Tuesday 15 October 2013

Bone and Joint Health National Awareness Week

An annual global event, Bone and Joint Health National Awareness Week is held October 12-20 with activities focused on disorders including arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis and trauma. The events and projects organized by individuals and organizations worldwide are designed to raise awareness of prevention, disease management and treatments as well as advances in a number of areas.

You will find activities to do and ways to become better informed below. But before that, take a look at some facts:

  • Nearly half the American population over the age of 18 - about 48 percent - are affected by musculoskeletal (bone and joint) conditions, according to The Burden of Musculoskeletal Conditions in the United States.
  • Bone and joint conditions are the most common cause of severe long-term pain and physical disability worldwide affecting hundreds of millions of people.
  • Musculoskeletal conditions include back pain, arthritis, traumatic injuries, osteoporosis and childhood conditions.
  • Unless actions are taken now, the global prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions is predicted to increase greatly due to increasing life expectancy, changes in risk factors and availability of appropriate prevention measures.
  • Musculoskeletal conditions can lead to significant disability plus diminished productivity and quality of life. Treatment and lost wage costs associated with musculoskeletal diseases in the U.S. alone was estimated at $950 billion in 2004 to 2006 - equal to 7.4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).
  • Research funding is currently less than 2 percent of the National Institutes of Health annual budget, despite the high costs associated with these conditions.
  • Since 2011, when "Baby Boomers" became beneficiaries of Medicare, the economic and societal cost of bone and joint health began to escalate and is expected to continue for decades.
Resource: CLICK HERE for full article on Bone and Joint Awareness!

Monday 14 October 2013

Product Review: Aspercreme Arthritis And Joint Pain Cream

Aspercreme Review

Having supplements for joint pain relief is not possible and suitable for many out there. This is because many of you have issues like constipation along with several other health problems, wherein it is better to avoid any kind of pills, other than prescribed. Here arises the need for a topical cream.

Aspercreme is a joint pain relieving cream. The product claims to be clinically proven for minor arthritis, along with joint and muscle pain. This cream for relieving joint pain is supposed to be stainless and odor free. The official website of this product states the product to be formulated with 3 intensive skin conditioners. The product is made available for a price of $9.99, and is available with several money saving options.

About Manufacturer

Aspercreme is a joint pain relieving cream manufactured by Chattem Inc. Where the official website states to be suitable for joint and muscle pain, even for arthritis condition. The manufacturer provides various tips on how to treat and prevent joint pain, along with using this product; but it doesn’t mention anything about the money back guarantee and clinical trials.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredient of Aspercreme is Trolamine Salicylate. This ingredient is supposed to work on soreness and make it less intense. Studies for this ingredient have reported it to have a long lasting effect on soreness.

Along with this, the product has various other ingredients like:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerol, Methylparaben, Mineral Oil, Potassium Phosphate, Propylparaben, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, Water

Amonst which Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is used to give a moisturizing effect.

How To Use It?

Aspercreme is used to treat pains such as sprains and strains along with certain chronic pain. It is even used for treating arthritis pain and the one due to backache. The official website even states the product to be suitable for bruises and cramps.

The product is not to be used if you are allergic to any ingredient contained in Aspercreme Cream. Moreover if there are any allergies or one gets allergic reactions to salicylate and aspirin, this product is to be strictly avoided.

The product can be used by adults and children above 12 years of age. It is suggested to be applied 4 times as day with gentle massaging on the affected area.

Pros
  1. This is a topical product that needs external application.
  2. Contains skin friendly ingredients that are quickly absorbed by the skin.
  3. The product comes with an affordable price.
  4. This product is odorless.
Cons
  1. The official website provides no money back guarantee.
  2. There are no clinical proofs for the effectiveness of this product.
  3. The official website lacks basic information about the product and its ingredients.
Aspercreme Side Effects

The product is known to have certain minor side effects like rashes, redness, hives, itching, and difficult breathing, tightness in chest, swelling of face, mouth and sometimes lips and tongue also.

Does Aspercreme Really Work?

