Puma Cross Country Shoes

A runner's decision regarding which shoes should be made from a number of factors. One of these will be personal style and taste, but of course, this should not be the sole determination. Cross country running is good exercise and great fun, but with the wrong shoes, it can be tedious, painful, or even pose a risk of injury. Find a brand you like, and a color and style you think suit you, but don't stop there. Find shoes in those categories that also cover such aspects as fit, feel, and support.

The Name on the Shoe

There are some famous brand names that appear to cost more just because of the logo on the shoe. In truth, these shoes often cost more because they are of better quality than other brands that use cheaper materials and cheaper methods of manufacture. It is absolutely vital that your running shoes have the right kind of support, so you can avoid all sorts of future problems. There will be some foot pain, doubtlessly, but poor support can also strain you back, knees, and ankles, at the very least. Most running injuries are caused by ill-fitting shoes that have improper support.

Knock-offs, which do not have a famous brand name, are less expensive, because they are less expensive to manufacture. Lesser, and less durable, materials tend to be used. Knock-offs are also often put together poorly, which means they are more likely to fall apart far before their time. It is also possible that these sorts of shoes are made in factories that employ child workers for substandard wages or improperly pay their workers in order to make their shoes for such a low cost.

The Style of the Shoe

Shoes are released in lines, much as cars are marketed, with a certain number of styles and colors comprising each line of shoes. Puma cross country running shoes are divided into a number of appealing lines that will suit any sort of runner. No two runners are alike, so every company has to try and make enough variation to attract the most customers. Puma follows this philosophy whole-heartedly, offering a little bit of something for everyone. This is more important than it may seem on the surface, but the truth is that the right running shoe is every bit as important as good training. Warming up and stretching before a run is necessary. So are the right shoes.

On the Internet or in the Store?

There are a number of disadvantages to buying online, despite the convenience of it. In general, if you have never worn a certain style or brand of shoe before, it is best to get assistance from a salesperson to be absolutely sure you have the right shoe for you. Different companies, and sometimes even different lines within a company, have slightly differing shapes and sizes which may impact your running in a negative manner if you don't get the right size or width. Once you've determined the style, brand, size and type of shoe that's perfect for you, feel free to buy them online - the prices there are often better than the in-store prices.

What is the Right Knee Brace or Support For My Injury?

There are all kinds of knee braces for all types of injuries and conditions. For instance, athletes suffering from mild knee joint pain or those who have a weak knee wear a hinged brace designed to alleviate joint pain and correct instability. Some knee braces are designed especially for skiers, with ski deflectors present on the inside hinge to prevent the ski or clothing from tugging on the hinge.

Some braces are made to prevent re-injury of a ligament, so that the athlete enjoys practicing high impact sports without having to worry about twisted knees. Someone recovering from surgery on a torn ACL will most likely not want to take the chance of it happening again.

Ligament knee braces can be designed to be very light for athletes who do not want to be burdened with the extra weight of a heavy brace, and will be as efficient as sturdy molded braces. Ligament injuries are one of the most common injury in any sport including knee sprains or torn knee ligaments. Why? Because our knees often need to support our weight on impact, helped by our ankles. Just from flexing, our knees are already using their ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). A twist or a bad alignment from knee to ankle can cause the most common knee ligament injury: a torn ACL. It doesn't take much to sprain a knee when practicing sports.

For those people suffering from arthritis in the knees, some knee braces are designed just them. Arthritis is a chronic pain which can last a long time when inflamed. Everyone wants to be able to do everyday activities, and arthritis sufferers can find very good knee support braces created just for them. The arthritis pain is alleviated by the brace redistributing the weight-bearing load. Wearing an arthritis knee brace often increases the ability to perform daily functions and decreases pain from day to day, which is no small feat.

Wearing knee braces or knee supports for people who are starting new sports activities is recommended to avoid spraining and other injury or severe damage to soft tissues. Of course, one can wear a specially designed brace after an injury to protect from more damage, but avoiding the pain of injury in the first place just by wearing a brace seems a lot easier.

You should turn to your healthcare professional to determine which brace or support is right for your injury. They are the best equipped to evaluate your condition. What is most important is that you get the extra support you need to recover properly and perhaps even prevent yourself from suffering from future knee injuries.

How can your Children avoid Knee Sports Injuries in India? Advice for Indian parents

Children in India these days are increasingly participating in competitive sports. They find in sports, especially the popular ones a career opportunity or a pastime. Sports are a good way of developing comrade ship and leader ship qualities. In the big cities like Chennai, Bangalore, tech Hubs of India, there are many families who have relocated from the United States. Children of such families have been exposed to games like Basketball, soccer, football, baseball, roller and board skating from an early age. Participation in sport is good for the overall development of kids but there is a risk of getting injured. Let us examine the risks from sports and look at the methods of preventing sports injuries.

Children in sports are likely to sustain injuries. Most of these are sprains.

To quote some statistics from the US,

o Nationally, over 775,000 children under age 15 are treated in hospital emergency departments for sports-related injuries each year.

o About 80 percent of these injuries are from football, basketball, baseball, or soccer.

o Most sports-related injuries in children - about two-thirds of them - are sprains and strains. Only 5 percent of sports injuries involve broken bones.

However the trauma of a sports injury does not end with the immediate hospitalization. There may be hidden problems which can surface later. A sports injury in childhood can cause late arthritis in later life. The most serious of these is osteoarthritis. According to one study, a single knee injury early in life can put a child at five times the risk for osteoarthritis in adulthood; likewise a hip injury could more than triple the risk.

Fact: Osteoarthritis affects one third of the people with chronic arthritis and joint symptoms. Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of chronic disability in many countries with aging populations. Sports activities are bound to increase in children and adults with abundant leisure time and affluence. Since there is little help from coaches or advice from parents, children are more than likely to suffer from injuries that can be neglected. This puts the child at risk of developing osteoarthritis. Knee osteoarthritis is the commonest arthritis in our country.

Knee ligament and cartilage injuries are the commonest joint injuries in sports like football, basketball or soccer.
Ligamentous injuries of the knee are a major cause of secondary osteoarthritis, a variant of osteoarthritis which appears at a much earlier age than arthritis in our grandparents. I have seen in the past few months a handful of children with bony and ligamentous injuries of the knee which has resulted in gross damage. As many people are aware, in Osteoarthritis (OA) the cartilage that cushions a joint is worn away, causing the bones to grind against each other casing pain and stiffness.
The main ligament injury of the knee is an avulsion of the anterior cruciate ligament from its bony attachment at the top of the shinbone (tibia). Earlier it was thought that in children, the attachment of the ligament to the bone gave way earlier before the ligament could tear as in adults. This has not been born out in more and more case reports and my experience as well. So while examining children with knee injuries, it is important to remember that the pattern of injury could resemble an adult type of ACL injury. The growing child's surgical reconstruction differs slightly from a reconstructive procedure.

Kids who play sports will get hurt - that's a fact. But how can parents and coaches protect kids' joints, reducing the risk of injury and cutting the chance of developing osteoarthritis later?

Prevention

o Ensuring that your child has protective gear for that particular sport.

o Conditioning and training for a specific sport can ward of injury.

o Warming up and cooling down exercises at the beginning and end of the game are vital.

o Parents should not be over ambitious and push their kids too much.

o Ensure that your kids get the right nutrition.

o If you want your kid to develop into a good sports person, get him a good coach.

o Older children can localize pain but younger ones can't. They may just limp or not use the limb. If your kid complains of pain in a joint, or develops a swelling in a joint or limps, consult an orthopaedic surgeon with special interest in paediatric sports injuries.
Protecting your child's joints from sports injuries should not mean keeping him or her out of sports and stuck in the house. The long-term benefits of sports for children are clear. Exercise is crucial for maintaining proper weight, improving strength and coordination, and building lifelong good health habits early. Emotionally, team sports can help children build social skills and can provide a general sense of well-being.

Let them play - but play smart!

Yoga - The Antidote to Arthritis and a Key to Healthy Aging

Forty years ago, when I first became interested in yoga and therapeutic exercise, I was assisting an older woman who was immobilized in her wheelchair by arthritis. Long before I understood the degree to which yoga can rehabilitate the body, I was helping people who were unable to dress, bathe or feed themselves independently due to the pain and stiffness in their joints. This has helped me understand the extreme suffering that can be inflicted by arthritis.

Back then, people with joint pain and swelling were advised by doctors not to move! The thinking was "If it hurts, don't move it." We now know that inactivity is one of the worst responses for someone with arthritis.

As Loren Fishman, MD, points out in his book, Yoga for Arthritis, "Arthritis restricts movement, yoga increases range of motion-these two were made for each other."

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in this country, limiting everyday activities for millions of people. Drugs, surgeries, and steroids can alleviate some of the discomforts, but study after study has shown that exercise is most beneficial to most forms of arthritis, specifically low-impact, flexibility-enhancing exercises such as yoga.

Osteoarthritis, a painful and often debilitating condition caused by decades of wear and tear on the joints, is considered to be one the side effects of living longer. By the time we reach age sixty-five, X-rays for at last a third of us will show some signs of osteoarthritis, the most common of a group of diseases collectively referred to as arthritis.

Arthritis in its many forms affects more than seventy million (or one in three) American adults, according to estimates by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Arthritis is so common in our culture that most people consider the pain and discomfort it brings to be a normal part of aging. Arthritis makes normal activities increasingly painful and difficult and diminishes or destroys the quality of life.

An Overview of Arthritis

The word arthritis means "joint inflammation." Modern medicine recognizes more than a hundred varieties of conditions that produce deterioration in joint structures. The common thread among these conditions is that they all affect the joints-those nearly 150 ingeniously designed structures located where two or more bones come together.

