Prevent arthritis in women with these simple ways!

From Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Arthritis is a painful medical condition in the form of inflammation of joints that leads to severe pain, swelling and stiffness. This condition is more common in women than men, but with some early initiatives arthritis can be prevented or its progress slowed down.
Here are some ways to prevent arthritis in women which we all should be aware of:

The best-known and most important risk factor for arthritis is excess body weight. So, one should maintain a healthy weight as it helps reduce the risk of developing this condition.

Avoid injuries

One of the best ways to prevent arthritis is to avoid injuries as it may cause damage to the cartilage near the joints to bring on the crippling disease.

Check your vitamin D

People should frequently check their vitamin D levels by consulting doctors as it can prevent arthritis.

Drink lots of water

One should drink lots of water daily as staying hydrated helps prevent arthritis, because the cartilage needs an adequate supply of water to cushion the joints.

Exercise

Regular exercise is a must if you want to prevent arthritis as it helps keep the weight off, and also builds up muscles in areas around the joints for protection.

Healthy diet

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C as they may help prevent osteoarthritis. Vitamin C supplements also helps increase bone density.

http://zeenews.india.com/health/prevent-arthritis-in-women-with-these-simple-ways-1935083

Living with arthritis

From southcoastherald.co.za

THE most important thing for those affected by arthritis is how to control the disease so that their lives are as easy and pain-free as possible.

As there are more than 150 different types of arthritis, it is understandable that each case has to be carefully diagnosed and treated and the patient needs to have a reliable and sympathetic support system available to them every single day.

There are three important factors to remaining active and mobile:
*Be positive and not let the disease dominate;
*Exercise regularly without putting too much pressure on the bones and joints in the body;
*Maintain a healthy balanced diet (lots of vegetables and white meat instead of red and wherever possible to reduce the acid levels in the body).
Obviously it is also vitality important to have expert medical help and guidance and there are a number of specialist rheumatologists in the country in private and state hospitals and private practices.

Each person’s pain is distinct and therefore drugs and other medication administered react differently on different people. The fact of the matter is that you need to find the medication that is right for you.

It is important for patients to give their doctor regular feedback as to how they are feeling, what side effects they may be experiencing and any other useful information such as mobility and pain, so that their doctor can make an accurate treatment programme for the patient or adjust an existing one.
Some patients might benefit from making a few short notes beforehand so that they don’t forget to mention important points.

Budget levels regarding medication also vary from patient to patient so it is   important that your doctor knows what you can afford.

http://southcoastherald.co.za/143954/living-with-arthritis/

Why your joints hurt the most in the morning

By Bel Marra Health

You’ve just had a refreshing good night’s sleep, but you can’t seem to get yourself out of bed because your joints hurt so badly. Why is this happening? Morning joint stiffness is a common problem among the elderly, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a normal part of aging.
You may be experiencing morning stiffness if you are not physically active or overweight, if you have sleeping troubles, or if you live in a cold and damp area. Or, it can be a symptom of another condition that needs to be addressed, so again, no reason to rule morning stiffness out just as part and parcel of getting old.

Why do my joints hurt most in the morning?

You would think that after eight hours of rest your joints would feel better, but this prolonged period of stillness can actually increase stiffness. When we’re asleep, the fluid that keeps our joints lubricated is unevenly distributed in the joint space. As a result, some areas do not get properly lubricated, which can lead to stiffness.
In addition, while at rest, the joint cartilage soaks up this fluid, again resulting in decreased lubrication. On the other hand, when we are moving around, the fluid keeps lubricating the joints uniformly.

Conditions that lead to joint stiffness

Arthritis is a common condition that affects the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, some stem from simple wear and tear of the joints, while other types are actually autoimmune conditions. Experiencing stiffness for an hour or more could be one of the first signs of arthritis.
The two main types of arthritis many of us are familiar with are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage between the two bones breaks down due to wear and tear. As a result, the bones rub together and you experience pain and stiffness. Morning stiffness is quite severe, but as you carry on with your day, the pain somewhat decreases.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system starts attacking the healthy joints. This leads to inflammation and stiffness. In rheumatoid arthritis, stiffness can last for hours and, similarly to osteoarthritis, is usually worse in the morning.
If you’re concerned about your morning stiffness, you will want to check with your doctor. Morning stiffness, as mentioned, can be a sign of other health conditions, so the sooner you have yourself checked out, the sooner you will start feeling better.

http://www.belmarrahealth.com/joints-hurt-morning/

Two Strategies for Handling the Pain of Arthritis

By Cindy Hallgren

According to the Arthritis Foundation, "'arthritis is not a single disease; it is an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease.'" With more than 100 different types, arthritis affects people of all ages, and it's the leading cause of disability in the United States. Learn more about arthritis and how you can manage the pain.

