Do You Work On Concrete Floors? Do You Know The Dangers? Do You Want A Solution?

Being a production worker for many years, I have experienced many pains associated with working on different types of concrete floors. Working on floors ranging from very smooth to extremely rough, the outcome is the same - painful body parts.

Things to consider while working on concrete floors are the effects that it has on your body parts. Examples will be given for you regarding: Picking the correct shoe/boot, sore feet, back pain, knee pain, hip pain, and tightening of the shoulders and neck area. And I will give you a solution on how to resolve all of these issues.

Picking the Correct Work Shoe - Steel toe boots add an additional stress to your feet. The weight of the boot is more than your shoes, so therefore by the end of your first couple of shifts your legs will be sore. Make sure the shoes you pick to work in is the most important purchase you will make. Wear the type of socks that you intend to wear daily at work when trying on your new boot. Walk around in the boot for a few minutes. You will be spending hours a day in this boot/shoe, so look for comfort and width. Don't worry about being stylish. Work shoes do not offer many styles. The saying "you get what you pay for" applies in this area. Don't be cheap!

Sore Feet - Spending the majority of the day on your feet, day after day, can cause plantar faciitis. Plantar faciitis is a inflamed tissue in the shape of a rubber band that goes along the bottom of your foot. Damage to this area will cause you great pain in the heel. Waking up in the morning, taking that first step is extremely painful. Once you are up and moving the pain will lessen. Each time that you relax and try to walk again you will feel pain. Rest, ice, and ibuprofen was what the doctor ordered.

Back Pain - Standing in stationary positions on concrete floors can cause lower back problems. Concrete floors have no shock absorbency, therefore causing muscle damage that could be permanent. Each impact step taken on concrete floors radiates through the entire leg, causing damage. Relax, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication. In some cases heat is also used. If your back doesn't feel better soon. You should consult a physician. Always notify your safety leader at the job-site, to make him/her aware of the situation. Doctors have been doing back surgeries for many years. Back surgeries cost from $80,000 to $150,000, without insurance.

Knee Pain - Due to lack of shock absorbency, the knee also suffers damage. With each step your knee is very much involved. The knee is the largest joint in the body. Again with the concrete surface there is no shock absorbency so the knee will feel the total impact of every single step. The way you walk, the speed at which you walk, sudden stops, sudden turns and twist all effect your knees. Notify your safety leader at the job-site, to make him/her aware of the situation. Knee replacement surgery cost between $20,000 - $35,000, without insurance.

Hip Pain - Hip pain is a horrible dull pain. Remember each step that you take on concrete floor radiates upwards, from the foot to the calf, calf to the knee, knee to the hip. When walking, each step you take the hip is effected. With no shock absorbency in the floor this causes a jarring effect on the sockets in the hips. This is something that people do not think much about until they have worked for a long time and start feeling the pain. By the time that they realize what has happened, the damage is already beginning. Hip degeneration is in progress, and arthritis aches and pains have started. Again make sure that the safety leader is notified about any pain that you are experiencing. Luckily the doctors are mastering hip replacement, though expensive, this is an option one has available. Hip replacement surgery cost $32,000 to $44,000, without insurance.

Neck and Shoulder Pain - Believe it or not, the way that you stand and posture yourself at your workstation can cause pain in the neck and shoulders. If you have to look down constantly to do the tasks required for long periods of time, this will cause stress on your neck and shoulders. Make sure that you are doing stretches and warming up before you begin your day at work. Get a good nights rest, drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keep your body hydrated! If you are allowed to rotate to new positions on the production line, request to do so when you notice pains. Work well with your co-workers, so they will be willing to switch positions with you. When you first notice the pain beginning, notify the safety leader.

So as you can see there are many reasons you should not be working on concrete floors. Why do people work in jobs that hurt their bodies?

The only jobs that paid well were production type jobs. So therefore, I worked this job for many years and my body paid the price. It was not purchasing better shoes, it wasn't a visit to a different doctor, it wasn't even rotating positions with another co-worker. I had to totally change my life. I would like to share this information with you.

I would like for you to visit my website: http://diannarivera.com

Pain Meds Cause More Pain! The New Silent Epidemic

Technology is wonderful--up to a point. The medical and pharmaceutical industries have made huge advances to help those suffering from all sorts of diseases. Most of these advances are genuine lifesavers.

Americans are enjoying longer and higher quality lives--so much so, that we have come to expect many things as normal (diseases cured, symptoms gone and less pain for those suffering the debilitating affects of certain health problems).

Much Too Popular

One class of drugs--opiate painkillers, has become much too popular. These meds will not only relieve physical pain but will also give the user a pleasant euphoric effect at the same time. For a significant and growing number if people this euphoric state of mind is becoming more and more difficult to let go of (similar to the popularity of Valium in the 70's--which by the way, has been recently increasing as well).

