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Beyond Skin Cancer: Dangers of Excess Sun Exposure

Beyond Skin Cancer: Dangers of Excess Sun Exposure

July 9, 2019 By Leave a Comment
heat stroke; heat exhaustion; sun poisoning

It’s July in Mississippi. The month where no one wants to touch their steering wheel until the air conditioner has blown on it for several minutes and swimming pools begin to feel like warm baths. The heat also brings heat and sun-related illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and sun poisoning. 

Heat Stroke

We’ll jump right in with the worst of the worst. Heat stroke, or sunstroke, is the most dangerous form of heat-related illness. Classic heat stroke tends to affect the very young, senior adults or those with chronic illness while exertional heat stroke occurs when a person is extremely active when it’s really hot. Without treatment either can lead to permanent organ damage and even death.

If you believe you or someone around you is having a heat stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Symptoms of a heat stroke include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • High body temperature (104 degrees F)
  • Lack of sweating
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Confusion, disorientation, staggering
  • Seizures
  • Unconsciousness

Treatment:

While calling 9-1-1 and waiting for emergency personnel, cool the person by whatever means you have available: ice pack, water hose, cool bath or shower, wet towels, etc. Remove excess clothing and move the person inside or into the shade.

For more details on treating heat stroke, check out this article by Mayo Clinic.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke if not treated promptly. It generally begins with muscle cramps. It’s important to treat heat exhaustion as soon as the sign appears to prevent a heat stroke and permanent damage.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Sweating with goosebumps even in the heat
  • Faintness
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Headache
  • Loss of Consciousness
  • Nausea and vomiting

Treatment:

If you or someone near you is showing signs of heat exhaustion, stop all activity and move out of the heat indoors or into the shade. Drink cool water or sports drinks, but not sodas, alcohol or anything with caffeine. Remove unnecessary clothing. Apply cooling measures such as cool cloths, fans or ice packs.

If symptoms do not improve in fifteen minutes, seek emergency care.

For more details on treating heat exhaustion, and how to care for yourself after you’ve become overheated, check out this article from Webmd.

Sun Poisoning

Although not actually poisoning, sun poisoning can increase your body temperature and contribute to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Sun poisoning is an extreme form of sunburn. Skin can burn in the sun after just 15 minutes of exposure without sunscreen or sunblock. Fair skinned and fair-haired people are more likely to experience sunburn and sun poisoning although it can happen to anyone.

Symptoms of sun poisoning include:

  • Redness and blistering of the skin
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Swelling
  • Pain and tingling
  • Dizziness
  • Dehydration

Treatment:

First, get out of the sun. A cool, but not cold, shower or bath may provide some relief as will over the counter pain medications. An aloe gel or moisturizer generally provides relief as well. And make sure to completely cover the sunburned area when going outside again.

If your blisters cover a large area, you have facial swelling, signs of dehydration, fever, chills or faintness, it’s time to call your medical provider.

Prevention

All these heat and sun-related illnesses can be prevented with some of the same general steps.

  • Drink lots of water (unless you have a chronic illness which limits your liquid consumption, then consult with your provider).
  • Avoid caffeine, sodas, and alcohol.
  • Wear light-colored clothing
  • Use a sunscreen with SPF 30+.
  • Avoid exercise and outdoor activities in the direct sun during the heat of the day.
  • Know if your medications put you at higher risk of heat stroke or sunburn.
  • Never leave anyone in a parked car.
  • If you are unaccustomed to hot weather, allow your body to acclimate during heatwaves or when traveling to warmer climates.

Enjoy your summer, but take it easy out there, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

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GOT’s Sophie Turner Talks Mental Health, Depression

July 2, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Sophie Turner depression
Image credits Gage Skidmore

On HBO’s recently completed series Game of Thrones, Sophie Turner played Sansa Stark, Lady of Winterfell and eventual Queen of the North. In real life, she’s a young adult who suffers from depression for which she’s sought counseling and takes prescribed medications.

In an interview on Dr. Phil McGraw’s podcast Phil in the Blanks, Turner opened up about her depression and mental health struggles. Her depression materialized when she was 17, about four years into her work with Game of Thrones. Although she doesn’t blame social media entirely for her depression, she did say comments on social media about her character’s weight gain or “spotty” complexion added to her depression. 