Two types of arthritis: OA vs. RA
OA stands for "osteoarthritis," which refers to the wearing out of cartilage that cushions a joint. Normal cartilage allows the bones forming a joint to move freely against one another and without causing friction. Severe arthritis causes the wearing away or cracking of this smooth cartilage that covers the ends of the bones and leads to the bones rubbing against each other causing chronic pain and decreased function. This type of arthritis can cause a "grinding" sensation when you move and may cause a constant, dull aching pain in the joint. Swelling and stiffness often occur. OA is one of the most common types of arthritis that is diagnosed. There are several factors which are believed to contribute to the development of OA, including age, obesity, overuse, heredity, and other diseases. In contrast to OA, RA is rheumatoid arthritis, a more complicated diagnosis. RA is a systemic disease, which means it affects the entire body. It is an autoimmune disease. Normally your immune system protects the body from disease. In RA, it is thought that the immune system turns against your body. Different from OA, RA affects the synovial membrane, or the inner lining of the joint capsule, which acts as a lubricant to decrease friction and wear in the joint. The synovial membrane becomes hot, swollen, and painful. The disease gradually destroys the cartilage, bone, and other parts of the joint. RA symptoms include joint and muscle pain, morning stiffness, swelling and tenderness in several joints, fatigue, fever, and decreased appetite which can cause weight loss.

Treating Arthritis Pain at Early Stages
So, what can be done to treat your joint pain? Initially, physicians will proceed with non-surgical treatment first. This may include resting the joint, receiving physical therapy treatments, using heat and cold, splinting or bracing, and taking NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Motrin, and Advil. Your physician may prescribe physical therapy for you to help build strength to better support the joint, to teach you ways to reduce your pain, and to offer advice to you about recommended equipment. Completing physical therapy during this time may allow you to help delay a surgery. Whether a surgery is needed at this point or not, doing the exercises will prove beneficial to your post-surgical recovery. It may also be recommended for you to receive cortisone-like injections in the joint. If these treatments do not help, it may be time to consider total joint replacement surgery.

Total Joint Replacements for Arthritis

If you are finding that your everyday life activities and sleep are affected, your quality of life is worsening, and your joint pain is increasing, then total joint surgery may be the answer.
What is total joint surgery or arthroplasty? Total joint surgery is removal of the damaged or diseased portion of a joint and then replacing the surfaces with an artificial joint or prosthesis. Whatever the joint being replaced, the prostheses are made of strong metal and durable plastic components. They can be attached to your existing bone with cement or may be made of a porous material that will encourage your own bone to grow into the prosthesis.
The #1 goal of this surgery is improve your quality of life. Research is finding that the prostheses, or joint replacement device, for total joints can last more than 20 years, and the increase in your quality of life is maintained for at least seven years or more following surgery depending on the type of prosthesis.
Some facts to know about the surgery are that it generally takes about 60 to 75 minutes to complete, and the total healing time after surgery is about 15 months. Will you have pain after total joint surgery? The answer is yes. Will this pain resolve and allow you to resume a more active lifestyle? The answer is yes again.
Following your total joint replacement surgery, physical therapy will be involved to evaluate your needs and work with you to establish an optimal treatment plan to return you to your life's daily activities. Physical therapy will assist you in decreasing your pain, improving your muscle strength, increasing your range of motion, teaching you the proper exercises to do, and instructing you in the use of any equipment that you may need. Besides physical therapy, there will be a number of health care professionals working with you before and after surgery to help with your care.
So, if your joint pain is stopping you from enjoying your life and you have tried other avenues to reduce that pain, why not investigate the option of replacing that painful joint?

https://www.cantonmercy.org/blogs/healthchat/two-strategies-handling-pain-arthritis