So how and why is this happening? How do pain meds cause even more pain? Let me start by saying that these drugs are very necessary for genuine pain--such as pain experienced after a surgery, broken bones, dental work and more. When used as prescribed, for short periods of time these drugs make life manageable. In some very rare cases they may be appropriate for extended periods of time--especially when a person has a terminal disease. A very small percentage of people fall into this category. Thank God for these medications.

The majority of people who take these medications do not fall in this group. Here is where the problem starts. Rarely does anyone start out to become dependent on opiate pain meds. It happens slowly without being noticed. This is an insidious process. Usually, there comes a time when a person's physical pain is gone. With regular use of painkilling drugs, the central nervous system has come to expect the drug and the sedative affect it produces--as normal.

Withdrawal

When a person stops using the drug, the body revolts. This is called withdrawal. It's normal. Much less extreme, but nonetheless similar, a heavy coffee drinker who suddenly quits drinking coffee altogether will experience headaches for a few days. This is because their central nervous system has become accustomed to regular jolts of caffeine throughout the day. Withdrawal from caffeine is usually short-lived and not too difficult. Stopping opiate pain meds is similar, but much, much more intense. The withdrawal symptoms are often very painful--so much so that the person will start to think that their pain is not really gone and they must get and take more pain meds.

A Vicious Cycle

Not only is the body expecting this drug, but a person who is taking pain medication is also building a tolerance to it. Their body is requiring more, sometimes lots more--to feel better. This is a vicious cycle that feeds on itself and only gets worse over time. The person taking theses drugs will also become much more sensitive to all pain--as the normal ability to handle mild pain with over-the-counter medications is now diminished.

I've recently watched this problem arise close to home, as a family member needed surgery. He had been regularly taking large amounts of pain meds for back pain. While in the hospital for knee-replacement surgery, he found that he required a much larger dosage of pain meds than a normal person would need. After he was given the maximum safe dosage--excruciating pain still persisted. One feels helpless in these situations.

To ensure that this doesn't happen, pain meds really should only be used when truly needed. Otherwise, when the time comes that a person genuinely needs them--these pain-relieving drugs may not work at all.

How large is this problem really? In 2007 there were a total of 3.7 billion prescriptions written in the United States. 182 million were for pain meds*! I have double-checked these numbers because I thought they couldn't be correct. Pain meds are second only to prescriptions written for lowering cholesterol (192 million prescriptions). Anti-depressant prescriptions came in third with 158 million.

If you subtract people aged 21 and under from these numbers--that leaves 230 million adults. According to these calculations, over 15 million people are taking opiate pain medications every day. This is 5% of the entire adult population.

Do all these people need opiate pain medication every day? The only way to know for sure is to quit, go through withdrawal and see how you feel after a few months--drug-free. More and more people are unwilling to go through this process. Today, addiction to opiate pain medications is one of the main reasons people are checking into rehab centers.

So how does one avoid becoming dependent on pain medications? And once a person has become dependent on them, how do they learn to safely quit?

Read more about this topic--chapter 27, Why Don't They JUST QUIT?

* IMS Health Services (2007 Research Statistics)

Second Opinions for Orthopedic Surgery a Must

Major surgeries such as hip resurfacing, hip replacement or knee replacement are quite common these days, and expected to increase as the older population becomes larger. What's more, you don't need health insurance coverage to get these surgeries performed today, and while there exists the need for pre-surgery testing and post-surgery physical therapy, most people are very glad they opted not to wait.

Living with chronic pain can be a major, life-altering issue. Chronic knee pain or hip pain at night can prohibit you from enjoying many of the finer things that you enjoy in life, like playing golf, playing with the grandkids, taking a leisurely walk, etc.

In addition to the pain that a failing knee or hip brings it can also be quite costly. I'm not talking about the cost of the knee or hip replacement surgery - this cost is manageable. I'm referring to the long term costs of NOT having the orthopedic surgery. Changing the way you walk due to the hip or knee pain can cause problems with other parts of your body which could end up requiring additional treatments. Also, the effect of losing sleep due to hip or knee pain at night can lead to mental and physical issues that can affect your mood, job and relationships.

Health tourism today is a very real option. What might cost $50,000 to $60,000 in the U.S. can cost as little as $25,000 in a safe (and beautiful) destination such as New Zealand. Health tourism costs there also include all travel related expenses and there's often financial assistance available. With state-of-the-art facilities and English-speaking, U.S.-trained specialists, a destination like New Zealand can have you on the road to recovery and peace of mind in no time.

