Myths About Treating Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a serious and debilitating condition. Many 

people suffering with chronic pain are so desperate for help 

that they're willing to believe anything -- and as a result buy into 

some chronic pain myths that could be unwise and even 

dangerous.

Myth: To Cure Chronic Pain, Just Treat the Underlying Cause

Treating chronic pain is just not that simple.Yes, sometimes 

treating the cause does resolve the pain: if you have a tack in 

your foot, you remove the tack. Anyone with chronic pain must 

get a complete work-up by a doctor to see if there's a treatable 

problem or disease, says the Dr.

But in many cases, the intersection of an underlying cause and 

pain is more complicated. Painful diseases might be chronic 

and hard to control. Sometimes pain lingers even after the 

original cause seems to have been resolved. Other times, the 

cause of pain is just plain mysterious.

With some people, we run all the tests but we just can't figure 

out what's causing the pain," says a Dr. We can't come up with 

a diagnosis.

People with chronic pain often need a two-pronged approach: 

get treatment for the underlying cause (if there is one) and 

separately get treatment for the pain itself. That often means 

seeing a pain expert as well as other doctors.

Fact: Even Mild Chronic Pain Should Be Checked by a Doctor

Pain experts say that too many people still struggle through life 

with chronic pain for no reason. People think that if their pain is 

bearable, it's not worth asking a doctor about it.

However, you need to get pain evaluated, even if it's mild. First, 

it could be the sign of underlying disease or health problem that 

needs treatment. Second, treating pain promptly can 

sometimes prevent it from turning into hard-to-treat chronic 

pain.

Beyond that, it's always important to take pain seriously in its 

own right. Chronic pain is insidious. It sneaks up on people, 

worsening slowly and imperceptibly.

Without realizing it, you might develop unhealthy ways of coping 

with it. That might include using over-the-counter painkillers for 

a long time or at high doses, which can have serious risks. 

People with chronic pain are also at higher risk of relying on 

alcohol or other substances to numb their pain.

Over time, chronic pain can also lead to sleep deprivation, 

social isolation, depression, and other problems that can affect 

your relationships at home and at work.

Myth: Bed Rest Is Usually the Best Cure for Pain

The old medical advice for people with some types of chronic 

pain – such as back pain -- was to rest in bed. But that's not the 

case any more.

Now we know that for almost all types of chronic pain 

conditions, not just spinal pain, [prolonged] bed rest is almost 

never helpful. In some cases it will actually worsen the 

prognosis.

 It turns out that for most causes of pain, keeping up your 

normal schedule -- including your physical activity -- will help 

you get better faster.

Of course, there are some situations where rest is important -- 

especially for a day or two after an acute injury. So always 

follow your doctor's advice.

Myth: Increased Pain Is Inevitable as We Age

Pain experts say there is one particularly damaging myth about 

chronic pain. Too many people think that pain is just a sign of 

ageing and that there's not much to be done about it.

I think unfortunately too many doctors believe this, says a Dr. 

Most Drs., when they see an older patient with pain and don't 

think anything of it.

It's unquestionably true that our odds of developing a painful 

condition, such as arthritis, are higher as we age. But those 

conditions can be treated and the pain can be well-controlled. 

So no matter what your age, never settle for chronic pain.

Fact: Chronic Pain Is Connected With Depression

For many people, chronic pain is intertwined with depression -- 

as well as anxiety and other psychological conditions.

There's a very complex relationship between pain and 

depression, says a Dr. Pain can be a symptom of depression, 

and depression can certainly worsen the diagnosis of pain. It's 

a cruel combination. Often, it's impossible to tell where one 

cause ends and the other starts.

Of course, some people with chronic pain don't like this idea. 

They feel that accepting a psychological connection to pain 

implies that they're making it up, that their pain is "all in their 

heads." But that's not the case at all.

Depression and anxiety disorders are real medical conditions. 

Studies have also shown a clear connection between 

emotional trauma and pain disorders. Brain imaging studies 

have actually found that physical and psychological pain 

activates some identical areas in the brain, says a Dr. Acknowledging that chronic pain and depression are connected in no way diminishes what you're feeling.

