Joint pain: pain, soreness, inflammation, stiffness, or discomfort of a joint. A joint is designated as the meeting point where two or more bones come together, such as the elbow or knee. Joints allow your bones to move and are made up of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bursas (cushion), and the synovial membrane (joint lube). Joint pain can start due to a myriad of conditions and diseases ranging from moderate to severe seriousness and can occur with or without movement but may lead to limited movement.

Sudden joint pain is often a result of a muscle sprain or a dislocation. Chronic joint pain (lasting three months or more) can be a result of serious conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, leukemia, or bone cancer. Early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment and can greatly reduce discomfort and drop your risk of more serious complications.

Why: joint pain can come and go and be mild to moderate as a result of injury or strain and will respond well to rest and attentiveness. However, joint pain can also be intense and drawn out from harsh injury, infections (fever), chronic degenerative conditions (arthritis), and more. Some of these conditions, diseases, or disorders  can elevate and become life-threatening if not recognized and treated.

CAUSES:

Include but are not limited to:

Deterioration:

Deterioration of the joint structure can be caused by inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases:

• osteoarthritis

• tendinitis

• rheumatic fever

• rheumatoid arthritis

• fibromyalgia

• gout

• psoriasis

• ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation of joints between vertebrae)

• bursitis

• systemic lupus erythematosus

Injury:

Traumatic injury leads to intense joint pain:

• sprained ligaments

• torn ligaments

• dislocated joints

• separated joints

• repetitive motion

Infection:

Joint pain is present with many infectious diseases:

• influenza

• hepatitis

• syphilis

• measles

• mumps

• lyme disease

• osteomyelitis (bone infection)

• rubella

Other:

• bone cancer

• hemophilia

• hyperparathyroidism

Effects: joint pain can progress and become extreme or fade off dependant upon the cause. When joint pain is due to a serious disease, failure to seek treatment often leads to more complications. You must consult with your physician when any unexpected, irregular, or unfamiliar condition occurs and persists. If the issue is not addressed and no protocol is performed, complications such as disability, deformity, permanent damage, or poor quality of life can take place.

It is important to take care of your joints while you have healthy and smooth movement. Don’t be harsh on your body. If sports or intense physical activity have been your lifelong pursuit, allow for rest and rehabilitation periods to nurse your joints back to health. The inability to move pain free inhibits more than you know. Be aware of your physical activity as well as your exposure to your surroundings. 

Losing weight is the main goal of many people in today's North American society. However, it is crucial to diet properly and maintain an overall healthy lifestyle to best lose weight and feel more energized. Fortunately, to help get you started, here are 3 raw juices that help you lose weight:

1. Carrot juice

 Carrot juice is popular because it is easy to make and very tasty. With carrot juice, you do not even have to peel the carrots first as long as you rinse and scrub them thoroughly. By not peeling the carrots, you will be less wasteful overall.

 Carrot juice is an excellent source of Vitamin A, although it is actually known as carotene “provitamin A.” While carotene is completely safe, you can possibly turn a shade of orange if you consume too much of it since beta carotene is a natural coloring. The condition itself is called “carotenosis” and is perfectly harmless.

 If you want to try a simple recipe, you can try the carrot romaine. All you need is 6 large carrots and a single head of romaine. Combined together, it has a sweet flavor that is great for beginners or children.

 Another recipe you can try is the following:

 Greens and Carrots

• ½ head romaine leaves
• 4 large carrots
• 1 cucumber
• 5 large stalks of celery
• 4 stalks of kale

2. Beet juice

Beet juice is another excellent drink to have because it is rich in vitamins and minerals. Beets were also traditionally used as blood-building tonics by herbalists. However, you will need to peel the beets before using them in your juice since the peels taste bitter.

Just like with carrot juice, beets also contain natural coloring, and can color your bowel movements instead of your skin. It is very important to remember this fact before becoming alarmed. It is also handy to know that because of the coloring, beets are used as coloring agents in the food industry.