Rugby star Lowe still spreading the word about learning to live with arthritis

By Wayne Martin

It's Arthritis Awareness Week and as an ambassador for Arthritis New Zealand, Tasman Makos and Chiefs rugby winger James Lowe continues to provide hope for sufferers across the country.
In 2007, the now 24-year-old Lowe was diagnosed with a form of juvenile arthritis. Early remission was followed by a relapse in late 2008, which effectively put him out of action until March 2009.
However, Lowe did not let it stop him from following his dream of a rugby career.
A star fullback with the Nelson College First XV in 2009 and 2010, he was selected for the New Zealand Schools team in his final year at college and made his debut for the Tasman Makos in 2012. He was then named in the Chiefs Super Rugby squad for 2014 and in the Maori All Blacks team for a two-match tour to Japan.
Two years ago, Lowe received the Young Achiever Award at the Arthritis New Zealand Awards function in Christchurch. This award identifies the achievements and potential of a young person affected by arthritis.

He's been taking medication to help control the disease since he was 15 years old and now takes pills twice a week and has an injection once a week as part of his regular regime.
"I'm at a stage now where I can manage it a lot better," Lowe said. "As good as the pills are...I'm using them as sparingly as I can. I can still feel it when I haven't taken the medication in a while, that's for sure.
"Arthritis doesn't discriminate, it doesn't matter how old you are, you can get it at all stages of life. It's [about] understanding that you're not alone and there are avenues that you can explore and you can meet people who are in the exact same boat.
"I always get messages on Facebook about it from young kids...and I just make a couple of phone calls and it makes [everyone] feel a lot better."
There are 530,000 New Zealanders living with arthritis. There is no cure, but it can usually be managed, and most people with arthritis can continue to lead productive and fulfilling lives.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/sport/84396296/rugby-star-lowe-still-spreading-the-word-about-learning-to-live-with-arthritis

Clinton's and Trump's Health: 5 Common Health Issues for People Their Age

By Laura Geggel

Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump may not have much in common, but there is at least one thing they share: their age. Clinton is 68, and Trump is 70; and although many people in this age group are relatively healthy, others face more health problems than they might have in their younger years.
Both candidates still fall into the "younger older adult" age group of 65 to 74, said Debra Rose, director of the Centre for Successful Aging and a professor of kinesiology at California State University, Fullerton. However, she noted that a person's chronological age (the number of years he or she has lived) doesn't always match his or her biological age (how the body's biological systems are functioning).

"You may have an 80-year-old chronologically, who is functioning biologically at the level of a 65-year-old," Rose said. "You might make a comment like, 'My goodness; you're doing really well for your age.'"
It's unclear what Clinton's and Trump's biological ages are, but there are data showing which health problems are most common among people of their chronological age.
In the United States, the top five causes of death among people ages 65 and older are heart disease, malignant cancers, respiratory diseases, strokes and Alzheimer's disease, according to a 2014 report from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

However, more people are living to at least age 65 than in the past. In the 1970s, about 10 percent of the U.S. population was 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2010, this age group made up 13 percent of the total U.S. population, and is projected to constitute 20 percent of the U.S. population by 2030, according to a U.S. Census and 2013 CDC report.
These days, Americans live to an average age of 78.8 years, a 2014 CDC report found.
"The age of 60 is not what the age of 60 was 50 years ago," said Dr. Gisele Wolf-Klein, director of geriatric education at Northwell Health in Great Neck, New York. "For many of them, it's actually midlife."
Still, old age is often riddled with chronic health problems, even for the so-called younger older adults. For instance, doctors recently diagnosed Clinton with pneumonia, and a medical letter on Trump's health shows that he takes a statin to lower his low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol.