Also, some antidepressants have been shown to help manage 

certain types of chronic pain. Your doctor might suggest an 

antidepressant for your chronic pain, even if you are not 

depressed.

Myth: Taking Opioid Painkillers Leads to Drug Addiction

We've all read sensational stories of celebrity addiction. So it’s no surprise that many people with chronic pain fear that taking opioids will result in drug addiction.  As a result, some people with terrible chronic pain refuse medication that could really help them.

When they're taken in the short-term and used as directed, the 

risk of becoming addicted to an opioid medication is very, very 

low, says a Dr.

There are instances where doctors need to be especially 

careful with opioids. For instance, people who have a strong 

personal or family history of addiction are at higher risk. 

Myth: Taking Opioid Painkillers Will Completely Cure Chronic Pain

Although opioids are effective at treating pain, they are not the 

Holy Grail of pain relief. Some people think that if they could 

only get their doctor to give them a prescription, their troubles 

would be over.

There's a big downside to treatment with opioids,says a Dr. 

They're not effective with all types of pain. They can cause 

unpleasant side effects. A physical dependency can develop if 

pain management and treatment is not monitored.  That's not 

an addiction -- instead, their bodies acclimate to the 

medication. Over time they need higher doses to get the same 

level of relief.

Opioids seem to increase the risk that other treatment 

approaches will fail. There's even evidence that opioids can 

result in chronic pain, Cohen says. A person with mild, 

occasional headaches might develop chronic, debilitating ones 

after using high doses of opioids.

So depending on the cause of your chronic pain, opioid 

painkillers might help. But they're not the universal "best" 

treatment for chronic pain. They're just one tool among many 

others, from anti-inflammatory medicines to alternative 

therapies such as acupuncture.  

Fact: There's Rarely a Single Treatment That Will Cure Chronic Pain

People with chronic pain often have this misconception, acc. to 

a Dr. They think that they'll be able to find this one perfect treatment that will cure their pain.

Maybe it's a new drug or a new surgical technique that they 

read about in the paper. Or maybe it's a device or a 

supplement they see advertised on a 3 a.m. infomercial. But 

they're hoping that there's one answer for them that will take 

their pain away completely.

Coping with chronic pain is rarely that simple. It is said that 

tackling chronic pain often requires a team of experts using a 

combination of approaches -- different medications, physical 

therapy, psychological counselling  relaxation techniques, and more -- to get it the pain control.

Adopt realistic expectations. You will get better, but it will take 

some hard work, different treatments, and time.

Fact: Even With Good Treatment, Chronic Pain Might Not Go Away

It's unfortunate but true. Someone who has had ongoing back 

pain for 18 years shouldn't expect that after few visits to a pain 

doctor they'll be cured. Managing chronic pain is usually a long 

process.

But don't get discouraged. Even if experts can't make your 

chronic pain disappear completely, treatment can still make a 

big difference. Pain isn't everything, after all -- it's how your pain 

affects your quality of life that matters most.

Maybe you'll still have some pain after treatment. But if 

treatment restores your ability to do things that your chronic 

pain prevented -- whether it's going for long walks, or 

crocheting a blanket, or returning to work – it’s worthwhile.  

10 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENT

If you have arthritis of the hip or knee and are considering joint 

replacement, start by talking with your doctor. Here are 10 key 

questions to ask about joint replacement.