Arthritis-related joint problems may include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joints. Joint weakness, instability and visible deformities may occur, depending on the location of the joint involved.

Arthritis is classified into two main types. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder, resulting in stiffness in the joints and muscles, joint erosion and pain. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder that erodes the cartilage in joints, which leads to bones rubbing together. Osteoarthritis frequently occurs in people who are overweight or whose joints are painful from extreme overuse.

In spite of the prevalence of arthritis, be careful not to jump to the conclusion that your achy joints are necessarily due to it. Overuse and injuries can also result in tendonitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and other fairly common conditions that are unrelated to arthritis.

Arthritis and Exercise

To remain healthy, muscles and joints must move and bear weight or they will lose strength. This weakness, coupled with joint swelling, will make the joints unstable. Joints in this condition are vulnerable to dislocation, increased injury and pain. Thus, regular gentle movement helps to reduce pain and to maintain mobility.

Physical movement promotes health in many systems of the body. It increases circulation, which in turn reduces swelling and promotes delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. With immobilization, a cycle of deterioration begins.

Because movement is crucial to so many physiological processes, the arthritic person's overall health tends to deteriorate without it. The normal functioning of the immune system declines, infections and illnesses occur, and the person often becomes frustrated and depressed. This cycle is self-perpetuating.

When someone comes to me with arthritis, I teach them how to practice yoga safely with the support of yoga props. For those who are new to yoga, the term "yoga props," simply refers to any object, such as a wall, a sturdy table or a chair, a folded blanket, a firm pillow, a strap or other item that makes practicing yoga safer and easier. Yoga props are especially helpful for older beginners who may have balance problems and are coping with common health issues such as arthritis and osteoporosis. In addition to common household objects that can be used as yoga props, there are professional yoga props such as a sturdy wooden bar known as the "yoga horse," yoga wall ropes, yoga bolsters in many shapes and sizes, yoga straps, special yoga chairs, yoga blocks, firm yoga blankets and more elaborate props like yoga backbenders that give people with arthritis and other common health conditions new hope and confidence.

Physicians are increasingly advising regular gentle exercise for people with arthritis because it tones muscles and reduces stiffness in joints. Yoga is an ideal form of exercise for this because its movements are fluid and adaptable. Yoga loosens muscles that have been tightened by inactivity, stress and tension. In yoga we progress gradually, beginning with simple stretches and strengthening poses and advancing to more difficult postures only as we become stronger and more flexible.

If necessary, you can begin with gentle movements while sitting in a chair or lying on the floor. You can gradually add weight-bearing standing postures, with the support of a wall, counter or table, wall ropes, chairs, blocks, and other props.

The weight-bearing yoga standing poses are among the key poses for safely increasing range of motion in all the joints as well as increasing strength and flexibility.

It's important to note that weak muscles are considered a risk factor for osteoarthritis. Be especially aware of weakness in the quadriceps, the large frontal thigh muscles: The weaker the quadriceps, the higher the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee. Yoga standing poses are valuable for strengthening the quadriceps without wear and tear on the hip and knee joints.

Practicing yoga can help improve respiration throughout the day. Calm, slow, rhythmic breathing helps to release both physical and emotional tension by flooding the body and brain with oxygen. The regular, daily practice of deep relaxation is restorative to every cell of the body.

I encourage those of you with arthritis to seek the help of an experienced teacher who can help you learn to distinguish between good pain and bad pain and to make yoga part of your daily life.

The positive effects yoga can have on mood and overall outlook are especially important to someone with arthritis. A yoga class offers positive support and the opportunity to connect with people who are health-minded and have experienced the benefits of yoga. Numerous studies emphasize the value of group support in coping with health challenges such as arthritis.

With arthritis, as with any injury or disease, listen to your body with focused attention to avoid injury and determine which movements are most healing. Take classes with a teacher who is knowledgeable about arthritis. If you are new to yoga, I recommend a few private lessons, if possible, or start in a small group class with individualized instruction, where you can practice at your own pace.

Guidelines for Practicing Yoga in Class and at Home

1. Respect pain. All yoga students, but especially those with arthritis, must learn the difference between the beneficial feeling of muscles stretching and the pain that signals harm. Learn to distinguish between the normal discomfort of moving stiff joints through range of motion, and the pain caused by a destructive movement or an excessive demand on a joint. Sudden or severe pain is a warning. Continuing an activity after such a warning may cause joint damage.

In general, if pain and discomfort persists more than two hours after a yoga session, ask a knowledgeable teacher to check your alignment and help you modify the pose. Try moving more slowly, practicing more regularly and experiment with how long to stay in a pose. There is no set answer to the perennial question "How long should I stay in the pose?" Stay long enough so that a healthy change has been made but not so long that your body stiffens from staying in a position too long.

2. Balance work and rest. Balancing activity and rest applies to yoga as well as to other daily activities. Do not exercise to the point of fatigue. Stop before you are exhausted! Weakened, fatigued muscles set the stage for joint instability and injury. Balance your active yoga session with yoga's deeply relaxing restorative poses. Restorative poses are passive poses that help your internal healing processes to work. If you are fatigued, practice restorative poses first. You will benefit more from active, more challenging poses, if you are well rested.

3. Practice with focus and awareness (pay attention to how you feel) and breathe properly. Avoid mechanical repetitions and counting while exercising. Watch the flow of your breath and your body's response to a particular pose or exercise. Without fully expanding your lungs, the muscles you are exercising cannot be adequately supplied with oxygen. Holding your breath while stretching inhibits relaxation. Smooth, peaceful, rhythmic breathing through the nose reduces pain and tension and increases the feeling of deep relaxation that follows a yoga session. Learn to tune into what your body is telling you.

4. Learn to use yoga props. People with arthritis may already be quite stiff by the time they start yoga. The use of props helps improve blood circulation and breathing capacity. By supporting the body in a yoga posture, props allow the muscles to lengthen in a passive, non-strenuous way. Props help conserve energy and allow people to practice more strenuous poses without hurting or over exerting themselves.

Yoga for Arthritic Hips and Knees

The areas most commonly affected by arthritis are the hips, knees and hands. With decreased movement, the muscles and soft tissues around the hip shorten, putting additional wear and tear on the gliding surfaces. If a person becomes more sedentary in an effort to minimize pain, bones and cartilage receive less weight-bearing stimulation. Bone spurs may even develop to further limit movement.

Lack of exercise also weakens the thigh and calf muscles. Their strength provides stability and support for the knee. When the soft tissues of the joint swell, this causes compression and reduces space in the joint even further.

Standing poses are crucial for stretching and building supportive strength in the hips, buttocks and thighs. Moving the head of the femur in the hip socket helps distribute synovial fluid, thus lubricating the joint and all points of contact.

The same standing poses recommended for hips are also critical for knee rehabilitation. They create more space in the knee joint for synovial fluid circulation and develop the strength of the thigh and calf muscles for better support.

Sit on the Floor Every Day!

I encourage all my students, especially those with osteoarthritis of the knees, to sit on the floor every day, in various cross-legged and other bent knee positions, as part of their daily life routine. This helps assure that you do not lose the ability to sit comfortably on the floor. Sitting with the legs crossed loosely is a simple, natural position that helps remove stiffness in the hips and knees. To help you sit comfortably on the floor with your back straight, sit on one or more folded blankets, a firm bolster, large dictionary or other height. Avoiding sitting on the floor will only make your hips and knees stiffer with the passage of time.

Hint: If there is pain in the knees, try increasing the height under the buttock so that your pelvis is higher than the knees, and place folded blankets or yoga blocks under the knees. A knowledgeable yoga teacher can help you adjust your props so that sitting on the floor becomes easy and comfortable. Increase the length of time you sit gradually, and be sure to cross your legs the opposite way (opposite leg in front).

Caution: Do not strain your knees by attempting to sit prematurely in more advanced, bent-knee positions such as the classic Lotus Pose. Forcing your body into any position can result in serious injury. STOP if you feel pain, and consult a knowledgeable teacher.

Knee Braces For Football

The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most commonly injured ligaments in the knee.

The function of the ACL is to prevent excessive forward movement of the lower leg in relationship to the thigh, as well as limits rotational movements at the knee joint.

The ACL ligament is one of 4 important ligaments that stabilize the knee and prevent excessive or abnormal range of motion. Football, due to its high impact and high contact movements makes it one of the most common sports with ACL ligament sprains and tears. The question then arises that if there are so many of these types of injuries, why is there not more attention addressing the need for protective bracing.

Over the last decade, there has been more awareness of the need to protect the knee during these types of high contact and high impact sports. Many professional football players have utilized rigid knee braces following ACL surgery to continue their careers. As more studies are done, and the technology improves regarding the materials used in brace construction, it has become apparent that more athletes, both amateur and professional are wearing knee braces for both preventative purposes and after ACL surgery. More coaches and trainers have recommended braces to their players, especially those with previous knee injuries or instabilities.

Most ACL braces for football usually are metal or carbon fiber framed braces. This provides the maximum support level that can be obtained, without restricting movement of the knee joint. Fabric hinged braces are available for ACL protection, but they are limited in support, due to the flexibility of the material.

It must be understood that braces do not prevent injuries. Like airbags in a car, they reduce the severity of the injury. So if an athlete is going to be injured, the idea is to reduce the severity of the injury with additional support, thereby improving the prognosis and recovery period.

There have been arguments regarding the use of braces causing muscle atrophy, bone loss and weakness due to wearing knee braces. Although prolonged use of a brace can have such implications, there is no data to demonstrate that short term use during play or practice causes these types of complications. The risk of injury and surgery usually far outweigh any potential issue of short term muscle atrophy.

There will always be controversy regarding the use of these devices and the true effectiveness in protecting and stabilizing the knee during football. It is strongly advised that you consult with your physician, coach or trainer to determine if you would benefit from a knee brace.

