Undiagnosed Hypertension More Likely in Rheumatoid Arthritis

TUESDAY, Oct. 7, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Among patients meeting guideline-based criteria for hypertension, those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are less likely to receive a diagnosis of hypertension, according to a study published in the September issue of Arthritis Care & Research.

Christie M. Bartels, MD, from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, and colleagues conducted a cohort study to examine whether RA is a risk factor for not receiving a diagnosis of hypertension. Data were obtained from adult patients with and without RA/inflammatory arthritis from an academic multispecialty practice. All participants were seen regularly in primary care and met the clinical guideline criteria for hypertension, but had not been diagnosed with or received treatment for hypertension.

The researchers found that 201 patients of the 14,974 with undiagnosed hypertension had RA codes. Compared with patients without RA, those with RA had equivalent primary care visits and more total visits. The likelihood of hypertension diagnosis was 36% in RA patients and 51% in patients without RA. The risk of hypertension diagnosis was significantly lower for patients with RA in adjusted Cox models (hazard ratio, 0.71), with more undiagnosed hypertension seen than with other comorbidities.

"Given heightened cardiovascular risks in RA and the importance of hypertension diagnosis as a first step toward controlling risk, rheumatologists should collaborate to improve rates of diagnosis for this modifiable cardiovascular risk factor," the authors write.

- See more at: http://www.hcplive.com/articles/Undiagnosed-Hypertension-More-Likely-in-Rheumatoid-Arthritis#sthash.tD3oeqSr.dpuf

Smokers Taking Excess of Sodium Are at Higher Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis

A new study has shows that cigarette smokers, who consume excess of sodium, are at a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

On an average, an American's daily intake of sodium is about 3,400 mg. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium to less than 2,300 mg a day  or 1,500 mg for those aged 51 years or older, or if they are black, or if the person has high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Some people's bodies are very sensitive to sodium. This was seen in the latest study by Umea University, Sweden, researchers.

According to the Swedish researchers, there exists a strong association between high sodium intake and rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the small joints in hands and feet. The risk doubles in case of current smokers.

The study led by Bjorn Sundstrom looked at whether the recent animal and human cell study revealed the association between a high sodium intake and RA would produce similar results in a case control study that worked on data retrieved from Vasterbotten Intervention Programme (VIP).

"These findings will provide new insights into the etiopathogenic process leading to the development of RA among smokers. The finding of sodium being a risk factor for the development of RA among smokers is intriguing, as it may explain discrepancies in previous studies of diet as a risk factor for RA. That consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of developing RA, while consumption of protein, red meat, and fish with a medium fat content is associated with a higher risk, could be explained by these dietary products being associated with a higher intake of sodium. These results could have implications for analyses of diet in other conditions in which inflammation is of importance," said Sundstrom.

The researchers looked at 386 individuals who reported their dietary habits as a part of the community intervention programme with a median of 7.7 years before the onset of RA symptoms. This group was then compared to 1886 controls that were taken from the same database.

As a part of the study, the researchers worked on health-screening data that included dietary habits, physical exercise, smoking and other social factors. They also collected participants' blood samples. However, the researchers did not find any link between sodium intake and the developed RA due to which they failed to confirm the hypothesis.

Sundstrom added: "Additive interaction analyses suggested that approximately half (54%) of the increased risk from smoking in the development of RA is due to interaction with sodium intake. A large influence of sodium intake on smoking as a risk factor for RA is also supported by the fact that we could not identify any significant proportion of risk from smoking in individuals with a low sodium intake."

The finding was documented in the journal Rheumatology.

Source: http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/17107/20140911/smokers-taking-excess-of-sodium-have-higher-risk-of-rheumatoid-arthritis.htm

Beneflex

What is Beneflex?
Beneflex is an all-natural joint pain nutritional supplement that promises to consist of components which have been clinically analyzed and verified. In case you turned through its website, it can help prevent this difficult sign of the aging process by providing you what you really need to remain strong and healthy.