While Clinton and Trump don't necessarily have other health problems common in their age group, both Rose and Wolf-Klein listed five pervasive health problems that people older than 65 often experience. 1. Arthritis
Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 conditions that affect joints or the tissues that surround them, according to the CDC. Oftentimes, people with arthritis experience stiffness in or around their joints. About half of adults ages 65 and older have arthritis, according to a CDC report that looked at data from 2010 to 2012.
2.  Heart disease
Heart disease includes coronary artery disease, which affects blood flow to the heart, and can lead to a heart attack, the CDC says. It also includes high blood pressure (known as hypertension) and stroke. Just under 30 percent of people ages 65 and older had heart disease in 2013 and 2014, the CDC reported. Meanwhile, 8 percent of this age group had experienced a stroke, the report said. [The Best Way to Lose Weight Safely]
3. Obesity
People who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher are considered obese, according to the CDC. People with obesity are at increased risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, including breast cancer in post-menopausal women, colon and rectal cancer, uterine cancer and kidney cancer, Dr. Seun Sowemimo, a bariatric surgeon and obesity expert at CentraState Medical Centre in Freehold, New Jersey, told Live Science in 2015.
About 36 percent of men ages 65 to 74 are obese, and about 40 percent of women ages 65 to 74 are obese, the CDC reported.
4. Vision and hearing problems
As people age, their sight and hearing typically fade. Vision problems that are common in older people include cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and complications from diabetes. About 12 percent of people ages 65 and older had moderate or extreme vision loss, according to CDC data from 2006 to 2008.
Almost 25 percent of people ages 65 to 74, and 50 percent of people 75 and older, have disabling hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
5. Accidents
Even if an older person is healthy, an unexpected fall or accident can lead to broken bones or head injuries. Every year, at least 300,000 people ages 65 and older in the U.S. are hospitalized for hip fractures, and more than 95 percent of hip fractures are caused by falls, the CDC reported. Moreover, after a fall, many people become afraid of falling. This can cause people to do fewer activities, and lose muscle strength as a consequence, the CDC reported.

http://www.livescience.com/56112-clinton-trump-common-health-problems-old-age.html

16-Year-Old Bikes 1,800 Miles For Arthritis Research

By Emily Thornton

Ivan Schmidt is a 16-year-old with a mission — bike 1,800 miles in about 28 days and raise $2,500 for rheumatoid arthritis research and awareness.
Schmidt spent part of his summer, starting July 6, riding his Novara Randonee touring bicycle from Surrey, B.C., Canada to Tijuana, Mexico. He presented the check last Thursday to the Arthritis National Research Foundation’s office in Long Beach.
His inspiration was his grandmother, who he said he calls “Obachan,” as her Japanese name is difficult to translate. She has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis since 1992.

“I’ve done other charity things for arthritis research,” Schmidt said.
But he said it was time to do something bigger. After riding a 210-mile family trip last year, he said he felt ready.
“I figured it’s only nine times as long, so shouldn’t be that difficult,” he said. “But I didn’t really count for how hilly California is. That’s what really made the difference.”
Schmidt said he and his father, Mark Schmidt — who accompanied him — probably climbed about 90,000 feet by the end. His aunt Gretchen Schmidt, cousin Connor Zinda, and grandfather Gerald Schmidt also rode part of the way.
“I didn’t really feel much in the legs for awhile,” Ivan said.
The soreness became normal and they kept going.
“You kind of develop a base level of soreness,” Mark echoed.
The pain came despite being in relatively good shape — Ivan runs cross-country for his high school and the pair had taken weekend trips in preparation.
“We started about six months prior, around Christmas time,” he said. “We’d ride 50 or 60 miles a day, going on weekend trips as general training.”
In May, Ivan said he began collecting money and launched a GoFundMe page to raise $2,000.
“I surpassed by goal,” he said. “I was raising before, during and after the trip.”
When he told his friends, he said they didn’t believe him.
“They thought I was joking at first,” he said. “I still think some of them don’t believe me.”

But when he finished?
“A lot of them were pretty shocked,’ he said. “Hopefully they sort of look up to me.”
He added he hopes it sparks something.
“People don’t have to ride 70 miles a day like we did,” he said. “Maybe something more leisurely, like 50 miles. Younger people should be more active.”
As for himself, he said he doesn’t have any big plans.
“My dad jokes about a long ride across the country,” he said. “But for right now, I’m just going to think about the positiveness from this trip, let it all sink in.”
After all, he said he accomplished his goal so far.
“I was trying to promote awareness of how difficult it is for someone else who has arthritis to do this,” Schmidt, who lives in Pasadena, said. “Doing all these marathons and bike trips makes you appreciate being healthy, being able to do something like this.”

http://www.gazettes.com/entertainment/year-old-bikes-miles-for-arthritis-research/article_abcb0946-7a9a-11e6-be5d-cf25583bea8d.html

Why rain really could make aches worse

From iol.co.za

When Granny claimed she could feel a change of weather in her bones, she may have been on to something.
For doctors say it seems there really might be a link between the weather and pain.