Comparison of Health Insurance Schemes for Senior Citizens

It is absolutely vital that as one approaches old age, one has a substantial health insurance cover. The probability that one's health care expenses would increase substantially is almost a given. In this piece we look and compare the different health insurance plans that are available in the market for senior citizens. While every health insurance company wants to insure the young (and almost by definition, more healthy), there are very few plans which provide health insurance to people beyond 60. Another interesting thing to note here is that most of the health insurance plans for senior citizens is offered by the public sector general insurance companies.

The health insurance plans available for senior citizens are:

1. Varistha Mediclaim by National Insurance


2. Senior Citizen plan by Oriental Insurance


3. Mediclaim for Senior Citizens by New India Assurance


4. Senior Citizen Plan by United India Insurance


5. Red Carpet Plan by Star Health Insurance

Varistha Mediclaim by National Insurance: This policy can be bought by anyone between 60 and 80 years of age. Renewals can be done upto the age of 90. Between the age bands of 76-80, premiums have an added factor of 10% and between 80 to 90 years of age, premiums are grossed up by 20%. The sum insured under this policy for hospitalization is Rs 1 lakh. For critical illness, the sum insured is Rs 2 lakhs. Under the critical illness cover, diseases such as cancer, renal failure, stroke, organ transplants etc are covered. If the person has already been insured for 3 years through a health insurance policy, then he or she does not have to undergo a medical test, else there has to be a medical test under the prospective customer's costs. For domiciliary treatment, the maximum claim is fixed at 20% of the sum insured. Ambulance charges upto Rs 1000 are covered under this policy. For a mediclaim cover of Rs 1 lakh and a critical illness cover of Rs 2 lakhs, the premium varies between Rs 6200 (for a 60-65 year old) to Rs 9200 (for a 75-80 year old). One interesting feature of this policy is that pre existing hypertension and diabetes are covered from the 1st year itself of the policy by paying 10% additional premium for each of the two diseases. Pre existing is of course not available for the critical illness policy. Other pre existing diseases are covered after 1 policy year. Dialysis, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for preexisting ailment is never covered. Claims are paid only for events that occur within India. Claims which occur within the first 30 days of the commencement of the policy will not be covered, unless in the case of the person being insured with an Insurance Company without break for the past 12 months. For the purpose of this policy, pre existing diseases such as cataract, piles, fistula, hernia, benign lumps, joint replacement etc will not be covered in the first 12 months. War related medical claims, vaccination, spectacles cost, plastic surgery, corrective dental surgery, venereal disease, vitamins and tonics which are not part of the treatment, nuclear disaster related health claims, alternative treatment like homeopathy etc are excluded.

Opinion: We think it is one of the best policies for senior citizens, except that the sum insured is low. They are quite generous as far as the norms for entry age and pre existing diseases are concerned.

2. Senior Citizen Specified Disease Plan by Oriental Insurance: In this plan, the policyholder has the option to choose sum insured of Rs 1 lakh, 2 lakhs, 3 lakhs, 4 lakhs or 5 lakhs. One restrictive feature of this policy is that 20% of any claim amount has to be co-paid by the insured. Cashless payment through TPA is restricted to Rs 1 lakh. This plan covers 10 specified diseases: cancer, renal failure, heart diseases, liver related diseases, COPD (lung ailment), stroke, prostrate, orthopaedic disease, ophthalmic disease, accidental injury and knee replacement. The amount that one can claim for a particular disease is restricted as a percentage of the sum insured (for e.g., 50% of the sum insured can be claimed for cancer, while 20% of the sum insured can be claimed for stroke). A sum insured of Rs 1 lakh will cost Rs 4500 for a 65 year old, while it will cost Rs 6400 if one is eighty years old or beyond. While this may seem cheaper than National Insurance's Varistha medical scheme, it is less wide in scope. This policy has an interesting refund of premium clause if one withdraws from the policy: if the policyholder gets out of the policy within the first month, 75% of the premium is returned and if he opts out between 3 to 6 months of the policy, 25% of the premium is returned. In this policy, pre-existing diseases are not covered for a period of 2 policy years. Other exclusions are very similar to those of National's Varistha medical scheme.

Opinion: a good scheme in terms of the level of sum insured and price, but the scope of diseases covered is restrictive. Another issue is that pre-existing is covered only after 2 policy years.

Mediclaim for Senior Citizens by New India Assurance: This policy is available for senior citizens between 60 and 80 years, and the sum insured can be Rs 1 lakh or Rs 1.5 lakhs. Pre existing diseases are covered after 18 continuous months of coverage, while for diabetes and hypertension to be covered, additional premium needs to be paid. Pre hospitalization is covered for 30 days, while post hospitalization is covered for 60 days. An insurance of Rs 1 lakh for a 65 year old will cost Rs 3850 while it will cost Rs 5150 for an 80 year old. Thus, premiums are very competitively priced. If one wants to extend beyond 80 years, then loading of 10% or 20% has to be paid. For pre existing diabetes or hypertension, an additional premium of 10% each has to be paid. One interesting feature is that there is a 10% discount if one's spouse is also covered under this policy. This policy also has the same partial refund norms on cancellation as Oriental's Specified Disease Plan. Claims would be paid only for medical treatment in India. The exclusion conditions are standard, and are very similar to National's Varistha Mediclaim.

Opinion: Attractively priced. Sum insured ceilings are low. The product brochure is silent on co-pay, and thus there is no co-pay requirement in all probability.

United India Insurance's Specified Disease Plan: In this policy, sum insured of Rs 50,000 to Rs 300,000 is available to people between 60 to 80 years of age. Sum insured of Rs 1 lakh will cost Rs 3715 for a 65 year old, and Rs 8613 for an 80 year old. So while it is cheaper for the younger age bands, it is a bit expensive for the older age groups. An interesting feature of this policy is that there is a hospitalization cash payment from the 3rd day of hospitalization on payment of a particular additional premium. While other exclusion features of this policy are comparable to that of the previous 3 policies that we have discussed, the biggest problem of this policy is that this has a pre-existing waiting period of 4 years.

Opinion: Pre -existing waiting period of 4 years is restrictive

Star Health's Red Carpet Plan: This plan has been a good marketing success. While one barely gets to hear about the reasonably broad, well priced schemes of the 4 nationalised companies, the market is quite excited about Star Health's Red Carpet scheme. The sum insured under this policy can be for Rs 1 lakh, Rs 2 lakhs, Rs 3 lakhs, Rs 4 lakhs or Rs 5 lakhs. Age of entry is restricted between 60 and 69 years. Pre existing diseases are covered from the 1st year itself, except for those preexisting diseases for which the insured received payment in the preceding 12 months. Subsequently, these pre-existing diseases are covered. There are sub limits under this policy wherein different diseases have different limits as a percentage of the sum insured. Sum insured of Rs 1 lakh will cost Rs 4900 at entry, while a sum insured of Rs 5 lakhs will cost Rs 20000.. The biggest catch in this policy is that there is a 50% co-payment for pre existing diseases and 30% co-payment for other diseases!! Other exclusions are very similar to what is there for the nationalized companies.

Opinion: Simple, well marketed claim. But the co-payment terms are a huge negative! The ceiling for maximum age at entry is quite low (69 years), though the guaranteed renewal feature is a big positive. Also, the sum insured levels of Rs 5 lakh is quite high and attractive in these days of escalated medical costs.

In summary, we feel that National's Varistha Plan is the widest in scope. The only issue with the plans of the Nationalised Insurance companies is that the sum insured levels offered might not be adequate for today's high healthcare costs. On the other hand, they are at least offering senior citizen health plans. It is very difficult to locate any meaningful health insurance scheme for senior citizens offered by any private health insurance company, except Star Health. The only problem that we see with Star Health's Red Carpet plan is that of the Co-pay restriction.

Osteoarthritis and Its Biochemic Treatment

Joint pain is a common complaint. It is often associated with aging process. However, it can also occur in children, young adults and middle-aged people. Arthritis is not a disease but a symptom, which indicates that "something", is wrong in a joint. Arthritis occurs at all ages but is more common in the elderly. It is least serious among the elderly while it can be serious, crippling and sometimes even life threatening in young women and children. Of the various types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common. Today we will discuss about osteoarthritis.

What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is destruction of the smooth cartilage covering the ends of the bones. This destruction is similar to the - wear and tear of moving machines. Over time the cartilage may wear away entirely, and the bones will rub together and in that stage may cause severe aching pain. It usually starts in the middle age without any specific cause. It may affect all joints but mainly the knee joint,elbow joint, hip joint. Of the joint pains, pain in the knee joint is the most common.

Osteoarthritis of knee joints
In early stages there is pain or catch in the knee while getting up from sitting position or changing position of the knee after a period of rest in one position. In later stages, pain is almost constant and becomes worse. On exertion at this stage rest; painkiller medicines; or oil massage relieves the pain. In advanced stage, walking is difficult and often needs a lot of effort. Going up and down the stairs is especially very difficult. The shape of the leg changes and the knee bows outwards. At this stage, the gait changes and there may be sideways lurch at every step.

What are the causes of osteoarthritis?
Common causes of osteoarthritis are: Wear-and-tear of cartilage due to prolonged use of the joint (This is the commonest cause of osteoarthritis); Defect in quality of the cartilage such as in a disease called pseudogout; Defect in alignment of the articulating surfaces; Loose structures inside the joint such as a loose cover of the meniscus; Old injury; and Previous infection. Excess Weight is one of the main causes of osteoarthritis. Excess weight puts extra stress on the weight-bearing joints, especially the knees and hips and quickens the wear-and-tear of the cartilage. If you already haveosteoarthritis, losing weight may reduce stress on your joints.

