Posts Tagged ‘maintaining’

Safeguard Joints that are Prone to Injury

Many of us take joint health for granted. The strange thing is that you can injure a joint and not even know it. Injury can take place by simply overusing a particular joint or wearing the wrong type of footwear. But once an injury has taken place, it can lead to a gradual degeneration of that joint. The cartilage can begin to tear and bone rubs against bone causing pain and inflammation of surrounding tissues. Joint pain can often manifest after the age of forty and after that the need for joint pain relief can grow more intense. By caring for your joints now, you could avoid pain later.

Which joints require the most care or joint support? Let’s take a look at 10 joints that are most prone to injury.

Joint Support for Elbows: Injuries to the elbow joint can occur when playing sports like mountain climbing, racquet sports, baseball, or any sport that involves a throwing or swinging action like golf and volleyball. Elbow injury could also be caused by an occupation that involves repetitive use of the elbow joint.

Joint Support for Ankles: The ankles bear the largest weight. Injuries to the ankle usually occur when we step on uneven surfaces and twist the ankle. Vigorous physical activity such as jumping, landing on a hard or uneven surface can also cause injury to the ankle joint. Joint pain relief becomes vital since it can limit our mobility.

Joint Support for Knees: The knee joint is a weight-bearing joint. Common knee injuries can be due to a blow to the knee by a fall, a sudden stop while running or a twist of the knee, or overuse. Pain can gradually increases with age.

Joint Support for Back joints: Historically the lower back usually incurs more wear and tear. The back bears the weight of the body, but also bears extra stress when we lift heavy objects. Laborers and athletes who do weight training are more susceptible to back aches. Injury can also occur due to poor posture or being overweight. Joint pain relief may be found by massage therapy. Injuries to the back can be difficult to rehabilitate and are more likely to recur.

Joint Support for Shoulders: Being a ball and socket joint, the shoulder joint is flexible and affords wide range of motion. Pain here can arise due to poor posture, wear and tear, overuse, aging, sports such as baseball or tennis, even repetitive household chores that affect the shoulders. Many have found joint pain relief by adopting a proper posture or giving adequate recovery time between sports events.

Joint Support for Neck: A pain in the neck can be due to contact sports, lifting heavy objects or a jerking movement of the neck. It can also be due to poor posture or sitting at your desk for extended periods without stretch breaks. Stretch exercises for the neck can help bring joint pain relief.

Joint Support for Wrist: The most common injury to the wrist is linked to joint impact due to a fall or an accident. The wrist can also suffer injury due to poor positioning of the wrist on a keyboard for prolonged periods. Repetitive use in daily activities can also trigger wrist pain.

Joint Support for Fingers: Wear and tear occurs more easily and shows itself gradually. Simple tasks become difficult such as paring an apple, knitting, or opening the lids of a jar. Joint pain relief may be found by increasing circulation and regular exercise.

Joint Support for Hips: The hips are weight-bearing joints. The cartilage can begin to wear and tear faster especially for those involved in sports like golf, skiing, track, soccer or football. Professional dancers are also prone to hip pain as are those who over-exercise. Many find joint pain relief through low impact exercises.

Joint Support for Toes: Injury here is more common among people who play on artificial turf.. People who wear footwear that does not give support to the forefront joints are also prone to toe injury.

Some of you reading this may think the damage is already done, what can I do? There aren’t any ways to bring back time but fortunately there have been scientific breakthroughs that can help restore joint health to some extent.

Joint health supplements such as GoFlex contain a list of scientifically supported ingredients—both natural and herbal—that can help to nutritionally support the healthy functions of your joint. GoFlex also comes with a topical, fast-acting cream which contains Food and Drug Administration-approved ingredient for pain, capsicum. Ingredients for joint support include glucosamine sulfate, MSM, hyal joint, Interhealth collagen type II, boswellin, white willow bark, grape seed extract and more.

