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Understanding Quarantine, Isolation, and Social Distancing

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With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) taking center stage across all media platforms, you are probably getting used to words such as "quarantine" and "self-isolation". But do you really know what these terms mean? Well, according to infectious disease expert, Dr. Steven Gordon, quarantine is not a scary thing. As a matter of fact, it is the most effective way to protect the public.  So what does quarantine really mean? Quarantine simply means isolating people who are not sick, do not have symptoms, but may have been exposed to the sickness. Most governments use quarantines to contain the spread of a highly contagious disease. Therefore, if you've been in contact with a person suffering a disease, you are likely to be quarantined to reduce the chances of spreading the disease to others.  Quarantine is used to control:  Disease outbreaks - An outbreak happens when there is a sudden surge in the number of cases in a certain disease. Epidemics

Best Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is very taxing on the joints, and many patients tend to minimize their movements, hoping to relieve some of the pain. And while that is understandable, it is not an effective way to control joint pain. Despite being initially uncomfortable, physical activity has been proven to be one of the best pain relievers for people with rheumatoid arthritis. The proven benefits range from increase in range of motion and flexibility, enhanced joint function, and improved moods. Notably, before attempting any exercise programs, it is essential to consult your doctor for the go-ahead, and afterwards, work with a credible physical therapist to develop a program that suits your condition. Best Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain There is a wide range of exercises that your therapist can recommend based on the severity of your condition and health status. However, the most effective exercise for relieving rheumatoid arthritis pain are: 1. Stretching Stretching is

High Uric Acid Impacts Osteoarthritis

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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common health condition that can be diagnosed easily using a combination of physical exam, medical history analysis, and x-ray. However, predicting the progression of this medical problem has always been very difficult to do. Nevertheless, recent scientific studies have revealed that there is one particular indicator that can be very useful when it comes to determining the progression of this condition. Medical research has shown that Osteoarthritis patients who have high levels of uric acid are likely to experience a faster progression of OA. In order to fully understand the correlation between high uric acid and osteoarthritis, it might be beneficial to analyze this compound in depth. So what is Uric Acid? Uric acid is a chemical substance that is created when the body breaks down compounds known as purines, which are found naturally in human cells as well as in specific types of foods. Some of the foods that contain high amounts of uric acid i

What To Eat and Avoid for Gout

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Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that often comes with severe joint pain and tenderness. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, which then settles in the joints in the form of crystals. Normally, uric acid, which is produced during the breakdown of purines (found in foods such as peas, anchovies, and beer) is supposed to be excreted with the other body wastes. However, in instances where the uptake of high-purine foods is unchecked, the body is not able to excrete all the purine on time, which easily causes gout. As such, knowing what foods to avoid for gout and which ones to eat can help you control gout flares, or prevent gout if you don't have it. Below are some important things you should know in regards to dieting and controlling gout. What Foods Trigger Gout Attacks? As mentioned above, foods that contain purines are a big factor in the development, or reoccurring of gout. These foods include all types of red meat, dried beans, all types of alc

How Losing Some Weight Helps Arthritis

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Despite all the advances in modern medicine, there is still no cure for diseases such as arthritis. While it may not be as fatal as cancer, or as contagious as HIV, arthritis is a very painful condition that can significantly reduce the quality of life of most patients. One of the much-touted ways of lessening arthritis pain is controlled weight loss. This is even more important, considering that up to two-thirds of all adults with arthritis are obese, or overweight. When we talk about weight loss, you probably think about going to the gym 4-5 days a week. However, research shows that dieting - an oft-forgotten but crucial component of weight loss programs - will help you reduce weight faster on its own compared to exercising. That being said, you can achieve even better results by combining healthy nutrition and regular physical activity. Here's how a lower body weight will help with your arthritis: Reduces Pressure on Joints Studies show that for obese adults suffer

Joint Pain & Cold Weather

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Cold weather and joint pain are almost synonymous. Most people who have conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis often experience the worst bouts of pain, stiffness, and aches during cold seasons.  So why does cold weather cause joint pain? Scientists and researchers are yet to find out the reason why cold weather causes pain and stiffness in your joints. However, various hypotheses suggest that dropping temperatures leads to a drop in barometric pressure.  As the pressure drops, your muscles, tendons and joints are likely to expand, thus causing pain and discomfort. This is mainly because your body cannot accommodate the expanding parts adequately.  Who are more vulnerable to joint pain during cold seasons? Anyone can feel the effects of dropping temperatures regardless of your physique or overall health. However, people with conditions such as chronic pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis are more susceptible to the effects of cold weather than o

Tips To Take the Pain Out of Fastening Seat Belts

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Fastening your seat belt is one of the essential rules of road safety. In the same breath, buckling up can turn out to be your worst nightmare, as far as managing arthritis pain is concerned. It is therefore not surprising that most people with arthritis prefer not to fasten their seat belts when traveling due to the persistent pain. Here are some tips that can make fastening seat belts a breeze. Test it out Seat belts come in different shapes, sizes and designs. These distinct features can affect the ease by which you buckle your seat belt. Considering this, you are advised to test your seat belt in advance before you embark on your journey. Practicing early will help you establish how to buckle the belt without harming your painful joints. Spare small joints Arthritis normally affects nearly all the joints, including your finger joints. With this in mind, you should opt to push the seat belt release button using your palm or a household item such as a wooden spoon, to