The most significant factor affecting a woman’s fertility is her age. Fertility peaks for most women in their early 20’s and then rapidly drops off after age 35. Every woman’s body is unique, and it is important to understand that some women can conceive easily at age 40 while others face fertility challenges even in their early 20’s. Approximately 10% of couples who want to conceive struggle with infertility and even couples with optimum fertility indices only have a 20% chance of conceiving during each ovulation cycle.

It’s never too early for women to take pro-active steps to maintain their fertility, including:

Regular Check-Ups

Regular visits to the doctor is important to detect and identify potential health concerns that could affect your fertility. Your doctor can also advise you on the best steps to take in order to conceive when the time is right.

Weight

Medical research has conclusively demonstrated that being either significant overweight or underweight has a strong impact on hormone production. Although women are born with a complete set of eggs, a delicate balance of hormones is necessary in order to transform the oocyctes into viable eggs and successfully arrive in the uterus for a pregnancy to occur.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been shown to play a significant role in causing infertility in women. While treatments are still being developed, there is a direct link between obesity and PCOS.

Diet

A number of illnesses, including celiac disease, has been demonstrated to affect fertility levels. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is always a great pro-active step in maximizing fertility levels as well as minimizing complications related to carrying the pregnancy to term.

Your doctor or a nutritionist can help you design and follow a healthy diet appropriate to your individual needs.

Stress

Many women focus on strictly physical factors when focusing on maintaining their fertility but stress can wreak havoc on the body’s ability to successfully conceive. Yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and a number of other relaxation techniques are useful for reducing stress, lowering adrenaline and other hormone levels that can interfere with ovulation and conception.

STIs

The leading known cause for infertility in women is sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly chlamydia and gonorrhea. Safe sex practices and regular check-ups with a doctor can prevent or treat STIs before they have a chance to cause permanent damage. If you suspect that you are at risk for having contracted an STI, seek medical attention at once. Early detection and treatment are the best method to preventing long-term damage to your fertility.

Smoking

Smoking is never recommended for anyone, including pregnant mothers. But even in the years before you’re ready to conceive, it is important to understand that smoking accelerates the aging process in the ovaries, lowering the viability of the eggs.

Sleep

A healthy night’s sleep is an important factor for overall health and studies have shown that women who work the nightshift or fail to get enough sleep have abnormal hormone production, a key factor in infertility. Proper rest is also a key component of maintaining a healthy weight, another important factor in boosting your fertility.

Alcohol

A number of ovulation disorders have been linked to excessive drinking. Moderate drinking before conception is considered generally safe but avoid binge drinking or behaviors associated with alcoholism.

Vigorous Activity

Some studies have linked extended periods of vigorous activity with ovulation difficulties and lower rates of the hormone progesterone. If you’re an athlete or regularly engage in vigorous activity and are considering becoming pregnant, consult with your doctor to determine a healthy level of physical activity.

Chemicals

Women can develop menstrual disorders if they are exposed to chemicals. Hair stylists, dry cleaners, agricultural workers, and women working in some manufacturing settings may be exposed to toxins that can interfere with fertility. If you are regularly exposed to chemicals or toxins as part of your job, consult with your doctor what appropriate measures you can take to protect yourself.

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There are dozens of causes of chronic pain, which include:

• Headaches
• Migraines
• Arthritis
• Back injuries
• Tendonitis/joint pain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Old injuries or scars
• Fibromyalgia and other neurological disorders

Major/Clinical Depression

Medical researchers estimate that about one-fifth of all adults in the United States have experienced major depression in their lives. Clinical depression is a serious illness, and anyone who suspects that they are suffering from major depression should seek medical advice right away.

While major depression is seemingly easy to self-diagnose, it is important that a professional examination be conducted to rule out other issues, and to chart a course towards treatment and health.

Left untreated, clinical depression can lead to:

• Irritability/anger/constant “short fuse”
• Alcohol abuse
• Abuse of other substances, including illegal narcotics and pharmaceutical medicines
• Loss of job or placement in school
• Breaking off ties with family, friends, and loved ones
• Violence, including homicide
• Suicide

Treatment Options

Although there is no magic bullet “cure” for chronic pain or major depression, health sciences have made a number of recent breakthroughs that can help sufferers get relief.