1. Is full joint replacement the best choice for me? Talk about other options. Could simpler and more conservative treatments work instead? Ask about alternatives to full joint replacement, such as partial joint replacement or other procedures.
2. If I don't get surgery, what's the risk? Is there any harm in waiting?
3. What are the downsides of joint replacement? Learn ore about the risks and complications – for right after the surgery and further down the road.
4. What type of replacement joint would you recommend? Many different companies make replacement joints. Get the specifics on what your doctor recommends. Ask if you can see a sample joint to understand how it works.
5. How many of these surgeries have you done? You want someone with a lot of experience in the specific surgery -- with the specific artificial joint -- that you need.
6. Would minimally invasive surgery be possible for me? Although minimally invasive surgery sounds good, it's often not the best choice for joint replacement. Some studies show that the short-term benefits of a smaller incision may be offset by a higher risk of complications.
7. How long would recovery take? Get specifics. When will you be able to be back on your feet? When will you be able to exercise or go back to work again? When will you be able to be drive?
8. What kind of anaesthesia would I need? Some people getting a joint replacement need general anaesthesia  Others only get spinal anaesthesia  in which they're awake but the legs are numb.
9. What kind of physical therapy would I need? Physical therapy is essential for maximum recovery. Find out where you would get physical therapy, how often, and with whom.
10. What should I expect from life with a joint replacement? Get realistic expectations about what you'll be able to do after you recover. Find out if your doctor would recommend avoiding high-impact activity, such as jogging. Most replacement joints will last 10 years or longer, but it depends on how much overuse they get. Ask about ways you can try to minimize wear and tear.

SOME EXERCISES TO OVERCOME STRESS

1. Yoga

A tried and tested way to deal with stress is the traditional form of exercise, yoga. Meditating and practising a few breathing exercises by concentrating on your breath can be very beneficial for your mental health. Removing a minuscule 10 minutes of your time on a daily basis to do yoga is a must.

2. Walking

The simplest yet effective way of killing stress is by walking. Taking a walk in a park or on the beach can unite you with nature and relieve you of the stress. You must go for a walk regularly in order to keep serious ailments like heart attacks and blood pressure problems at bay.

3. Dancing

Dancing is an amalgamation of a number of physical and mental exercises, which can help you, deal with stress in an enjoyable way. Learning something new each day with your friends can be a fun filled way to exercise.

4. Sports

Any kind of a sport activity you like can also be an exercise for your body that can help you deal with stress. Games like tennis, football and squash are great ways of staying connected with people and at the same time indulging you in a complete body workout.

5. Tai Chi

Tai Chi is an olden martial arts form that entails a combination of meditative movements that have the ability to connect your mind and body. Practising this form of exercise can reduce your stress and bring a sense of calmness in you.

6. Kick-boxing

With innovative exercising forms making its entry into the country, the popularity of forms like  kick-boxing is increasing by the day. You could enrol yourself for a variety of kick-boxing styles, which entail Jujitsu, Muay Thai, and Judo to name a few.

Stress of any kind is not only harmful for your mental health but affects the physical condition of the body in more than one ways. Exercising and keeping the mind and body at ease by trying some of these exercises can be the way towards happiness.

BEER CONSUMED IN MODERATION HAS SOME HEALTH BENEFITS !

WE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT DRINKING BEER WILL LEAD TO POT BELLY ! 

WELL, IF YOU DRINK IN MODERATION, THEN IT HAS LOTS OF HEALTH 

BENEFITS. MEN SHOULD LIMIT THEIR CONSUMPTION TO 710 ML PER DAY & 

WOMEN TO 355 ML PER DAY.

Benefits of drinking beer

Helps protect bones: Beer, when consumed in moderation, is said to protect your bone health as it is high in silicon content. Several studies have shown that beer may help in preventing bone loss and also rebuild bone mass in men and young women. However, no benefits have been seen in women in the post-menopausal stage.

Healthy heart: Just like an apple a day keeps the doctor away, a beer a day may help you keep heart diseases away. Moderate consumption of beer has many benefits and one of them is the significant increase in HDL (good) cholesterol. The good cholesterol has anti-clotting effects which keeps the blood vessels clear and healthy.

Healthy kidneys: A study conducted by Finnish researchers found that people who consumed beer were at a lower risk of developing kidney stones when compared to those who drank other types of alcohol. And this benefit could be due to the high water content in beer. In addition, the beer’s hops – a flower which gives beer its bitterness and also acts as a preservative —  is said to prevent kidney stones as it slows down the release of calcium from bones.

Apart from this, beer is also a rich source of vitamins, minerals such as magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and plenty of B vitamins.