Aspercreme Cream is known to be a topical salicylate pain reliever which works by bringing down the level of swelling and inflammation in the joints and muscles.


Effective working of any product can be roughly known by its reviews. The reviews for Aspercreme state the product to provide temporary relief from minor pain and inflammation.

Conclusion

Even though the product is a topical cream with 3 different skin conditioners, yet its effective working is still in doubt. In addition to this there are no details regarding the ingredients, and clinical proofs on the official website.

Friday 4 October 2013

What Is Arnica Gel and How Does It Work?

arnica gel
Arnica Gel Review

Arnica gel is a joint pain reliever and it claims to give relief from osteoarthritis pain and joint stiffness with the help of its anti-inflammatory components. It is made up from Arnica Montana plant, which is a topical herb used for treating joint inflammation, bruises, as well as muscle pain. But FDA has regarded it as a unsafe herb, because of its negative effects, if taken orally. It is used for a long time to heal injuries in the joints. It absorbs deeply into the skin and it is non–greasy and can be easily applied on the affected areas. Arnica Montana Extract known is a homeopathic treatment for varicose veins and hematoma. You can purchase it online or from a homeopathic doctor.

Arnica Gel Ingredients

The chief ingredient of Arnica gel is Arnica Montana extract. In several studies the root of the Arnica Montana plant is found effective that is rich in thymol and is clinically proven to be real in expanding the blood capillaries. It increases blood in the body and helps in faster healing of the injuries.

Arnica Gel Uses

You can use Arnica gel in a number of ways. It can be applied on the bruises or you can make a compress of arnica gel. It has been known for many years to treat skin problems such as eczema, acne, rashes and various other problems. It is also effective in arthritis and reduces stiffness in joints as well. Athletes use it to reduce muscle pain. But it can cause irritation if it is applied to broken skin.

Arnica gel is easy to use and can be applied to the injured skin area. It gets quickly absorbed into the skin. It has no irritating smell and it doesn't spoil your clothes. It is non–greasy and dries up fast. It is safe to use with other painkillers.

Benefits

  1. Arnica gel gives relief from osteoarthritis of hands and reduces pain.
  2. It is non-sticky and absorbs quickly in the skin.
  3. It has no strong smell.
  4. It give relief from muscle and joint pain and acts as an anti–inflammatory.
  5. It can be used along with other drugs used to reduce pain.
Drawbacks
  1. Its oral consumption is considered unsafe.
  2. It is linked with many side effects that can be chronic.
  3. It causes internal bleeding when it expands the blood capillaries to improve blood flow.
Are there any Arnica Gel Side Effects?

Arnica gel can cause allergic reactions such as rashes on the skin, eczema and itching. It should not be used directly on the sensitive skin. A patch test is recommended to check if there is any reaction on the skin. It can result in internal bleeding which can be due to enlarged capillaries for increasing blood circulation. Pregnant women should not take Arnica extract because it can cause miscarriage or premature delivery. It may interact with several blood thinners and anti platelet drugs.

Does Arnica Gel Work for Arthritis Joint Pain?


Arnica gel is often known as pain gel, which not only reduces chronic pain, but also long term joint pain conditions such as arthritis. It is used in extreme pain conditions like strains and sprains. It is a pain relieving gel that effectively reduces pain in your joints.

Conclusion


Arnica gel includes many applications and it helps in healing joint pain, even in severe conditions. But its various side effects don't make it a safe product. It should not be used without consulting a doctor. You should not use it in undiluted from, because it is highly contaminated and it should not be ingested unless it is in a diluted form. 

Australian Dream Cream Reviews - Does It Really Work?

Australian Dream Review
Australian Dream

If you had arthritis or having joint pain, then don't think that you are alone suffering from this. Joint pain due to arthritis has affected as many as Americans that you cannot expect. So for these joint pain remedy, joint supplements or cream is said to be a first line of defense to fight against arthritis.

About Australian Dream

Australian Dream is one such product, which claims to be a good arthritis pain relief cream. Yes, it is a cream, not a tablet nor a capsule. It claims that it helps to reduce the inflammation and pain by just applying this cream. It claims that as you apply this cream it gives you soothing relief from pain and itchiness of joints.

