A Discussion of Yoga for Arthritis

In this article, I will attempt to set the record straight on the subject of yoga for arthritis.

One major problem with arthritis is the fact that it tends to rob the individual of a certain sense of freedom and of control. It often occurs later in life when the individual is already beginning to see other negative changes in lifestyle and capabilities. Adding the nagging and/or excruciating and sometimes seemingly random pain of arthritis and lack of mobility can be almost devastating for many people.

While treatments and medications do exist to decrease pain and perhaps restore some mobility, many people wonder it there isn't some other way. Perhaps there is a more natural way to at least decrease some of the pain and restore some of the mobility. In such hopes, some will turn to exercise, only to turn away when their pain seems to increase and the arthritis seems to prevent them from effectively participating in the activity anyway.

As if this weren't enough, when people open books on yoga and look at the pictures, they find it impossible to believe that they could ever achieve such contortions...even if they did not have arthritis!

So, is it possible for yoga and arthritis to coexist amicably?

The answer is most certainly, "Yes"!

However, we must always keep in mind that individuals are different as are the forms and levels of arthritis they are burdened with. Therefore, always begin any exercise program, yoga or otherwise, with the approval of your physician. Be aware also that you may or may not be able to achieve what someone else has achieved. You will NOT, in most instances at least, be able to achieve the pretzel-like contortions of the masters in the pictures. However, most people will be able to increase flexibility and strength while decreasing the negative effects of arthritis by regular, consistent practice of yoga.

Almost any low impact exercise program from swimming, bike riding, and walking to weightlifting and bodybuilding (yes, I said weightlifting and bodybuilding) will be beneficial for almost anyone afflicted with arthritis. In fact, according to treatment guidelines published by the American College of Rheumatology, exercise is considered to be an integral and effective part of any treatment for arthritis, whether it is rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Exercise can contribute so much to the arthritic or non-arthritic individual that it is almost a given that anyone should participate in regular physical activity of some kind. However, relative to those with arthritis in particular, who often are already on their own downward spiral of decreasing physical strength, lack of energy, and decreasing endurance or stamina, exercise is a key element in combating the condition. People with arthritis tend to become more sedentary than the rest of the population in general, which, by the way, is having increasing problems with those outlined above AND obesity as well.

Regular moderate exercise of any kind seems to play a major role in promoting joint health, decreasing joint pain and discomfort, while reversing the problems with strength, endurance, and energy mentioned above. Regular exercise also contributes to a better sense of emotional and psychological well-being while enhancing immune system function as well.

Okay! I'm sold on exercise for arthritis, but what does yoga have to offer that other exercise programs do not?

First, let's get past the idea that you have to be incredibly flexible to do yoga. Nothing can be farther from the truth. In fact, the very attempt to execute the movement or achieve the position is one of the major factors in the efficacy of yoga. Many people who practice yoga regularly cannot perform the yoga positions seen in the pictures in books, and it is not uncommon for props and straps to be used to help others achieve something similar to the position. People of all shapes, sizes, and weights do yoga regularly, and this includes many with arthritis as well.

Having said that, yoga and arthritis go well together because yoga, when done properly, is actually a very gentle yet effective exercise method. It is calming and helps relieve stress while providing the benefits of other exercise programs while also providing some of its own. Along that line, yoga becomes additionally empowering in that, in addition to the benefits of exercise, and reduction of stress, yoga increases self confidence and aids in concentration, often allowing the individual to find unique insight into problems or difficulties at many levels.

Yoga is easily learned, allows the practitioner to progress at his or her pace, requires little or no special equipment (some do yoga nude), requires little space, and can easily fit into almost any schedule, even being cut up into several short sessions instead of one longer one. Many people enjoy the calming nature of yoga, particularly if they are facing other difficulties such as arthritis or many other physical conditions. Yoga can be a group activity or can be practiced alone. It can be learned with the aid of formal instruction, or a certain degree of competence can be acquired through the use of books and videos on the subject.

Last, but perhaps not least, many people just plain enjoy yoga, arthritis sufferers included.

So, in my opinion, yoga for arthritis may be a good choice for you. Why not give it a try?

Donovan Baldwin is a freelance writer residing in Copperas Cove, Texas, and a University of West Florida alumnus. He is a member of Mensa and is retired from the U. S. Army after 21 years of service. In his career, he has held many managerial and supervisory positions. However, his main pleasures have long been writing, nature, health, and fitness. In the last few years, he has been able to combine these pleasures by writing poetry and articles on subjects such as health, fitness, weight lifting, yoga, weight loss, the environment, global warming, happiness, self improvement, and life. You can find a collection of his articles on health, fitness, diet, and weight loss at http://nodiet4me.com/articledirectory.

Learn more about yoga at http://yoga-4-the-health-of-it.com.

