Concerned about Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Concerned about Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Mike Herman

Arthritis is the term used for over 100 rheumatoid and joint related diseases, with the most common being Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
The word arthritis refers to “joint inflammation” and rheumatoid arthritis is actually an attack on the immune system where the system turns on itself and attacks the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint pain and swelling, redness, warmth and can affect other organs of the body like skin, eyes, lungs, heart, blood, nerves or kidneys.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1% of the population, in which 75% of those diagnosed are women. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but scientists attribute this disease to a combination of genetic, environmental and hormonal factors.
With rheumatoid arthritis, something seems to trigger the immune system to attack itself. This could happen after a sudden trauma or a surgery, and the severity is not the same in all people. Some theories suggest that a virus or bacteria alter the immune system. Therefore, since the root cause of rheumatoid arthritis is so different from osteoarthritis, of course the treatment and remedies are different also.
Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by a positive Rh factor, (a blood test), and x-rays that show rheumatoid deterioration in the joints. There are many different ways to treat rheumatoid arthritis, which include medication, rest, exercise and surgery. The medications fall into two specific categories, NSAIDs and DMARDs, and attempt to reduce the pain, swelling and inflammation. Humira, one of the latest discoveries, attempts to isolate the diseased cells so they cannot reproduce and cause more harm.
In the past 10 years, alternative medicine has also taken a predominant place in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Some of these non-prescription methods include:
* ibuprofen
* herbs such as cat’s claw and white willow to reduce pain
* glucosamine and chondriton are used to promote new cartilage growth
* warm baths in Epsom Salts
* application of menthol ointment to the affected joints
Rheumatoid arthritis is not to be taken lightly or ignored, so investigate the treatments and choose the best for yourself. About the Author
Are You Concerned About Rheumatoid Arthritis or a Type of Arthritis?

Addictive Bad Habits

The question is: “Are addictions actually bad habits?” According to the habit model of addiction, they are. This theory of addiction states that the only reason to say there is a difference is to persecute “addicts.”

People with bad habits of smoking often feel much persecuted. While smoking is not illegal (at least not yet), it is shunned by society as a whole. At first, you could smoke anywhere. Expecting fathers smoked in the maternity waiting rooms. Then, you could smoke in buildings, but only in a designated smoking room.

Then there came the designated smoking area outside the building. Now restaurants, bars, and whole cities are going smoke-free. It seems that a lot of people have given up their bad habits. However, they do not seem to remember how badly they were addicted before. The truth is that in a way, they are still addicted and always will be. That is how addiction works.

In an effort to save others from the ill effects of their second hand smoke, many people have switched their bad habits to smokeless tobacco. Just because the tobacco is not smoked, though, it does not mean the nicotine is not addictive. It is said to be just as hard a bad habit to break as cigarettes. People quitting it use patches and nicotine gum or Zyban, too.

Sleeping pills are bad habits to get into as well. They can be so addictive that you need a higher and higher dosage to fall asleep. Eventually, they will not help at all. Some people overdose in an attempt to reach a dose that will put them to sleep. It usually takes intervention by a doctor and/or a sleep clinic to straighten you out.

Alcohol can be a bad habit if you drink to excess. For some people with certain physical conditions, it can be risky anyway. It can be dangerous if mixed with particular medications. However, if a person is addicted to alcohol, they will not be concerned with that. Neither will they be concerned about their jobs or their relationships. It will all be about the next drink.

Drugs pose a variety of bad habits. There are so many illegal drugs that they are too numerous to count. They have different affects and cause different levels of addiction. Some have fast and devastating results. Others do little damage in the short run. Yet, they are all bad habits.

There are club drugs, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and hallucinogens. All these drugs can be nasty. There are also legal drugs that people get into bad habits with by starting with an injury or other medical condition. These can be pain pills like percocet, or muscle relaxants. They are also very addictive bad habits.

If you have an addictive bad habit, you probably need some form of help to get over it. In fact, once you have a serious addiction, experiencing the sights, smells, or sounds of your addiction will start your brain in that addictive mode again. It is no wonder that people struggle for years with addictive bad habits.