Symptoms:
1. Aching pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints.
2. Stiffness aggravates after rest and ameliorates by moderate movement.
3. Extensive movement of the joint worsens the condition.
4. Most people with osteoarthritis in knee joint complain of pain and/or creaking sound in the knee.

Traditional treatment:
Osteoarthritis is not curable. Once it starts, it remains for rest of the life. Painkillers are given to relieve pain; however, it does not reduce inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a type of medication that help reduce pain and swelling at different doses. Cortisone may be injected into the joint to relieve severe inflammation. Cortisone is a steroid that reduces swelling as well.

Biochemic Treatment:
There is very good treatment option of osteoarthritis in Biochemic Therapy. Biochemic medicines are efficient enough to control the inflammation, swelling and pains and can control the disease in a natural way. Biochemic medicines are nothing but mineral salts found in our tissues. That is why there is no side effect of Biochemic medicines at all.

Free Golf Tips to Improve Your Golf Swing

For instance how your hips might be rotating during your swing, where your hands are on the golf club or maybe even how your knees are bent before you get into your swing. All of these seemingly little things factor in when trying to develop a perfect golf swing, but most of them are overlooked.

Almost everyone who has ever attempt this game has failed miserable the first couple of times out on the golf course, mostly because their ego gets the best of them and they believe it is an easy sport to master. On TV the pros like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson make hitting 300+ drives down the fairway and 50 foot puts look easy, but that is as far from the truth as can be.

Playing the game of golf takes a lot of skill and concentration, especially around huge crowds like the pros are used to, but it all starts with a good, solid swing. A lot of people who just start off playing golf usually come up to the tee and try knock the ball into next week much like a baseball player would when he is up to bat, but developing a perfect golf swing takes a mixture of fitness and power, but more so control and concentration.

There are a few simple golf tips you can use when you are just starting out on the links. One is to never take your eye off the ball during your swing or you will hit the ball into God knows where. Keep your eyes fixed on the ball, shoulders square, arms straight with your left arm being like your cross hairs for the ball if you are right handed. Now that you have the form down when you swing you don't want to twist your wrists during the swing until after impact. Once you have made contact follow through with the swing motion until the club is behind your back and the ball is headed down the fairway.

What Patients Need to Know on Total Knee Replacement

The concept of knee joint replacement continues to offer patients a significant increase in mobility and motion as well as a decrease in pain and discomfort. Joints commonly replaced are those of the knee and the hip. Joint replacement remains an elective procedure and requires a high degree of patient understanding, education, and cooperation. The patient must assume responsibility for physical therapy, exercises and weight control.

Usually joint replacement is done especially for severely destroyed joint surfaces as in arthritis, necrosis and other degenerative diseases. When the pain is increasing in severity, doctors would recommend this procedure. Moreover, it is done when there is decreased mobility and when a person has an inability to perform activities of daily living. Persons with irregularities of the joint surface such as following a fracture or instability of the bones are good candidates for a joint replacement.

Knee Arthroplasty or Total Knee Joint replacement is a medical procedure wherein the distal femur, proximal tibia, and articulating surfaces of the patella are replaced with prosthesis. Infection is a disastrous complication in knee replacement, so prophylactic antibacterial medications are administered and aseptic technique is strictly followed.

This procedure requires a considerable amount of patient compliance. The emphasis is on progressive exercise and prevention of complications. Following surgery, the knee is immobilized and the exercise program started as soon as possible. Many patients begin continuous passive motion using a mechanical device that flexes and extends the knee at a set range and rate. These are gradually increased as prescribed by the physician.

The goal of the exercise program is to achieve more than 90 degrees of flexion and full extension. Most patients remain on the machine when not ambulating. The continuous range of motion to the joints decreases postoperative pain, bleeding and possibly the incidence of deep vein thrombosis.

As the patient goes out of the hospital, it is of utmost importance to continue with the exercise regimen. This is to prevent scarring and instability. The wound will be monitored on follow-up checkups. However, it is the person's responsibility to monitor any signs of complications like infection especially at home. Contact sports or any activities that would involve pressure and stress on the operative site is prohibited. The recommended exercise is swimming because it increases muscle strength and at the same time prevents any pressure on the joints.

Home medications must be complied properly. In the future, when the patient will undergo other elective surgery or procedure, he must inform the physician that he has an artificial joint or knee. This is due to the fact that the prosthesis can be a good area for possible infection. Aside from the medications, the patient must take note of his diet to control his weight. Increase in weight can place pressure on the joints and thus would complicate things.

There are many things that the patient needs to know especially when it comes to total knee joint replacement. These important details will enlighten the patient about the procedure and also be informed of the things that he needs to do and the things that he must not do.

How to Recover Faster After Joint Replacement Surgery for Arthritis

Findings from a recent study indicate that for osteoarthritis patients, an exercise program will allow a faster recovery following joint replacement surgery.

Researchers from Harvard Medical School (Boston's New England Baptist Hospital, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center) studied 108 men and women with severe osteoarthritis scheduled for total hip or knee replacement surgery at Boston's New England Baptist Hospital. Patients were typically in their late 50s to late 60s.

The researchers randomly split the patients into two groups.

Patients in one group followed a six-week exercise program before their operation.
The other group was not asked to exercise before surgery.

The exercise group performed workouts three times weekly for six weeks and were monitored carefully to make sure the exercise was commensurate with their physical condition.

For the first three weeks, patients in the exercise group worked out in a pool, the reasoning being that the natural buoyancy of the water made water workouts easy on the joints. The patients stood in chest-deep water, exercising all of their joints.

For the last three weeks, patients exercised in a gym on recumbent stationary bikes or elliptical machines. These particular pieces of equipment are low impact.

Patients also did strength training and stretches for flexibility during the program's last three weeks.
A physical therapist supervised the workouts, which lasted 30-60 minutes and were held at a community fitness facility.

Prior to the study, patients rated their ability to do normal chores and activities. They also took tests of balance, mobility, and leg strength. These tests were repeated right before surgery, and also afterwards.
Exercisers having hip replacement surgery improved their function and pain scores before surgery.

Patients in the exercise group, both hip and knee replacement patients, increased leg strength by an average of 18% to 20% (leg-press scores) pre-surgery. Post-surgery, the exercise group reduced the odds of being discharged directly to a rehabilitation facility rather than going home by 73%. Similarly, 76% of the exercisers were able to walk 50 feet on the third day post-surgery compared with 61% of non exercisers. The researchers also noted that patients who exercised reported being well prepared mentally for their rehabilitation. This was in part because they were no longer afraid of exercise and they understood from first-hand experience how important it was.

Sixty-five percent of the exercisers were able to go straight home, compared to 44% of the non-exercisers, the study showed.

Exercisers who got total hip replacement also showed a significant advantage in their pre-surgery function -- based on their own ratings of their ability to handle routine activities -- compared to the non-exercisers.

However, no functional benefit was seen in exercisers who had their knees replaced.

The reasons for that aren't clear, the researchers noted, although they said the difference may have been related to the joint location. A longer period of exercise may be needed to help knee function was one hypothesis put forth by the researchers.

The conclusions were that "an appropriately designed program of water and land-based exercise involving cardiovascular, strength training, and flexibility activities can be a safe, tolerable, and effective approach to improving muscle strength in middle-aged and older adults with severe osteoarthritis of the hip and knee."

Author's note: it is important that any exercise program be OK'd by your physician, designed by the orthopedic surgeon or another representative of the surgical team, and supervised by a physical therapist.

(Rooks DS et al. Effect of Preoperative Exercise on Measures of Functional Status in Men and Women Undergoing Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty. Arthritis Care & Research. 2006; 55(5): 700-708).

This article was adapted from a news release from the Arthritis Foundation.

Natural Arthritis Knee Pain Relief

Are you looking for natural arthritis knee pain relief? For many who are suffering from arthritis, this can be a daunting task. Our knees are one of the most used joints in the body. We are constantly stooping, bending, and standing which adds more pressure on the knee and when we become over weight, it makes these joints especially vulnerable. So finding a natural pain relief that is consistent and effective is very difficult.

Osteoarthritis affects many other joints in the body such as hips, hands, elbows, and spine. When the cartilage in these joints wear down due to old age or injury, the cartilage can not provide the cushion the joints need to prevent bone friction. When bone friction happens, pain and inflammation is the result. So any arthritis knee pain treatment that is worth its salt will rebuild damage cartilage, decrease inflammation, and relieve pain.

One natural way to relieve arthritis knee pain is by exercising. Exercises like pilates and walking causes endorphins to be released by the brain. Endorphins are hormone like substances that functions as the body own natural pain killers. These endorphins are so powerful that not only can it mask pain but it improves your mood and gives you a feeling of euphoria.

Medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can provide relief as well but it is not a natural treatment. Traditional medications have many side effects like gastric upset, bruising, ringing in the ears, and rashes but for acute pain it may provide the quickest relief. If you are looking for a solution to chronic arthritis pain then a natural supplement is the way to go because it has little to no side effects.

Several natural supplements can provide an arthritis pain solution. Glucosamine is a natural supplement that is used by arthritis sufferer world wide and is the supplement of choice. It decreases inflammation and pain in the joints. Chondroitin and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is also effective and is often used in conjunction with glucosamine. White willow bark, turmeric, and devil's claw are other herbs that provide arthritis knee pain relief. If all these supplements are taken separately, it can be costly. It is recommended to find a product with a combination of all or some of these natural ingredients that work well together.

Exercising and taking natural supplements will provide effective natural arthritis knee pain relief. However, you must be consistent with natural treatments to get the best results.

Why Visit India For Low Cost Unilteral Knee Replacement Surgery in World Class Hospitals?

The partial knee surgery may be possible if the arthritis in the knee is confined to a limited area. If the arthritis is widespread, then the partial knee replacement is NOT appropriate, and should not be considered.