If you want to try a fruitier juice that contains beet, you can try the following:

Veggie Ginger Juice

• 1 beet
• 3 large carrots
• 1 green apple
• 1 large handful of parsley or spinach
• 1 inch of knob ginger
• 1 small cucumber
• 4 large stalks of celery

3. Cabbage juice

Cabbage juice is used to help with a variety of gastrointestinal illnesses, such as indigestion, spastic colon, chronic constipation, and colitis. Eating more from the cabbage family is also highly recommended by the American Cancer Society because of the protective effects against cancer.

If you want to try a cabbage juice, you can mix the following recipe:

Cool Cabbage Juice 

• ¼ head of red cabbage
• 1 cucumber
• 2 stalks of celery
• 1 carrot
• 1 cucumber
• 1 Granny Smith apple
• 1 cup of grapes
• 1 inch of fresh ginger root
• 1 handful of spinach
• ¼ peeled lemon

It is important to remember that drinking juice alone will not cause you to lose weight. However, with proper dieting and exercise, under the guidance of your medical provider, you can achieve a much healthier lifestyle.

Jennifer Fox loves the raw diet. She frequently shares her tips for sticking strictly to the raw diet on nutrition blogs. Click to learn more about the raw juice diet.

Nutrition and Diet Play a Major Role in Tooth Decay

By: Alison Aldridge

The Role of Sugar in Tooth Decay

Diet choices can play a huge role in helping to keep teeth free from disease. One of the major culprits of tooth decay is sugar. Modern diets contain a range of different sugars including sucrose, glucose, lactose, maltose and fructose. All these different sugars can be used by oral bacteria more or less equally, with the only exception being lactose or milk sugar. The World Health Organization has stated that these so-called free sugars should not contribute more than 10% of the daily energy intake, which equates to approximately 50 g. In the US soft drinks represent the largest source of sugar consumption, something that is a real problem.

Sugars in Healthy Foods and Sugar Substitutes

The sugars found in fruits and vegetables and whole-grain foods don't have such a major role to play in dental decay, and it is important to make the distinction between free sugars and sugars found in healthy foods. Sugar substitutes such as xylitol and sorbitol can be an important part of controlling tooth decay, and studies have found that chewing sugar-free gum containing xylitol after meals can help to stimulate saliva flow which in turn helps to protect against tooth decay.

Starchy Foods and Their Role in Tooth Decay

Some starchy foods can be highly refined, such as bananas, beans and peas, and can be consumed without cooking. These are broken down by enzymes in the saliva to release glucose and other simple sugars, which in turn will increase the acidity of the mouth, but these foods are not so unlikely to promote tooth decay as sugary foods. Cooked starchy foods such as rice, bread and potatoes will also release some sugars, but once again their potential for promoting tooth decay is far less than sugary foods. However this potential can increase quite considerably if sugars are added to starchy foods as in the case of cakes, cookies and breakfast cereals. In general the less refined starches are better for teeth, especially those that require a substantial amount of chewing as this will help stimulate saliva production.

Fruits and Tooth Decay

Although a lot of fresh fruit is quite sweet, there is little evidence that it can promote tooth decay unless it is consumed in excessive quantities. It's a bit of a different story for dried fruits, as the drying process tends to release free sugars, increasing the risk of tooth decay. While fresh fruit might not promote tooth decay, it can lead to acid erosion which is something slightly different.

The Role of Oral Hygiene in Preventing Tooth Decay

Oral hygiene has an important part to play in preventing tooth decay, especially after something sugary has been eaten. It is important to brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, as fluoride will help to protect the surfaces of the teeth.

In fact fluoride has a very important role to play in helping to protect the teeth from decay. Its main effect is topical, and when fluoride is applied to the tooth enamel it helps to make it more resistant against the acids produced by plaque bacteria feeding of the sugars left over in the mouth. People with a diet high in sugars will be at an increased risk of tooth decay if they don't incorporate fluoride into their oral hygiene routine. It may also help to use fluoride mouthwash.