As with all serious illnesses and conditions, only a medical professional can diagnose and design a course of treatment for someone suffering from chronic pain and depression. Here are a few options that people are using to reduce or eliminate the pain and suffering that accompanies chronic pain and depression:

• Psychological counseling and therapy
• Exercise
• Light therapy
• Pharmaceutical medications
• Dietary supplements
• Anger management counseling
• Building a support network of friends, fellow sufferers, and healthcare professionals
• Guided sessions with a member of the clergy
• Learning to eat healthier
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Sleeping enough – and learning how to obtain a refreshing night’s sleep
• Meditation
• Educating yourself on your condition
• Going on vacation
• Volunteering
• Keeping a positive attitude
• Losing unnecessary weight
• Helping other people and the community at large
• Adopting and/or spending time with an animal
• Removing sources of stress from your life
• Getting treatment for alcohol/drug abuse and becoming abstinent from other addictive substances and/or behaviors

The good news is that no one has to suffer alone from chronic pain and depression, as help is out there.

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Medical researchers have conclusively proven that working to rid excess weight is the absolutely best step anyone suffering from osteoarthritis can take to help reduce pain and swelling of the joints. Simply put, obesity adds extra strain on the entire body, including the joints.

Working together with a trusted healthcare professional, it is possible to enjoy a healthy and balanced diet that will rid the body of excess weight, and help reduce the stress load on inflamed joints.

Foods to Avoid

Increasingly, the world is becoming aware of the dangers of consuming an overly-processed diet that is heavy in such foods as bread, white rice, and pasta. These refined cereal products can work to further inflame the sensitive areas of the body, including the tender joints in the hips, knees, back, hands, wrists, and other areas susceptible to developing osteoarthritis.

Trans fats, as well as an overconsumption of saturated fats, particularly in fried foods, can also work against your body’s natural ability to reduce inflammation and swelling in the joints.

Cold Water Fish

Research has shown that a diet containing rich sources of cold water fish is an excellent way to obtain protein and give your body the necessary ingredients to help reduce swelling and pain in tender joints afflicted with osteoarthritis. Species such as salmon, halibut, mackerel, herring, and tuna are all cold water fish, and contain a great balance of Omega 3 fatty acids and other healthy nutrients.

Fruits and Vegetables

It’s no surprise that a diet containing plentiful amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables is also effective in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Best are organic fruits and vegetables, free of pesticides, insecticides and other chemicals, preferably consumed in their whole – or as close as possible – state. In many cases, flash frozen vegetables are a great alternative when fresh vegetables are not available. Less ideal are canned fruits and vegetables, or heavily processed vegetarian food products.

Different government agencies around the world have varying recommendations, but a simple rule of thumb is that adults should consume about two cups of fruits per day, and three cups of vegetables. A mix of different-colored fruits and vegetables is recommended, both as a way to ensure a broad spectrum of full nutrition as well as to add variety and excitement to your diet.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are natural sources of antioxidants, which science has shown can drastically reduce inflammation in the joints.

Nuts, Seeds and Beans

Nuts, seeds, and beans are nature’s way of preparing all of the necessary ingredients for a new cycle of plant life. Consuming nuts, seeds, and beans is a great way to get vital minerals, as well as a surprising amount of protein.

When eating seeds and nuts, it is critical to eat them in their raw, uncooked state, as most nuts sold in grocery stores are actually fried and heavily salted.

Beans, on the other hand, are usually not safe to eat raw, and must be thoroughly cooked. Other similar plants called pulses are great for reducing inflammation, including chickpeas and lentils. It is really simple to make delicious and healthy soups mixing beans/pulses with vegetables, and it will simultaneously work to give your body what it needs to reduce the pain and swelling of osteoarthritis.

Dairy

For osteoarthritis sufferers who choose to consume dairy products, it is important to choose fresh, whole products like yogurt and soft cheeses over heavily processed items like hard cheeses and cheese-based snacks.

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One of the most common afflictions of the modern era is carpal tunnel syndrome, a sometimes extremely painful condition when nerve damage causes chronic pain in a person’s hands and fingers.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

A special bundle of nerve fibers, known collectively as the median nerve, passes between the wrist and connects to the hands and fingers via the carpal bones. Although sometimes occasionally damaged by a sudden, swift injury, most cases are caused by long-term repetitive motions, particularly typing on computer keyboards, that inflame and irritate the median nerve, leading to numbness, pain, and swelling of the affected hand and/or fingers.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Most people notice the first signs of carpal tunnel syndrome when they experience a tingling or numbness in one or more of their fingers, particularly the thumb. While this can sometimes be relieved by taking a quick break and “shaking out” your hand, if this feeling of numbness, “pins and needles,” or pain continues, it may be a warning sign that you are developing this condition.

Another warning sign is when you feel weakness in your hand, or may even begin to accidentally drop things. Carpal tunnel strongly affects the thumb’s ability to flex properly, which is an essential part of how we use our marvelous fingers to hold and grasp objects.

Carpal Tunnel Treatments:

While some cases of are severe enough to warrant surgical invention, or the use of powerful medications, the good news is that many people can begin to heal the damage to their medial nerve with a series of structured exercises.

Here is one stretching routine that can help reduce the chronic pain and inflammation:

• Prayer – Clasp both palms together, with the fingers pointed up towards the sky. Start by touching the tips of your fingers to your chin, and then slowly lower your hands towards your stomach. Keep your palms pressed together until you feel a bit of stretching burn in your forearms. Hold the position for 15 seconds, and repeat the exercise three times.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery and Medication:

In some severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Thankfully, modern techniques are often successful, and CTS sufferers are able to quickly return back to work. In consultation with your doctor, a series of anti-inflammatory or painkilling medications may be prescribed to help reduce swelling and the suffering caused by damage to the medial nerve.

Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

If you are an office worker and spend a lot of time flexing and extending your wrist, there are some simple but effective ways to protect yourself against developing this condition.

• Follow ergonomic guidelines while typing or doing office work, such as using a chair that provides proper support, a keyboard with a cushioned wrist rest, and sitting with your spine straight
• Be sure to take plenty of breaks and stretch, relax, and flex your hands and wrist
• Go slowly – rushing and hyper-extending the delicate tendons in your hands and wrists can quickly lead to carpal tunnel.

If you, or someone you know, suspects they may be suffering from this, it is important to consult a doctor right away. The earlier the treatment begins, the easier it will be to reduce, or even completely eliminate, the problem.

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All forms of arthritis manifest themselves as stiffness, inflammation, or pain and osteoarthritis refers to the deterioration of the tender joint cartilage that connects the different parts of our bodies to the underlying bone (“osteo” is Greek for “bone”). It is also commonly referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis as it develops slowly over time from the strains and pressures put on tender joint cartilage. Our bodies are designed to flex at certain key joints, that include: the hand, wrist, knee, neck, back, and hip. Anywhere you can swivel or pivot is a joint, and may be susceptible to osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis:

Because it is a degenerative illness, meaning that it occurs slowly over a long period of time, the onset symptoms of osteoarthritis usually begin with some mild pain, tenderness, or stiffness in the joints, and then gradually worsens.

Here are a few signs that you may be developing osteoarthritis in your joints:

Stiffness – The joints in your legs, hands, and other parts of your body may begin to feel stiff when you first wake up, or after periods of inactivity.
Tenderness – A sensation of tenderness when light pressure is put on the affected joints.
Grating/Grinding feeling – When you flex your joints and feel a “grating” or harsh rubbing sensation when the joint is in motion
Bone spurs – Over time, tiny hard nodules or bumps may form on the bone around an affected joint
Less flexible – If you feel that your joints aren’t quite as flexible as they once were, or can’t move as far
Pain – A sensation of pain when moving or flexing the affected joint

Note: If you have experienced a growing worsening of any of the above symptoms for several weeks, you should consult your doctor.

What Causes Osteoarthritis:

While the grind of our daily lives can contribute to the onset of osteoarthritis, there are a number of other factors that can increase your risk of developing it:

Obesity – Extra weight puts extra pressure on your joints
Repetitive motion/exercise – Overexertion and demanding physical exercise can put additional wear and tear on your joints
Genes – There is strong scientific evidence that shows that some people are at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis due to their genetic make-up
Rheumatoid arthritis – People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis
Other illnesses – Scientists have shown a link between osteoarthritis and people suffering from hemochromatosis, acromegaly, and other assorted diseases

It is important to never “diagnose yourself” with osteoarthritis. Only a qualified medical professional can determine if your symptoms are the result of this condition or another problem.