A study suggests dull, rainy days may be particularly painful for those who suffer from arthritis, chronic backache or migraines.
But cold weather did not seem to be a factor, despite people often blaming it when symptoms flare up. The study, called Cloudy With A Chance Of Pain (http://cloudywithachanceofpain.com), could lead to daily ‘pain forecasts’ similar to pollen warnings in weather reports for hay fever sufferers.
The 28 million Britons blighted by chronic pain could then better plan their lives, scheduling more demanding tasks for days when they should feel relatively well. In a talk at the British Science Festival in Swansea, the team behind the study said the idea that weather influences pain was thousands of years old. More than 80 per cent of arthritis patients still believe the two are linked.

Some blame rain, others the cold, changes in atmospheric pressure, strong winds or even lunar cycles. But no study had yet investigated the link in detail or attempted to pinpoint the most painful weather.
So, Manchester University experts created a mobile phone app which people with long-term pain conditions can download. Once a day they rate their pain and type in information about their mood and activities.
The researchers then put this data together with detailed weather information recorded automatically by the app.
More than 9,000 people have signed up since the programme was launched in February, and more are needed. But preliminary analysis of data provided by 100 men and women showed pain often eased between February and April, as the days got sunnier.
However, discomfort rose sharply in June – which this year was hot but also dull and wet. Dr Will Dixon, a consultant rheumatologist, said this suggests that temperature isn’t the key factor. Instead, rain and a lack of sunshine seem to fuel pain. One possibility is that we feel down when the weather is bad and this affects our perception of pain. Another is that atmospheric pressure also affects the distribution of fluids in the joints. Dr Dixon said: ‘Our early results have been encouraging so far ... and I think there is definitely a possible link. In terms of physiology, it makes sense that air pressure would influence pain – particularly in arthritis. Once the link is proven, people will have the confidence to plan their activities in accordance with the weather.’
Dr Stephen Simpson, of Arthritis Research UK, said: ‘Although this study is not yet complete, it is potentially exciting that the interim results indicate there might be correlation between the two.’ –Daily Mail

http://www.iol.co.za/scitech/science/news/why-rain-really-could-make-aches-worse-2065908

Report finds patients are unaware of help entitlement

From abdn.ac.uk

Research from the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society and the University of Aberdeen found that almost 90 percent of Rheumatoid Arthritis patients in Scotland felt the condition affected their daily lives yet they were unaware of help available to them from their local council.
The Scottish survey published today, 6 September, led jointly by Dr Kathryn R. Martin, Lecturer in Epidemiology and The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) explores the perception and use of social care by Scottish men and women living with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Almost half (44%) of respondents felt unable to work because of their disability.
The findings showed that the most common additional health problem of people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis was depression with many respondents concerned that they were a burden on their principal carer – usually family, which can then add to anxiety and depression.
Eighty-nine percent of people surveyed were unaware of what make them eligible for help with care and support from their local council.
In the report on the health and perceived social care needs of people with rheumatoid arthritis in Scotland’ 387 people with Rheumatoid Arthritis were surveyed, to gain greater understanding of the wider care and support needs of people with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Scotland and the factors which contribute to them.
Kathryn R. Martin, Lecturer in Epidemiology at the University of Aberdeen, UK said: “This report provides a snapshot of respondents’ current social care circumstances in Scotland. It highlights that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis lack fundamental information about qualifying for and accessing formal resources and services provided by their local council. This is especially crucial as respondents indicated they do not want to rely too heavily on others, like family or friends who are often the primary caregivers.
“It is important to ensure those with rheumatoid arthritis do not have unmet needs at any stage, from being newly diagnosed to having established rheumatoid arthritis, so that they can flourish at home, at work and in their leisure time.
“Ultimately the aim is to maximise independence and ensure greater quality of life for those living with rheumatoid arthritis.
“We look forward to continued collaboration with NRAS to better understand and improve the awareness of social care services to individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who live in Scotland.”
Sheila Macleod, Chair of the NRAS Scottish Campaigns Network, said:
“It is enormously encouraging that improved treatment and care for people living with rheumatoid arthritis make it possible for many to achieve remission and live full lives. But, given the potential high human and financial cost of this condition, it is vital that people are diagnosed and start treatment within the critical early period (12 weeks) where best results can be achieved.
“This report is welcome: it offers better understanding and promotes a swifter response leading to improved long-term outcomes for people with rheumatoid arthritis in Scotland.
“One of the ways in which early diagnosis could be prioritised in Scotland is with the introduction of early arthritis clinics, to get people into the system quicker once referred by GPs.”
Liam McArthur, Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Orkney, who is sponsoring a reception in the Scottish Parliament to highlight the findings of the report to fellow MSPs on Tuesday evening said:
“This report produced jointly by NRAS and the University of Aberdeen is a welcome example of the innovative social research needed to inform policy-making in Scotland.
“It is not surprising that most care needs are met informally by partners, friends and family.
“Advancements in treatment for rheumatoid arthritis over the last decade or so has thankfully meant fewer people with the condition than ever before will have functional disability, but we cannot be complacent.
“It remains very disappointing that the vast majority of those with rheumatoid arthritis did not know in which circumstance they might be eligible for care and support from their local council. Clearly more work must be done to address how formal care, where required, can enable people with rheumatoid arthritis to live their lives to the full.”