Combat Arthritis Pain With A Natural Arthritis Remedy

Combat Arthritis Pain With A Natural Arthritis Remedy
Howard Tiano

Although there are different types of arthritis i.e. osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis it appears that both types can be improved through the use of natural arthritis remedies and many of those remedies can be found on websites or in local pharmacies, or health food supermarkets that have been springing up all over North America. Osteoarthritis can result from injuries to the joints, a lifestyle that overuses the joints, from deficiencies in the diet, or simply as a factor of the aging process. Deterioration occurs in the cartilage that protects the bone ends and they become rough instead of smooth as they should be. That causes friction and friction results in pain. One of the most well accepted natural arthritis remedies for osteoarthritis is taking glucosamine or chondroitin or better yet a combination of the two. Glucosamine has become especially popular in the last few years for one main reason: it works. It helps strengthen cartilage, and promotes healthy joints. Most people take the sulfate form of glucosamine, but new research shows that glucosamine hydrochloride will have better results.Other natural arthritis remedies include BioCell Collagen, Hylaronic Acid, and Methylsulfonyl Methane. All of these natural arthritis remedies can be found in sources that give information about herbs and other natural cures.Rheumatoid arthritis appears to have numerous contributing causes and requires a more holistic, comprehensive approach in order to provide a natural arthritis remedy. Many sufferers have a genetic marker that contributes to a tendency to develop the disease. In addition to herbal treatments, a change in diet is widely considered to be one of the best natural arthritis remedies available. Recent research shows a connection between intestinal health and inflammatory diseases like arthritis. Foods like refined sugars, saturated fats, processed foods and hydrogenated oils may well contribute to arthritis because they are pro-inflammatory foods. There is also evidence to indicate that food allergies play a strong role in development of arthritis.Nutrients that have been found to be effective in reducing symptoms for patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis include zinc, selenium, manganese, vitamin C, pantothenic acid, and vitamin E. These natural arthritis remedies and others can be found in nearly any publication that talks about herbal cures. At the same time, changing the diet to exclude inflammatory foods and eat more naturally may be a strong factor in reducing arthritis symptoms.Whether the arthritis from which a particular individual suffers is caused by genetics, food allergies, aging, or injury, there are a number of natural cures available that can help reduce the symptoms significantly. Combating arthritis with natural remedies can substantially reduce the need for harsher treatments like prescription drugs or surgery. About the Author
Alternative Medicine Resource was conceived to inform visitors of the available choices for treatment beyond standard medical solutions, so you know your options, and can make the best decision for your circumstances.Howard Tiano provides free advice & information on alternative medicine, and can be found at http://www.alternative-medicine-resource.com

Choose Natural Arthritis Medications

Choose Natural Arthritis Medications
Mike Herman

For individuals who suffer from stiff, sore, or painful joints,
consider natural arthritis medications instead of prescription
medications that can potentially interact with your current
medications or other medical conditions.

Since arthritis affects individuals of all ages, but generally
affects olden men and women, who may not be able to handle
strong medications.

The recent problems associated with the medication known by the
brand name of Vioxx, which was prescribed to millions of
patients with arthritis has caused many sufferers to look
alternative options.

Often, natural arthritis medications are a great deal less
expensive than their pharmaceutical counterparts.

With the soaring prices of prescription drugs, many individuals
are being forced to only take medications that directly affect
their health, such as drugs for blood pressure or heat problems.

When searching for natural arthritis medications , turn to your
primary health care provider.

He or she will be able to inform you of certain treatment
options that will be beneficial to your specific case.

Keep in mind that each arthritic patient has a different case
that can be controlled in a different manner.

Also, it is important you speak with your doctor regarding any
type of medication, natural or not, that you decide to take.

Even natural medications can still interact with your current
prescriptions, other natural drugs you are taking, or any
medical condition.

Most arthritic patients who seek help with their medical issues
find success with natural medications that include glucosamine.

This compound is usually found naturally within joints and acts
as a lubricant to ensure the utmost range of mobility. As the
body ages, this compound is gradually used up without being
replaced.

Taking a supplement of glucosamine in addition to other
treatments like diet and exercise will put the compound back
into joints in order to eliminate pain, reduce swelling, and
restore range of motion.

About the author:
Learn More and Get Natural Remedies for Arthritis that Will
Help You With the Fatigue and Joint Pain Associated with
Arthritis