The Right Foods for Your Knees

After the holidays, I was sitting on the floor with the dogs while I watched one of my new DVDs. When I got up (after the hour and a half on the floor), my right knee was killing me. It ended up bothering me for close to a week, so I went with the RICE plan: rest, ice, compression, elevation. Eventually, the pain went away. I figure that I must have either been in a bad position on the floor or twisted something trying to get up. Your knees take a lot of abuse over a lifetime. I read somewhere … Continue reading

Adults Can Get Fifth Disease, Too

Did you know that while most adults have been exposed to the paravirus that causes Fifth Disease (also called Fifths Disease), not all are immune. In fact, adults can get Fifth Disease, and the symptoms can be different and more severe than those that appear in children. Furthermore, Fifth Disease is often hard to diagnose in adults, not only because there are different symptoms, but also because most physicians won’t be likely to test for it. I found this out first hand, after a pretty scary couple of weeks. On the first day that I really noticed anything, I woke … Continue reading

How Do I Resume My Fitness Routine After An Injury?

I sprained my knee about 4 weeks ago. I want to get back into my fitness routine, but I am not sure how to go about it. How do I start exercising again without risking reinjury? You will want to make sure that you are at a point to start again safely. You will want to get your doctor’s advice and permission to proceed with your workout routine. Your doctor is a professional and he will know if it is safe to do so. Do not worry that you are starting back at square one. You would have to be … Continue reading

Knee Pain

In case you haven’t noticed, a lot of my Health Blog articles are inspired by my own life. My interest in diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease come from years as a caretaker for my grandmother, who suffers from both (and other health issues). My brother and I struggled with asthma and allergies throughout our elementary school and high school years. When I twisted my ankle over the summer, I became fascinated with strains, sprains, and fractures. Lately my body has offered me another topic to write on: knee pain. I get periodic knee pain — partly, I think, because I tend … Continue reading

Arthritis could Cause Knee Replacements to Rise

Experts predict that the number of hip and knee replacements performed in the United States could skyrocket over the next seven years. Why? A larger elderly population in the country — seventy-six million Americans will hit retirement age in 2008. An increase in arthritis in the American population. Arthritis affects more than forty-six million Americans each year and is most common in older adults. An increase in obesity among Americans — every one pound of weight on your body means three or more pounds of pressure on your knees. Carrying extra weight can also make you more likely to develop … Continue reading

Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Humans

Over in the Pets Blog, I’ve been talking quite a bit about glucosamine and chondroitin for pets with joint issues like arthritis and hip dysplasia. But glucosamine and chondroitin can be helpful for humans with joint issues, too! Glucosamine and chondroitin are part of normal, healthy cartilage — the stuff that acts as a cushion between the bones in a joint. They are available separately or together in tablet, powder, and liquid form. Glucosamine naturally occurs in the shells of shellfish and is also available in synthetic forms. Chondroitin occurs naturally in some animal cartilage and can also be synthesized … Continue reading

Great Uses For Lemons

Lemons are a delicious addition to drinks, meat and soups. They are cheap and easy to find. But are there other ways you can use a lemon besides the traditional flavor boost to drinks and other foods? The are lots of other ways to use this delicious citrus fruit. Coffee Stains You know what I’m talking about. Those stains that look unsightly on the inside of your coffee pot, carafe or thermos? Want to remove those stains? Just add a couple of lemon wedges, ice cubes and salt. Stir it all together vigorously. The acid in that lemon juice will … Continue reading

20 Minute Power Abs

20 minutes a day can really help you with your abdominal. For those of you who feel like your mid-section is in the worst shape, be aware that health wise excess abdominal fat is actually the worst kind of fat period. The mid-section houses two of your most important organs involved in fat metabolism and the process of sugar. Your liver and your kidneys can actually become ‘squished’ in too much abdominal fat and this reduces their effectiveness. Women, especially, are in danger of type 2 diabetes because of excessive abdominal fat according to the American Dietetic Association. Now to … Continue reading