the only ones who can benefit from acupuncture. Studies show that men with low sperm counts or low sperm motility can have both improved with acupuncture. A higher sperm count and more active sperm can make it easier for couples to get pregnant naturally or via IVF.

Acupuncture can be used alone in the treatment of infertility or in conjunction with more high-tech infertility treatments. In fact, beginning acupuncture prior to IVF treatments can lead to a higher success rate, according to a study published in Fertility and Sterility.

Some people may not be good candidates for this treatment alone: women with structural abnormalities, scarring of the fallopian tubes, or who have aging eggs may need to use acupuncture in conjunction with other infertility treatments (such as surgery or IVF) for the best possible results.

Acupuncture is not simply an alternative medical treatment for infertility; it is a holistic natural treatment that can be used on its own to assist couples in attaining pregnancy, to address infertility issues, or to be used in conjunction with high tech infertility treatments. Acupuncture treatment for infertility seeks to treat the root cause of the problem, not merely the symptom.

Cinergy Health & Life Insurance Agency is dedicated to providing quality health and life insurance plans for people in a variety of life situations. For more information on a selection of health and medical topics, visit the Cinergy Health & Life Learning Center at http://www.cinergyhealth.com .

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The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located at the base of the throat between your Adam’s apple and collarbone. It is the control center for your endocrine system, producing hormones that regulate your metabolism and energy conversion, your immune system, and cellular and organ health. When you suffer from hypothyroidism, the thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones. You experience fatigue, brain fog and mild depression, among other symptoms. Practicing yoga may aid in alleviating these symptoms.

Certain yoga poses stimulate the thyroid through oxygenation and increased blood flow. Yoga also relieves stress, a factor that may interfere with proper thyroid function. Include these poses in your yoga session to aid in controlling symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Breathing Exercises

Start and end your yoga sessions with deep breathing exercises or a postural awareness pose.

The lotus position or other meditative position works to increase your the oxygen to your lungs and blood, stimulating thyroid activity.

Bridge Pose

The bridge pose strengthens your spine and releases tension in the neck, shoulders and back. As you raise your hips, the resulting inversion moves blood toward the neck, increasing circulation to the thyroid gland. Moving your knees slightly forward when your hips are raised stretches your spine and neck, bringing your thyroid in alignment within the throat.

Downward Facing Dog Pose

This pose improves blood circulation to the thyroid gland and prepares your body for the shoulder stand, considered to be one of the most effective poses for thyroid health. During this pose, your spine is upside down so it decompresses naturally, opening up the path to your neck and so to your thyroid gland. The inverted position brings oxygenated blood to the thyroid and encourages alignment between the gland and the spine.

Shoulder Stand Pose

A difficult pose to master, the shoulder stand is also the most invigorating for the thyroid. It brings richly oxygenated blood to the thyroid, stimulates the immune system and relieves tension not only in the neck and shoulders but throughout the body as well. The inverted pose revitalizes the nervous system and circulatory system, resulting in increased blood flow and demand for hormone release. Your thyroid then receives richly oxygenated blood from the inversion and is stimulated into hormone production.

Fish Pose

As you curve your body upward and tilt your head back in this pose, your body sends oxygenated blood to your neck and so to your thyroid gland. The movements open up your throat, allowing the thyroid to “stretch” and realign to the rest of your body. Follow the shoulder stand with the fish pose to optimize the two poses effect on your thyroid.

Treatment

Hypothyroidism is a serious medical condition. Consult with your physician if you suspect you have a thyroid disorder. Including certain poses in your yoga session may aid in relieving symptoms but you may also need medication to treat the disorder. The practice of yoga may improve thyroid function and relieve symptoms of hypothyroidism, but thyroid disease cannot be cured, only treated and managed.

Cinergy Health & Life Insurance Agency is dedicated to providing quality health and life insurance plans for people in a variety of life situations. For more information on a selection of health, insurance and medical topics, visit the Cinergy Health & Life Learning Center at www.cinergyhealth.com .

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These days, it seems that everyone is concerned about health and longevity. Cancer, heart disease, and diabetes are at epidemic levels, and Americans are starting to take note. Many people are trying to take charge of their health by making diet and lifestyle changes. Scores of Americans are switching to whole food diets, and organic products have morphed into a huge industry. One all-natural product that is gaining popularity is coconut oil.

Coconut oil is an amazing substance that has many uses for overall health and well-being. It can be used topically and internally, and its benefits seem endless.

Prevents Infections:

Coconut oil is widely known to prevent infections because of its high level of Lauric Acid. Coconut oil contains 40% Lauric Acid, which is the same fatty acid found in human breast milk. The body uses this acid to fight both bacterial and viral infections.