In addition, the partial knee surgery is recommended in patients who are:
1. Older than 55 years
2. Not obese
3. Relatively sedentary
4. Have intact ligaments (specifically the Anterior crucial ligament)

The knee can be divided into three compartments:
1. Medial Compartment.
2. Lateral Compartment
3. Patello-femoral compartment.

The uni-compartmental implant is designed to replace either the medial or lateral compartment. A unicondylar knee replacement replaces only half of the knee joint. This procedure is performed if the damage is limited to just one side of the joint.

Unicompartmental surgery is performed under a spinal or a general anesthesia. An incision is made over the knee and the worn out cartilage is exposed. The damaged bone is removed and replaced with an implant made of plastic and metal components that mimic the shape and function of a normal knee. The thigh and shin bone may be slightly sculpted to fit the implant. Once the implant is in the proper place, it is secured with bone cement, and the wound is closed with stitches.

The procedure usually takes about one-and-a-half hours to perform.

A unicompartmental knee replacement requires the removal of about a quarter inch of bone.

AFTER SURGERY

Most patients go home the day after surgery (unlike the 3 or 4 days required by a total knee replacement). You can put your full weight on your knee immediately. There is usually less rehabilitation or physical therapy required compared to total knee replacement. Most forms of exercise are acceptable after surgery, including walking, swimming and biking. However, patients should avoid high-impact activities such as jogging.

Total knee replacement is considered a relatively routine surgery with a 95% success rate at 20 years. Age between 65 and 75, of these surgeries, approximately 80% are unilateral (only one knee replaced) and 20% are bilateral.

There are dedicated specialized hospitals in India for Joint Replacerment like Indraprastha Apollo Hospital (New Delhi) , JCI Accredited Apollo Hospitals (Chennai), Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai. They availed high quality and cost effective advanced surgery in India.

Precautions to Be Taken After Total Hip Replacement Surgery

As per the reports that have been obtained in case of the total hip replacement surgery, it has been found that more and more people are going for surgical treatment for hip joint disorders. Thus, the measures for prevention of hip breakdown or hip dislocation have also come into focus so that it may serve to be beneficial for the fast recovery of the patients. However, it has been observed in most of these cases that the traditional procedure is followed during the surgery. The traditional method of the surgery entails a posterior or lateral (side) approach in order to access the entire hip joint.

However, the most significant thing to be taken into consideration when it comes to lateral traditional form of total hip replacement is that the chance of your hip breakdown or hip dislocation is greater than as compared to the minimally invasive anterior approach. It has been, however, observed that the cases of hip dislocation following this surgery are only a few, but still there are certain measures for the prevention of hip breakdown that are to be followed by the patient with immediate effect as soon as the surgery is completed. These tips are actually provided by the physical/occupational therapists of the patients as they are who know their proper condition at that particular point of time.

The new hip of the patients needs specific period of time to heal in its accurate place. The most probable period is the first 6 weeks following the surgery. During this period after the total hip replacement surgery, the hip muscles and bones of the patients heal up around their new hip joint so that it gets adjusted to its right place. The most important measures that you need to keep in mind for prevention of hip breakdown or hip dislocation include no turning of your toes inward, no crossing your legs, and the angle of bending your new hip must not exceed 60-90 degrees.

The next important precaution that the patients need to take for prevention of hip breakdown. After total hip replacement surgery is to avoid bending down to pick up something from the floor or access a low cupboard while standing. There are certain devices called reachers that can help you in picking up things from the floor. The occupational therapists will, however, suggest and train you with different equipments that you can use to perform multiple tasks like putting on your socks, shoes, and pants. Thus, it may be stated that for fast recovery, the patients must follow the tips and guidelines as specified by their therapists.

Teaching Your Child Self-Defense When Your Child Doesn't Want to Learn Self-Defense

Like most of you martial arts instructors and long term martial arts practitioners, I began trying to teaching my child self-defense right around the day he was born. Excitedly telling my wife how he sleeps in the on-guard position and how his googling sounds like a kia.

I began rough-housing with him almost as soon as he was able to start playing with me. Tossing him gently (careful of his/her neck if you play like that), at first, and reacting with great over-exaggeration when he'd hit me.

My method of madness (madness according to my wife) had (and still has) a purpose. Utilizing my physical education, methods of teaching and behavior modification background, I began teaching my son self-defense.

As of writing this section of the article, the last time we "played Heeya" at six years old Hunter ducked my swipe, punched me hard twice, head-butted me in the gut. As I tried to sit on the couch feigning injury (he knows when I'm faking) he jumped onto the couch on his hands and knees and b-checked me onto the floor then jumped onto my back ....A proud father laughed and made grunting sounds.

Here are the principles I combined:

MAKE IT FUN

I know some of you instructors don't want to treat self-defense as a game, but it's a lot less of a game than the two martial arts schools my family and I checked out. 90% of the time was spent doing non-martial arts oriented relay races. About the last 15 minutes of class was spent executing martial arts oriented drills. As a physical educator I was appalled at the lack of activity focus.

Okay done ranting. Martial arts can be fun. Martial arts games can be played while still teaching the young student the seriousness of what he/she is learning. I have yet to have an incident wherein my son has hit another child. "Only do this with daddy and people trying to hurt you or take you away son." Goes a lot further than some of you might think.

PROMOTING WANTED ACTIONS WITH WANTED REACTIONS

By reacting in a manner in which the child finds entertaining, you motivate the child to continue to execute the wanted actions.

USE A HOLISTIC METHOD OF TEACHING

Now before the religious folks start worrying about what that means, all that means is to start with what the child already does and refine it. Starting with the part method of teaching would be counter-productive especially in the area of motivation.

BE FLEXIBLE

Remember anything you do with your child and anywhere you do it can be a self-defense lesson and fun with a little imagination. I can't tell you how many times I've embarrassed my poor wife "playing" with my son in the checkout line at Sam's Club.

GAMES

HEEYA

My son named the pretend fight game. I'd get into an over-exaggerated fighting stance shouting heeeeeeeyaaaaaaa and that's what he decided to call it. In the beginning, trying to just get him to block and punch straight was tough so when he did that I over-reacted to that falling down, pretending to be hurt, pretending he stopped my punch.

As his skills improved I reacted less to less correct movements. If he swung wildly for example I wouldn't react. I might even tell him "punch straight son". When he did the more correct movement I over-reacted once again. Bending over in great agony from his tremendous punch to my body. Jumping up and down on one leg after a swift kick to my leg. As of the date of writing this section he still needs work on his kicks. I'm still in that over-reaction stage from just about anything he throws right now with his legs or knees.

He Has Periods of Executing Various Tactics

Presently as of writing this section he likes to run into the kitchen, then charge me. I don't dissuade him from this activity. I let him knock me down sometimes and we ground fight. Sometimes I side-step and tap him with my foot. How is that working out? Sometimes I run into the kitchen and charge him. He side-steps me and executes one of his few kicks.

BED HEEYA

Whatever the child wants to do is fine. It's up to you to make a training session out of it. Sometimes my son wants to play heeya on the bed. He ducks and slips my swipes and, on his own, started dropping to his hands and knees on the bed and head-butting me in the gut. I let him do this two or three times then side-step and catch him before the hits the floor (don't be a moron it's up to you if you want to do that I'm not telling you to) Often I'll throw him onto the bed (see the previous parentheses). Sometimes when he head-butts me or kicks I fall onto the bed. He'll either knee drop me or kick me while he's standing.

This reminds me I often tell people my job is to teach people to beat me up and of they don't do a good enough job show them how to do it better. Try putting that on a resume.

PILLOW HEEYA

Again named by my son and one of the few games I get to play sitting down. On first glance this could seem like a waste of time, but remember the bean bag drill in my martial art drills ebook Bringing The Martial Artist out from Within? Similar idea. Just not so many variations when you're "playing" with your child.

This time my son stands at a comfortable distance and we throw two pillows at each other. If your child catches you off guard don't get mad or even look upset. You want him to do that remember! Motivate the action.

"OOF, good job son!"

Which reminds me not to glance at the TV anyway unless the show comes back on and we're just "playing" during commercials.

My son tries to dodge or catch the pillows I'm winging at him pretty good. Usually I throw one pillow then the other right after the first so he has to stay well balanced and ready. Lately he's been wanting to kick the pillow coming at him. Do I say no no just dodge? Of course not! I throw them more toward his feet.

When I was teaching martial arts full time as well as tutoring, I often didn't have time to workout with anyone but my students. Because of this, my physical skills began to decline. So I began placing myself in more challenging situations with my own students. Sparring them with my hands down and much closer to their striking range, for example, forced me to continue to improve even with lower skilled level students with which to train. Using this same method, when my son throws his pillows at me I make sure I was in a more challenging position to evade or catch the pillows. Forcing myself to move faster with better reaction time. This method can apply to all your "playing" and training situations.

HULA JUMP

Doesn't help the boy too much but gives dad a great strike taking workout. I was laying on the couch when some hula dancers came on TV. Hunter climbed to the top of the back of the couch and said,

"Mommy watch me do the hula jump!"

At which point he jumped off the back of the couch and landed on my stomach (see the first set of parentheses). Don't worry, my ebook on internal energy strikes has drills in it to teach you to take strikes even better than you do now. I also have a downloadable low cost video clip released on taking strikes and developing reflexes to hit back even if you're hurt.

The one thing not covered in the ebook or clip is how to take strikes while you're laughing hysterically while looking up at your kid whose ready to jump onto your gut.

CONCLUSION

The point of all of this is to help you to think and create training situations which may not exist during formal training in order to improve your child's ability to defend himself/herself and to improve your child's future love for martial arts.

