Dr. Steven Dell - Health and Wellness

Pathophysiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis Part 3

2008-04-22T14:00:00Z

In “Pathophysiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis Part 3” let’s continue learning about the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis by taking a look at what causes inflammation symptoms.

So, what causes the symptoms of inflammation?

Well, when inflammation occurs, your body’s white blood cells send special chemicals to the tissue it thinks is infected. These special chemicals fight the infection or virus that’s attacking your body.

]]> When your white blood cells send these special chemicals, your body also sends more blood to the infected tissue. This extra blood flow can make your skin around this area feel warm and look red.

The special chemicals your white blood cells send can also make your tissue release fluid, which leads to swelling.

Continue to join me as we keep discussing inflammation and the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis, including the results of joint inflammation.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Pathophysiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis Part 2

2008-04-19T14:00:00Z

In “Pathophysiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis Part 1” we took a look at what inflammation is, and what happens when your immune system mistakenly thinks your body has an infection.

Now, let’s continue learning about the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis by taking a look at the symptoms of inflammation.

Symptoms of inflammation include:

• Redness

• Swollen joints that are warm to the touch

• Joint Pain

]]> • Joint Stiffness

• Loss of joint function

• Fatigue/Tiredness

• Headache

• Muscle Stiffness

Remember, most people will only have a few of these symptoms – not all of them.

Keep checking back this week as we continue to discuss inflammation and the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis, including the causes of inflammation symptoms and the results of joint inflammation.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Pathophysiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis Part 1

2008-04-17T14:00:00Z

This week, let’s take a look at the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease, so let’s begin by taking a look at what inflammation is, exactly.

Inflammation is the way your body’s white blood cell’s use to protect you from infection, bacteria and viruses. But, sometimes your body’s defense system, or immune system, mistakenly thinks your body is under attack, and triggers an inflammatory response.

When this happens, your body’s immune system actually begins to fight your own body because there are no bad infections or viruses to fight. When your immune system begins to attack your own body, your body’s tissues become damaged in the fight. As your body’s tissues become damaged, your body begins to treat your normal tissue like it’s infected.

When your immune system begins attacking your body, instead of protecting it, we call this an autoimmune disease.

Join me this week as we continue to discuss inflammation and the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Alternative Medicine Treatment to Hip Replacement: Osteotomy

2008-04-15T20:05:06Z

If you’re considering hip replacement surgery or if you suffer from chronic hip disease, there’s an alternative medicine treatment available you should know about…osteotomy.

Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and moving your hip bone.

Although osteotomies aren’t as popular today as hip replacement surgery, it is important to consider an osteotomy as an alternative medicine treatment to hip replacement for a number of reasons.

The main advantage an alternative treatment like osteotomy has over hip replacement is that it uses no artificial parts!

But with an osteotomy, your own bone is used. Your doctor changes the shape of your hip joint, and moves the healthier parts of your hip bone into your newly shaped hip joint. This healthier bone can bear more weight and your joint pain and inflammation disappear. The bones are held together with metal pins while they heal, and then the pins are removed – leaving nothing but your own

This photo shows where the pins have been inserted in a patient who has just had an osteotomy.

bone! No plastic or metal parts that will eventually need to be replaced.

With a typical hip replacement, your damaged hip joint is replaced withartificial parts like metal and plastic. But these artificial parts wear out over time, and you end up needing another hip replacement. And….the more hip replacement surgeries you have, the less successful they become.

]]> http://www.ejbjs.org/cgi/content/abstract/82/3/342.

Is Hip Resurfacing a Good Alternative Medicine Treatment to Hip Replacement?”

2008-04-12T14:00:00Z

Hip resurfacing has been a popular alternative medicine therapy to hip replacement in Europe for years, but it is still a fairly new alternative medicine treatment in the United States. As a matter of fact, the FDA just approved the first hip resurfacing system less than 2 years ago.

So, how do you know if you’re a good candidate for an alternative medicine treatment like hip resurfacing?