Let’s Talk Numbers

Turner isn’t alone as a teen suffering from depression. Statistics say 20% of teens will be affected by depression before they reach adulthood. The average Mississippi school has 450 students. This statistic means 90 of them will likely deal with depression before they reach the age of twenty.

Only 30% of teens with depression will seek treatment. So out of those 90 students, only 30 will receive the help they need.

Which leads us to the statistic none of us want to talk about, suicide is the third leading cause of death of teenagers.

Removing the Stigma

Hollywood stars aren’t always great at promoting healthy lifestyles. Luckily, many actors, actresses and other performers are openly discussing their mental health challenges. Many of those challenges, like Demi Lovato’s, include substance abuse.

The more we talk about mental health the same way we discuss heart health and diabetes, the easier it becomes for teens and adults to seek out the help they need. We can all contribute to efforts to remove the stigma of seeking counseling or other mental health support.

  • Talk openly about mental health.
  • Show compassion for those with mental illness.
  • Be supportive of those who are struggling with mental illness.
  • Choose your words carefully. (i.e. don’t use mental illness diagnosis like OCD or bipolar as adjectives and don’t label people with mental illness as “crazy” or “insane”.)
  • Education yourself.
  • Encourage equality between mental and physical illnesses.

As children and teens see the adults in their lives responding differently to mental illness, they’ll respond differently as well. Which means they’ll be more likely to speak up and receive the treatment they need.

Recognize the Symptoms

The first step to ensuring your child receives the help they need is recognizing the symptoms. 

  • Has your child’s behavior changed?
  • Is their school work suffering?
  • Are they having difficulties at school, home or work?
  • Have their sleep patterns changed?
  • Do they have a sensitivity to light or sound that has lasted longer than two weeks?
  • Are they feeling sad, hopeless or worthless?
  • Have their eating habits changed (either eating too much or not enough)?
  • Do they have problems with concentration or memory?

Seek Help

If you’ve recognized the signs of depression or other mental illness in your teen or your teen has asked you for help, you don’t have to manage this alone. Our behavioral health specialists can guide you and your family as you seek the help you need. Your willingness to help your teen find help continues to remove the stigma attached to mental illness. Make an appointment with one of our counselors by calling 662-282-4359. 

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Diabetes and Gastroparesis

June 25, 2019 By Leave a Comment
salad; diabetes and gastroparesis

We’ve written and talked a lot about nerve damage due to diabetes. Most of the time we discuss nerve damage to the feet, but nerves all over the body are subject to damage from diabetes. The vagus nerve, which controls the functions of the stomach, is another nerve that can be damaged if blood glucose levels stay too high for too long.

The vagus nerve controls stomach muscles, prompting them to move and digest your food after you eat. When the nerve is damaged, food doesn’t digest as quickly as it should or sometimes at all. This further complicates diabetes because the stomach may digest food at unpredictable rates, which means blood sugar becomes harder to control. This damage causes gastroparesis and it affects both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics.

Symptoms

When food lingers in the stomach longer than it should, patients often experience

  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting of undigested food
  • Early feeling of fullness when eating
  • Weight loss
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Erratic blood glucose (sugar) levels
  • Lack of appetite
  • Gastroesophageal reflux
  • Spasms of the stomach wall

These symptoms may be present every time a patient eats, only when they eat certain foods or at random times. When nausea and vomiting persist for too long, patients may need IV fluids or hospitalization.

Treatment

The bad news is gastroparesis has no cure. The goal of treatment is to manage the disease. Each case of gastroparesis is unique and patients who think they may have gastroparesis should talk to their providers.

Medical providers may prescribe medications which can aid in digestion. They may also suggest diet changes. Eating smaller meals and consuming foods low in fiber and fat can also speed digestion. Some patients benefit from sitting up or walking after meals instead of lying down.

In severe cases, a feeding tube may become necessary.

Prevention

Now that we’ve given you the worst-case scenario, let’s talk about how to prevent Type 2 diabetes and gastroparesis if you already have diabetes.

Since gastroparesis is caused by damage to the vagus nerve from high blood glucose levels, one way to prevent gastroparesis is to keep blood glucose levels under control. If you’re struggling to manage your diabetes talk to your medical provider or a nutritionist to create a routine that helps you manage your blood sugar levels.