There are tons of websites that can answer questions about health tourism, provide you with answers to frequently asked questions, show you testimonial case studies and videos, and even offer you a no obligation, complimentary doctor's opinion. Any orthopedic surgery or joint replacement procedure is a major one, so you certainly should seek a second opinion. These procedures are becoming quite common, and with the savings that health tourism can offer - and with destinations as breathtaking as New Zealand - there really is no better time than now to explore your orthopedic options. Prices for these procedures will only be on the rise in the U.S. as a result of Healthcare Reform.

Orthopedic Surgery and the Use of Glutamine For Rapid Recovery

Orthopedic surgery when it comes to repairing either a fracture or, replacing a joint takes a lot out of the human body in regards to strength and, stamina. The immune system as well may be compromised to a point as the body is taken into a state of fraility especially as we age. There is nothing more important when it comes to getting your strength back and the surgical area healed then your nutrition.

Glutamine is one of many supplements that may be recommended for your recovery. The reason it is recommended is that it is first of all produced by our bodies naturally and considered safe for everyone. We will get glutamine in some of the foods we consume like egg protein, soy protein, and poultry for instance. Glutamine being an amino acid is just one of many that acts like a building block for protein which is required by our bodies to repair itself.

Glutamine we know is highly touted in the medical community for burn patients for its healing properties as well. Glutamine being the most abundant amino acid in your body makes up approximately 50-65 % of the total amino acids in your body so, you can see where it may come into play heavily when dealing with orthopedic recovery where muscle generally is damaged and separated during surgery.

Generally when the body is stressed glutamine leaves the skeletal muscle and is used to support and facilitate the immune system. The body goes into somewhat of a survival mode by sending excess glutamine to the immune system to protect itself.

When there is is a lack of glutamine in the skeletal muscle strength and overall recovery gets postponed until the glutamine stores are increased. This is where the importance of supplementation comes in to play.

I highly recommend it to anyone that is either preparing to go into surgey or, has just gone through surgery. Consult with your surgeon first to be sure they know what you are supplementing with glutamine.

By glutamine supplementation, you put yourself on course for building a stronger body after surgery and nourishing your skeletal muscles with the nutrients it needs to complete the healing process.

Miniature Roses - Discover the Best Varieties For Beginning Rose Gardeners

If you are considering planting roses but aren't quite sure where to start, consider planting miniature roses. They are perfect if you only have limited garden space or plan to garden in containers. Here are the best miniature roses for beginning rose gardeners...

Introduction To Miniature Roses

Miniature roses, as the name implies, are smaller than standard varieties. Their predominant traits are vibrant colors and easy care nature, making them perfect for beginners, or frankly anyone who appreciates beautiful plants that aren't high maintenance.

They have attracted quite a following from small space gardeners too, since they don't take up a whole lot of space and can even be grown in containers. This makes them an excellent choice for city dwellers or those with fully established gardens. It should also be noted that miniature roses are excellent companion plants, meaning they will happily coexist with other flowers and shrubs.

Although these roses are not noted as being fragrant, there are a few varieties that offer a fragrant bouquet. For the most part, miniatures are eye appealing roses. They are also quite prolific, with multitudes of blossoms one wouldn't normally expect from such a small plant.

The Best Miniature Roses For Beginners

In general terms, pretty much any miniature variety is a good choice if you are inexperienced. But, there are several which stand out.

If you are particularly fond of roses with a scent, we recommend "Scentsational", which offers the classic, pleasing rose fragrance. It is a very light purple and provides a colorful accent for your garden.

Yellow roses are always popular, and "Lemon Drop" is one of the most eye catching in the miniature category. The yellow blossoms bloom in clusters and they mix well with perennial plants. This style is particularly suited to container culture too.

If you're a fan of the traditional red color and want an especially hardy and disease resistant plant, try "Caliente". Named for the fire engine red blossoms, this variety also works well in containers or similarly in your garden. This plant is unique because the roses bloom along with lush green foliage on a compact base.

Perhaps the best name for a miniature rose is "Bees Knees". The blooms are as cute and appealing as the name! This is a multi colored bloomer and as hardy as they come. The blossoms are medium yellow with pink trim, making them a perfect color contrast for just about anything in your garden.

Summary

Most miniature roses are perfect for beginning gardeners, but several varieties in particular are especially appealing.

No matter your color preference, you will find a variety to suit your needs. These wonderful compact plants can be grown in limited garden space or even containers.

Best of all, miniature roses are hardy, disease resistant, and easy care.

Arthritis of the Knee - Types and Treatment

Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves symptoms like pain, inflammation, and swelling in is the area where two bones meet.

The knee joint, for example, is where the ends of lower leg bones (the tibia and the fibula) and the thighbone (the femur) meet. Likewise, the hip joint is formed between the thighbone (femoral head) and a concave portion of the pelvis (the acetabulum).