Key ingredients of Beneflex:
Beneflex is made from the following essential ingredients:

• Hyaluronic Acid: It plays a mojor role in this supplement. It helps to lubricate joints and connective tissues so the impression of your activities is better absorbed by your joints.
• AprèsFlex: It is a boswell serrata plant extract that helps to deal with arthritis and reduces swelling of the knees.
• UC-II Collagen: It is a component that has been clinically approved in joint research center.
• Turmeric Root: It is one of the most commonly used ingredient for cooking that eliminates histamine levels and tends to increase production of cortisone to provide relief. 

Other Ingredients are:  
It's also important to keep in mind that byproducts of shellfish are used in this supplement. However, Beneflex is totally herbal, natural and gluten free.

Supplement Facts for Beneflex: 
Serving Size 1 Capsule
Servings Per Container 30
Amount Per Serving % DV
Hyaluronic Acid 90% 5.00 mg **
Hyaluronic Acid 90% 5.00 mg **
UC-II® (providing 10mg undenatured type II collagen) 40.00 mg **
UC-II® (providing 10mg undenatured type II collagen) 40.00 mg **
Aprèsflex® - Boswellia Serrata Extract 100.00 mg **
Aprèsflex® - Boswellia Serrata Extract 100.00 mg **
Turmeric Extract 25:1 (standardized to 95% curcuminoids) 200.00 mg **
Turmeric Extract 25:1 (standardized to 95% curcuminoids) 200.00 mg **
** Daily Value (DV) not established

Is it safe to use Beneflex?
However it is safe to use this product, consult a health care practitioner before use if you are pregnant or nursing, and have a serious medical condition. It is for adult use only. It is restricted to use only as directed.

Strengthen of Beneflex:

• Beneflex provides a free trial period.
• Clinical research has been confirmed for this supplement.
• Online purchasing option is available for Beneflex.
• Beneflex provides a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee.

Weakness of Beneflex:

• Clinical studies have been done on individual ingredients in Beneflex, but no such studies are cited that have been conducted directly on Beneflex itself.
• Beneflex is relatively pricy one.
• Shopping for this supplement automatically enrolls customers in a monthly shipping/billing program, until elsewhere stopped by the customer.

Recommended doses: 
As a dietary supplement you may take one capsule per day.

Customer Reviews
Beneflex advertised 'no side effects'--but my experience was quite different--within about 30 minutes of taking my first pill, I got severely dizzy, short of breath; my heart was racing and my blood pressure was jumping all over the place. And also my vision went goofy; and while my vision straightened up shortly, the overall feeling of impending doom lasted for several hours. I do take blood pressure medication and cholesterol control medication as well, maybe people should be cautious when taking these meds---I have returned my bottle for a refund.
Source: amazon.com

Doctor gave me a cord zone shot after 2 days pain returned. Saw add for 14 day free trial of Beneflex. After 3 days pain was almost completely gone. Good stuff, going to continue taking it!!!!
Source: gnc.com

I started using this product because my husband read an article about how it was helping so many people. I have a very bad knee that I could not go up and down starts without all kinds of pain, getting out of bed in the morning was so painful. I have been only taking this product for 5 days and it is a miracle. No pain in the morning and no pain on the stairs.
Source: drugstore.com

Wrap up:
Beneflex is a natural joint pain supplement which is believed to consume anywhere between 3 to 6 months to illustrate good results. Beneflex is guaranteed by medical research. This really is the best thing simply because not every dietary supplements might provide this. Additionally, you also get a money back guarantee. In case you're wanting to stay away from gluten and you're searching for a remedy for your joint pain without switching to glucosamine and chondroitin, you might like to pay back more money to get a bottle of this product. Alternatively, you might want to get assistance somewhere else if you're trying to find a solution that doesn't cost much.

Eight Ways To Look After Your Knees

Knee pain can start from an injury to even the smallest  part of your knee and can arise from overuse in childhood or adulthood.

One of the most common reasons for severe pain in this joint is inflammation due to advanced wear of the cartilage on the moving surfaces of the knee joint.