Resources:

http://www.findmydentist.com/articles/tooth-decay.html

Tooth decay (“dental caries”) is a complex disease process, caused by bacteria, and controlled by other important factors. These factors include what you consume for beverage and food, how your habits for flossing and brushing are, and your own personal willingness to keep your teeth healthy. Some problems to look for which may indicate tooth decay include, bad breath, discolored teeth, pain, sensitivity, abscessed teeth, or difficulty eating. Surprisingly, there are only two primary factors that cause tooth decay. These two factors include the amount of fluoride your teeth receive and your diet. Now that you are aware of tooth decay and what it is and how it is primarily conceived, you can now begin to take steps to prevent your teeth from decaying.

How can you prevent tooth decay? One way to reduce your risk for getting more cavities in the future is to drastically reduce the amount of sugar you eat and how often you eat refined carbohydrates, also known as sugar, per day. Generally you would want to keep your sugar intake between one and two servings a day. A serving is defined as an eating occasion. Each eating occasion is separated by a minimum of 20 minutes. Basically, if you eat breakfast at 9 am and have a bowl of cereal followed by a cinnamon bun, that is considered one serving. On the other hand, if you eat breakfast at 9 am and have a cinnamon bun at 9:20 am, that is considered two servings. This is also a good reason why you may want to try not to sip one cup of coffee throughout the whole day and rather consume the cup within 10 minutes. The servings are separated by 20 minutes simply because each time you eat the bacteria in your mouth are eating as well; it generally takes at least 20 minutes for the acid made by the sugar to clear from your mouth. The more this acid is produced the more likely you are to suffer from tooth decay. Another way to reduce the risk of tooth decay is to know what foods actually contain high levels of refined carbohydrates. Some examples include, chips, fruit juice, pretzels, and dried fruit. Even gum with sugar in it is terrible for your teeth.

A few other tips that can help reduce your chances of tooth decay are the following:

Limit the number of in-between meal snacks and limit your refined carbohydrate intake to mealtimes.

Use a toothpaste that has fluoride in it.

Use a fluoride mouth rinse at bedtime.

Check sugarless gum after meals.

Tooth decay is a very serious problem. Most people believe that as you get older it is quite normal to have tooth decay. This is untrue. Although it is not 100% inevitable, it is something you can educate yourself about in order to help slow down the process. There are many more tips to help you prevent tooth decay - knowledge is power!

If you would like more information about dental health and other related topics, please visit our blog at www.drjackschwartz.com.

Straight Talk on Shin Splints

Tibial stress syndrome—more commonly known as shin splints. If you are a recreational or avid runner, you may be familiar with the pain of shin splints. If not, you’re at least like to have heard the term before. What you may not know is that shin splints actually refer to a number of health problems, not just a single condition, that irritate the periosteum, or fibrous sheath, that surrounds the shin bone.

Signs and Symptoms

Shin splints account for almost 13 percent of all running injuries. The primary culprit in each of these cases is overuse, or repetitive running on a hard surface. Typically, shin splints occur after a running has increased the intensity of a workout or started running on a different type of terrain than normal.
The primary symptom of shin splints is a dull ache along the front of the shinbone. The area may be tender to the touch and may be accompanied by sore muscles. If you think you have shin splints, your physician will perform a physical examination and an X-ray if necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Proper Pain Management

The best treatment for shin splints is rest. If you are diagnosed with the injury, you will need to take a break from your exercise routine. In the meantime, you can alleviate shin splint pain by:
Icing your shins. Apply ice to your shins for about 20 minutes two or three days a week to reduce swelling.
Taking anti-inflammatories. Over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can provide pain relief for several hours. However, be sure to follow the directions accompanying these medications to ensure you don’t take too much in 24 hours.
Looking at your insoles. A closer look at your shoe could indicate the primary cause of your shin splint. Swapping out your insole could provide short-term pain relief, as well as prevent a recurrence of the painful condition.