Treatments for Osteoarthritis:

Currently, no permanent cure for this condition exists, however there are a number of treatments and therapies that can provide osteoarthritis pain relief and alleviate its symptoms:

Weight management – Following a doctor-prescribed regimen of healthy nutrition and exercise, achieving a healthy weight can reduce symptoms
Light exercise – Without making the problem worse, some light, regular exercise helps a lot of people suffering from osteoarthritis. A daily walk around the block, a relaxed swim in the pool, or other light aerobic exercises can help keep the affected joints more flexible and less painful
Stretching – Stretching is a separate form of exercise from aerobic or more active types of exercises. Yoga, Tai Chi, or other guided forms of stretching are a great way to keep joints flexible
Medication – Your doctor may prescribe medications that will reduce the pain in your affected joints, or help reduce swelling and inflammation
Physical therapy – Working with a licensed professional, you will be guided through a tailored series of motions to help increase the flexibility and range of the affected joints
Surgery – In some cases, surgery may be necessary, most often used to repair damaged hip or knee joints

As with all health ailments, the most important therapy is to always keep a positive attitude!

The post Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments appeared first on SmartChoiceMD.

Although millions of people around the world suffer from chronic pain, it continues to frustrate both scientists and outsiders alike as there is yet no reliable way to objectively identify and measure pain.

What is chronic pain?

All of us experience pain at one time or another, usually as the result of an injury or illness. Pain is our body’s natural way of quickly informing us that something is causing us damage. Most of the time, thankfully, the pain disappears as soon as the injury heals or the source of damage is removed.

Chronic pain refers to a condition in which pain levels fluctuate up and down, but never permanently disappear. Every day becomes a struggle to manage a normal life while dealing with the invisible, hidden foe of chronic pain.

While some people suffer chronic pain as part of an as-of-yet unidentified syndrome or ailment, below are a few of the most common causes of chronic pain:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Most commonly seen today in office workers and people who spend extended hours typing on a keyboard, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome refers to a condition in which a the median nerve fibers in your wrist have become injured.

Suffers of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome usually first realize that there is a problem when they experience tingling, a “pins and needles” feeling, or numbness in the affected hand and/or wrist. Damage to this cluster of nerve fibers, especially over time, causes swelling in the affected area, and can cause years of chronic pain. Thankfully, there are a number of therapeutic treatments, as well as medications and surgery, that can reduce the swelling in the nerves and bring relief to the chronic pain.

If you, or someone you know, has been experiencing an unusual feeling in their hands and/or wrists, and suspect that they may be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it is important to contact your doctor at once. As with most illnesses, early detection and treatment is always best.

Headaches and Migraines:

Although most of us have experienced strong headaches, or the occasional migraine, as part of the natural course of our hectic lives, chronic cranial pain can cause severe suffering for some people.

The causes, and treatments for, persistent headaches and/or migraines are varied and far too many to list here. The good news is that neurologists have recently made some important breakthroughs in eliminating and sometimes even permanently reducing chronic cranial pain. Stress reduction techniques, yoga, tai chi, light therapy, and a number of other natural solutions are now available for people who suffer from chronic cranial pain.

Tendinitis:

Sometimes spelled “tendonitis,” this term refers to the inflammation or damage to a tendon, one of the thick elastic cords that connect our muscles to our bones.

A wide variety of things can cause tendinitis, but usually this happens after a physical injury or from repetitive motion activities. Even seemingly simple activities like gardening or golfing can, over time, lead to inflammation and injury of a tendon, and cause sometimes quite severe chronic pain.

Note: if you are normally sedentary during the week, but engage in vigorous sports or other physical activities on the weekend, it is important to guard against damaging your tendons. Consult with your doctor or a fitness expert to develop a series of stretching and warm-up exercises to help you avoid causing unnecessary damage to your tendons.

If you are experiencing chronic pain of any kind, it’s important to see a doctor at once for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to help you back onto the path of a pain free lifestyle.

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