GoFlex is a scientifically-based, physician-approved joint health supplement containing herbal and natural nutrients that specifically support vital joint functions for maintaining mobility and flexibility. GoFlex includes a joint health supplement and joint pain relief cream containing an Food and Drug Association-approved ingredient for fast-acting joint pain relief.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/safeguard-joints-that-are-prone-to-injury-1382136.html

Joint Stiffness? Keep Moving!

It is estimated that about 60 percent of the people who suffer from moderate to severe joint pain live sedentary lives or do not get enough physical exercise to produce actual health benefits from their exercise. Joint pain sufferers usually don’t want to exercise due to fear that any kind of intensive physical exercise may lead to more pain. Many medical professionals believe that being sedentary because of painful joints may actually do more harm than good for joint health. Resting your joints can take you further away from your goal for muscle and joint relief. If you have suffered a joint injury, or believe you have you should always consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

If you have suffered a joint injury, or believe you have you should always consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program

Your doctor might tell you that exercising painful joints the right way can help to:

  • ease joint pain
  • increase flexibility
  • strengthen joints
  • build stamina

The logic might sound hard to believe but there is sufficient clinical data to show that moderate to intensive exercise programs really can help strengthen muscle and joint relief can be the result. There’s also strong suggestive evidence from research which show that a joint health supplement may also relieve inflammation and discomfort while rehabilitating joints.

If your joints are stiff and painful, begin slowly and build up to a moderate exercise regimen. Here are a few tips to help you get started and get the best out of your exercise program to support muscle and joint relief:

  • Use heat therapy before you begin your exercises. Apply hot towels to joints or take a warm bath or shower for about 20 minutes. This should help you experience muscle and joint relief in every part of the body.
  • Warm up your muscles and joints by beginning your exercise routine with range of motion exercises. This is simply moving your arms up and down and in rotation or jogging in place. Do this for 5 minutes.
  • Perform stretch exercises for 5 to 7 minutes. Gently and slowly, stretch each joint of your body and hold for at least 30 seconds. Bouncing during a stretch can damage muscles. Stretch exercises release the tension and also help provide muscle and joint relief. They also stimulate healthy joint functions.
  • After the stretch exercises, you can alternate days for aerobics and strength training exercises. Strength training helps to build muscles. Strong muscles help to strengthen joint health. Aerobics such as walking, bicycling or swimming can help support circulation, protect cardiovascular health, and build up stamina and energy. It is important to perform only low impact exercises.
  • Finish your exercise with cold packs on joints for about 10 minutes. This can help to restrict any inflammation or pain that may arise after an exercise regimen.

It is important to note a progression in muscle and joint relief as the weeks go by. If at any point you feel unusual pain or there is swelling of a joint, rest that particular joint for a day or until the swelling has gone down.

In addition to appropriate exercise, taking a joint health supplement can help provide your body with the nutrition it needs for muscle and joint support. A joint health supplement which contains glucosamine sulfate has been extensively researched and shows efficacy in nutritionally supporting joint health. Other well-researched ingredients for muscle and joint health include hyal joint, Interhealth collagen type II and MSM. Boswellin, curcumin 3 and white willow bark help ease inflammation and pain. A joint health supplement may also contain green lipped mussel extract which helps to lubricate the joints for more flexibility. Grape seed extract is an antioxidant and helps to support irculation.

Start taking a joint health supplement, like GoFlex, 4-6 weeks before you begin an exercise regimen. After 4 to 6 weeks you can start experiencing the results –and this can help you consistently maintain an exercise routine for joint health. GoFlex also comes with a topical cream containing an Food and Drug Administration-approved ingredient called capsaicin. Capsaicin, applied topically to painful joints, is a fast-acting pain reliever.

GoFlex is a scientifically-based, physician-approved joint health supplement containing herbal and natural nutrients that specifically support vital joint functions for maintaining mobility and flexibility. GoFlex includes a joint health supplement and joint pain relief cream containing an Food and Drug Association-approved ingredient for fast-acting joint pain relief.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/joint-stiffness-keep-moving-1382140.html

Women and Joint Healthcare

Studies have shown that women experience more joint pain than men and in more areas of the body than men do. It is said that this is because women generally have less cartilage in their joints than men do. Another reason that women may experience more joint pain than men is because the breakdown of cartilage happens faster in women than in men.

