[.ca] Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis (ISBN 1854109278)

From Amazon.com:
Exercise, particularly strength training, can restore function and reduce the pain of arthritis, as Tufts research scientists have discovered. In Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis, the team of researchers, headed by Miriam Nelson, Ph.D., presents a home exercise program based on a study of 46 people with severe osteoarthritis of the knee. In four months, the group--who exercised in their homes with easy-to-find equipment--reported 43 percent less pain, 44 percent improved function, and 71 percent increased muscle strength. The 16-week exercise program starts with a daily half-hour of core exercises and adds intensity and additional exercises after the first month. The program combines strength, aerobic, and flexibility exercises, with the main focus on strength training. You'll need dumbbells, ankle weights, and an exercise step (or staircase). Even newcomers to exercise will find the illustrated instructions simple enough and the level low enough to start immediately. The program includes a nutritional plan to reduce stiffness and inflammation, emphasizing water, fruits, vegetables, and the right fatty acid ratios. The authors also discuss medications (they work best in combination with exercise and nutrition) and sort through alternative treatments. Nelson is the well-known author of Strong Women Eat Well, Strong Women Stay Young, Strong Women Stay Slim, and Strong Women, Strong Bones. This title is highly recommended for arthritis sufferers who want to improve their quality of life. --Joan Price

No hype, just good, sound information.:
I am the kind of person that is not going to buy or "buy into" a book unless it is supported by some reasonable evidence. If you're like me, then you'll love this book. It is based on a study recently conducted at the Tufts University. In short, the study used a program of exercise and nutrition to combat arthritis. The results? Pain was reduced by a whopping 43%! Key to their program was strengthening exercises which have been shown in other studies as well as being extremely beneficial for arthritis patients. I am very pleased with books like these that offer sound treatments based on research. If you like these kind of books too and also suffer from back pain, I can recommend "The Multifidus Back Pain Solution" (available here at amazon.ca too) that is based on randomized controlled trials and involves only one exercise you do at home that strengthens your multifidus muscles found to be abnormal in many people with back pain. So start reading, start exercising, and start getting better!

exercise + diet = controlled arthritis...:
...Extremely informative for all, regardless of your health. Miriam Nelson has done it again not only with her easy reading style, but with very educational and informative text. I'm going to send as a gift to a friend.

Strong Men and Women Beat Arthritis by Dr. Nelson:
This is an excellent work on the alternative medicinal and conventional medicine protocols for arthritis. Dr. Nelson mentions various Vit C dietary combinations utilizing orange juice, strawberries or grapefruit to provide Vit. C. Next, the authors cite important anti-inflammatory combos; such as, Omega 3 fish oil and flaxseed oil. Sunflower oil has the requisite Omega 6 ingredients. Sulfasalazine and methotrexate are important protocols for treating seronegative spondylarthropathies. In addition, the lungs, heart and eyes may be impacted by ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases. For instance, Iritis may impact the eyes. Calcification of the heart valves and electronic problems with the heart have been noted. Decreased lung capacity is another important resultant of ankylosing spondylitis. The authors point out that Chronic Juvenile Arthritis stunts growth. In addition, the SED RATE (sedimentation rate) and rhematoid factor are the gold standard for blood tests to detect arthritis. In my own experience, the MOST- micro-oxidative stress test may be helpful in articulating the yeast component as an aggravating factor in arthritic conditions. The authors provide an important series of exercises which may be helpful for arthritic patients. The physical therapy training consists of moderate squatting, toe stand (standing erect on your toes), moderate push-ups by pressing the wall, back extensions by facing the floor and raising the head, modified sit-ups, knee extension flexing, full range motion employing light weights in torque motion, face flat on the floor raising the back legs, the lunge stretch, cross-over hips, placing one knee on the chair and standing upright or erect, shoulder stretches and a host of others. Dr. Nelson indicates that excess joint fluid is a sign of inflammation. In addition, surgical intervention can be helpful. For instance, an artificial joint may last 15-20 years. Acupuncture helps to stimulate endomorphins and change blood flow patterns. There is evidence that acupuncture relieves arthritis, although there is less evidence for Chiropractic. This book is worth the price. It provides important alternative medicinal protocols for arthritis as well as classic physical therapy exercises aimed at preserving joint mobility and elasticity. I would supplement the exercises with Alpha Lipoic Acid to enhance bodily elasticity. In my own experience, Northern Polar magnets may be helpful if strategically placed.

Really seems to help!:
I was recently diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, and I started following the nutritional suggestions in this book. I think it's already starting to help! Plus it tells you how to perform strengthening exercises for your aching joints. I am a big fan of Dr. Nelson's other works. I like how she explains the science and the applications. I plan to share this with my mom, who also has osteoarthritis.