Use your imagination, think. You don't have to be in a training area to train. You don't have to be lined up all in a row to train in the martial arts and in self-defense. You can train anytime and anywhere you want to with a little imagination.

For all kinds of martial arts and self-defense drills see my printable ebook Bringing the Martial Artist Out from Within.

My family and I thank you for your support

Enjoy,

Rick

Sensei J. Richard Kirkham B.Sc.

Horrible Knee Pain - An Injury Can Really Hold You Back - Get the Knee Support You Need to Move On

Do you have horrible knee pain?

If so, then it is a good idea to face the pain before it gets worse.

Read on for some helpful information and at the end we discuss some ways to help support your knee...

The Construction of the Knee

The knee is essentially a ball and socket joint at which the two leg bones of each leg are joined. These two bones are connected by a series of ligaments and tendons. The outside of the knee is covered by a plate of bone known as the kneecap or patella. Together, these components make up the knee.

The Role of the Patella

The patella serves the functions of protecting the knee. The knee joint is rather fragile as the tendons and ligaments holding the two bones together can be severed easily. The patella protects the knee joint from the impacts and blows that would otherwise affect the tendons and ligaments. While the patella is extremely hard and durable, it is not invulnerable. If the patella sustains a severe blow, it can get injured.

Horrible knee pain can be caused by a direct blow to the leg, or result from a degenerative condition that has culminated into a serious issue for you currently. If you have a ligament injury, arthritis, a meniscus tear, or some unknown cause of the pain, it is wise to consider supporting your knee.

How a Fractured Patella can cause Horrible Knee Pain

Even if the fractured patella is still intact and in a single piece, the cracks that it has received will weaken it significantly. Excessive movements will only cause further deterioration, accompanied by horrible knee pain as the slightest movement of the knee will cause the joint to rub against the patella. With a fractured patella, even the smallest movements are excruciating.

The Recovery Process

If you have a fractured patella, the road to recovery can be a long and hard one. Even with the proper medical care, you will find it almost impossible to walk for many months. When you do attempt to start walking again, you will more than likely experience horrible knee pain brought on by using muscles that have been weakened by several months of disuse. Supporting your patella with a knee brace can do a lot to help lessen the excruciating pain.

However, even when the patella has healed enough for you to walk, putting too much strain on the knee may cause it to fracture again. A knee brace will prevent this by taking much of the stress of walking away from the knee by helping to eliminate excessive movements.

Whether you have a fractured patella or another knee issue, a knee support can really prove to provide you with the support you need to get moving again with confidence. These supports do not have to be costly or big and bulky to provide you with additional and meaningful support.

Rehabilitation After Knee Replacement Surgery

Rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery is essential for a successful and complete recovery. Based on your specific needs, your orthopedic specialist or physical therapist would devise a suitable plan of care for you, to hasten your recovery. The physical therapist would evaluate things such as mobility, heart and lung capacity, whether any special equipment is required, and posture.

Rehabilitation Programs to Improve Muscle Strength and Range of Motion

Some of the goals of physical therapy rehabilitation services would be to:

• Build strength in those muscles that support the knee
• Maximize range of motion
• Reduce rigidity
• Prepare you for discharge

You as a patient must work diligently both with your doctor and on your own so that you see a definitive improvement.

In addition to making you perform exercises, the specialist at the physical therapy rehabilitation center may incorporate modalities such as hydrotherapy, massage, cold compression therapy, and CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) into the recovery program. Some of the exercises that your doctor would suggest for you are:

• Ankle Pumps - This exercise involves flexing your ankle up and down with your leg straight. The exercise makes possible, the flow of blood to the extremities.

• Heel Slides - In this exercise, you have to flex both your knee and hip. After this, you restore your knee to the straight position.

• Leg Lifts - This exercise increases blood flow. You have to lift your leg to a particular height off the floor or bed, keeping your knee straight.

Your physical therapist would probably tell you to incorporate these and other exercises such as quadriceps sets, knee extensions, and knee flexion stretches into your home exercise program as instructed by him.

Help You Walk with Confidence

Advanced strengthening programs during rehabilitation may include adding weights as tolerated. Walking is another important aspect of the recovery program. The majority of patients would take their first steps following the replacement surgery with the help of a walker. If you have a strong upper body and good balance, you may be able to use crutches. Whether or not you are able to progress to a cane would be determined by two factors:

• Whether or not your surgeon feels it is okay to place the entire weight on your leg during the early weeks following the surgery
• Your ability to get your strength back

If you follow your program for rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery, you can expect a complete recovery in about a year or even sooner. You would gradually be able to walk with little or no pain and return to everyday activities with total independence.

Trick Knee In Dogs - Surgery For Luxating Patella

Once your dog is diagnosed with trick knee (luxating patella), you have a major decision - surgery or no surgery. See the Resources section of this article for help making your decision.

When you opt for luxating patellar surgery, there are several important things to consider as follows:

1. Trick knee diagnosis as performed by a competent, experienced vet is usually straight-forward. The vet can actually feel the dog's knee cap slipping put of its track. However, you may want to pursue a second opinion regarding the surgical procedures for correction. Risk to the animal, surgical success, and cost are important considerations.

2. Ask and get answers to all your questions about the surgery from the vet and/or the surgeon (they may be different individuals; some vets specialize in doggie orthopedic surgery). Ask questions about the details of the surgery and how long the dog will stay in the hospital (a big factor in cost).

3. Be sure you understand the mechanics of corrective surgery because it helps if and when there is a post operative condition. For example, Simon, a year-old Cockapoo, developed a mysterious lump at the surgical site several days post-surgery. A common occurrence, the lump was caused by internal sutures irritating tissues.

4. Most animal hospitals provide specific instructions about medication and post-operative doggie activity. Take care to follow these instructions. For example, letting a dog run up and down stairs may not be the best of decisions.

5. Be aware that post-op infection is a possibility. One way to detect an infection is to establish the dog's normal temperature before surgery. Then you can take his temp several days post surgery to see if it is rising out of the normal zone. After bandages are removed, the suture site may become red and sensitive to touch. If this is the case, a call to the vet is a good idea.

6. Once the surgeon or vet has finished his job and the dog comes home from the hospital, it's up to the owner to take over the dog's care. For example, at least for the first few days, keep a careful eye on the dog's general condition. Note that medications may cause your pet to appear drowsy and sleep more than usual.

7. Other household pets and small children may pose a hazard to a dog just released from the hospital. Isolate the patient as a protection. Remember that excessive activity can tear surgical repairs.

8. Transporting the patient in a vehicle also requires special care. Use a carrier or crate for transport.

Knee Pain and Arthritis: You Don't Have to Suffer Anymore

I was like you: years ago I started having knee pain; it worsened with time to the point that:

• I could no longer walk normally; I found myself limping often and I was no longer able to move my right knee as I used to: it seemed to have lost much of it earlier flexibility. I remember so vividly how I was in Vegas with my partner and, whilst having a fantastic time as we always did there, all I could think of was my knee pain; I was limping so severely that I looked as if I was walking with a massive cast all over my right leg. The pain was, needless to say, excruciating.


• I could no longer sleep well because my knee pain was constant; lying in bed brought no relief and there was not one single position I could assume which would even remotely relieve me of some pain.

I tried with all sorts of painkillers but they never worked for me: the pain would never go away. Then, one day, as I was struggling to move around in my garden, I noticed that my right knee was now dramatically swollen: it looked and felt as if water had formed around it, under the skin. I was scared; it was the day when I envisaged that, sooner or later, I would have to function with the help of walking aids, at the very least and, in the worst case scenario, with a wheelchair.

I am a self-taught type of person and I always want to find out my options before I take a course of action. I also tend to favor natural or 'healthy' ways to achieve perfect health or recover from sickness. Thus, I began researching supplements and other natural ways to stop my disabling knee pain and arthritis.

There are many natural supplements which can help against knee pain and knee inflammation (including knee swelling): these include, above all, meadowsweet, which is supposed to help against pain and inflammation in any affected area of your body; at the same time, it's a powerful astringent (it tightens tissues) and has fever-reducing properties; finally, it also helps your body eliminate all excess fluid, which means it'll contribute to relieving your joint from the liquid formation all around it which may cause swelling (it certainly did in my case).

Other supplements include willow bark, butterbur, St John's wort and Jamaican dogwood.

I take omega 3 and Evening Primrose oil, as well as Vitamin D and calcium as a general preventative measure for the future; however, I also concentrate on ingesting a lot of inflammation-reducing foods and inflammation-reducing supplements and herbs.

Moreover, when I was at my worst (just after my horrible experience whilst I was in Las Vegas) I started homeopathic treatments to help my body 'help itself' and treat the 'cause' of what made it so vulnerable to knee degeneration.

Today I have regained complete mobility of my knee; I walk, I hike, I go to the gym, I walk up and down stairs, I sleep like a log and I do absolutely anything and everything I used to do when I was a teenager.

This could be you too.

Shoulder Resurfacing & Replacement - Avail Low Cost Surgery & 5 Star Service

Do you need to get your shoulder replaced or resurfaced. You can get this done for a low cost but at a five star service in India.

Shoulder arthritis is the second most common form of arthritis of the peripheral joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, post traumatic arthritis can all cause arthritic damage. Till now the treatment has been a total shoulder replacement. Shoulder resurfacing is now emerging as a superior alternative to replacement in India.

It is being provided for affordable costs in state of the art hospital facilities in India. International medical travel is bringing many western patients to India for shoulder resurfacing. Many international patients come to 5 star hospitals in India seeking value medical treatment like shoulder resurfacing.

Shoulder arthritis is less common than hip & knee arthritis in India. It mainly affects older individuals.