Risks of drinking beer

Beer belly: Everyone says that drinking beer makes you fat or at least develop ‘beer belly’. The fact is that beer contains almost no fat or nutrition. However, it does contain a lot of calories. And if you are trying to lose weight, you must know that alcohol does not let your body burn a lot of stored fat for energy. Actually, when you drink beer, your liver produces a substance called acetate with the help of the alcohol in the beer and your body, instead of using the fat stored on your hips and belly, burns this acetate for energy.

Heartburns: Drinking too much beer can cause heart burn as it contains powerful stimulants of gastric acid secretion leading to gastro-esophageal reflux.

Dehydration: You would do anything for a mug of beer after a long day outside in hot weather. Though beer is 95 per cent water, it is a diuretic. And since the alcohol in the beer interferes with the release of an antidiuretic hormone in your body, it makes you rush to the bathroom more often than you like. So if you drink beer, you will lose fluid through sweating as well as urine, dehydrating you completely. Also, make sure never to drink beer instead of water.

In addition, beer can affect your blood sugar levels despite being low in sugar. As beer contains alcohol, it has the ability to drop the level of sugar in your blood. This will lead to low energy levels and if you end up drinking too much beer, you will surely hit the sack in minutes!

Well, we conclude that drinking beer might be good for you if it’s done in moderation. In fact most of the negative effects of drinking beer are due to excessive drinking. So if you actually want to gulp down a crate of beer at one go, do so, but at your own risk. However, make sure you drink a gallon of water to keep yourself hydrated!

5 QUESTIONS TO PREDICT IF A CHILD WILL BECOME OBESE FROM BIRTH !

A LIST of five simple signs which experts believe can help 

determine if a baby will become fat is being made available to 

parents for the first time.

Childhood obesity experts have uncovered the factors which 

can determine a newborn’s future waistline – a baby’s birth 

weight, the body mass index (BMI) of both parents, the number 

of people in the household, a mother’s profession and whether 

she smoked during pregnancy.

They hope the formula will help families and health 

professionals identify at-risk youngsters. The latest Scottish 

Health Survey revealed only two-thirds of children (65.6 per 

cent) had a healthy weight – down from 70.3 in 1998. It also 

showed almost two-thirds (64.3 per cent) of adults in Scotland 

are now overweight or obese.

A separate Scottish Government study also highlighted how 

one in ten Scots children is already clinically obese by the time 

they start primary school.

Childhood obesity is a leading cause of early type-2 diabetes 

and heart and circulatory disease in later life, health experts 

have warned. The new formula has been developed by the 

School of Public Health at Imperial 
College London, and is 

based on findings of a study carried out in Finland in 1986.

Scientists found that while genetic profiles were unreliable, 

non-genetic information readily available at birth could predict 

which children would become obese.

The formula has also been tested on thousands of youngsters 

in Italy and the USA. The 20 per cent predicted to have the 

highest risk at birth went on to make up 80 per cent of obese 

children in later life, the researchers said.

Study leader Professor Philippe Froguel, of Imperial College, 

said: “This test takes very little time, it doesn't require any lab 

tests and it doesn't cost 
anything.

“All the data used are well-known risk factors for 
childhood 

obesity but this is the first time they have been used all together 

to predict from the time of birth the likelihood of a child 

becoming obese.”

The team said families with high-risk infants could benefit from 

dietician and psychology services from an earlier stage in a 

youngster’s life to try and help the family make choices which 

should lessen the chances of a child becoming overweight.

This would include making sure they ate the correct diet and 

took part in regular exercise at recommended healthy levels for 

their age group.

Prof Froguel said: “Once a young child becomes obese, it’s 

difficult for them to lose weight so prevention is the best 

strategy and it has to begin as early as possible.

“Unfortunately, public campaigns have been rather ineffective 

at preventing obesity in school-age children.”

Key indicators

The five questions are:

1 What is the baby’s birth weight?

2 What is the Body Mass Index (BMI) of both mother and 

father?