If you do not have diabetes find out how to create a lifestyle that reduces your risk of diabetes. Not only will you possibly save your stomach but all the nerves in your body. Eat a balanced diet low in sugar and processed foods. Stay active. Don’t smoke. Lose weight if you need to. All these activities give your body one more layer of protection against many chronic illnesses.

Diabetes isn’t the only risk factor for gastroparesis. People who have had abdominal surgery, who take certain medications such as narcotic pain medications, have an underlying nervous system disease or hypothyroidism maybe also experience a slow emptying of the stomach.

If you have any of these symptoms see your provider and discuss what might be the cause and how to treat your stomach problems so you feel better faster.

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Early Alzheimer’s Signs Not to Miss

June 19, 2019 By Leave a Comment
older woman and caregiver walking away; early Alzheimer's signs

For most people with Alzheimer’s symptoms begin in the mid-to-late 60s. Those rare cases of early-onset Alzheimer’s may begin to notice symptoms as early as their 30s. In either case, the National Institute on Aging believes it’s likely the damage leading to these signs begins a decade before the patient or anyone else notices the signs.

During the early or mild stages of Alzheimer’s, when most patients are diagnosed, patients experience very similar symptoms. Many patients know something isn’t exactly right. Family and friends who do not see the person on a regular basis may even write off a few odd behaviors as typical aging. Most Alzheimer’s or dementia symptoms represent a change in a person’s behavior.

Forgetfulness

It’s common as we age to forget a person’s name and remember it later. We may not know what day of the week it is but then figure it out. Forgetfulness may include struggling with dates and times, misplacing items more frequently or not remembering something you just learned. When you discover you or a loved one relies more and more on memory aids like written notes, reminders set on their phone or assistance from family members visit your provider to discuss the changes.

Difficulty with Daily Tasks

By the time we reach our mid-sixties, most of us have gotten ourselves dressed for the day for over half a century. Remembering what clothes to wear in what weather or how to button our shirt seems like second nature unless you’re suffering from Alzheimer’s. In addition to struggling to dress themselves, Alzheimer patients may also struggle to balance the checkbook, make plans or decisions, cook a simple meal or drive themselves to a familiar place.

Mood and Personality Changes

Knowing you’re confused but not being able to do anything about it is very scary. Often these changes cause a previously outgoing person to retreat. They may prefer to stay at home where things are familiar or they won’t be asked questions they can’t answer. They may also leave favorite hobbies because they find themselves making frequent mistakes. Or they may not remember how to complete the tasks required. Other personality changes include moodiness, anger, anxiety, more confusion, and depression.

Unfortunately, science does not have a cure for Alzheimer’s yet. This devastating illness progresses requiring more intensive care and supervision. There are medications that can help along with support programs for caregivers and family members.

If you suspect someone you love has Alzheimer’s or you need mental health support as you care for the Alzheimer’s patient in your life make an appointment with one of our counselors today.

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How to Choose the Best Dairy Alternatives

June 12, 2019 By Leave a Comment
milk; dairy substitutes; milk substitutes

If dairy products leave you with digestive upset including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, you aren’t alone. A report from the National Institutes of Health shows 75% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant. Science shows children’s bodies are equipped with an enzyme called lactase which breaks down the lactose in their mother’s milk. As children move into adulthood, many lose this enzyme leaving them unable to comfortably digest dairy products.

Luckily, grocery store shelves are filled with dairy alternatives to sweeten your coffee, pour over your cereal or substitute in recipes. Whether you’re lactose intolerant or have chosen to live dairy free as part of a vegan or paleo lifestyle, the most important step in choosing a dairy alternative is to consider the nutritional benefits.

One cup of milk contains:

  • 146 calories
  • 8 grams of fat
  • 8 grams of protein
  • 13 grams of carbohydrates

Luckily most dairy alternatives are lower in calories, but they do not offer the same amount of protein. When you’re checking out the nutritional label of any dairy alternative, look for:

  • At least 7-8 grams of protein
  • The words “unsweetened” or “0 grams added sugar”
  • Fortified with calcium and vitamin D
  • Low amounts of saturated fats
  • Less than 140 mg of sodium per cup

Milk Substitutions

almond milk; dairy substitutions; milk substitutes; lactose intolerance

One of the most common dairy alternatives is soy milk. It contains almost as much protein as cow’s milk with fewer calories and fat content. It may have an odd taste for those making the switch. Try several brands, and check the nutritional information, before deciding it isn’t for you though.

