What Is Arthritis and How Do I Prevent it?

Arthritis is an umbrella term for a joint disorder which causes inflammation of the joints ranging from mild pain to severe rheumatoid arthritis.  Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type and is often caused by a previous joint injury.

  • Arthritis is made up of more than 100 related conditions.
  • One in six Canadians aged 15 years and older report having arthritis.
  • Arthritis can affect anyone at any time, regardless of age, physical condition or ethnic background.
  • Women make up two thirds of the population affected by Arthritis

How Can You Prevent Arthritis?  Here are just seven simple ways:

1. Drink eight glasses of water each day.  Water makes up over 70% of cartilage in the joints so that bones don’t make direct contact with each other.  Drinking lots of water will keep it this way!

2. Exercise regularly.  It is recommended that individuals get about 150 minutes of exercise each week.  Exercise keeps the bones in motion and healthy!

3.  Eat well.  Decrease your intake of high-sugar drinks such as sodas that tend to diminish bone mineral density.  Complex carbohydrates (vegetables, wholesome grains, etc.) in your diet are proven to assist bone health.  Eat lots of protein- it will help maintain your muscle.

4.  Calcium, calcium, calcium!  Get the adequate amount as calcium is one of the most important nutrients for bone health!  Calcium can be found in milk, cheese and yogurt as well as broccoli, spinach, salmon, black beans, tofu, peanuts, almonds and many other foods!  Don’t forget about taking other vitamins and supplements such as Vitamin C and D.

5.  Stretch out those muscles!  Stretching will help your range of motion and muscle tone.  It is just as important as exercising!

6.  Treat any injuries immediately and adequately.  Any mistreated injuries may result in arthritis in that area later in life.  See a physician upon having an injury and follow the doctor’s orders!  It is important to heal the affected area for the appropriate amount of time.

7.  Take super foods such as flaxseed oil and cod liver oil.  A personal tip from the ACE Personnel Staff!  Both of these types of oils have healing properties that can help reverse the effects of bone degeneration!