The inflammation from the worn particles of cartilage, if ignored, cause persistent swelling, stiffness, loss of range of movement and the deformity of osteoarthritis.

Knee pain can also come from outside the knee such as bursitis which is caused by inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac, in front of the knee. It is usually intermittent and mild at first but can become persistent, severe and difficult to alleviate so prevention is key.

Here is my advice to help you keep your knees in good condition and to ease pain when it first occurs.

1 Get support: If you don’t want to suffer with knee pain it is really important to wear sports shoes that offer the correct support.

Some knee braces are specifically designed to provide support in the right place. The choice of the correct knee support should be discussed with your sports specialist as there are a variety of supports and braces for different conditions.

Tip: You should invest in a good pair of trainers or sport specific shoes and boots that fit properly. Consider changing these every six months.

If you are serious about your sport you should have the footwear professionally assessed to match your running style before you buy them.

2 Lose weight: It’s not surprising that carrying extra weight means you are putting undue stress on your joints, particularly your knees.

Experts calculate that one pound of body weight is equal to between three and seven pounds of extra weight on your knees. So even losing a few pounds can make a difference to easing knee pain and preventing it in the first place.

Many of the problems of impingement in the knee joint that lead to later issues come from pinching of a fold of fat in the knee joint. Shrink the fat and you might not get the pinch.

Tip: As well as a low-calorie diet, choose a gentle exercise such as swimming or cycling which doesn't place any strain on joints.

3 Ice it: If you do suffer with knee pain, particularly after working out, an ice pack on the affected area can really help to ease discomfort.

This is part of the old mnemonic RICE which stands for: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Ice is thought to help by reducing blood flow and thereby dampening down inflammation around the joint.

Tip: Keep several ice packs in the freezer so they are ready when you need them. For a more professional approach there are cold therapy systems that deliver continuous cold to the joint such as the CryoCuff by Aircast (£59.99/ physioroom.com).

4 Try manipulation: Many people notice a sudden knee pain without any particular injury. I have come up with something I call the “Hardy shuffle test” which I use as both a diagnostic tool and in some patients it cures the pain of impingement.

Tip: To perform the “Hardy shuffle test” at home, kick flick your knee to see if you can shift the pain.

If the pain is coming from under the kneecap sit on the edge of a chair. Relax your thigh muscle and flick your kneecap from side to side to flick out the small fold of fat that is being pinched.

5 Don’t ignore pain: Many people brush off knee pain when they first start to experience it and believe it will eventually go away.

Early diagnosis is key to preventing more severe and irreversible damage. If you have a sharp, intermittent, localised pain you should get checked out sooner rather than later in order to stop some conditions getting worse.

Tip: If you have a pain you can point to on your knee and it is tender to touch, make an appointment with your GP to check whether you have an unstable meniscus tear.

This is the most common cause of osteoarthritis if left untreated. Most GPs will take a history, examine your knee for tenderness and arrange an MRI scan.

6 Supplement your diet: Vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin C, calcium and vitamin D support healthy bones, and greens such as spinach, kale and cabbage contain vitamin K, another nutrient that supports bone health.

Tip: Stop smoking. The carbon monoxide from smoking displaces 20 per cent of the oxygen from your hemoglobin. Tissues need this oxygen when trying to heal an injury.

7 Keep moving: But also get a good night’s sleep. Cycling is a proven way to encourage cartilage to grow and heal. Sleep can also do wonders for joint discomfort. So get some early nights to ensure you get your full eight hours. You will feel better for it.

Tip: Look for ways to incorporate gentle activity into your daily routine such as cycling to work or to the shops. You can even get a cycling machine that sits under your desk.

8 Change the way you exercise: High-impact activities such as running and racket sports don’t do your knees any favours.

If your knees hurt it would be a good idea to take up a gentler exercise such as swimming or yoga, at least for a while to let the inflammation go down. Continuing with high-impact exercise could just make things worse.

Tip: Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, or you are sensitive to them, try a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablet the night before exercise.

