January 2016

An In Depth Look At Lupus

Get Relief from Lupus painLupus (often labeled Discoid Lupus, Subacute Cutaneous Lupus, or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling or inflammation in various areas of the body. Our immune system produces proteins called antibodies which protect the body from viruses, bacteria, and germs. However, when someone has an “Autoimmune Disease” it means that their immune system has trouble distinguishing between invading and harmful things like bacteria and germs and the body’s healthy tissues. This can lead to the creation of autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies can cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body. Lupus is usually chronic; meaning that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. Lupus is a very unique and individualistic illness that affects everyone differently. Lupus can cause damage to your joints, skin, blood vessels, and organs. People with Lupus can have a wide range of symptoms. Some of the most commonly reported symptoms are fatigue, painful or swollen joints, fever, skin rashes, and even kidney problems. Typically, these symptoms may be spontaneous. When symptoms are present in a person with the disease, it is described as a flare. When symptoms are not present, the disease is said to be in remission. Lupus is not contagious, even through sexual contact. Lupus is not related to cancer in any way, but some treatments for Lupus may include immunosuppressant drugs that are also used in chemotherapy. Lupus is not related to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) or AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In HIV or AIDS, the immune system is underactive; in Lupus, the immune system is overactive. Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening and should be examined immediately by a doctor. Pending adequate medical care, most individuals with Lupus can manage their pain and lead normal lives.
 

willow bark can ease painHow Willow Bark Can Help You

Willow Bark (sometimes known as Basket Willow, Bay Willow, or Corteza de Sauce) is found on the Willow tree and is removed for consumption after the tree is 2-3 years old. It has been used by ancient Greeks and Egyptians for many centuries. Willow Bark was commonly used during the age of Hippocrates and chewing on the bark was recommended to people who experienced pain or fever. In 1829, researchers discovered that Willow Bark contains salicin, an active ingredient that is similar to aspirin, only it does not produce damage to the liver the way that aspirin can. Some research has shown that Willow Bark is also less likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects like ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This is why it is used for pain stemming from headaches, muscle pains, cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout and some forms of spine disease. 

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Tips of the Month

Each month, we provide our subscribers with some insightful tips and information to help them Enjoy Living Again. Check them out and share them with friends and family:

Ways to Reduce Hand & Knuckle Pain

Many Americans have discovered pain relief through topical lotions, gels, or creams: “Unlike NSAIDs, which target both pain and inflammation, analgesics are designed purely for pain relief. For that reason, they may be safe for people who are unable to take NSAIDs due to allergies or stomach problems, for example” (Arthritis Foundation, 2010). Most of these topical solutions contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that help reduce swelling and pain. The most common pain relieving ingredient that is used in almost all topical pain relievers is Menthol. However, some products out there contain a wide variety of anti-inflammatory ingredients. Look for products that carry Capsicum, Arnica, Glucosamine, MSM, and Emu Oil. Emu Oil works well with other ingredients by penetrating deep within the surface of the skin, taking along with it other anti-inflammatory ingredients. Arnica has been around for centuries in the medicinal community and is known as an anti-inflammatory agent. Herbal ingredients such as Witch Hazel and Willow Bark have also been known to contain anti-inflammatory properties. There is a wide range of natural ingredients in the world that fight inflammation; the more of these ingredients a product has, the more likely it is to reduce inflammation and swelling. Keep this in mind when browsing for a topical analgesic: not all topical analgesic products are created equal (Click Here to Read More)

Ways to Reduce Runner's Knee Pain

Kinesio Tex Tape is an adhesive tape that is applied to the knee in a specific way to provide support to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Many individuals prefer this to braces because it is less bulky. It is believed that Kinesio tape can reduce pain, optimize performance, prevent injury, promote circulation, improve healing, and re-educate the neuromuscular system. (Click Here to Read More)

Ways to Reduce Arthritis Pain 

Willow bark has been around for centuries.  There are records from Hippocrates time that patients who suffered from fever and inflammation were told to chew on the bark.  It is commonly used to treat pain, especially low back pain and osteoarthritis, but also, inflammatory conditions like bursitis and tendinitis.  The ability to help with pain and inflammation is because willow bark contains salicin, which was used to develop aspirin and has the same qualities.  Along with this attribute, it also contains antioxidants, fever reducing abilities, antiseptic and immune boosting properties.  Researchers from the University of Maryland Medical Center believe that Willow Bark reduces pain and inflammation (but not fever) just as effectively as aspirin but at a lower dosage.  Real Time Pain Relief is one of the few topical pain relievers out there that contains Willow Bark. (Click Here to Read More)