Monday, May 5, 2008

Seniors Quick Tip: How to protect your joints

(NC)—Don't lose your independence due to mobility problems. It's true that your joints will undergo a certain amount of wear and tear as you age, but treating them with care could keep them pain free. Here are some quick tips from joint health specialists:
• A sufficient intake of minerals and vitamin C is important for the synthesis of healthy connective tissue. Minerals shown to give a positive impact are copper, zinc, manganese, and boron. One of the best ways to obtain a complement of these minerals is to add fresh nuts, seeds, and non-citrus fruits to the diet.
• Research shows that vitamin D, with its anti-inflammatory effect, may help protect your joints – and natural health products like Cell-fx are a soluble source of chondroitin sulphate, a critical building block of cartilage. Professional athletes are known to use this daily supplement to help reduce bone and joint pain.
• Regular exercise is key in keeping connective tissue healthy, strong and supple. Research shows that people who exercise regularly experience 25% less muscle and joint pain in their old age than people who are less active. Isometrics, or resistance exercise, is recommended for strengthening a joint. It works by contracting the muscles surrounding the affected area, but with no movement at the joint.
• Flexibility and stretching exercises are vital to the maintenance and rebuilding of supple connective tissue. Strengthening the joint and connective tissue within its full range of motion is extremely important for maintaining pain free functionality.

- News Canada

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