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/news/9903/

The Best Exercise for Arthritis, COPD, and Type 2 Diabetes

By Janet Lee

Exercise isn’t only for building muscle and losing weight anymore.
“If a pill could give you all the benefits of exercise, it would be the best pill around,” says Edward Laskowski, M.D., co-director of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine and a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Yet doctors underprescribe exercise—even when research shows that it can deliver comparable benefits to drugs and surgery with fewer side effects, according to a recent review in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Here’s how to safely get the disease-fighting benefits of exercise for arthritis, COPD, and type 2 diabetes:

Arthritis

Though the pain of arthritis, in which the protective cartilage at the ends of joints wears away, may make you want to avoid physical activity, the right exercise can ease discomfort. A 2015 Cochrane review of 54 studies found that people with knee arthritis who were enrolled in exercise programs—mostly involving both aerobics and strength training, but also tai chi—reported less pain and an improved ability to perform basic daily tasks compared with those who did no exercise.
Getting started. Good form is key with osteoarthritis, to avoid muscle imbalances that can worsen discomfort. A physical therapist or certified personal trainer can show you how to perform exercises properly so that you can then do them at home or at a gym on your own.
You can also check arthritis.org for arthritis-­friendly exercise classes. Aim for 150 weekly minutes of low-­impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
With strength training, pay close attention to your leg muscles if you have hip or knee arthritis. “Strong muscles take pressure off the joints and improve stability, which can help prevent falls,” Laskowski says. If pain persists or exercise makes it worse, see your doctor.

COPD

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a progressive illness that narrows airways and makes breathing difficult, might worry that exercise will make it even harder to catch their breath.
But by increasing overall fitness and helping to limit weight gain, it can improve breathing and reduce fatigue, according to Albert Rizzo, M.D., chief of Christiana Care Health System Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Section in Newark, Del.
Getting started. If your breathing isn’t stable or you have another condition such as heart disease, your doctor may want to evaluate you before okaying exercise. And some people may need supplemental oxygen during workouts.
If your COPD is milder, your doctor will either clear you to work out on your own or refer you to pulmonary rehabilitation to learn breathing techniques and exercise safety.
Try to build up to four or five weekly hour-long sessions, combining walking or stationary cycling with strength training. 

Type 2 Diabetes

Aerobic exercise and strength training can be almost as effective as some drugs in controlling blood sugar levels. For example, a 2012 JAMA study found that 9 percent of people with type 2 diabetes who combined an exercise program with dietary changes for two years eliminated their need for medication altogether.
Getting started. To avoid low blood sugar, time exercise around meals or insulin and always have a sugar-rich snack handy. If you have vision problems or altered sensation in your hands or feet, make sure you’re supervised at first.
Many hospitals have diabetes clinics or diabetes educators, and your doctor may be able to refer you to someone who develops workouts for people with diabetes.
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activities such as walking, biking, or swimming each week, in three to five sessions.
Strength training is important, too: The more muscle you have, the less likely you are to store excess glucose as fat, says Sheri Colberg, Ph.D., emeritus professor of exercise science at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., and a specialist in diabetes and exercise.

http://www.consumerreports.org/exercise-bikes/best-exercise-for-arthritis-COPD-diabetes/

Physical activity decreases inflammation linked to psoriatic arthritis

By Louise Gagnon

Various forms of exercise and proper nutrition can help patients with conditions like psoriatic arthritis better cope with chronic pain and improve their quality of life, says a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

"Chronic pain forces patients to think about the basics in their life like eating better, exercising more, and focusing on good sleep hygiene," says John Pereira MD, CCFP, a physician at the Calgary Chronic Pain Centre and President-Elect of the Pain Society of Alberta, speaking here at the annual meeting of the Canadian Dermatology Association about chronic pain management. "Patients will continue to have pain, but their quality of life can improve substantially."