Helps Lower Cholesterol:

Although coconut oil is mostly saturated fat, it is beneficial to the body’s cholesterol levels. Other saturated fats, such as those found in vegetable oil, can raise the body’s LDL levels. However, coconut oil helps the body metabolize cholesterol by stimulating proper functioning of the thyroid gland. The result is a lower overall cholesterol level.

Helps You Lose Weight:

Although coconut oil is a fat, it can actually help you lose weight. Coconut oil contains special fatty acids that improve pancreatic functioning. This results in an increase in metabolism and weight loss. As mentioned above, it also improves the functioning of the thyroid gland to further weight loss. Improves mineral absorption. Even though coconut oil does not contain many vitamins or minerals, it helps the body absorb these nutrients. Consuming coconut oil helps the body absorb elements such as calcium and magnesium that are essential for the health of teeth and bones.

Boosts Energy:

Athletes and body builders frequently incorporate coconut oil into their diets because the fat in coconut oil is burned as energy instead of being stored in fat cells. It boosts energy levels, and it does not clog arteries like other fats and oils. Coconut oil has been used for centuries in cooking and baking. Once shunned for its saturated fat content, many people are now using it to prepare everyday meals as they learn more about the superior health benefits of coconut oil. This all-natural oil is virtually tasteless, yet it is superior to other cooking oils.

Cinergy Health & Life Insurance Agency is dedicated to providing quality health and life insurance plans for people in a variety of life situations. For more information on a selection of health and medical topics, visit the Cinergy Health & Life Learning Center at http://www.cinergyhealth.com .

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Did you know that, in some countries, doctors prescribe green tea for common ailments such as the cold and flu? Green tea has been a part of Asian culture that dates back at least 5000 years. In Chinese, Japanese and other eastern culture, it is a part of everyday life. In Korea, green tea is used in a spiritual ceremony to quiet the spirit and to encourage harmony and relaxation. It is also commonly prescribed medicinally as a remedy to boost the immune system. Although partaking in green tea rituals has been an enduring practice in the East, it is presently enjoying a surge of popularity in the West, in part because of its many health applications.

Among health aficionados, the health benefits of green tea are of great interest. Not only are there many advantages to drinking green tea, but studies reveal that there does not appear to be any harmful side effects. Even in populations that drink large amounts of green tea, the only side effects are limited to people who may not tolerate caffeine well.

The Japanese drink green tea almost exclusively and health experts are now attributing their lack of coronary disease and longevity, at least in part, to the green tea habit. The polyphenols and other ingredients in green tea have a mild anti-clotting affect on blood platelets which results in a reduction of plaque accumulation on artery walls. It is also known to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol which are significant factors in heart disease.

Additionally, in parts of the world where people drink at least four cups a day, scientists have found a much lower incidence of many types of serious cancers such as pancreatic, breast, lung and skin cancer. Catechins, the polyphenolic antioxidant ingredients which have a slightly bitter taste, not only purportedly inhibit growth of cancer cells, but they can also kill the harmful bacteria that invade the human body as well as the toxins that those bacteria produce.

Catechins are also beneficial for oral health. These flavanols effectively kill the bacteria that accumulate in the mouth, reducing bad breath odor as well as plaque that builds up on teeth. Green tea also contains natural fluorine which helps prevent the incidence of cavities.

Although coffee is the breakfast beverage of choice in America, other parts of the world prefer tea hands down. Decades of research on green tea have publicized the many health benefits of drinking it, including its ability to boost immunity, reduce heart disease, and promote oral health. Current research is ongoing and is hold promising evidence about green tea’s ability to treat serious conditions such as cancer. With its many health promoting antioxidant compounds, green tea is a healthy, delicious addition to any healthy diet.

Cinergy Health & Life Insurance Agency is dedicated to providing quality health and life insurance plans for people in a variety of life situations. For more information on a selection of health, insurance and medical topics, visit the Cinergy Health & Life Learning Center at http://www.cinergyhealth.com .

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Most people believe that weight training is the most effective way to build muscle but it is really just a small part of the process. Along with your regular workouts, you will have to eat a balanced diet that contains all of the vitamins and nutrients you need to boost muscle growth. If your goal is to build muscle mass quickly, keep in mind the following diet-related tips:

1. Eat twice your body weight in protein.

Note that this tip does not mean the food on your plate should weigh more than you do. It means you should eat twice the amount of protein in grams as your body weighs in pounds. So if you weigh 130 pounds, your protein consumption should be around 260 grams.

2. Eat different types of proteins.

While meat is one of the most common sources of protein, other protein-rich foods are available that you can include in your diet. The more types of proteins you eat, the better because each of the brings something different to the table. So don’t just stick to a diet of pork and beef. Try alternating these foods with fish, soy, beans, cottage cheese, and eggs for more variety.

3. The more active you are, the more protein you need.

People who take part in strenuous and constant physical activities such as sports and aerobics require more protein in their diets. If you fail to consume adequate amounts of protein, your muscles will weaken and become slack. This is why most coaches of football or basketball teams encourage their athletes to eat a high-protein diet especially during the playing season.