Causes of shoulder arthritis are:
• osteo-arthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• avascular necrosis
• rotator cuff tear arthropathy
• post traumatic arthritispost septic arthritis
• post tubercular arthritis

In shoulder arthritis like any other arthritis, only the top surface of the upper end of the arm bone (humerus) is affected. The socket is usually not damaged. There is no bone loss. The traditional operation for a shoulder arthritic problem is a shoulder replacement. However this involves sacrifice of bone. A shoulder resurfacing on the other hand preserves bone and can be performed in 95% of cases for the above mentioned conditions.

Shoulder replacement vs shoulder resurfacing

In a conventional shoulder replacement, the damaged parts of the joint comprising the shoulder joint are completely removed and replaced with a metal and plastic prosthesis. The metal portion is buried into the shaft of the arm bone (humerus). It has a stem and ball shaped end. The socket is made of polyethylene with a metal back and stem buried into the outer end of the shoulder blade.

In a shoulder resurfacing on the other hand, the top end of the arm bone is shaped to a hemispherical shape with cheese grating reamers. A central hole is drilled in the centre of the head of the humerus. The prosthesis made of Cobalt chrome, molybdenum and coated on the inside with hydroxyapatite is impacted in. Hydroxyapatite allows natural bony in growth over time and fixation.

The operation is done through a minimally invasive approach under either general or regional anesthesia.

The implant helps in preservation of natural bone and tissues of the patient.

It is seen as an ideal option for the younger, active patient who wants to lead a normal life. This cement less implant utilizes a patient's natural t issue growth. It can also be used in the older arthritic patient with good bone stock.

Shoulder resurfacing prosthesis

The Copeland shoulder prosthesis from Biomet is an example. This is the only surface replacement with the longest follow up. It was recently introduced in India.

At Indian hospitals, cost of surgery is low and is affordable by most international patients. Hospitals have state of the art infra structure and could be called as five star hospitals. The OR's have clean air which ensure a safe outcome after joint replacement. Rooms cater to all budgets ranging from suites general wards.

Shoulder resurfacing in Indian hospitals therefore has a chance of becoming a much sought after operation for international patients seeking treatment in India. You will get a high quality service at a very affordable cost.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Part 1 - The Basics

Nearly every time I am out on my stand up paddle board I chat with some one on the shore or a boat or a bridge who comments "you make that look so easy!" My answer? "It is pretty easy!" And it's true. Stand up paddling is something that I think nearly everyone can do if they want to.

If you are new to the sport of stand up paddle boarding there are a few basic concepts that will help you to be better right from the start and decrease your chances of getting wet when you don't want to.

When getting on the board you want to start on your knees in a wide stance in about the center of your board. Usually the center is right where the handle on the board is so you can use that for guidance.

The most immediate and important concept with this sport is balance. When standing from your kneeling position you want to take note of where your knees are on the board, that is where your feet will go. You want a wide stance and your weight distributed evenly on "all four corners" of your feet. It helps to lift your toes once in awhile to help improve your balance and keep you from trying to grip the board with your toes and it helps keep your feet more relaxed.

Keep your knees bent and your body in an upright position not bent over or leaning forward from the waist. If you lean forward your center of gravity will be forward and you will have a far greater likelihood of losing your balance and falling.

It is nice to remember that if you encounter a large wave coming toward you that looks like it will knock you off your board, such as a wake from a boat going by, you can always drop to your knees and ride out the wave that way. It is very easy to stay on the board when you are down low and close to the water. If the wave is not too big you may want to try to stay upright and practice keeping your balance in this rougher water. It's not as hard as it might seem.

Remember that the forward momentum you get from paddling makes it far easier to keep your balance than when your board is stationary. So don't be afraid to move. Movement is your friend. The hardest way to balance is when your board is not moving.

If you don't have much experience paddling, please read part 2 of this article which has some basic instructions on how to paddle.

Lower Back Pain Relief - Are Shoes Important?

Proper footwear is a very important consideration when it comes to back pain relief. Not wearing the proper footwear can be a major contributing factor to ongoing lower back pain. If the correct footwear is being worn, it can help decrease pain by properly aligning the foot when it hits the ground and during takeoff. If the foot is aligned correctly when it hits the ground, the forces and weight are evenly distributed throughout the foot, ankle, knee and hip.

When the foot maintains the proper position, it enables the lower leg to perform its duties with increased efficiency. If the foot is not in the correct position, the joints above that area have to compensate for the decreased stability and poor positioning of the foot.

The following are a few descriptions of the most common walking positions and placement scenarios.

Supination - If a person tends to wear out the outside heal of their shoe, they walk in a manner that is referred to as supination. Supination forces the weight to be unevenly distributed along the arch of the foot and it can be a major cause of lower back pain. This is the most common type walking habit that leads to lower back pain.

When a person supinates their foot during the landing phase of walking, their weight is kept on the outside of the foot. This prohibits the weight to be naturally transferred through the longitudinal arch.

Without the use of the arch, the ability of the foot to spring to the next step is decreased and the joints above have to increase force to move the leg forward. While in this position the leg is now forced to swing forward with a circular motion versus a push off motion with the arch and big toes.

This "swing forward" motion causes the back to upwardly elevate the hips in order to clear the toes. In addition, repeated swinging of the leg causes the gluts to tighten and creates additional tension on the lower back. When this happens it causes the spinal system to be less efficient and more vulnerable to muscle imbalance and pain.

Pronation - another common walking style is called pronation. If a person tends to pronate, the inside part of their heel is worn out. This result is walking "knock-kneed". In addition, pronation causes a lack of stability in the knee area and makes a person shorten their stride and have less balance.

When the knees become too painful because of the poor landing position of the foot, the person will stop pushing their foot through the walk cycle and begin to swing the leg like in the last example.

This usually causes more knee and hip problems first, followed by lower back pain. The end result is increased lower back pain.

These problems can easily be adjusted by choosing the proper foot wear. Changing your shoes upon the sign of a wear pattern and working on good walking mechanics can make a real difference. Once you know how your foot tends to land, you can purchase shoes to help reduce your bad habits.

In another article, we will discuss additional important factors to consider while walking. Maintenance and strength of muscles involved in walking, flexibility and how to prevent compensatory patterns which in turn reduce lower back pain.

Knee Brace After Surgery

Are you thinking about having a knee surgery?

Your doctor may have mentioned that you will be needing a knee brace for after surgery. So what kind do you get?

1.) Introduction

Knee braces are used by people to help ensure that their knee is supported and to alleviate the pain that they are feeling. Knee braces are constructed using a variety of materials. They are designed in a way to either cover your knee cap or allow for an open patella. The kneecap is left open in most knee braces available in the market. Remember, you do not always need to cover your knee to help provide stability to it.

It is important to make sure that the knee brace you are wearing is well designed. In reality, a well designed knee support will make a huge difference in the life of a sufferer of injured knees. One of the many benefits that they offer is to help you avoid painful movements that could probably lead to aggravation of the injury you have sustained. This is really important if you think about it. Why push a hurt knee? Why threaten a healing injury?

Right after a surgery you may be wearing a large knee brace that keeps your knee locked out in extension. This can be helpful because everything is very delicate after a surgery and your doctor will not want anything to disturb the procedures results.

2.) As Time Passes After a Surgery

This time period is still considered to be after surgery is done, but you will most likely heal as the days and weeks go by. A knee brace for after surgery now can be seen with different eyes. These braces can still provide you with maximum support, but often times you are allowed to move your knee around more and thus your physician will request that you are allowed more free range of motion to get the blood going.

3.) Your Brace Specialist

When it comes down to it, you may need a couple different knee braces depending on how long after the surgery you are. You will need to talk to your brace specialist with any questions and they can help guide you toward the best options. Do not just go to someone on the internet that does not know what they are talking about. Of course everyone claims to be experts, but you should be able to ask them questions and get some qualified answers when it comes to purchaing one of these supports.

* This is health information. We are brace specialists who have seen the benefits of bracing over the years, but we have to suggest that you speak to your doctor regarding medical advice.

Growing Pains in Children

Growing pains in children can affect up to a quarter of all children at some stage. The condition can be distressing, but is self limiting and goes away on its own eventually. The real concern about the diagnosis is that the term is often used as a throw away term for any leg pain in children and there are a few potentially serious problems that can be dismissed as growing pains.

The true syndrome of growing pains is a bad cramp like pain in the upper calf muscles just behind the knee that usually wakes the child from sleep and lasts around 20 minutes. It is most common in the 4-5 years age group, but can occur up to 12 years of age. The pain does not affect activities the next day. The pains do not occur during the day and if they do, something else needs to be considered. The pain is also not deep in the bone or in the knee joint and if it is, something else needs to be considered. There is also no specific tender spot, so if there is something else needs to be considered.

If the symptoms do not match the classic criteria for growing pains (in the upper calf and at night), then the differential diagnosis needs to consider a juvenile type of arthritis in the knee joint; a pain referral from the hip; or a bone cancer if the pain is deep in the bone.

The cause of the problem is not known with a number of theories being proposed, including biochemical disturbances, hormonal imbalances and musculoskeletal fatigue. No evidence has been found yet to support any cause.

Parents and the child need to be reassured about the benign and self-limiting nature of this condition. When a child wakes with the pain, then simple rubbing or massage of the leg is usually all that is needed to get the child back to sleep. In severe cases, anti-inflammatory drugs at bed time can help. The condition is self limiting and will resolve on its own eventually.

7 Tips for Optimum Joint Health

Joint health is probably not the most important thing on your list of health priorities. But if you've ever had joint problems, such as arthritis, you know that taking your joints for granted is not recommended. A number of factors including poor nutrition, genetics, and aging can contribute to joint problems. Here are a few tips on how to prevent these conditions from occurring.

1) Pick the right shoes.