Gradually taking up exercise is a way to lower levels of inflammation long-term, says Dr. Pereira. Some forms of activity, like supervised yoga, also enhance mental well-being and may ward off co-morbidities like depression, adds Dr. Pereira.

"The postures, deep breathing and mindfulness play a role in pain management," says Dr. Pereira, in an interview with Dermatology Times. 

Unfortunately, very little education about pain management has been part of the curriculum in most medical schools, notes Dr. Pereira. A 2011 study that included 117 US and Canadian medical schools found that US medical schools devote a median of nine teaching hours on pain and its management, compared to a median of 19.5 hours in Canada. As a percentage in the US, it represents 0.3% of the total curriculum hours.

Earlier this year, Nora Volkow, MD, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse in Bethesda, MD, told a senate hearing in the US that students studying veterinary medicine get "much more training on how to address pain" than medical students.

With the expansion in recent years of prescription opioids for patients who have chronic non-cancer pain, and with the associated risk of addiction, it is imperative to find other strategies to manage chronic non-cancer pain. While Dr. Pereira says opioids can have a role in pain management, it is critical to evaluate if patients are at high risk of addiction to opioids.

"The key is assessing patients carefully and making sure that alternative treatments have been considered," says Dr. Pereira. "We have useful screening tools to help identify which patients are more likely to develop aberrant drug behaviors.

"You can reach a point of diminishing returns with these medications," says Dr. Pereira. "Many patients are interested in natural approaches to pain management."

Natural approaches to control inflammation include carefully graded exercise and dietary modifications such as eating more fish high in omega-3 fats, according to Dr. Pereira.

Vinod Chandran, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Toronto, Staff Physician, Division of Rheumatology, University Health Network, suggests that dermatologists routinely enquire if their patients with psoriasis have sensations of pain, particularly joint pain.

"Patients (with psoriasis) may see a dermatologist and not mention that they are also having pain," says Dr. Chandran, a member of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. "Dermatologists should ask if patients have joint pain or swelling and back pain. If they say that they do, they should be sent to a rheumatologist."

If patients continue to go undiagnosed with arthritis, by the time they undergo x-rays, their arthritis may be quite advanced, stresses Dr. Chandran. "There needs to be early diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis," says Dr. Chandran.

Ideally, clinics should feature both dermatologists and rheumatologists to optimize management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, says Dr. Chandran. Failing an actual clinic, these specialists should be in virtual contact, which would expedite referral of patients from a dermatologist to a rheumatologist or the reverse, puts forth Dr. Chandran.

"If there is inflammatory pain, there needs to be management of the inflammation," says Dr. Chandran. "Even when patients are taking a biologic (therapy) to treat their psoriatic arthritis, it is important they maintain activity like stretching and yoga to maintain their mobility."

Patient with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have a high prevalence of metabolic co-morbidities, including obesity. These co-morbidities will improve if patients with psoriatic arthritis exercise regularly. If patients have depression, activity will likely improve their mood, says Dr. Chandran. "Depression is very common in these patients," he notes, adding many patients with psoriatic arthritis are in the prime of their life. "If you are more physically active, you are in a better mental state."

One of the challenges with psoriatic arthritis management is differentiating between inflammatory pain and mechanical pain, according to Dr. Chandran. 

"Many of our patients (with psoriatic arthritis) are overweight and obese, and they have mechanical joint and back pain associated with that," says Dr. Chandran.

Weight loss and strengthening core muscles through activity are ways to reduce pain (both inflammatory and mechanical) associated with arthritis, points out Dr. Chandran. If back pain becomes a major challenge, medications like non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed. In the setting of chronic musculoskeletal pain, Dr. Chandran notes the use of opioids is discouraged. Inflammatory pain also diminishes with weight loss and increased activity, says Dr. Chandran.

Patients with psoriatic arthritis can also experience cutaneous pain when their psoriasis is severe, notes Dr. Chandran. As a patient population, psoriatic arthritics appear to tolerate chronic pain better than patients with rheumatoid arthritis, says Dr. Chandran.

It was shown that patients with psoriatic arthritis have less tenderness when compared to patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

http://dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com/dermatology-times/news/physical-activity-decreases-inflammation-linked-psoriatic-arthritis?page=0,0