Medically known as the tibiofemoral joint, knee joint is the largest joint in the body and is most frequently affected by arthritis.

This joint disease affects more than 46 million American adults and this number is expected to increase to 67 million by the year 2030. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), about 580,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed every year in the U.S. and the number is growing.

Types
There are three major types of arthritis that may affect the knee joint- Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Post-Traumatic Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA): Also referred to as the "wear and tear" arthritis, Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting 33 million people in the United States.

It is a condition that is caused by the combination of several factors, including overuse of joints, obesity, or aging. Also called 'degenerative arthritis', osteoarthritis is usually a slowly progressive degenerative disease in which the cartilage covering the bone ends gradually wears away.

It usually causes pain and limited motion, and often occurs in joints that bear weight, such as the knees, hips, feet, and spine. It is most prevalent among middle-aged and older people with active lifestyles.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): It is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can destroy the joint cartilage. It is a systemic, autoimmune condition that causes the body's immune system to produce substances that attack the body's soft-tissues and joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age and generally affects both large and small joints in the body as well as the spine. Swelling, pain, and stiffness are often quite pronounced in rheumatoid arthritis, even when the joint is not used. The condition affects approximately 1.3 million Americans, and about 75% of them are women, according to the American College of Rheumatology.

Post-traumatic Arthritis: This form of joint arthritis can develop after any kind of physical injury to the knee in which the bone and cartilage were deteriorated. After the injury, the cartilage separates from the joint and bone and shatter into several fragments which float around freely and cause severe pain and joint stiffness.

A military injury, injury from sports, an accident, a fall, or any other source of physical trauma can damage the joint surface cartilage (osteoarthritis), destructing the mechanism of the joint and making it wear out. This disease may not surface until several years after a fracture, ligament injury, or meniscus tear.

The post-traumatic arthritis symptoms include severe joint pain, swelling, fluid accumulation in the joint, tenderness, and decreased tolerance for walking, sports, climbing stairs and other physical activities which stress the joint. It affects about 5.6 million people in the United States. The risk may be minimized by preventing injuries.

Treatment Options
The treatment for arthritis of the knee starts with nonsurgical measures, including lifestyle modifications; exercise; supportive devices; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines; heat or ice treatments and elastic bandages.

But when arthritis reaches to a point where nonsurgical treatments have failed to relieve pain and other symptoms, surgical treatment will be considered.

There are a number of surgical treatments that can offer lasting relief. Cleaning out or repairing torn cartilage and reconstructing or replacing the worn out joint surfaces are the common surgical treatments for arthritis in the joint.

Bed Wedge Pillow - 5 Primary Health Conditions Requiring Elevated Sleep

Did you know that manufacturers of the bed wedge pillow focus on five major health issues when designing and manufacturing a pillow wedge? The reason this is important is they have researched, received customer feedback, and are focused on these specific health issues. A bed pillow wedge provides relief and possibly a cure for many conditions. These are the primary health conditions requiring elevated sleep:

1. Back Pain: The sleep wedge for back pain must support the lower lumbar and take stress off of the back muscles and spine. There is a memory foam pillow wedge with a groove for the spine for back sleepers. Side or back sleepers will benefit from a contoured pillow that cradles the neck and helps keep the spine straight. There are also lumbar support pillows for your desk chair.


2. Sleep Apnea: Relaxed muscles in the throat cause limited air flow and suffers of sleep apnea to stop breathing during sleep. Through loud snorts and snoring they are able to breathe. Severe cases use a CPAP and get forced air from the device to promote oxygenation during sleep. The CPAP pillow cradles the neck and face with a cutout for the breathing device.


3. Acid Reflux: This conditioned is caused by the contents of the stomach flowing back up the esophagus when the stomach is higher than the esophagus during bed rest. The condition is very serious as it creates scars in the esophagus and has been linked to Barrett's esophagus, a form of cancer. The most popular pillow wedge acid reflux is the adjustable bed wedge pillow which goes between the mattress and box springs.


4. Leg or Knee Pain: Lower leg pain may be caused by poor blood circulation and may indicate varicose veins. If you use a leg pillow wedge, you can increase the blood circulation by forcing the blood back to the heart inside of pooling in the leg veins. Knee pain is tricky and you should have a medical doctor decide on the proper care. People who have had knee replacement surgery should not use a knee pillow wedge without the doctor's permission.


5. Snoring: The snorer usually stops snoring when turned on his or her side. However, it is difficult to stay on your side without back and neck support. The contoured memory foam pillow wedge elevates and cradles the head and often minimizes snoring. An adjustable bed wedge pillow at a smaller incline supports side sleepers and tilts the head sometimes enough to stop snoring.