Australian Dream is manufactured in the United States and distributed by Nature's Health Connection, Inc. Campton. This Australian Dream cream claims that it is odorless and grease-free cream that can help to relieve minor arthritis pain and also the pain of sprains and bruises. It offers a 30 day money back guarantee. It comes in various different packs of 2 oz., 4 oz. and 9 oz. Jars. It is sold through many retailers such as drugstore. The cost of 4 oz. of Australian Dream is $29.99. Price may vary according to different retailers.

What does it contain?

The main active ingredient is Histamine Dihydrochloride. The other ingredients are as follows:

  • Emu Oil
  • Aqua (Deionized Water)
  • Butylene Glycol
  • C13-14 Isoparaffin
  • Chondroitin Sulfate
  • Ethylhexyl Stearate
  • Glucosamine Sulfate
  • Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil
  • Laureth-7
  • Methylisothiazolinone
  • Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
  • Polyacrylamide
  • Potassium Sorbate
  • Sodium Polyacrylate
  • Tetrasodium EDTA
  • Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin-E
  • Trideceth-6
How to use Australian Dream Cream?

It is said that you can apply this cream on the painful area for 3-4 times daily, but not more than that. It is said that you must massage the cream for some time so that it gets absorbed into the skin. One tip recommended is that if you go for a bath, wash the cream only after 15 minutes. This cream is only for adults.

Pros

  1. It offers 30 day money guarantee.
  2. It contains all natural herbs.
  3. It is in cream form, which acts as a good anti-inflammatory cream.
  4. Quick temporary relief from joint pain and aches without burning sensation.
  5. Available in various different retail store.
Cons
  1. It is not clinically proven.
  2. Ingredients detail is not given on the official site.
  3. Confusion about the manufacturer name.
  4. Not for pregnant and nursing women.
  5. No consumer testimonial present on the official site.
Does Australian Dream have any Side Effects?

It contains shellfish, thus may cause allergy to some peoples. The main active ingredients Histamine Dihydrochloride which is said to have a number of side effects related to eyes, wound on the skin, if inhaled or mistakenly eaten by children, so can cause lots of effects. Thus their label contains a lot of caution such as not to apply on wound, or on rashes, do not let it go into our eyes, etc. Thus there are lots of side effects related to the main active ingredient.

Does Australian Dream Cream Work?


The working explained mentions that the ingredients used in the cream help to increase blood flow. As blood flow increases the affected areas start to receive proper blood, resulting in lowering of pain in joints.

It is said to be effective to provide relief from mild arthritis pain, bruises and sprains without any burning sensation. Unfortunately the manufacture on the official site didn't mention anything about what effect it will have on severe arthritis pain. Also the cream doesn't have any clinical studies to prove its effect even on mild pain.
 

Customer Testimonials

It works miraculously on all kinds of pain. It is great for arthritis and back, muscle and any kind of pain. I've used it for years and always try to have a supply handy.
- By 7709 "Cyanemi" (Michigan)

Did not work for my wife...she said it was a great smoothing cream but did not help her arthritis symtoms. I will be returning for the money back refund. Only problem I may have is Amazon did not provide a reciept with the shipment...not sure if Australian Dream will honor the computer generated copy of my order. Will post final outcome.
- By Edward Standal (Plymouth, Minnesota United States)

source - amazon.com

I bought this for the arthritis in my fingers. Used it for several days without and any positive results. I intend to return it and see if they actually return the $29 I paid for the item.
- By Belle25

My right shoulder is sore whenever I twist it to reach for something behind me etc. I used the cream twice a day. It helps somewhat. There's still a little pain but it beats taking Alleve everyday.
- By tricia66

source - cvs.com


Conclusion

Australian Dream claims to be a good product for joint pain in a cream form. This cream has good features such as it is odorless, non-staining and has no burning sensation. Australian Dream Cream claims that it has all natural herbs. It has FAQ's, but it doesn't have consumer testimonial and it has also not explained the ingredients detail and use. It also does not claim that it is a clinically proven cream that will even help to relieve mild joint pain.


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