The benefit of opting for hip resurfacing in lieu of hip replacement is that hip resurfacing doesn’t require the “ball” of the hip to be removed and replaced. Instead, the hip “ball” is reshaped and capped with metal, and the hip socket is fitted with a metal prosthesis.

Another benefit to hip resurfacing is the capped metal hip “ball” is bigger than the one used in hip replacements, so you have less risk of dislocating your hip in the future.

But what about the risks?

]]> Well, as with most treatments, certain people are not good candidates for this type of alternative medicine treatment. Hip resurfacing isn’t recommended for people with osteoporosis because of the greater risk of fracturing the hip bone.

Another concern is that the metal parts used in hip resurfacing may cause small metal particles to be absorbed into your bloodstream.

This could be a problem if you have a metal allergy, or if you have a kidney dysfunction or diabetes because these metals are eliminated by your kidneys.

Don’t forget, it’s important to make sure you discuss hip resurfacing as an alternative medicine treatment to hip replacement with your specialist.

And don’t forget to join me this week as we continue to discuss alternative medicine treatments for hip replacement.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Alternative Medicine Treatments to Hip Replacement

2008-04-10T14:00:00Z

Before undergoing a hip replacement, there are some other alternative medicine treatments you may want to consider.

Alternative medicine treatments to hip replacement like exercise, walking aids, chiropractic, physiotherapy, muscle therapy, nutritional supplements, herbs, and medication may help you avoid hip replacement surgery altogether.

For starters, a good exercise program can strengthen the muscles around your hip joint, which can help reduce your hip pain and give you more movement in your hip joint.

Using a walking aid, like a cane, can also help relieve some of the stress put on your hip joint, and can help reduce your hip pain.
In a sense, medications are an alternative treatment to hip replacement surgery. However, as we have discussed and will discuss in more detail, these drugs have serious long term consequences.

]]> An analgesic medicine, like Tylenol, may help treat your pain...an NSAID, like aspirin or ibuprofen may reduce the inflammation in your joints and help reduce the pain in your hip joint.

Many people also treat their hip joint pain by using nutritional supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin and herbs. Again, check with your pharmacist or go online and look for interaction with any medications you may be taking.

Keep checking back this week as we continue to discuss other alternative medicine treatments for hip replacement.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy Devices Part 3

2008-04-05T14:00:00Z

Let’s wrap up this week’s discussion of rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices by taking a look at how rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices can help you maintain your independence and where you can find rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices.

The primary goal of rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices is to help you maintain independence and be able to function better.

Today’s rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices can help rheumatoid arthritis sufferers overcome problems with:

• Sitting

• Dressing

• Carrying

• Holding

• Walking

• Driving

• Climbing Stairs

• Standing

And this is just the beginning!

Some of the rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices available today include:

]]> • Large numbered keypad phones to make dialling easier.

• Rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices designed to make holding pens and pencils easier and less painful.

• Spring-assisted scissors with oversized handles designed to make cutting easier.

• Weighted cutlery designed to make cutting foods easier and less painful.

• Electric can openers.

• Dressing aids such as buttoners and unbuttoners, zipper openers and dressing sticks.

• Special curved brushes to make brushing your hair easier.

• Canes, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs all designed to make walking and getting around easier and less painful.

Just remember, rheumatoid arthritis can be a disabling disease, but we are fortunate today to have a wide variety of rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices available to us. Don’t let your rheumatoid arthritis stop you from enjoying life. If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and you think a rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices could help you function better, find someone in your community who can walk you through the options. They’ll be able to help you find the right rheumatoid arthritis therapy device for your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy Devices Part 2

2008-04-03T14:00:00Z

Let’s continue this week’s discussion of rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices by taking a look at what rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices can do for you if you are currently suffering from the disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices can help ease the difficulties caused by rheumatoid arthritis; and rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices can range from simple tools and gadgets to motorized equipment.

Rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices can also help rheumatoid arthritis patients with:

• Protecting joints

• Relieving pain

• Conserving energy

• Preserving joints

Keep checking back this week as we continue to discuss rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices and how you can begin to put them to work for you to help you maintain your independence.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy Devices Part 1

2008-03-31T14:00:00Z

If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, I’m sure you understand how joint damage, pain, stiffness and fatigue caused by your rheumatoid arthritis can prevent you from doing many of your daily activities.

Ordinary activities like buttoning your shirt, brushing your hair, or starting your car can be difficult to do. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers know all to well how these simple, everyday activities can become frustrating and challenging.

But, people with rheumatoid arthritis may be able to find some relief from their frustration and some assistance in their everyday lives from certain rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices that are now available.

Keep checking back this week as we continue to discuss rheumatoid arthritis therapy devices and how you can begin to put them to work for you.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Alternative Medicine Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Deep Paced Breathing – How to Make it Work For You

2008-03-29T14:00:00Z

You now know adding deep paced breathing can be a great alternative medicine treatment for your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like depression and stress. Now let’s take a look at how to add a great alternative medicine treatment like deep paced breathing to your daily routine.

We’re going to take a look at 2 different deep paced breathing techniques that are great alternative medicine treatments for your rheumatoid arthritis:

• Simple Deep Breathing

Simple Deep Breathing is the most basic form of deep paced breathing.

To begin Simple Deep Breathing the first thing you need to do is exhale completely.

Once you get all the air out of your lungs, your body will be ready to inhale fully.

Breathe in slowly through your nose, counting to 5.

As you do, your belly will expand.

Hold the breath in for 2 seconds, and exhale slowly while counting to 5 again.

Close your eyes and repeat.

Your body will begin to relax and de-stress.

• 3 Part Breathing

]]> 3 Part Breathing is a yoga technique that works as a great alternative medicine treatment for reducing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like stress.

Doing 3 Part Breathing is also a great way to relax before bed and help you fall asleep easier.

To begin 3 Part Breathing, start by exhaling deeply through your nose.

Think of it as pouring your breath out of a jug, starting at the top of your chest and working your way down.

Once you have exhaled, pause for 2 seconds.

Then, begin inhaling through your nose, while, again imagining you’re slowly filling your “jug”.

Once you’ve completed “filled” yourself, hold for 2 seconds, and repeat.

Join me as I continue to share with you some great alternative medicine treatments for your rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Alternative Medicine Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Deep Paced Breathing – Taking The First Breath

2008-03-27T14:00:00Z

Can you guess which healthy habit is hardest for us to follow?

Regular Exercise!

Surprised?

Unfortunately, most of us find it really tough to make time in our busy lives for regular exercise. And if you’re suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, regular exercise may even be painful.

But…there’s good news!

]]> There’s a simple alternative medicine treatment for your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, and it doesn’t require any extra time out of your day, no membership fees, and no equipment.

Does it sound too good to be true?

Well, it’s not! It’s deep paced breathing.

Sure, we all breathe. But few of us actually breathe correctly. Most people are shallow chest breathers, not deep belly breathers. But learning deep paced breathing isn’t just good for preventing symptoms like fatigue and mental fog. Deep paced breathing can also be a great alternative medicine treatment for helping you manage your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like depression, and stress – and it can even help you lose weight!

Check back this week as I show you how you can begin to add deep paced breathing to your life as an alternative medicine treatment for your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. You’ll be feeling better and have more energy in no time!

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Alternative Medicine Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rhythmic Entrainment: Part 2 – How To Make It Work For You: Step 3

2008-03-02T15:00:00Z

So far we’ve taken a look at the first 2 steps in rhythmic entrainment – paced-breathing and entraining your daily rhythms.

And…we’ve also taken a look at how easy it is to add these steps to your lifestyle.

Now, let’s learn about Step 3 – a huge alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Step 3 includes: “Developing A Regular Eating Schedule” and “No Skipping Meals!”