Another popular alternative now is almond milk. With around 30-35 calories per cup, this option has much fewer calories than cow’s milk but it also contains only 1 g of protein. Almond milk may be used as a substitute in coffee and baked goods. Although almonds are known for their high concentration of protein and fiber, almond milk is often a watered-down variety of whole almonds. To receive the most nutritional benefit from almond milk, look for varieties with higher almond content, 7-15%.

Coffee drinkers looking for an alternative to dairy creamers find coconut milk a creamy, rich choice. With 45 calories per cup, 4 g of fat and 0 protein or carbohydrates, it’s a great option for those wishing to cut calories. If you’re looking to keep or increase your protein intake, however, you’ll need to keep looking.

In addition to these popular substitutions, you’ll also find rice milk, oat milk, hemp milk, flax milk, cashew milk, and tiger nut milk in some specialty stores as alternatives to dairy. As mentioned above look at the nutritional values before snatching one off the shelf. Each has its pros and cons.

Butter Alternatives

butter; dairy alternatives; lactose intolerance

Good news for those who enjoy butter, this dairy product has a very low lactose level! Because of the way it’s produced, it has a low liquid level which is where lactose is contained in milk. If you’re still sure you want to substitute butter, we do have a few ideas for you.

Margarine is the top contender for replacing butter in recipes, but other options may fit the bill even better depending on your nutritional needs and your recipe.

Olive oil can effectively replace butter when sauteing foods. Coconut oil can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio for butter in most recipes although it may add a slightly sweeter flavor than butter.

A ripe avocado or banana can also be substituted for butter in baked recipes.

Cheese

dairy; hard cheese; cheese, lactose intolerance; milk substitute; dairy substitute

Similar to butter, hard cheeses contain much lower levels of lactose than a glass of milk. Aged cheeses have even lower levels of lactose. Soft cheese such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Brie do have higher levels of lactose than hard cheeses, but may not cause symptoms in small portions.

Ice Cream

dairy free sorbet; non dairy ice cream; lactose intolerance; dairy substitute; milk substitute

What summer vacation would be complete with a little ice cream? You don’t have to completely give up frozen desserts because of lactose intolerance. Many brands offer lactose-free ice cream and sorbet contains no dairy.

If you’re looking for ways to eat healthier, schedule a visit with one of our providers to talk about your health and nutrition.

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Why is Kratom in the news?

June 4, 2019 By Leave a Comment
kratom, in the news, opioid addiction
Photo credit: Dominic Milton Trott

Local news stories about Kratom in North Mississippi have erupted in the last two months. Itawamba County as a whole and specifically Mantachie and Fulton banned the substance.

Public discussion about emerging drug problems sheds light on difficult subjects. We spend a lot of time educating our community on the issue of drug addiction and removing the stigma that often comes with seeking help for drug addictions. This discussion has also revealed how many people desire to find treatment for their opioid addiction or want to treat pain without opioids.

What is Kratom?

Kratom comes from the Mitragyna Speciose tree grown in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Papua, New Guinea. The drug may be sold as leaves, powder, pill or liquid. Some users claim the drug has no addictive qualities and alleviates the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. FDA studies, however, show the drug attaches to the opioid receptors in the brain causing a similar high and addiction as opioid.

What’s the problem with Kratom?

The FDA does not regulate herbal supplements like Kratom. That means the amount of actual Kratom in a supplement can vary without manufacturer of the supplement having to list how much of the substance is in the supplement. Manufacturers also mix other chemicals with Kratom in their supplements. These chemicals can change how the body process the Kratom as well as other medications.

This lack of regulation can mean the dose you took yesterday that helped you stay alert and focused at work could land you in the hospital with an overdose today.

Users report low doses of Kratom improve focus, increase energy levels, increase sociability and decrease pain. Higher doses, however, can cause drowsiness, sweating, nausea, itching, dreaminess, and vomiting.

Kratom currently has no medically approved usage, including as an aid to kicking opioid addiction. People who attempt to treat opioid addiction with Kratom often end up simply switching drugs. There are approved medications to treat opioid addiction. Our counselors can help you find the right in-patient or out-patient program to treat your addiction. Don’t try to manage it alone.

If you’d like to learn more about Kratom and the dangers, check out this article. Our counselors are available to help tackle any addiction including opioids and Kratom.

