Prayer helps us identify and acknowledge our gratitude and personal concerns. Written prayers can inspire us to pray in new ways.
Read more at the source: Dear God
Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Online prayers.
Osteoarthritis Help
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| Photo by Dreamstime |
I love to hike. It’s one of those activities that feeds my soul. But when my knees started hurting a few months ago, I went to see an orthopedic doctor who took x-rays and gave me some shocking news: I have osteoarthritis in my knees. I was shocked because I’d always associated arthritis with people who are elderly. But the more I talked to him and did my own research, I realized that I’m not alone.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common of all joint diseases. It starts in the 40s and 50s but will mostly likely affect everyone to some degree by the age of 80. The most common joints affected are the fingers, base of the thumbs, neck, lower back, big toes, hips, and knees.1
My symptoms went right along with the diagnosis: pain (worse in the morning and after activity), stiffness (also worse in the morning), limited range of motion, swelling, and my knee “giving out” at times.
At first I planned to not tell anyone but family that I had OA. But in the three months since my diagnosis, I’ve discovered some things that have helped me and just might be of to help you if you also have this condition:
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can provide massage, ultrasound and heat treatments that help reduce pain and inflammation. He or she can also get you started on a customized program that can make a big difference in the amount of pain and mobility you experience.
Exercise: Although it may hurt to daily exercise a sore joint, being immobile will actually worsen your condition. Your doctor or physical therapist can suggest an exercise program that will help heal rather then further damage your joints.
Stretching: This is also a daily must. Once again, your doctor or physical therapist can suggest what’s best for you. Stretching will keep you limber and strengthen the area around your joints.
Diet: As with any ailment, it’s important for those with OA to eat a healthy diet. If you’re not sure what that entails, meet with a nutritionist or do your own research. Basically, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins will do your body more good that refined foods.
Sleep: Getting adequate sleep gives your joints time to heal and your body hours to recover from the stress and discomfort of the day.
De-stress: It’s a know fact that stress can exacerbate OA. So take a look at your life and find ways to alleviate your stresses, or ways to mange those that are a part of daily life.
Anti-inflammatory medications: These can be helpful temporarily, but first check with your doctor in order to find the best medication and correct dosage for you.
Positive Attitude: This is new to my personal list. We were created with minds that greatly affect or bodies. I’ll admit that there are days when I want to have a “pity party” for myself because I want to do an activity that my knees won’t allow me to. So on good days I will rejoice, and on painful days I will literally take life one step at a time.
I can’t make the OA go away, but I can do my best to manage it and live my life to the fullest—in spite of limitations.
1. Online Merck Manual, Osteoarthritis
Read more at the source: Osteoarthritis Help
Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Healthy Living.
People Need People
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| Photo by Pixabay |
Dr. Karl Menninger was once asked, “If you knew a person was heading for a nervous breakdown what would you suggest?” Everyone expected that the famous psychiatrist would say, “Make an appointment with a psychiatrist as soon as possible,” but he didn’t. Instead he said, “Lock your door, go across the railroad tracks, and help someone in need!”
This answer is profound. It’s the outgrowth of God’s second greatest commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” It is the essence of what separates the sheep from the goats at the final judgment when the king says, “When I was hungry you fed me; thirsty, you gave me something to drink; a stranger, you took me in; naked, you gave me clothes; sick or in prison, you visited me.” It’s the gospel in action—the Good Samaritan helping the hurt man on the highway.
God designed the human operating system to function best when serving others. We are wired for relationships. Basically, people need people if they want to be healthy!
Research supports this. If physical habits such as eating breakfast, keeping a proper weight, not smoking or drinking, sleeping adequately, and exercising affect longevity, what about social habits? In a survey, there were four items on the questionnaire that might give an indication as to a person’s social health: if married, having close family and friends, membership in a church, or belonging to a social club. The results were startling. Those individuals who had these strong social networks lived longer than even their physical health habits would predict.
People who complain about being lonely as often people who are depressed. They may be married or single but they keep to themselves; they don’t join into social activities; they’re not outgoing. Instead, they’re self-centered.
If this description fits you—and you want to avoid the blues and live a little longer—volunteer your services to a nursing home, community service, or soup kitchen.
Isn’t it ironic! The hardest thing to do when you’re depressed is the very thing that can help you the most: Get up, get out, and get busy helping others.
What can you do today to strengthen your social network—and your health?
Excerpted from Fit Forever, compiled by Kay Kuzma, copyright © 2005 by Review & Herald Publishing.
Read more at the source: People Need People
Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Healthy Living.
Winning the Losing Game
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| Photo by Pixabay |
12 principles for safe and effective weight management
Trying to lose weight? Check out these 12 principles for safe and effective weight management. As always, before staring a weight loss venture, check with your personal physician to make there aren’t any problems.
1. Set a realistic goal to lose no more than 4 to 8 pounds a month.
2. Move it, to lose it. Regular daily exercise is essential for weight management.
3. Cope with anxieties, frustrations and depression without turning to food.
4. Establish new eating habits. Make permanent lifestyle changes.
5. Avoid snacks and junk foods. Eat less fatty foods and sweets.
6. Enjoy low-fat, fiber-rich meals. Eat vegetables and fruits.
7. Eat smaller portion sizes and avoid second helpings.
8. For long-term success, eat a diet predominant in slow-digesting complex carbs.
9. Don’t avoid fat altogether. A little fat helps to satisfy hunger better.
10. Think and talk positive about your efforts for weight management.
11. Start the day with breakfast. Avoid long periods without food. Drink lots of water.
12. Don’t go it alone. Let your support group motivate you to achieve your goals.
Read more at the source: Winning the Losing Game
Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Healthy Living.
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