Stopping Pain Before it Starts

Although they are painful, shin splints can be avoided by taking a few simple precautions before, during, and after exercise. The most important prevention pointers include:

Wear properly fitting shoes. Shoes that do not provide adequate arch support or lack sufficient padding can increase your chances of developing shin splints. To find appropriate shoes, visit a running store and have your feet sized professionally.
Warm up. Stretching prior to starting your run is absolutely essential. Start your workout by walking and be sure to take time to stretch the muscles in your legs.\
Avoid running on hard surfaces. Try to limit the amount of time you spend running on concrete. The repetitive impacts of running on cement are one of the most common causes of shin splints.
Know when to stop. Overexertion can also lead to shin splints. If you feel pain in your shins while running, stop. You could save yourself from valuable time spent on the sideline.

Rocky Mountain Pain Solutions is a leading center for pain management in Denver and offers a variety of methods for efficient pain diagnosis in Denver.

Treatment of spider veins may be necessary for a few reasons: they are causing pain, they are hazardous to your health or for cosmetic purposes.  Regardless of the reason, treatment of varicose or spider veins have come a long way within the last decade.  Among doctors within the medical field, there are various best practices that have been established in the treatment spider veins and varicose veins.

Very commonly, spider veins are detected shortly after their appearance.  Once spider veins become an issue, a visit to a Vascular and Vein Specialist is the next step.  Here, the doctor will conduct a venous screening exam and implement diagnostic testing to determine the causal factors that are contributing to the spider veins.  Once this diagnostic is complete, your vein specialist will know how to best treat your particular condition.
The most common treatments of spider veins include the following methods:

• Sclerotherapy is a procedure that has been around since the mid-1900s and has been perfected by doctors leading up to the present uses.  This procedure is done by injecting a saline based solution directly into the vein – this is fairly inexpensive and very simple; the vein should disappear over the next month or two after the treatment.
• Endovenous Laser Therapy is a treatment option which requires local anesthesia.  The laser catheter is inserted into the vein causing the vein to collapse due to pulses of laser light.
• Radio Frequency Venous Closure consists of a catheter treatment.  The catheter is inserted into the vein where energy is delivered throughout the vein walls through radiofrequencies causing the vein to collapse and close at the opening.  This procedure is also done using local anesthesia.
• Surgery may be required to remove and treat large varicose veins.  Usually, the surgical procedures can be done in concordance with small amounts of anesthesia.
• Support Stockings can be used simply to reduce pain caused by spider or varicose veins.  Most pharmacies carry this type of support-hose and can be worn above the knee, below the knee or fully over the legs.

Along with medical assistance, lifestyle adjustments can help in treatment and prevention of spider veins.  Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and regular movement throughout the day are a few ways to keep circulation at its best.  Good circulation and low pressure to the veins are the most efficient ways to prevent spider veins from appearing.
Modern medicine, however, has minimally invasive as well as full surgical solutions for those who need a higher level of treatment for their spider veins.

***This article was written exclusively for the Live Well Market by The Longstreet Clinic in North Georgia, a fully-integrated multi-specialty medical group, providing quality services and healthcare for patients, families and the community.  The Vascular & Vein Specialists at The Longstreet Clinic, are highly experienced and dedicated to deliver individualized care for all of our patients and their venous conditions.

Nicotine is dangerously addictive and can lead to various health conditions over time, including tuberculosis. Unfortunately, stopping the use of this substance is not as easy as how you started it. People who lack the support and mindset may find themselves addicted forever, regardless of their determination to stop the life-threatening habit. And if one does manage to stop his/her nicotine addiction, it may be only for a temporary period of time, as it often isn't long before the person finds a reason or two to smoke again. So, is there any way you can escape the chains of nicotine addiction forever? Below are surefire ways to break your smoking habit permanently.

Look For Reasons
Why are you smoking? And why are you considering quitting? Identify your reasons to make the process easier. Each smoker is different, so keep in mind the reasons most vital to you, such as your family's health or a chronic illness later on in life. Having a clear objective or incentive for success in the long run makes quitting smoking more sensible and easy. It gives you a sense of purpose and direction rather than merely stopping. This leads your mind and body to combat yourself since they have no sufficient reason or purpose to stop the habit.