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Perimenopause, menopause and women’s health

May 28, 2019 By Leave a Comment
shingles vaccine; women of menopause age

“The Change” has long been the unofficial title of the stage in a woman’s life when her menstrual cycle ends and her hormones, well, change. Menopause, the official title of this season of life, is actually the end of the change, marked by 12-months of no menstrual cycle. The full cycle of change in a woman’s body may take as long as ten years or as little as a few months. Caring for your health during these changes is as important as caring for your health during your child-bearing years.

Perimenopause

Before a woman’s menstrual cycles end her hormone levels begin to decrease. She continues to have her period during this time although it may be irregular. Fertility may decrease for some women but they can still become pregnant.

For most women, perimenopause happens in their 40s, but it can begin earlier. The average length of this season of life is four months but, because every woman is different, some women may experience perimenopause for up to ten years while others rush through it in a matter of months.

During the last two years of perimenopause, a woman’s hormones drop more quickly moving her toward the end of her cycle and menopause. Women will experience the symptoms associated with menopause during this time.

During perimenopause most people will experience some of the following symptoms:

  • Hot flashes
  • Breast tenderness
  • Worse premenstrual syndrome
  • Lower sex drive
  • Fatigue
  • Irregular periods
  • Vaginal dryness; discomfort during sex
  • Urine leakage when coughing or sneezing
  • Urinary urgency (an urgent need to urinate more frequently)
  • Mood swings
  • Trouble sleeping

Menopause

When a woman has not had a menstrual cycle in twelve consecutive months she’s considered to be in menopause. Her ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and her production of estrogen has decreased significantly. Most women experience menopause (and all the symptoms that go with it) in their mid-late forties or fifties.

Premature menopause describes menopause that occurs before the age of 40 even if the cause is surgery induced through a hysterectomy or by damage to the ovaries. Women who have surgically induced menopause will not go through perimenopause.

While hot flashes are the hallmark symptoms of menopause, women often experience an array of symptoms linked to the decrease in hormones including:

  • Irregular or skipped periods
  • Insomnia
  • Mood swings
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Racing heart
  • Headaches
  • Joint and muscle aches and pains
  • Changes in libido (sex drive)
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Bladder control problems

Postmenopause

When the hot flashes have eased and you’ve grown more accustomed to your body’s new hormone levels, you’ve entered postmenopause. Due both to the changes in hormones and age, women in postmenopause are at a higher risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, vision problems, bladder and bowl problems, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Treatment

Menopause is a natural part of life and certain symptoms are common during these stages. However, women can take steps to care for their bodies and reduce the symptoms. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight all contribute to your body’s overall wellbeing, especially during this stage.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of menopause or perimenopause schedule an appointment with your provider. Some normal symptoms of menopause may actually be symptoms of other illnesses that need to be treated. And if you’ve entered “The Change” your provider may be able to suggest treatment options to reduce your symptoms and lower your risk of chronic disease.

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What’s the Deal with Self-Care?

May 21, 2019 By Leave a Comment
taking a walk for self-care

Self-Care: the buzzword appears on magazine articles, blogs, and social media on a recurring basis these days. A search for “self-care” on Google returns over 5 BILLION results. Online searches and mentions of self-care peaked at an all-time high in September 2018. But what does it mean and why are people suddenly talking about it?

Why Self-Care?

One theory around the popularity of self-care is that the world we live in pressures us to do everything well because we’re comparing our lives to the lives of our friends and celebrities online. A Pinterest-worthy birthday party? No sweat. A picture of myself at the gym this morning? Got it. A copy of the gourmet recipe we cooked for dinner after three sports practices and a private tuba lesson? Here you go.

Add national, state and local news headlines to the stress of performing our daily lives in front of everyone on social media and we’re an anxiety infused people.

We’re also seeing the stigma around mental health disorders reduced, which means more people are talking about ways to care about their physical and emotional needs.

What is Self-Care

The commercialized self-care industry paints a picture of self-care as a weekend getaway, a bubble bath, an hour of yoga or even time spent binging Netflix. True self-care is anything that recharges us so we can be better members of our community, which also includes our family and our workplace.

We’ll spare you a list of self-care to-dos, which often provide more instead of less stress. Instead, we encourage you to think about what recharges you or fill-in this blank: I have more energy when I ___________.

We’d love to hear how you take time to re-charge. Tell us the comments below!

