What are some things I can do NOW to prevent ... - Health and Fitness

Question by It?s Me CartoonHead: What are some things I can do NOW to prevent arthritis later in life?
Me and my dad are just alike and neither one of us has ever had any medical problems. My dad does have really bad arthritis though now that he?s in his 50?s. Almost to the point where it?s crippling. I just turned 25. What are some things I could start doing to prevent getting this condition as well?

Best answer:

Answer by slayer06
Reduce repetitive strain on muscles and joints. Be alert for any chronic aches and strains caused by work, hobby, or recreation-related activities. Don?t ignore the signs and wait for them to worsen. If you suspect that your job causes symptoms, for instance, you may need to rotate your task or modify your office chair or workstation, or even find an alternative activity. Repetitive strain can create microtrauma to joints and adjacent soft tissue, and lead to osteoarthritis in later years. Squatting, heavy physical labor, occupational knee bending, and a history of regular sports participation that can cause abnormal wear and tear of the knee joints are risk factors for knee arthritis. Repetitive or forceful motions performed with the hands can contribute to osteoarthritis. And even long hours at the computer can strain and perhaps prematurely age your hands. At the first sign of chronic strain or pain, see a physician.

Exercise (but don?t abuse) your joints. A sedentary lifestyle makes for weak muscles and increases the odds of developing arthritis (and other health problems). Regular exercise is essential. It creates stronger and more flexible joints. Exercise doesn?t have to be strenuous. Just regular.
Consider a cross-training program that includes a variety of exercises and light weight training. The use of weights builds denser bones and strengthens the muscles, ligaments, and tendons associated with joints.
Feed your joints right. Overweight and obese individuals are at greater risk for osteoarthritis, particularly in the weight-bearing joints. Losing weight cuts the risk. Improving the diet is always a tough challenge in our time-strapped society. However, the more you can maximize your intake of whole foods and minimize the refined, packaged foods, the better off you and your joints will be. In Preventing Arthritis, I offer readers a simple dietary plan that has worked for many of my patients over the years. The information includes some timeless tips on how to eat (not just what to eat) that can result in additional weight loss.
Supplement your joints. Poor food choices, environmental chemicals, excess stress, and the use of alcohol, oral contraceptives, and medication contribute to widespread nutrient deficiencies in our modern society. Research shows that certain nutrients are vital for joint health. They can protect the joints and minimize or delay arthritic symptoms. Such supplements include vitamins C and D, boron, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM. The book offers readers an arthritis supplement prevention plan.
Water your joints. Water makes up 70 percent of the cartilage in joints and plays a major role in the lubrication and shock absorbing properties of healthy joints. Dehydration may be a major underlying, and unrecognized, factor in degeneration and pain. Don?t substitute sodas, coffee, and tea for water. These beverages contain ingredients that may block the absorption of water or act like diuretics, that is, promote excretion of fluids from the body. Drinks lots of good quality water everyday.
Yoga for flexible joints. The book offers a arthritis prevention yoga program a selection of simple yoga postures doable in fewer than five minutes a day. These poses can increase muscle tone and the flexibility and range of motion of joints. Research indicates that yoga generates beneficial mechanical pressures on joints.

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