Slowly But Surely
Set a quitting date rather than stop instantly. Spontaneous withdrawal is a bad choice, as it tends to produce side effects. Depending on how long you have been addicted to nicotine, the symptoms may range in both type and intensity. You may suffer mild to severe fevers or nausea and vomiting after meals. This is because your body has already been accustomed to taking in the substance. Slowly decrease your intake of nicotine by at least 2 sticks per week. Your quit day won't feel so difficult if you take this tactic.

Share Your Goals
Tell people about your newly set goals and objectives. Your circle of friends, relatives, colleagues, and family members are an important part of the process. Since these people are almost always around you, their actions and opinions influence you in a strong way. Also, this will give your smoker friends a head's up, so they will be more considerate of not smoking when you're around. You can also encourage your friends to quit with you and beat the addiction together. A support partner drastically simplifies the process of quitting.

Keep Yourself Busy
Smokers commonly take their daily dose of nicotine during bathroom breaks at work or casual boring afternoons at home. By finding something else to do during your free time, you can lessen nicotine use and entirely eliminate it from your system in the long run. Play sports, read a book, adopt a pet, or apply for a part-time job to get yourself occupied.

Breaking the chains of nicotine addiction permanently not only benefit your health, but also your wallet. It also allows you to establish better relationships as people won't be avoiding you in fear of inhaling secondhand smoke.

Veronica Clayborne writes about addiction, health and more at the Bow Creek & Bella Vista Recovery Centers.

Prescription painkiller addiction is a common health issue today. It pertains to the physiological and psychological dependency of an individual to a certain type of narcotic drugs, also known as opiates. Many cases of painkiller addiction start when an individual takes the medication to cope with an injury or illness. After some time, the dependence on the medication develops without the patient realizing it. Being addicted to painkillers produces terrible symptoms that could affect your long-term health and well-being. Withdrawing from the addiction as soon as possible is crucial. To help you better understand this condition, below are some facts about painkiller addiction you should know.

Identify the Problem
Identifying the signs and symptoms of your painkiller addiction is an important part of the withdrawal and recovery process. To do so, be honest with yourself when approaching this matter. If you have been taking painkillers and think that you may have developed dependence on the drugs, you probably are addicted. Another way to identify your condition is to observe your behavior when a family member or close friend makes remarks or comments about your use of prescription painkillers. Being defensive is another strong sign of an addiction problem. Lastly, if you are faking pain to acquire prescription for painkillers or is borrowing prescription from your friends, you are definitely in an addicted phase.

Signs and Symptoms
Spontaneous withdrawal to painkillers is extremely dangerous as it causes seizures and heart conditions. Stopping the use of painkillers produces very discomforting effects including muscle spams, nausea and vomiting, and being frantic all the time. Painkillers can take a tremendous toll on your body since this type of drugs are extremely powerful and are not meant to be consumed in large quantities frequently. In some cases, addicts slip into comatose or even die when their heart fails.

Treatment
Treating painkiller addiction should be done with the help of a medical expert instead of going solo. This is to properly counteract the withdrawal symptoms. Painkiller withdrawal is merely as difficult as withdrawing from street drugs like LSD and cocaine. For this very reason, it is recommended that you enlist in an inpatient facility to help you in such harsh times. An inpatient detox facility will treat physical signs and symptoms of withdrawal including chills, muscle spasm, and fever. They will also help you understand why you began using the substance in the first place.

Synthetic Drugs
For patients experiencing withdrawal symptoms and addiction to opiates, synthetic painkillers can be prescribed by a physician to help cope with the ordeal. Researches show that synthetic opiates work for both addiction to painkillers and dependence.

Possible options include Naloxone and Methadone.

Painkiller addiction is on an alarming rise in the U.S. and countries around the globe. Making yourself aware as well as educating your family members and friends about this topic is a good way to help them avoid painkiller addiction in the future. For less serious injuries and conditions, always resort to more natural methods of coping with pain, such as proper posturing and deep breathing exercises.

Jeremiah Richter writes about addiction, counseling and health at http://gulfcoastdrugrehab.com
.

We are champions. Conquerors. It's in our blood. Own it.

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