Tag: inflammation
Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
Do you feel really comfortable with your current rheumatologist? Are you able to discuss all of your questions and concerns with your rheumatologist? If the answer to these questions is no; you are not alone. A surprising number of patients report that they fell rushed when they visit the doctor’s office and often leave without understanding what was discussed during the visit. It is important to be able to communicate with your physician at your visit. Your health is at stake.
It is a good idea to make sure that before your next visit you are prepared. If you have blood work that is due near the time of the appointment make sure it is done and the doctor has had the opportunity to look at the results before your appointment so that you can discuss the results while you are there. Make a list of questions/concerns for the doctor. Prioritize the list so that you cover the most important questions first. If you do not completely understand the doctor’s response to your question, let them know. Don’t be afraid to ask them to clarify something for you. If the doctor wants follow up testing or changes in medication, make sure you understand any side effects and/or necessary information you may need ( ie. time of day to take meds or have test done, fasting, non fasting, etc…) before you leave the office. If you feel as though you did not have all your questions answered at the visit; don’t be afraid to call the office and ask for the doctor to call you back when he/she is free to answer your questions.
If you have done all this and still do not have your questions answered, your concerns addressed, or if you feel you are not being heard, and are rushed, it may be time to find a new doctor! My first rheumatologist was an extremely intelligent doctor, and a professor at an Ivy League University but we did not communicate well with each other. After interviewing several other doctors I found a rheumatologist that is the right fit for me. I am comfortable discussing all my issues with my physician and I always feel like her focus is on my wellness at all times. My questions are always answered, I never feel rushed and I always feel that my health is of paramount importance to her. It may take some time to find the right rheumatologist, but it is well worth the effort.
Tags: annual routine, arthritis, arthritis pain, health, inflammation, joint pain, RA, rheumatoid, rheumatoid arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis RA
Posted in Autoimmue Disease, Coping, Decisions, Lesson Learned, Rheumatoid Arthritis RA, Solutions, Wellness | 2 Comments »
Friday, October 16th, 2009
- Meditation: Meditation can lower your blood pressure, enhance your immune system, relax muscles help you deal with stress. And lets face it pain is stressful. Start with just 5 to 10 minutes a day and gradually work up to 20 to 30 minutes a day. You will be surprised what a difference it will make in how you feel. Find a quiet place where there are not likely to be any interruptions. I try to get in some time before the kids wake up. Sit in a comfortable position. Close your eyes. Focus on your breath; the coolness as you breathe in and the warm exhale. Try to keep the inhalation and exhalation the same length. Start with your feet and focus on the sensation of relaxation. Now move up to your legs, stomach, arms, and shoulders,. With each exhale feel the tension leave your body. Now relax the corners of your mouth, the outer corners of your eyes relax outward. Stay like this focusing on the inhalation and exhalation, try to empty your mind. It takes practice to be able to shut out the world for a little while, but it is well worth the effort.
- Pamper Yourself: Sit down and enjoy a nice warm cup of tea. Take a long soothing soak in the tub. ( provided getting in and out is not an issue ) Try a nice paraffin wax for your hands. The warmth feels wonderful and your hands end up so soft and smooth when you are done. Schedule a spa day with your best friend. Indulge in an afternoon nap. Do something that makes you feel good.
- Move your body: Exercise is a must to help with pain reduction. Find an exercise that you enjoy and you are more likely to stick with it. Start with something that you can do now. Begin with some stretches and add a few isometrics to gain some strength gradually increasing the time and level of activity. Be carefule to listen to what your body is telling you. Do not continue if you are experiencing pain. Remember that consistency is the key.
- Laugh: We’ve all heard that laughter is the best medicine. Well it turns out that laughter is exactly what we need when dealing with pain. Laughter causes the pituitary gland in the brain to release pain suppressing compounds. So watch a funny movie or tell a good joke !
- Listen to your favorite music: Studies have shown a significant reduction in pain and depression for patients with arthritis who listen to music. So crank up the tunes and enjoy!
Tags: Add new tag, arthritis pain, depression, exercise, immune system, inflammation, joint pain, laughter, Meditation, music, pace, pain reduction, pamper, RA, Rheumatoid Arthritis RA
Posted in Solutions, Wellness | 4 Comments »
Wednesday, September 16th, 2009
One of my favorite healthy snacks this time of year is the pomegranate. The kids and I just love to pick at the little gems and eat the sweet, crunchy seeds just as nature made them.
Pomegranates are native to the mediterranean region and are a good source of vitamins A, C, E , folic acid and potassium. The name “pomegranate” in Latin is translated as seeded apple. The polyphenols in pomegranate juice are antioxidants that can prevent and repair oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
In a recent study funded in part by the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine researchers from Case Western Reserve University studied the effect that the dietary supplement made from pomegranate extract called POMx had on an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in mice. The mice were treated before and after the arthritis was induced. The mice that were treated with the POMx before the induced arthritis had significantly reduced incidence and severity of disease than the untreated mice. In mice that were treated to exhibit arthritis symptoms before receiving the POMx, the effected joints showed less inflammation and less destruction of cartilage and bone that those that did not receive the POMx.Future studies will test the disease modifying effects of POMx on mice that have been treated to mimic the symptoms of RA.
Pomegranates are available in the market in the northern hemisphere from September to February. In the southern hemisphere you can find them from March to May but the juice is available year round.
Tags: antioxidant, arthritis, Case Western Reserve University, folic acid, health, inflammation, liver health, National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, pain, polyphenol, pomegranate, POMx, RA, rheumatoid, rheumatoid arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis RA, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamins
Posted in Autoimmue Disease, Diet/Nutrition, Health/Fitness, Rheumatoid Arthritis RA, Solutions, Wellness | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
Strawberries are at their peak of sweetness in this part of the planet right now. Strawberries are sweet and delicious and great for fighting inflammation as well. They are loaded with vitamin C and Manganese. Strawberries also have Iodine, Potassium, Folate and Vitamins B2, B5 & B6 as well as Vitamin K, Omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium and copper.
Strawberries lower blood levels of C-reactive protein in the blood. C-reactive protein signals inflammation and is high in RA and lupus patients when they are experiencing a flare. At the Harvard School of Public Health, researchers found that women who ate 16 or more strawberries per week were 14 percent more likely to have lower levels of this protein than non strawberry eaters.
It is important to note that strawberries are known to be heavily treated with pesticides. When in comes to strawberries it is organic or nothing for me.
Tags: anti-inflammatory, arthritis, C-reactive protein, flare, folate, Harvard School of Public Health, immune system, inflammation, lupus, manganese, omega 3, potassium, RA, rheumatoid, Rheumatoid Arthritis RA, vitamin C, vitamins
Posted in Autoimmue Disease, Decisions, Diet/Nutrition, Good News!, Health/Fitness, Rheumatoid Arthritis RA, Solutions, Wellness | 4 Comments »
Friday, August 7th, 2009
Tags: arthritis, Enbrel, Humira, inflammation, inhibitor, Remicade, rheumatoid, Rheumatoid Arthritis RA, Simponi, TNF
Posted in Autoimmue Disease, Decisions, News, Rheumatoid Arthritis RA | 2 Comments »
Friday, July 24th, 2009
Turmeric has been used as a treatment for inflammation for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional Indian medicine that is practiced elsewhere as an alternative medicine. Turmeric is the spice that gives curry it’s distinctive flavor and color and is also used in making mustard and pickles. Turmeric comes from the root of the curcuma longa plant and is related to ginge
r.
Turmeric is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals that can damage healthy cells and cell membranes. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and in recent studies decreased the duration of morning stiffness for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
The University of Arizona College of Medicine study found that turmeric inhibits a transcription factor, which is a protein that controls when genes are switched on or off. Once activated it binds to genes that produce inflammatory proteins that can result in joint damage. This study suggests that turmeric may be useful in fighting inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis as well as other diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and asthma.
If you are looking for a natural way to decrease inflammation, turmeric is a good place to start.
Tags: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, arthritis, asthma, curry, inflammation, joint damage, MS, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid, Rheumatoid Arthritis RA, turmeric
Posted in Autoimmue Disease, Diet/Nutrition, Good News!, Health/Fitness, Rheumatoid Arthritis RA, Wellness | 3 Comments »
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