AID FOR ARTHRITIS TAP INTO THE HEALING POWER OF EXERCISE Arthritis is so common among older adults that it has its own joke book on Amazon: “Arthritis Jokes 101.” (Sample: “My dad doesn’t like it when I talk about his arthritis. He says it’s a sore subject.”) Arthritis is no laughing matter, however, when it keeps you from engaging in the tasks or activities you want to do. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease causing cartilage breakdown and inflammation of the joints, afflicts about 7% of the world’s population. It is a result of numerous risk factors that develop over many years, including joint injury, biomechanics, genetic factors, a patient’s metabolism, and even the microorganisms that live in the digestive tract, according to a peer-reviewed study published in 2022 in the journal Frontiers in Physiology. As researchers gain a greater understanding of arthritis as a systemic disease, physical therapy is emerging as a primary tool for managing it and reducing the toll it takes on sufferers. A supervised exercise program can keep your joints as healthy as possible, helping to relieve pain, increase range of motion, and improve endurance and strength. Exercise strengthens the muscles that support arthritic joints, reducing pain caused by bone-on-bone contact. Exercise also increases oxygen and blood flow around the joints, aiding healing. Stretching and strengthening your muscles improves flexibility and range of motion, making
day-to-day tasks easier. Among activities researchers recommend are lifting dumbbells, squats, thrusts, and various exercises with resistance bands. According to the study in Frontiers in Psychology, “Compelling evidence suggests that regular practice of resistance exercise may prevent and control the development of osteoarthritis, leading to a significant improvement in patients’ quality of life.” For obese patients, physical therapy also can aid in weight reduction, further reducing strain on arthritic joints. No cure exists for arthritis, but an accurate diagnosis by your physician, guided exercise practice with your physical therapist, and a strong home exercise program can dramatically improve your ability to manage and control its damaging effects.
Have a Laugh
Legendary Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
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4 bell peppers (any color), halved and seeded
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1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
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1 lb ground beef 1 onion, diced
1 14-oz can diced tomatoes
1 cup cooked rice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Line a baking dish or baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the bell pepper halves in the baking dish. 3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat,
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, diced tomatoes, rice, salt, and pepper. 5. Fill the 8 bell pepper halves with the beef mixture, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese. 6. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned, then drain excess fat.
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