Exercise and massage are part of an arthritis treatment plan

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 12 August 2008 14:12

arthritis.jpg Arthritis can take the joy out of routine daily tasks.

Opening a pill bottle brings the promise of relief from pain for many people. But for 41 percent of the 46 million Americans diagnosed with arthritis, everyday activities—like opening their arthritis medication— can be very difficult. Is it any wonder, then, that millions seek alternative ways to enhance their doctor-prescribed drug treatment?

Nearly a quarter of all adult Americans have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. The Centers for Disease Control report that up to 25 percent of osteoarthritis patients can’t perform major daily activities.

Fingers and hands are particularly susceptible to pain and...

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Healthy Geezer- Will my arthritis spread?

Written by Fred Cicetti Tuesday, 08 July 2008 15:16

 Q I’m pretty sure I have arthritis in my knee. Is there any danger this will spread?

 

First, anyone who thinks they may have arthritis should see a doctor. Self-diagnosis is hazardous to your health.

Now for some information about arthritis all geezers should know.

Arthritis, which comes in different forms, is inflammation of the joints. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout are the three most common forms of arthritis among seniors. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent. None are contagious.

Osteoarthritis. You get osteoarthritis when cartilage—the cushioning tissue within the joints—wears down. This produces stiffness and pain. The disease affects both men and women. By age 65, more than 50 percent of us have...

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Activity becomes a Wii adventure for nursing home residents

Written by Aleen Ratzlaff Tuesday, 08 July 2008 15:13

NintendoWiii3people64.jpg In the above photo, Parkside residents Ron Freeman and Francis Kreutziger play a game of baseball on the Wii. Looking on is Jake Wiebe, a high school volunteer who joins in the game from time to time.


Stop by Parkside Homes Inc. and you can cheer on senior citizens who are engaged in a game of baseball or golf—in the middle of their living areas and in comfort of air conditioning.

Ron Freeman and other residents are playing the Nintendo Wii, an interactive video game introduced to Parkside as part of its culture change initiative.

“Our residents want to be in 2008 and this is one way they can,” said Melissa Bartel, life enrichment coordinator at Parkside.

The above...

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Hillsboro MB to host Life Line Screenings

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Wednesday, 11 June 2008 06:01

 

Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church will host a Life Line Screening June 23 at 300 Prairie Pointe.

Appointments for the stroke, vascular disease and heart rhythm screening will begin at 9 a.m.

Baseline screenings include Stroke/Carotid Artery, Atrial Fibrillation, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Peripheral Arterial Disease. Additional screenings include C-Reactive Protein, complete Lipid Panel, Glucose and an ultrasound screening for Osteoporosis.

Pick any four screenings for $140, or all eight for $199.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-643-6188. Pre-registration is required.

Family wins big by losing

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Wednesday, 11 June 2008 05:58

MartinBefore.jpg Testimonies continue to surface about the life-changing impact of the area “Biggest Loser” weight-reduction contest this spring. Hillsboro resident Cathy Martin and three of her siblings agreed to focus on weight loss prior to their planned reunion on Memorial Day weekend. The “before” photo (left) of the foursome includes Martin (seated, right) with her sister Anne Morgan of California, and their brothers Frank Martin of Maryland and Don Martin of Missouri. Cathy Martin participated in the local program while her three siblings pursued other weight-loss regimens. The siblings shed a total of 362 pounds by Memorial Day and posed for the “after” photo below. According to Cathy, their lifestyle changes influenced...

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