Sounds simple, right?

Eating breakfast and lunch is something most of us do anyway, and everybody likes to hear that they should eat 3 times a day!

However, it can be tough for you to eat at a regular time three times a day with all the demands: family, work, and…life.

But this step is really important.

You see, your body is built to store the food you eat later in the day and use the food you eat earlier in the day. This means that breakfast needs to be your biggest meal of the day.

You will experience less pain and inflammation from your arthritis. Also, you will regulate fat and natural immunity more effectively when you eat, a big breakfast and at regular times every day.

So, if feeling better and more rested, losing weight, having more energy, and having better immunity sounds appealing to you, try adding these 3 simple rhythmic entrainment steps to your every day lifestyle. You’ll see results in no time.

Now do you see how synchronizing your body clock is an alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Alternative Medicine Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rhythmic Entrainment: Part 2 – How To Make It Work For You: Step 2

2008-02-29T15:00:00Z

Hopefully you’ve been practicing the first step of rhythmic entrainment – paced-breathing.

Now, let’s take a look at Step 2: Entraining Your Daily Rhythms.

In order to entrain your daily rhythms and use it as an alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, it’s important to make some simple changes to your lifestyle.

Such as:

· Get at least 45 minutes of exposure to daylight, ever day.

· Try to avoid caffeine after 4pm.

· Try to avoid alcohol after 8pm – and only drink it with dinner.

· Exercise regularly.

· Make breakfast your biggest meal.

· Get adequate sleep – go to bed and get up at the same time every day.

Try incorporating some of these simple lifestyle changes into your everyday routine. You’ll be surprised to see how some little changes can add up to big results. These little changes are in fact, alternative medicine treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

Next time…discover step 3 of rhythmic entrainment and how easy it is to incorporate it into your lifestyle!

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Alternative Medicine Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rhythmic Entrainment: Part 2 – How To Make It Work For You: Step 1

2008-02-27T15:00:00Z

One of the best things about rhythmic entrainment, is it only involves 3 steps – so it’s really easy to incorporate rhythmic entrainment as an alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and…into your every day lifestyle!

Let’s take a look at the first step of rhythmic entrainment: paced-breathing.

Paced-breathing is a great way to get your biological rhythms in order.

Simply follow these steps:

· Breathe in for 5 seconds, and then breathe out for 5 seconds.

· While breathing at the 5 second rate, focus on your heart. Breathe deeply and imagine the area around your heart “opening up”.

· Keep breathing, and begin to focus on the quality of your breathing. Try to keep your breathing flow smooth and constant.

· Smile! While you keep focusing on your paced-breathing, think of all the wonderful things in your life you’re grateful for. This will put a smile on your face!

Keep checking back as we unveil the other 2 rhythmic entrainment steps.

In the meantime, practice your paced-breathing! You’re 1 step closer to creating perfect order for your biological rhythms and using it as an alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis!

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Alternative Medicine Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rhythm Entrainment Part 1 – What Is It?”

2008-02-24T15:00:00Z

Can you answer “yes” to any of these statements?

I watch TV or use the computer daily

I skip breakfast and/or lunch

I stay up later at night on weekends

I drink more than 16oz. of caffeinated beverages daily

If you said “yes” to any of these statements, it sounds like you need to use rhythmic entrainment to synchronize your body. This just may be a critical alternative medicine treatment for your rheumatoid arthritis.

“What’s rhythmic entrainment?”

Rhythmic entrainment is simply a way of synchronizing your body’s rhythmic internal waves.

“How does rhythmic entrainment work?”

By synchronizing your body, rhythmic entrainment keeps your body’s natural bio-rhythms from colliding, and works to keep your body fat regulating system working properly.

In the coming days we will take a look at the great benefits of rhythmic entrainment, and I’ll show you how to use it as an alternative medicine treatment for arthritis and…so you can feel more rested, lose more weight, and have more energy.

Stay tuned!

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell