Volume 4 - Issue 9

Featured Content from The Arthritis & Glucosamine Resource Center

1. Fueling up with Water: The New Twist
   We have always been told that drinking eight 8-oz. glasses of water a day is essential to good health. As well, we have always been told that drinking soft drinks, coffee, tea and other liquid substitutes is not the answer.
2. The Research Backing Glucosamine
   Glucosamine works to stimulate joint function and repair. It is beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis, the most prevalent type of arthritis. A number of studies over the last 20 years have shown this.
3. Can Fido or Fluffy make it as Vegetarians? (part 2)
   In our last article we talked about the importance of diet. If your pet has arthritis or joint-related problems, it becomes very important to do the right thing with diet. (Of course, it is for all pets.)

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Sitting Down?

I have said many times that exercise is extremely important for those who suffer from osteoarthritis. It is especially important for those that are less active or work in an environment that is sedentary.

In fact, if the doctors in this country were paying attention to their pain management patients in terms of their activity, it would change the picture enormously. As it is, little if any attention is given to this important issue. It is important enough to warrant a look at some things you can do to help yourself.

Using Computers and Arthritis Pain
Of course if you are reading this information, you are using a computer. And, some of you spend a great deal of time doing that. For those with osteoarthritis, using a computer for extended lengths of time can cause some problems. This is especially so if you are experiencing pain in your neck and shoulders or lower back.

Keeping it "online" in more ways than one
Try to keep your computer screen directly in front of you and align your chair so that you are centered on the screen. (Your screen should be at eye level.) Your screen should be at eye level. Sit up straight and plant your feet directly below you at a 90-degree angle. That is the ideal position to be working from. When your computer and chair are not in the correct position, you increase chances of causing strain in your neck and lower back. Don't overlook this simple step because it can make a huge difference.

Sitting Down and Moving it Around
Pay attention to something more than the screen in front of you. Stretch out your arms and shoulders. Move your arms around occasionally. Make an effort to just "stretch upright" from time to time. In other words, stretch your spine.

If you use your computer for long periods of time, take a break every thirty minutes or so. Reach back with both hands and grasp your lower back on both sides. When you do this, pull back slowly with your shoulders and stretch out and up. Do this five to ten times.

More Simple Exercises
From time to time, stretch out your arms and fingers in front of you. When you reach that extended position, hold it for 5-10 seconds and then relax. While keeping your arms out in that position, make a very tight fist with the top of your hand in the upward position. Then, slowly turn your fists downward and hold that position counting to five. Repeat that five to ten times as well.

Your Neck and Head
It is also a good idea to move your neck and head from time to time. Keeping your shoulders down, slowly move your right ear toward your right shoulder. Once you have extended yourself as far as you can, move back up so you are in an upright position again. Repeat this exercise on the left side. Again, do this five to ten times.

There is a variation on this little technique as well. Before you do the above exercise, lower your chin toward your chest and then begin that movement to the right and left.

This simple little "exercise" will help you with lower back pain. The person who sits at their computer and simply keeps their head in an upright position without these exercises is increasing their chances of both neck and lower back pain. They don't take much time and they are certainly worth the small effort you put into them.

These simple steps can make a big difference. Invest the time to do these stretches, exercises and moves. You will be more than a little surprised at what a difference it makes.

See you next time.

We invite you to participate in our Arthritis Message Board Community. You can learn about arthritis, ask questions, get feedback, make friends, and build a support network of fellow arthritis sufferers. Visit the Arthritis Message Boards today!

Italian Tortellini Soup A tasty, filling soup for any season. Packed with fresh ingredients this quick hearty soup is sure to please. Great for a large party or leftovers for lunch. 4 14-ounce cans of beef broth 7 cups water 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces 8 ounces frozen beef tortellini 8 ounces frozen cheese tortellini 8 ounces cabbage, shredded 1 small green bell pepper, chopped 1 zucchini, sliced 1 small red onion, sliced 1 14-ounce can whole tomatoes, crushed 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Bring all ingredients except Parmesan cheese to a boil in a stockpot; reduce heat. Simmer for 15 minutes. Ladle into soup bowls; sprinkle with cheese.

Italian Tortellini Soup Serves 20. Per Serving: Calories 137; Fat 6 g; Cholesterol 32 mg; Fiber 1g; Sodium 897 mg Find this and other recipes at The Arthritis Foundation

These past months in The Arthritis Chronicle, I've talked about my Eight Day Arthritis Ecourse that I had written. I had originally intended to give this informational course away free for only one issue, but due to the tremendous response and good word of mouth this course has brought, I have decided to give it away at no charge.

This Arthritis Course is packed with quality information on what you should know before you talk to your doctor, the arthritis diagnosis, treatment options, treatment side effects, glucosamine, tips on proper diets and exercise, weight management, alternative options, and an easy to understand explanation of what exactly arthritis is, how it occurs, and the effect on cartilage including a discussion of chondrocytes, collagen, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and synovial fluid.

If you are committed to taking the right steps towards effectively easing arthritis pain and knowing all your options, then this course will be extremely helpful to you.

The course is spread out over an eight day period and a new part of the course is sent each day right to your email inbox.

Once you begin your course above, you will receive one article each day delivered right to your email inbox. The daily topics are:

1. The Arthritis Diagnosis
2. Osteoarthritis Explained
3. Exercise, Diet, and Weight
4. Cox-II Inhibitors and NSAIDs
5. So What is Glucosamine?
6. How to Evaluate Glucosamine Products
7. Alternative Arthritis Methods
8. Your New Arthritis Plan

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This concludes the September Issue of The Arthritis Chronicle. Look for the next issue in your inbox on October 1st, 2004! Please forward to any friends you know who have arthritis and would be interested.

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Have a great September from the Arthritis Chronicle
See you next month!

Please note:
As readers of this Chronicle are aware, prudent exercise benefits those who suffer from arthritis. Most of the exercise recommendations made here are low impact in nature and designed to assist those who suffer from arthritis. Nonetheless, we always recommend that you consult with your physician before engaging in any type of exercise program.