Source: http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/505891/Eight-ways-to-keep-your-knees-healthy

Rebuilding Together Provides Relief For Kearney Woman With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Jeanette Santucci of Kearney was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2001. Rebuilding Together Clay County has helped her over the past year and made her disease more manageable.

Rebuilding Clay County recently installed a walk-in bathtub for Santucci. The tub not only makes it easier to bathe, but it has jets that Santucci said relieve the pain in her joints caused by her arthritis.

“It brings the swelling down in the joints because when the swelling is up, it hurts really bad on top of the pain that’s already there,” Santucci said. “It gets the swelling down in the joints so I can tolerate walking and tolerate being awake.”

Santucci has had numerous surgeries to replace her joints and has many more to come. She said her rheumatoid arthritis has been so unbearable that she can’t even get out of bed. Santucci received help from Rebuilding Clay County after her physical therapist suggested she contact the nonprofit to help with home repairs since Santucci’s condition prevents her from doing many things.

“I let them know what needs I needed in order to make myself livable on my own again,” Santucci said.

Several Kearney businesses and organizations helped with the installation and materials of the walk-in tub, including Kearney Rotary Club, Kearney Masonic Lodge No. 311, Kearney Lions, KCB Bank, Kearney Trust Co., Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Porter’s Lumber and West Kearney Winnelson Plumbing.

Santucci is thankful for all of the volunteers and groups that helped her.

“I kind of felt like the town was wrapping their arms around me and saying, ‘OK, we love you, you’re here. We’re going to take care of you,’” Santucci said.

The tub isn’t the first helping hand Rebuilding Clay County has given Santucci. Her rheumatoid arthritis prevents her from opening certain door knobs and repairing some basic items around her house. Rebuilding Clay County installed a new door handle and lock in addition to fixing her garage door.

Clay McQuerry, executive director of Rebuilding Clay County, said he was surprised at the number of Kearney businesses and organizations that stepped up to help Santucci.

“We’re always looking for organizations to partner with us, but this is really the first time that we had several organizations respond like that,” McQuerry said. “It was a welcome surprise.”

McQuerry said Rebuilding Clay County’s mission statement is to have safe and healthy homes for residents of Clay County.

“Thankfully, we have a lot of great volunteers and contractors to make that possible,” McQuerry said.

Source: http://www.kearneycourier.com/news/article_efb3e2d2-e36b-5b5e-a3b5-76f0328e84bf.html#user-comment-area

Dealing with joint pain? Try swimming

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – You’ve pounded your legs on the pavement for years and just can’t seem to put in the miles you used to. Try hanging up the running shoes; don a swimsuit and goggles for the workout that gives you the highest cardio-respiratory fitness compared to any other sport: swimming.

Kris Simpson, an ACSM certified personal trainer, a basketball coach and triathlete admits the swimming portion of the “swim, bike, run” was very challenging.

“Lats and back were sore, your shoulders are tired, my core got stronger, my triceps – [I have] nice swimming arms now,” says Simpson.

The challenge of swimming is in the resistance. Water offers between 12 to 14 percent more resistance than air, which forces you to build and tone muscles faster. In a study of men who completed an eight-week swimming program, they saw a 23.8 percent increase in the triceps muscle in the back of the arm.

“The fact that you’re using your arms and your legs and you’re trying to move through the water makes it a bit of work, makes it a great workout,” says Simpson.

Researchers at IU’s Counsilman Center for the Science of Swimming found that swimmers of all ages had more lean muscle and trimmer waists and hips than non-swimmers. In a separate study, they found regular swimming substantially delayed signs of aging in terms of blood pressure, muscle mass and pulmonary function.

“Swimming is a great cardiovascular sport, it definitely helps with helping your heart rate and your endurance,” says clinical exercise physiologist Regina Gallerani.

Water-based exercise can help people with chronic diseases, based on research compiled by the Centers for Disease Control. For people with arthritis and osteoarthritis, it improves use of affected joints without worsening symptoms. Swimming has also been shown to improve mood in both men and women.

“People who are having trouble moving, in general, who maybe wouldn’t want to start off running, but want to get into some kind of activity, swimming is definitely a great activity to start with,” says Gallerani.