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When OTC Seasonal Allergy Medications Aren’t Enough

May 14, 2019 By Leave a Comment
allergy season in northeast Ms

We’re smack in the middle of the “yellow season” in Mississippi. While the warmth of spring thaws our bodies and spirits, it also sprouts the trees and grass which produce pollen responsible for seasonal allergies. If your seasonal allergy medications aren’t doing the trick keep reading.

Many over-the-counter seasonal allergy medications such as antihistamines and nasal sprays keep allergy symptoms at bay especially if used consistently. Patients may also reduce their reactions by showering after being outside, keeping pets out of bedrooms, closing outside doors and windows and wearing face masks and sunglasses when working outside. Unfortunately for some patients, these precautions aren’t enough.

What do you do when your sneezing, watering eyes, and stuffy nose persist even after you’ve eliminated as much pollen as possible? It might be time to see your provider.

When to see your provider

Our bodies naturally protect themselves against foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Sometimes our bodies react to other substances like pollen which are not harmful. Severe allergies happen when our body really overreacts to these substances.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions make an appointment with your medical provider or your allergy specialist.

  • Have your allergies led to chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or breathing problems?
  • Do you experience hay fever or other allergy symptoms more than a couple of months out of the year?
  • Are you using over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays without improvement?
  • Have your seasonal allergies or asthma decrease your quality of life or interfere with your day-to-day activities?
  • Do you struggle to catch your breath at times?
  • Do you wheeze or cough mainly at night or after exercise?
  • Are you short of breath or feel a tightening in your chest?
  • Have you been diagnosed with asthma but your medications aren’t working?

How can my provider help?

If over-the-counter seasonal allergy medications aren’t helping, it might be time for your provider to prescribe stronger medication. Another option is one that treats your allergies in a different way. It’s also possible that the over-the-counter medications you’re using may have negative side-effects you don’t like.

Your medical provider can determine if you need a referral to an allergy specialist or if they can treat your allergies before making that referral. An allergy specialist can test to find out what exactly is causing your allergies and may discuss immunotherapy. Immunotherapy treats allergies by introducing an increasing amount of the allergen via injection over months or years.

If you’re tired of struggling with your stuffy nose make an appointment with your provider. Together you can discuss new options for treating your allergies so you can enjoy the spring weather.

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6 Ways to Manage Your Arthritis

May 7, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Arthritis is the leading cause of pain and disability in the United States.

Arthritis is the leading cause of pain and disability in the United States. Almost 50% of people over the age of 65 reports doctor-diagnosed arthritis and one in four Americans under 65 reports doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

Managing symptoms and flares takes some work, but you can take some steps to lessen the pain and enjoy life.

Work with Your Provider

If you’re experiencing joint paint, start by contacting your medical provider. The CDC reports over 100 types of arthritis, some of which affect the immune systems as well as joints. A proper diagnosis helps your provider recommend a treatment plan which reduces your symptoms and helps you feel better.

Keep Moving

Physical activity can improve arthritis pain by 40%. Can’t take a long walk? Make sure to stretch your muscles and move your joints through their full range of motion every day. Stretches before and after you exercise also reduces the chance of injury. Try low impact exercises such as swimming, riding a stationary bike, or walking on a treadmill or on paved even ground. Avoid high impact aerobics as they can put more stress on joints.

Manage Your Weight

Almost ⅓ of adults who are obese also have arthritis. Being overweight can complicate your arthritis and lead to increased pain. Don’t jump on a fad diet though. The best way to lose weight, and keep it off, is to create a plan that includes healthy eating and exercise to gradually shed the extra pounds.

Stop Smoking

Smoking complicates almost every chronic illness and arthritis is no different. It puts stress on the connective tissues of your body which can increase your arthritis pain. So if you aren’t worried enough about your lungs to quit, do it to decrease the arthritis pain.

Take a Warm Bath

Warm water has long been one of the most common natural remedies for many illnesses. Twenty minutes relaxed in warm water can relieve pain and loosen muscles. Try gently stretching your warm muscles in the bath to increase your flexibility. For an occasional treat, add some Epsom salts to the bath. (Diabetes patients, on the other hand, should stick with plain warm water.)

Think Positively

Depression and anxiety affect almost ⅓ of all arthritis patients. Negative thoughts can increase pain, especially when you dwell on them. Find an activity you enjoy, spend time with a friend or loved one and talk to a therapist or counselor.

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