GET CAFFEINATED IN A ‘HEALTHY’ WAY
Keep It Simple
From pain killers to carbonated drinks, you can find caffeine everywhere on the American market. However, high caffeine consumption can pose risks. The good news is that in moderation, caffeine may contain useful health benefits, but if you want to actually benefit from caffeine, consider these healthier options. BUT WHAT IS CAFFEINE, EXACTLY? Caffeine is a natural stimulant — in other words, it stimulates the brain and central nervous systems, which prevents weariness and helps you stay alert. Over 80% of the world’s population consumes a caffeinated product every day, including tea, coffee, soda, and energy drinks. In North America alone, this number rises to 90%. Research shows that caffeine may possibly elevate your brain function and metabolism, and during exercise, it may even increase your body’s use of fat as fuel — but that doesn’t necessarily mean chugging an energy drink is ideal. Why? ITS HEALTH BENEFITS COME MAINLY THROUGH TEA OR COFFEE. Walk into any grocery store, and you’ll notice that many highly caffeinated drinks are also high in sugar and additives. Sugar is extremely harmful
to your long-term health — and no matter what benefits you read about caffeine, the harmful effects of sugar can overwhelm them by heightening your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and much more. The experts agree: Tossing a sugar cube or two into your cup of coffee isn’t the same as drinking a sugary Red Bull. Additionally, too much caffeine can cause some problems. In some individuals, caffeine can promote headaches, migraines, and high blood pressure. Caffeine is also a psychoactive substance, which means it’s habit forming. After a period of not drinking coffee, you might be familiar with the “caffeine withdrawal” and its side effects: anxiety, tremors, restlessness, irregular heartbeat, and even trouble sleeping. Thankfully, these effects are temporary. Studies show that the people who benefit the most from caffeine are often those who drink anywhere from 1–4 cups of tea or coffee a day. You can also find zero-sugar seltzer waters with low doses of caffeine if you need a small kick. Keep it simple, and you’ll avoid excess sugar and reap the benefits of caffeine more fully.
Let’s Bust 3 Myths About Arthritis
MYTH NO. 2: YOU CAN’T PREVENT ARTHRITIS. There is no cure or true way to prevent arthritis, but controllable factors can help you delay the onset of arthritis, especially if you’re predisposed to getting it. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and avoiding strain or overuse of joints will help stave off the more serious symptoms of arthritis. MYTH NO. 3: WHEN YOUR JOINTS HURT, IT’S GUARANTEED TO BE ARTHRITIS. Though arthritis includes many different joint conditions, not all joint pain is related to arthritis. It’s not even a sign that arthritis could develop later. Conditions such as tendinitis and bursitis can both cause pain in certain joints. Injuries can also leave your joints feeling sore, so it’s important to find root causes of pain before jumping to conclusions. If you’ve been struggling with arthritis pain, give us a call. We have the tools and expertise to help you manage your arthritis symptoms.
joint disorder. You may have heard someone in the past tell you that cracking your knuckles will expedite the effects of arthritis or that the weather causes someone’s arthritis to act up. Both of those previous statements have no scientific backing and are essentially myths about arthritis.
Keep reading to bust three of the most common myths about arthritis.
www.campuscommonsphysicaltherapy.com 2 Even though arthritis is so prevalent in our society, plenty of false beliefs still surround the Did you know that arthritis is the most common cause of disability in our country? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24% of all American adults suffer from some form of arthritis. Many different types of arthritis can affect our feet, hands, hips, knees, and even our lower back. Arthritis is actually a broad term that refers to over 100 different joint conditions such as osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.
MYTH NO. 1: ONLY OLDER PEOPLE GET ARTHRITIS. While arthritis is certainly more common in older adults, it can affect people of any age. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects people ages 20–40 and has the potential to severely impact one’s day-to-day life. There’s also juvenile arthritis, though it’s not as common as many other types. The Arthritis Foundation reports that juvenile arthritis affects nearly 300,000 kids in the U.S. As you can see, arthritis can affect anyone at any age.
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