Estrogen Offers Joint Support

Female hormones are believed to heighten a woman’s vulnerability to pain. Hormone fluctuations in the lifespan of a woman may give rise to joint pain and a greater need for joint support than men. It is important that women consider taking daily nutritional support through joint supplements.

Estrogen, a female hormone, is known to have joint supporting cartilage-protective properties. This is why women tend to experience joint pain after menopause when estrogen levels go down. It is also the reason why some women experience joint pain at the onset of menstruation when estrogen levels plummet. Joint supplements that contain glucosamine, taken regularly, can help alleviate the internal effects of hormonal fluctuations on joint health.

During maternity, estrogen levels peak and then drop in the post-partum phase which is when women most women experience joint pain. A joint support care program is essential during this phase. You will need to consult with your physician whether joint supplements may be taken during pregnancy and lactation.

Women Experience More Pain

There is a theory that explains why women are apt to experience more pain than men. Women, it appears, produce less endorphins than men. Endorphins are hormones that are known to be the body’s natural painkillers. If the production of endorphins is less it will result in experiencing more pain. Another cause suggests that women are more limber and loose-jointed than men and therefore incur more friction in the joints which accelerates joint degeneration. Joint supplements that contain well-researched ingredients such as boswellin and white willow bark can help to alleviate pain and inflammation often associated with joint pain.

Joint Care and Joint Supplements

Weight management is a major proponent for joint support. Maintaining a healthy weight will ease the pressure, especially on weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips and ankles. Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week and keep to a healthy diet. In addition, you may want to try joint supplements. Look for ingredients which have scientific support for promoting joint health and are known for their efficacy and safety.

A doctor-approved joint supplement like GoFlex comes with a topical cream that contains an Food and Drug Administration-approved ingredient called capsaicin. Topically applied, capsaicin is very effective as a fast pain reliever. Together with joint health supplement that nutritionally nourish your joints, these are every woman’s assets to enjoying a longer, healthier and safer joint support system.

GoFlex is a scientifically-based, physician-approved joint health supplement containing herbal and natural nutrients that specifically support vital joint functions for maintaining mobility and flexibility. GoFlex includes a joint health supplement and joint pain relief cream containing an Food and Drug Association-approved ingredient for fast-acting joint pain relief.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/women-and-joint-healthcare-1382151.html

Acai Berry Products

Acai Berry products have become increasing more popular over the last few years and there are now a wide variety of Acai Berry products on the market. The Acai Berry has been described as a super food and when you examine its’ properties in more detail you can begin to see why.

Why Buy Acai Berry Products?

Acai Berry products generally come in tablet, capsule, juice or powder form and they have a variety of health benefits. The benefits of Acai Berry products include…

> Helping you to lose weight

> Helping you to fight fatigue and increase your energy levels

> Detoxifying your body and organs with natural antioxidants

> Aiding your body to flush out those unwanted, excess Pounds

> The promotion of healthy looking, radiant skin

> Helping you to generally look and feel better

As you can see, this small fruit packs a very large punch. Because of the every growing popularity, Acai Berry products are readily and easily available online. Some companies even offer free trials and money back guarantees so you know that you are not only buying quality products but you get the added security of peace of mind.

Top quality Acai Berry products will contain antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids and dietary fibre. As well as the health benefits listed above, the Acai Berry can be very beneficial to maintaining a healthy heart. Before buying Acai Berry products always do some research first, read all labels and make sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.

The Acai Berry grows in the Amazon Rain Forrest where the Brazilians have harvested it for centuries. It is dark purple in colour and is about the size of a small grape.

Please visit Acai Berry Supply for quality Acai Berry Products and more information.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/acai-berry-products-1372798.html

Discover the Benefits of Fish Oil

Researchers had believed that one of the benefits of fish oil might be a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration, the primary cause of blindness in the elderly.  Because preliminary research looked promising, multiple studies were conducted.  The results of the latest were recently released.

Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce your risk of both the wet and dry types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by as much as 38%.  Improving your nutritional intake in other ways may further reduce your risk.

For example, many researchers have been interested in the benefits of increased intake of lutein and zeaxanthin for the prevention and the treatment of AMD.  Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants found in leafy green vegetables.  The best known sources are kale and collard greens.

Kale is a member of the cabbage family, but it does not form a head.  Collard greens are a member of the same family of vegetables.  It’s a dark leafy green that is particularly popular in the southern US.

Researchers began to look at the benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin, because they are major components of the retina, which is the light gathering mechanism inside of the eye that connects to the optic nerve, which is connected to the brain.  If everything goes well with that connection, we see.  In AMD, the retina and specifically a small area of it called the macular, loses its ability to transmit the signals.

In dry AMD, there are yellow plaques that fog the retina and the macula.  In wet AMD, there is damage to existing blood vessels and growth of new ones.  The new ones are weaker.  So, they burst very easily.  Bleeding behind the retina causes it to detach.  The result can be blindness.

In both types of AMD, the eventual result can be blindness.  Usually, the central vision is lost first.  In almost all cases, some peripheral vision is retained.

Wet AMD is sometimes a complication caused by diabetes, due to the damage that is done to small blood vessels in the disease.  Dry AMD is sometimes hereditary.  Other risk factors include high cholesterol levels, high intake of dietary fats, high blood pressure, obesity, cigarette smoking, oxidative stress and overexposure to sunlight.

There are five primary causes of cellular aging throughout the body.  The first four are glycation, oxidation (free radical damage), inefficient methylation and inflammation.  Those eventually lead to the fifth, which is DNA damage.  Each of those factors are interrelated and related to the risk factors of AMD.

In diabetes, there is glycation and inflammation.  In oxidative stress, cigarette smoking and overexposure to sunlight, there is free radical damage.  High cholesterol, high blood pressure and high intake of dietary fats are often associated with obesity.  In obesity, there is glycation, inflammation and free radical damage.

Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as your intake of fruits and vegetables, including kale and collard greens, while increasing your level of physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk of all kinds of age-related diseases.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/discover-the-benefits-of-fish-oil-1365559.html

Maintaining Weight-Loss during the Holidays

The holidays are always full of fun. You’ve got parties to attend, Christmas presents to open and of course delicious meals to eat. This all sounds incredibly appealing, until you consider how this will completely sabotage your diet plans. Don’t despair, you can continue to lose weight throughout the holiday season, but you’ve got to take a few extra steps. Follow my tips below and you’ll have a happy holiday season without hindering your weight-loss goals.

  1. First and foremost, make sure that you have an exercise routine in place before the holiday festivities set in. It should be a moderately intense program that you are confident that you’ll be able to stick to. Once the holidays roll in you’ll probably be pressed for time, so make sure it’s convenient enough for you to complete on short notice.
  2. Next make sure you have diet plan in place. Don’t be too strict on yourself because dieting can be incredibly hard during the holiday season. Try to limit your caloric intake to a reasonable amount.
  3. Plan ahead for holiday get-togethers. If you aren’t certain of the meal plan, you may want to eat a healthy meal at home beforehand. That way you’ll avoid indulging at the party.
  4. Skip the booze or limit yourself to one drink. Alcohol has an inordinate amount of calories and if you aren’t careful, you could easily add on an extra 800 calories without much effort. If you’re going to drink, avoid sugary drinks. Stick to a light beer or a glass of white wine.
  5. Keep yourself occupied during holiday parties by participating in games that way you’ll be less likely to munch throughout the night. Head to the folding poker table for a game and avoid the snack bar.
  6. Treat yourself with something delicious here and there. It’s Christmas after all, so you should have a little room for leeway, otherwise you’re likely to binge later on.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/weight-loss-articles/maintaining-weightloss-during-the-holidays-1610152.html