Keep the Family Healthy A Modern Guide to Healthcare
 


What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative joint disease that is commonly associated with arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage breaks down within any joint within the body, usually within the joints that bear the weight of the body such as the knees, spine, and hips. Osteoarthritis can also affect the neck, large toe, fingers and neck.

What osteoarthritis does is cause the cartilage to stiffen and lose elasticity which makes it susceptible to damage over time. As the cartilage begins to wear away and deteriorate, the tendons and ligaments stretch which causes pain and as the condition becomes more pronounces, the bone eventually rub together.

For the most part, people over the age of 60 have osteoarthritis though the severity of the malady differs from person to person. Though osteoarthritis affects more than 21 million Unites States citizens, women over 50 years of age commonly manifest symptoms more than men.  
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Root Relieves Back Pain

The British Journal of Sports Medicine has releases findings that an ointment made from the comfrey root has medicinal properties that aid in the relief of back pain.

The study included more than 120 participants who had chronic back pain yet were all able to feel marked improvement in regards to the amount of pain they felt.

MORE INFO: Back Pain

Migraine Link to Breast Cancer

According to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington, women who experience chronic migraine headaches are at a significantly lower risk of breast cancer.

Because of the hormone related triggers, there is a direct correlation between migraines and breast cancer, said Dr. Christopher Li.

Women that have a history of migraines are at a 30-percent less risk of cancer.

MORE INFO: Headaches


Environment Affects Sleep

In a study conducted at the Sousze Sleep Center in Hamburg, Germany, it was found that the root cause of more than 40-percent of all sleep related disorders or problems had an environmental cause.

"This was a progressive, three year study in which we asked a hundred patients to keep accurate logs and record their sleep experiences, including what would disturb them," said Dr. Sousze.

MORE INFO: Sleep Disorders