The "right" shoes are different for everyone. For example, women should avoid continuously wearing high heels because they pace a great deal of strain on the joints in the feet. High heels can also cause problems with the ankles and knees. Osteoarthritis is a common condition that occurs because of high heels.

2) Rest those wrists.

Today's technology advantages increase joint problems more than ever. Some individuals have jobs where they are required to work long hours on a keyboard. This can put extra stress on the hands and wrists. If your job is like this, be sure to stretch out your hands and wrists often.

3) Lost weight (if needed).

Being overweight or obese puts quite a bit of extra stress on the joints. Every extra pound can cause damage to the ligaments and joints around the knee. Find out from your doctor if you are considered overweight and determine a weight loss plan to improve your joint health.

4) Calcium, calcium, calcium.

We all know that calcium is needed for strong bones, but it will also benefit our joints. It's better to get the mineral from your diet instead of supplements, but if you find that you're not eating/drinking many dairy products during the day then you may want to consider one. Also, make sure you eat a healthy diet in general because vitamins and minerals will work alongside each other to keep your bones and joints healthy.

5) Get Your Omega 3s.

Omega-3 fatty acids are another important nutrient for building and maintaining bone and joint health. Foods rich in omega 3s include: cold water fish, flax seeds, and walnuts.

6) Exercise.

Adding physical activity to your routine will greatly improve the health of your joints. Something as simple as a daily walk will do the trick.

7) Joint Supplement.

Another consideration you may want to make to keep your joints functioning is by taking a supplement such as Zyflamend. This herbal supplement is formulated for inflammation response and promotes normal joint function.

Combining all of these recommendations together will prove to benefit your bones and joints. Say goodbye to pain and inflammation!

Natural Supplement For Knee Pain: Will It Give Ultimate Pain Relief?

We employ our knees in most of our body movements. With continuous bone to bone contact, the cartilage can wear out. For that reason knee joint pain is among the most frequent troubles amongst seniors these days. It is typically a part of getting old.

In order to reduce knee pain, health professionals frequently prescribe cortisone shots or an anti-inflammatory drug. The mentioned treatments give temporary relief only yet don't do anything to solve the condition and take it away once and for all. The problem is removed temporarily but the patient with left with the same condition. At times it becomes a whole lot worse when it recurs.

Now and again, pain reliever plus anti-inflammatory drugs accompany terrible unwanted effects. With regular use, cardiac problems can rise or develop. Others negative effects are bleeding, ulcer, perforation of the stomach or intestine. These conditions can be fatal putting seniors at a higher risk. So, it's not worth taking the risk. Do not rely on over-the-counter or prescribed pain killers. These prescription drugs only take away the pain but don't address the real cause of knee pain.

A good natural supplement can certainly give relief from pain and at the same time an even better condition. Cartilage building supplements support cartilage re-growth without side effects. It neither interacts with other supplements that the patient takes. Consequently, it offers the very best knee pain treatment found in the market these days.

The reason why medical doctors do not usually recommend natural supplements is that they receive little training in utilizing natural solutions to address illness. They have little or no clue regarding their nutrition. Also, huge pharmaceutical companies have little fascination with natural solutions simply because they can't be patented. They offer financing for studies on various other medications as well as offer prescription samples and other advantages for medical practitioners to ensure that the latter will suggest them. This has something regarding revenue.

Because of the negative side effects brought by prescription drugs, individuals have began searching for alternative solutions. Natural supplements for ailments and diseases are getting attention from these individuals these days. With the type of treatment of pain relievers as well as side effects of doctor prescribed medicines, re-growing knee cartilage by natural means would be the very best option for you.

I am not suggesting to disregard your doctor's advice. You just might wish to give consideration to trying a natural supplement for knee pain. Natural supplements for knee pain treatment commonly make use of glucosamine and chondroitin - ingredients that have been proven to help resolve joint problems.

Knee Brace With Side Stabilizer - The Two Types - Read This Or Risk Wasting Money!

Knee Braces With A Side Stabilizer

Does your knee cap ever deviate from its normal position?

Do you have pain when you move your knee from side to side?

Introduction: When you are looking for a knee brace, you need to do a little bit of homework first. There are so many different types that you do not want to waste your money, because you did not read this important article first. This free information can help clarify the two different types of "side stabilizing" knee braces, so you can make the right choice on a brace when the times comes.

Side Stabilizer Type #1

Many times people's knee caps can migrate laterally when they move. Sad but true. If you ever have problems with your knee cap moving out of place then you need to think about using a low profile, light weight brace for support. - It is a hassle to feel your knee cap jump out of place. But the mental aspect of watching this happen is also disturbing. - Maybe you know all to well!

Many knee cap stabilizing braces are elastic in nature, and then they will have an elastic strap that provides a dynamic forces going from the outside of your knee cap toward the inside of the knee. This will help to hold your knee cap in place.

Side Stabilizer Type #2

If you do not have knee cap problems then you will want to look into a knee brace that stabilizes the knee in a different fashion. Basically, what you are looking at is a knee brace with medial and lateral hinges. This type of support can help prevent excessive medial and lateral movements that cause pain and irritation to the knee joint area. It will help to control gross motions, not just the deviation of the knee cap.

They come in a lot of different sizes and a general rule of thumb when it comes to knee supports is the more deluxe or large the knee brace, the more serious the knee injury! If you have a serious knee injury, you do not want to go with an elastic type of support. You will want to rate your knee instability and pain on a mild, moderate, or severe scale. Next, you will want to ask your knee brace provider with any questions if you are confused about selection. (This is helpful health information, but you should speak to your doctor about medical advice.)

Rank of Best Penis Enlargement Pills

Where does Prosolution Pills rank among the best of penis enlargement pills?

There is no comparison, really. The best penis enhancement pills available on the Internet have just gotten better. In case you're wondering what could possibly be better about a product that was already number one on the market, then hear this: the new formula used for the pills is so potent that customers are no longer required to take three pills per day. Only ONE pill per day is now enough to bring you the same great results you have been used to.

The pills are endorsed by an MD, doctor Khalid Alzwahereh, a Medical Herbalist, G. Alexander, and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Michael Carter. This has further served to secure the trust of customers and to consolidate the top rand and position held by ProSolution Pills on the penis enhancement market.

Michael Carter is Doctor of Clinical Psychology who comes from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After graduating high school, Dr. Carter obtained his Associate Arts degree in respiratory therapy from the Los Angeles Valley College and worked for several years as a Respiratory Therapist.

In order to learn more about world culture and knowledge, Dr. Carter joined the United States Navy as an air traffic controller. He served onboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk for five years, which took Dr. Carter to 5 continents and many countries throughout the world. Dr. Carter left the Navy to pursue his business interests and educational goals.

He earned his Bachelor's Degree in behavioral science from National University and later received both his Master's Degree and his Doctorate Degree in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles.

Dr. Carter also has years of extensive training in "Relationship Building Concepts & Philosophies," and couples therapy and is the founder of the Institute for Relationship.

Khalid M. Alzwahereh is an M.D. living in Los Angeles, California. His resume is truly impressive and testimony to his hard work. Dr. Alzwahereh has nine years of experience in orthopedic surgery as chief of an orthopedic department and three years experience coordinating and directing six clinical programs. He was a medical quality assurance instructor and a leading authority on supervised research programs.

Dr. Alzwahereh has extensive clinical expertise in Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery, Urology, Tissue and Organ Transplant. He is currently working as a clinical instructor at the Bryman College, after having successfully completed his OSHA training.

Dr. Alzwahereh is certified to perform delicate full flexed total knee replacement surgery and to use the Ilizarove surgery methods. He is also a certified instructor for medical surgical techniques in orthopedics.

So, as to the question of the rank of best penis enlargement pills, one only needs to look no further than the doctors who endorse the product, as well as the many satisfied customers who rave about their results.

How Arthritis Cream Can Help You Feel Better

If you suffer from arthritis, chances are that you want to find targeted pain relief. Affected joints can throb and ache especially in weather that is cold or damp. Arthritis cream can be a great way to bring about temporary relief. Because arthritis cream uses medicinal ingredients to provide relief it is important to know about them so that you can avoid drug interactions or allergic reactions.

Arthritis cream is often divided into hot creams and cooling creams. This can be great since different types of arthritis need different care regimens and using the wrong product can make your condition worse.

If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, there can be heat and swelling in the joints. This is because the body's immune system is attacking the joints and there can be a lot of inflammation. It is this swelling and inflammation that can lead to pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers need to be careful of creams which cause the skin or tissues to heat up. This is because added heat can actually harm joints more.

Osteoarthritis does not cause the same heat and inflammation. This is because osteoarthritis is caused by a breakdown in cartilage. Osteoarthritis usually develops as a result of repeated joint use or advanced age although some athletes may develop arthritis in their joints at an earlier age. Joints may feel better as a result of using creams which heat the joints.

Cooling arthritis creams may use salicylate, a drug related to Aspirin to bring on relief from pain and stiffness. People allergic to aspirin should be careful since the drug can be absorbed through the skin.

Arthritis creams which heat the skin and the joints can be a great relief to people suffering from arthritis. They often used capsaicin, the ingredient which gives chillies their heat, to warm tissues and ease pain.

Heating and cooling creams can help in other ways as well. In order to apply the creams they must be rubbed into the skin. This is true whether it is a cream that is squeezed from a tube or put on with the use of a rolling applicator. When anything is massaged into tissues, there is a therapeutic effect. This is because massage will cause increased blood flow to an area which can help to make those body parts feel much better.

Arthritis sufferers who are on specific drug therapies should always make sure to talk to their doctor or a pharmacist before adding any medicines or products to their care regimen. This is because the skin can absorb medications and you want to make sure that there will not be any bad reactions between your cream and the other medications you are using. Finding a way to ease your pain and discomfort can be a valuable tool to managing your disease.