Because 90 percent of the body is buoyant, swimming provides a low-impact exercise with great cardiovascular benefits.

“It was easier on my back and easier on my body,” says Simpson. “I’ve had some knee problems — just from pounding and running on concrete and that kind of stuff, and this just makes it a nice break, easy on my body.”

If you don’t already swim, it appears Indianapolis may be a great city to take up the sport. USA Swimming recently named Indianapolis and Carmel as 10th on list for Top Swim Cities in America. The study looked at the number of USA Swimming members, swimming facilities and swimming clubs, as well as how many swimmers qualified for high level competitions — like national championships and Olympic trials.

Source: http://wishtv.com/2014/07/22/dealing-with-joint-pain-try-swimming/

Absence of Specific Hormone May Contribute to Arthritis Development

A Duke University study reveals that the absence of the appetite hormone leptin can determine whether obese mice experience arthritis, no matter how heavy they are. As such, the link between osteoarthritis and obesity may be more than the wear and tear caused by extra weight. The research team from Duke University conducted the study to learn whether or not the increased body fat of obesity causes an inflammatory response in joints, an imbalance of the immune system that signals chemicals in osteoarthritis. The researchers studied mice that were leptin-deficient or deficient in leptin receptors, and both types of mice overate and gained weight.

The study mice were then compared with normal mice to document knee osteoarthritis. The measurements included pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines present in arthritis, and several tests to assess bone changes in the knees of the mice. The results of the study showed that the knee bones of the leptin-free, obese mice did change, but without forming osteoarthritis. The levels of inflammatory cytokines, which correlate with arthritis, were largely unchanged in this group. The results suggested that leptin might have a dual role in the development of osteoarthritis by regulating both the skeletal and immune systems, according to a Duke Medicine news release.

Farshid Guilak, PhD, of Duke University, says, “We were completely surprised to find that mice that became extremely obese had no arthritis if their bodies didn’t have leptin. Although there was some earlier evidence that leptin might be involved in the arthritis disease process, we didn’t think that there would be no arthritis at all.” Guilak adds, “However, in another study, we found that mice that gained half as much weight on a high-fat diet but processed leptin normally showed significant knee osteoarthritis.”

In regards to what this means for obesity, Guilak says, “Obesity is still the number one preventable risk factor of osteoarthritis, but now it seems body fat by itself is not what is causing it.” Guilak explains, “With obesity and osteoarthritis, there are good similarities between humans and mice. If we can find a pathway that links a high-fat diet with arthritis, then we can try to identify and block the inflammatory mediators that are linked with the dietary fat.”

Source: http://www.ptproductsonline.com/2014/08/absence-specific-hormone-may-contribute-arthritis-development/

Jimmy Johnson's LEADING EDGE to Feature Hip Reconstruction Segment

Hip reconstruction offers a viable alternative to total hip replacement for patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis or other medical conditions that result in wearing away of cartilage or bone. Hip reconstruction involves reshaping Bones or providing support for or replacing a portion of the hip.

While not a cure, hip reconstruction can provide a great deal of relief from pain and loss of friction, along with restoration of function in the hip. There are different surgical procedures involved in hip reconstruction, which has come a long way over the years. It is the preferred option in younger patients. Newer methods and materials used in hip reconstruction surgery offer patients more individualized return to natural function in the hip than in the past, and gives patients overall improvement in their independence and quality of life.

"Leading Edge," with host Jimmy Johnson, has created an upcoming educational segment that explains the effect of disease and other conditions that contribute to the need for hip reconstruction and the benefits that it offers to patients suffering from painful, disabling conditions of the hip. Jimmy Johnson and "Leading Edge" will create awareness of hip reconstruction surgery and will educate the audience on potential options and benefits to patients.

Leading Edge is developed for Public Television stations throughout the United States, and has no relation to PBS. Visit leadingedgeseries.com to learn more.

Source: http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Jimmy-Johnsons-LEADING-EDGE-to-Feature-Hip-Reconstruction-Segment-20140804#.U-IPfVeP9X8