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The Right Systems For Treating Water

We take the water we drink for granted every day. We do not usually try to find out if the water that we are drinking is safe, we just assume that it is. Contaminated water supplies are starting to become more common stories that are being told. With these stories comes an awareness of possibly unsafe water. It is now time to start asking the questions that need to be asked.

water Treatment Systems - What Are They?

To make the quality of your water improve, water treatment systems are what you need. These systems are designed to reduce or completely remove any and all contaminants in the drinking water. water treatment systems can provide you with healthy and safe water that you will be able to drink.

The Different Types Of Water-Borne Nastiness?

One of the more important things to remember about the water you use is that it is never totally just water. If the water you are drinking states that it is pure, it will have some compounds, like minerals, that are safe for your health and do not cause any problems.

The contaminants that can cause health problems that do not come in the water naturally exist also. These contaminants are so dangerous, plants, animals, and humans can die from drinking this water.

Contaminants that are water-borne are each unique in the way they are made and also in the way they act. Contaminants in the water may include the chemicals arsenic, lead, pesticides, and some others that are dangerous to the health and safety of the user. Water treatment system usage will depend greatly on two main factors.

Methods Of Proper Water Treatment

The types of water treatment systems that we have available to us are so diverse. Those products that are available for commercial use are listed below:

* Disinfection by chlorine
* Treatment by ultra-violet light
* Cation exchange or treatment to soften water
* Steam distillation
* Filtration by membrane or osmosis in reverse
* Filtration that neutralizes
* Filtration that oxidizes
* Filtration by activated carbon
* Filtration by sedimentation or mechanical use

The Right Choice For Systems To Treat The Water

You will definitely be able to find small systems for water treatment that can fit into your household. Shopping for the right one can bring you to two types of systems; the point of entry and the point of use system.

The system that is known as the point of entry system treats all the water that comes from the main source. This is placed where all the water enters the home. These systems filter by sedimentation, offer a treatment for controlling iron, use chlorination, and soften the water.

The point of use system of treatment, only cleans the water that comes from select places in your home. This would be like a kitchen or bathroom faucet. It targets only one point of water entry and not the whole system. Only the water that flows from that particular outlet will be clean and safe for humans to drink.

Conditioning systems are not the same as a water treatment system. Conditioning systems only address the water problems such as bad taste, bad smells, and the color of the water. Water treatment systems reduce the amount of contaminants that are found in the water and thus reduce the hazards of the water.

You can also find more info on water treatment and extensive water treatment. eWaterTreatmentSystems.com is a comprehensive resource for water treatment with information on reviews, reverse osmosis and how it works.

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Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, Americans gain an average of one pound over the holidays. While it doesn’t seem like a lot of weight, that one pound can stay with you for good and add up over time.

The following are five tips to help you enjoy holiday treats, but without the weight gain:

1. Reserve your calories for the best. When you attend a holiday event, decide on one or two “unhealthier” choices that you will eat, making sure they are foods you really like. Keep your portions small. For example, a reasonable portion of cornbread dressing or macaroni and cheese is ½ cup, or the size of ½ orange.

2. Focus on the festivities, not the food. During your holiday dinners, focus on enjoying the atmosphere and the conversations around you. The point of the holidays is not to eat, but to enjoy fellowship with your friends and loved ones.

3. Put leftovers away immediately. If you are hosting a holiday event, store leftovers immediately after everyone is served. Often, we overeat just because the food is there. By putting the food away, you minimize this temptation.

4. Make healthier substitutions when you can. Substitute some of the unhealthier ingredients in your favorite recipes with healthier ones. According to Chris Rosenbloom, a nutrition instructor at Georgia State university, the following are some substitutions you can make:

Whole milk: Use either 1 percent, 2 percent, or skim milk.

Cream cheese: Use light or fat-free cream.

Egg yolk: Use one egg white or liquid egg substitute.

Oil for baking: Use applesauce (yellow cake recipes) or baby food prunes (chocolate recipes) equal to amount of oil called for in the recipe.

Sugar: Reduce to 3/4 cup sugar if the recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar.

5. Kick up the action a notch.

Focus on increasing your physical activity during the holidays to burn up any extra calories you have eaten. For example, take a 15 minute walk after dinner, play with your children, or perform some situps or jumping jacks during television commercials.

A Registered Nurse for many years, Kimberly Floyd battled obesity for much of her adult life. She achieve her ideal weight and has written a new book entitled 'Moneywise Weight Loss' which teaches others how to lose weight and save money--at the same time.

Kim has written articles for the Georgia Nurses Association publication and Nursing Spectrum Online. now a technical writer, she has written training programs for corporate clients, including IBM, U.S. Bank, and Cingular.

Kim also teaches an online course called 'Goodbye to Shy'. This course is distributed to over 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, and Australia through Thomson Learning. An accomplished speaker and trainer, she delivers presentations on health-related topics to enthusiastic audiences.

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