... it could be arthritis. And this condition doesnt affect only senior citizens; there has been a 30 per cent rise in cases among 20 and 30-somethings. With a new Electromagnetic Therapy being used as a cure for arthritis, Life@Work shows you how prevention is better
Dr Sanjeev JainIf you just cant visualise a young working professional (who puts in an increasing number of hours at work and makes it a point to party at least every weekend) succumbing to arthritis, its time to get out of denial mode. Dr Sanjeev Jain, orthopaedic surgeon with LH Hiranandani Hospital says there has been a 30% rise in the incidence of arthritis among 20 and 30-somethings too.
However, thats also coupled with increased awareness about the condition, in the last few years. Those between 20 and 40, who may have initially ignored symptoms or attributed it to stress or excessive work, have begun coming in for check-ups.
Common symptoms
Consult a doctor if you experience one or more of these:
* Stiffness in the major joints (shoulder, elbow, hip and knee).
* Chronic pain.
* Swelling in the area around major joints.
* Restricted ability to move around.
* Deformities (they occur at an advanced stage).
Types of arthritis Causes
Post-traumatic arthritis After an accident
Rheumatoid arthritis Hereditary factors/ immune disorders
Ankylosing spondilytis Hereditary factors/ immune disorders
When your lifestyle is to blame
While the above-mentioned types of arthritis are not really in your control, lifestyle-induced arthritis definitely is
Excessive alcohol consumption is the major culprit here, reveals Dr Jain. Similar to the way in which too much drink leads to a clogged coronary artery (which in turn causes heart disease), blood vessels around the hip ball also get choked due to reduced blood supply to the area.
When the hip ball collapses, it leads to arthritis of the hip joint. And the lower the quality of alcohol consumed (desi daru and the like), the more the toxins and the ensuing damage.
The fact that Ive come across an increasing number of such cases even in a dry state like Gujarat, speaks volumes about our changing lifestyle, says Jain, adding that five to eight years of liquor overdose is adequate to render you not-so-hip.
Prevention is better than cure
* Keep your body weight under control. Obese individuals are more prone to developing arthritis since undue pressure damages the bone cartilage.
* Exercise. General exercise involving all body muscles as well as exercises that focus on susceptible muscles and joints help avoid, delay and control the occurrence of arthritis.
* Avoid or restrict alcohol consumption.
* Your diet must include elements from major food groups proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fibre, vitamins and minerals. This is vital for bone and muscle growth, development and maintenance. Those suffering from anorexia, bulimia or other eating disorders are at greater risk.
* Those who have met with a road accident or have sustained injuries while playing a sport are prone to post-traumatic arthritis a few months down the line. So, your best bet is to take extra care while indulging in strenuous activity.
Other treatment options
Early stage: Bone drilling.
If hip ball hasnt collapsed: Bone grafting.
Full-blown arthritis: Either conventional hip replacement surgery, or hip resurfacing, a relatively new technique. The advantage of the latter is that you can safely perform all physical activities, including kneeling for prayers and squatting on the floor.
A little exercise helps, woman
A new Australian study says if women exercise for as less as one hour and 15 minutes a week, it can help keep arthritis at bay. Published in the journal, Arthritis research & Therapy, the study you neednt be a manic exerciser; some moderate activity can make a big difference.
In the pink
Health news from around the world
Tomatoes dont fight prostrate cancer
Studies that have been claiming that tomatoes can prevent prostate cancer, are apparently too good to be true. The American Cancer Institute and Seattles Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, have come with new research which says lycopene (found mainly in tomatoes and tomato products) has little impact on prostate cancer risk.
It would be great if it were true. Eating tomatoes and tomato products would be a cheap and easy way to lower prostate cancer risk, and it would be a great public health message. Unfortunately, it's not that easy, experts say.
(WebMD Medical News)
Be fair to your employees, lest they get a heart attack
Being treated unfairly at work could increase your chances of having a heart attack, a new study has found. Researchers base their findings on more than 8,000 senior civil servants working for the British government in London.
Women and those with lower incomes and status were significantly more likely to feel that they were being unfairly treated. Unfair treatment was also associated with significantly higher levels of poor physical and mental health.
(www.medindia.com)
Dr Girish GadkariDear Doctor,
I am 37 years old, weigh 88 kgs and stand 54 tall. I am a vegetarian, and never drink tea or coffee. Four years ago, I had a brain stroke, so I take cardec 5, percentin 100, folvite and nurobin. I practice pranayam daily and go for a walk after dinner, 5 days a week. My breakfast comprises 4-5 chapatis, sabzi and curry. Lunch includes 4 chapatis, a sabzi, salad and shrikhand/kheer. Please suggest an appropriate diet plan and exercise schedule.
Tyagraj Samant
tbsamant@gmail.com
Dear Tyagraj,
Your BMI: 31.6, obesity grade: 2, desirable weight: 66 kgs, daily calorie need: 2,075. Your current food intake is much higher than your daily need. Besides, you need to stop eating sweets after lunch. Eat citrus fruits instead. Drink at least 1 glass of skimmed milk every day.
Since you dont drink tea/coffee, have curds/buttermilk or add a protein powder (Medi Slim/Threptin Micromix) to milk in the morning or evening. NEVER exercise after dinner.
It can put a strain on your heart. The human body has a fixed amount of blood. After a meal, the demand for blood to the digestive system goes up. But when you go for a walk, blood pools to the various groups of muscles, at the cost of supply to heart muscles.
Diet plan:
Calories: 1,670, proteins: 68 gms (16%), fats: 23 gms (13%) carbohydrates: 287 gms (71%), fibre: 18 gms, cholesterol: 16 mgms, sodium: 209 mgms, potassium: 1,842 mgms, calcium: 849 mgms.
Cooking oil: 3 tsps, spices: As desired. Prepare 10 chapatis from 200 gms wheat atta.
Breakfast: 3 chapatis, 1 katori vegetables, 1/2 katori sprouts, 2 tsps of protein powder in 1 cup skimmed milk.
Lunch: 4 chapatis, 1 katori vegetables, 1/2 katori pulses/ usal, plenty of salads and 1 fruit.
Evening: 1 cup skimmed milk with 2 tsps protein powder.
Dinner: 1 bowl clear soup (veg/palak/rasam), 1 katori leafy vegetables, 1 katori dal/pulses, 3 chapatis, 1 katori cooked rice and 1 fruit.
Drink lemon juice before main meals. Break your diet twice a month. Continue medications.
Exercise plan:
Walk at 2 mph for 45 minutes, 6 times a week. You burn approx. 177.43 calories per day. Continue yoga practise.
Write in to us: Let obesity consultant Dr Girish Gadkari help you fight your battle of the bulge. Write in to us with your full name, age, address, daily diet, exercise routine, if any, specific weight problem and photo (optional) to diet@mid-day.com.
Queries with incomplete details will NOT be answered.
COVER STORYWant to send flowers?You dont need an occasion to send flowers. B... Read more... 