4. Drink plenty of water.

Drink eight to ten glasses of water daily if you want to gain muscle as fast as possible. This amount should be enough to replace the fluids you lose during your workouts and while performing other daily activities.

5. Take protein supplements.

Many people these days are not able to get all the vitamins and nutrients they need from their regular meals due to the lack of time to prepare healthy home-cooked food. You can solve this problem by taking protein supplements, which you can buy from most health stores. When taking these supplements, however, make sure that you increase your fluid intake in order to avoid damage to the liver or the kidney, which are possibilities with a high-protein diet. Better yet, talk to your doctor before you start taking protein supplements.

6. Don’t forget to eat your carbs.

A lot of people equate eating carbohydrates with becoming overweight, so they tend to avoid eating carbohydrates whenever they can. Carbohydrates, however, are essential in producing energy in the body. A diet too low in carbs will eventually make you weak and sluggish. Don’t worry about the weight you may gain from eating carbohydrates. If you are following an active exercise routine, you can burn off the extra carbs with just a couple of workouts.

Realize that gaining muscle is not something that can be done overnight. There are no real shortcuts for this process so you should avoid taking steroids and similar substances, as they will only be harmful to your health in the long run.

Cinergy Health & Life Insurance Agency is dedicated to providing quality health and life insurance plans for people in a variety of life situations. For more information on a selection of health, insurance and medical topics, visit the Cinergy Health & Life Learning Center at www.cinergyhealth.com .

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Arthritis is a disease that involves the inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis causes chronic pain that can be disabling. It can impact a person’s ability to complete everyday activities. What’s more, the unending pain associated with arthritis can lead to depression. Arthritis is an incurable disease and there is no way of stopping the cause. However, there are ways of treating the symptoms of the disease. Doctors usually prescribe physical therapy and anti-inflammatory pain medication for the treatment of arthritis. Unfortunately, these treatments are not always completely effective. Yet it’s not all bad news. If you have arthritis, there are things you can do to make your pain easier to manage.

A Healthy Diet

Eating a diet that includes lots of healthy whole foods can help to reduce the symptoms of arthritis. For best results, eat lots of fruits, vegetables and oily fish such as sardines or mackerel. Avoid all processed foods, and cut back on red meat, poultry, sugar and coffee. Eating a healthy diet will help reduce the pain associated with arthritis. It should also help you to maintain a healthy weight.

Regular Exercise

When you are crippled with arthritis pain, the last thing you want to do is exercise. Yet exercise can do much to help ease the pain of arthritis. A regime of regular low-impact exercise will strengthen your muscles and keep your joints flexible. Hence it will be easier to manage the physical tasks you currently find challenging. It is important that you consult your doctor before beginning any kind of exercise regime.

Lose Excess Weight

Being overweight makes arthritis pain worse. That’s because excess weight puts extra strain on inflamed joints. This is especially true for people who suffer arthritis in the back, knees or ankles. If you are heavier than you should be, it is in your best interest to get rid of any extra pounds. Stay Positive

Being in severe pain each and every day of your life can have a detrimental impact on your mental health. If you have arthritis, it’s important to try to remain positive. Do not lose hope, or allow your pain to take over your life. Instead, look for positive actions you can take to make it easier to live with the pain.

Distraction

Pain always feels worse when you think about it. Hence it is important for the arthritis sufferer to look for distractions. When your arthritis pain threatens to overwhelm you, find something to do that will stop you from thinking about it. For instance, you could try reading a book, watching a movie, browsing the internet, completing a puzzle, playing a video game, listening to music, or painting a picture. Do whatever it takes to stop your mind from focusing on your pain.

Treating the Depression

If you have been in chronic pain for several months because of your arthritis, you may find that you are suffering from depression because of it. If you are depressed because of your arthritis, do not suffer in silence. Tell your doctor about your depression so that you can get the appropriate treatment. Your doctor can help you decide whether you need psychotherapy sessions and/or antidepressant medication.

Alternative Therapies

Some arthritis sufferers find that alternative therapies are very helpful when it comes to coping with the pain. Acupuncture and chiropractic treatments can do much to help arthritis sufferers. Certain herbs and spices are also thought helpful when it comes to the treatment of arthritis. Alfalfa, angelica, black, cohosh, devil’s claw, ginger, ginseng, hawthorn and turmeric are just some of the herbs available for the treatment of arthritis. If you have arthritis, it is a good idea to look into some of the alternative therapies that are available. You never know what might help until you give it a try.

Cinergy Health & Life Insurance Agency is dedicated to providing quality health and life insurance plans for people in a variety of life situations. For more information on a selection of health, insurance and medical topics, visit the Cinergy Health & Life Learning Center at www.cinergyhealth.com .

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