Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis has several risk factors that can be broken down into three categories: modifiable local risk factors, modifiable systemic risk factors, and non-modifiable systemic risk factors. Modifiable local risk factors are factors that occur near the site of OA that can be altered. These include muscle strength, physical activity, joint injury, joint alignment and leg length in equitability. Modifiable systemic risk factors occur on a larger scale and can also be modified such as obesity and diet. Non-modifiable system risk factors are factors that influence OA risk but cannot be changed. These include age, sex, genetics, and ethnicity. 1) Age One of the greatest risk factors is age, which makes sense as years of wear on the bones leads to the breakdown of joint integrity. OA diagnosis increases in women especially between the ages of 60 and 64. This increase in risk with age is thought to be due to a variety of age-related changes such as a reduced capacity for joint tissue to adjust to biomechanical challenges, increased bone turnover, and accumulation of reactive oxygen that can damage articular tissue (tissue that covers the ends of the bones where they meet). 2) Gender Women are at a greater risk for OA and typically experience more severe forms of the disease.

Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) is typically caught during annual physical exams. During the exam, physicians inspect the joints for swelling, sensitivity, and range of motion. If OA is expected, additional medical tests will be performed. X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be performed to visualize changes in the joints. While an X-ray cannot image cartilage it can reveal narrow spaces between joint bones and bone spurs. MRIs can directly image cartilage. MRI is not typically used for diagnosis of OA, but may be used for more intricate cases. Blood tests can be used to rule out other possible forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis. Joint fluid can also be examined for elevated levels of inflammation and to rule out other causes of pain such as infections. Treatment of Osteoarthritis Most treatments for OA aim at relieving symptoms rather than reversing the disease. Painkillers such as acetaminophen are prescribed to reduce the pain. In mild to moderate cases nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed to treat inflammation and pain. While effective at reducing pain, long-term use is associated with severe side effects such as liver and kidney damage, gastric bleeding and cardiovascular complications. In more severe cases, opioids and narcotics are used to relieve the pain.

A1c is one of the most effects tests at measuring blood sugar levels over an extended period of time. The A1C test is used to track the amount of sugar in the blood over the past 3 months. The American Diabetes Association suggests at least two to three A1C tests a year for the best chances of diabetes management. A healthy and normal blood sugar level is a A1C of 5.7% or lower. Anything up to 6.4% usually signifies pre-diabetes and it is important for the individual to employ healthier nutrition in order to reduce the A1C levels in their body. Anything over 6.5% is officially labeled as type 2 diabetes and it can be reversed by significantly lowering the amount of blood sugar in the body. By making sure that you are taking the right steps towards lowering your A1C, you can avoid further complications and possibly reduce the effects of your diabetes. This guide shows six handy ways to lower your A1C. Read on for more information. 6 Ways to Lower Your A1C Level While everyone’s diabetes treatment plan will be personalized and individuals will have different A1C goals, the overall rule is to keep A1c levels below 6%. This can vastly improve health and prevent other debilitating conditions that may arise due to chronically high blood sugar levels.

Falling with osteoporosis is a scary thought for many as it can lead to injury. Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones become extremely brittle from tissue loss, hormonal change, vitamin D deficiency, etc. Those who suffer from osteoporosis may not know it at first as there are no symptoms in the beginning. Individuals with osteoporosis are at risk of breaking or fracturing bones if they fall, making falls a dangerous event. Even a tripping or slipping can cause injuries that can take a long time to recover from. By following these guidelines you can reduce the risk of falling and make your environment safe for individuals with osteoporosis. Falling Facts Unfortunately, it is common for senior citizens to fall. Every year over 33% of individuals age 65 and over will experience a fall or a rough bump. These falls can easily result in broken bones or other injury. People fall for a variety of reasons. The most common reason for a fall is due to someone losing their footing on uneven or slippery ground. Other reasons for falling may include poor vision, muscle loss, alcohol influence, medication dizziness, and balance problems. By considering the variety of reasons someone might have for falling, you can help remove these risks by making your home safer.

Insulin is a common term in households with a diabetic patient. The injection and use of insulin is important part of a diabetic’s daily life. While insulin is mainly used by those with type 1 diabetes, it is often necessary for those with type 2 diabetes as well. There are many different insulin routines that a doctor may suggest. Since diabetes is a highly individualized disease, with symptoms and reactions differing from person to person, there are a variety of insulin therapy plans available. There are several ways to inject or use insulin and this guide can help you find a plan that works best for you. Insulin Use for Type 1 Diabetes Those with type 1 diabetes are usually put on a traditional syringe plan. The patient can inject insulin twice per day, gradually increasing the amount to three or four injections per day depending on the insulin type and need. Since each individual’s blood glucose levels are different, there are many different types of insulin available to assist with the maintaining of those glucose levels. With the frequent injection of insulin, those with type 1 diabetes can prevent stroke, nerve damage, kidney failure, and more. Insulin Use for Type 2 Diabetes Individuals with type 2 diabetes do often require insulin, but not as frequently as those with type 1 diabetes.