3 How many members are there in the baby’s household?

4 What is the mother’s profession? (unemployed/manual 

skilled/non-manual skilled/professional)

5 Did the mother smoke during pregnancy?

ALL YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT TEA AND ITS BENEFITS

Tea leaves come from the Camellia sinensis plant. They contain antioxidants that counter free radicals, which can damage cells. Antioxidants may reduce or help prevent some of this damage.

The difference between the three main varieties of tea (green, black, and oolong) is the process used to make them. Black tea is exposed to air, or fermented, which darkens the leaves and gives them flavor. Green tea is made by heating or quickly steaming the leaves. Oolong tea leaves are partially fermented.

There’s no hard evidence that drinking tea can prevent cancer in people in general; many factors affect cancer risk. However, several studies have linked drinking tea to a lower risk of cancer for some people. More research is needed to define those groups.

Some studies show that drinking green tea may help curb a few heart disease risk factors, including body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol absorption. However, the FDA denied a petition filed by a green tea maker that wanted to put heart-health claims on its product's label, ruling that there wasn't credible scientific evidence to support the claims.

Herbal teas are not made from the Camellia sinensis plant and are not really teas at all. Herbal teas are an infusion of leaves, roots, bark, seeds, or flowers from other types of plants. Common herbal teas include chamomile and mint. They are not associated with the potential health benefits of green, black, or oolong tea.

You get the most antioxidants from freshly brewed tea; those compounds are reduced in instant tea, decaffeinated tea, and bottled tea. Researchers have not determined how many cups of freshly brewed green tea are recommended each day, but people in Asia typically drink at least three cups daily.

Fresh brewing is the way to get the most antioxidants from your tea, so knowing how long to steep the tea is an important part of the process. Three to five minutes is the recommended amount of time for maximizing the benefits.

Iced tea often contains low to negligible amounts of catechins compared with the high concentrations found in a cup of hot tea, because adding water to brewed tea dilutes the concentration. However, iced tea and hot tea could contain approximately the same level of antioxidants if, when preparing iced tea, you use 50% more tea than when preparing a similar amount of hot tea to allow for dilution. About 85% of the tea drunk in the U.S. is iced tea.

Blended teas are made with teas of different origins, combined to achieve a certain flavour  For example, English Breakfast tea traditionally was a blend of China Keemums tea, but the blend now includes Ceylon and India teas as well.

Green tea contains caffeine, so pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding shouldn't drink more than one or two servings of green tea per day, according to the American Dietetic Association. People with irregular heartbeats or anxiety disorders also should be cautious about how much caffeine they get, from green tea or other sources.

A Swiss study found that drinking black tea with a meal reduced iron absorption by 79% to 94% when compared with drinking water. People with an iron deficiency might consider drinking tea only between meals.

Clowns- crochet

Crochet clown which I made for my grandson now, I had made slightly smaller, but not so colourful clowns for my daughter & son too !

Nature's goodies for diabetics

  Nature's goodies for diabetics

Diabetic? Not sure what to eat? Then this list is just for you. Read about the many offerings nature has, which will help keep your diabetes in check.

We understand that as a diabetic, your diet is of utmost importance. And that sometimes those sweet cravings are just way too hard to resist! So we bring you a list of natural goodies that tantalise your taste buds, are easy to find and as a bonus, are great for your health!

Berries

Tempting red strawberries or indigo coloured blueberries or just any berries for that matter. Experts advice that these little colourful fruits are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and fibre and are low-carb! So top off your breakfast with some strawberries or just toss them in your mouth. It adds a pop of colour and a dollop of health!

Apples 

Low in calories and carbohydrate content, this portable fruit can be toted around easily in your bag, making it the perfect snack. Fibrous, with tonnes of vitamins and antioxidants, this diabetes-friendly fruit will add a crunchy and healthy punch to your diet.

Spinach

Is there nothing this superfood can’t do? Research shows that green, leafy and fresh spinach is extremely low in calories and carbohydrates, which is especially good news if you are a diabetic. In fact, spinach is one of the rare things that a diabetic can eat almost freely!

Kidney Beans

Kidney beans, black beans or lentils have been shown to have immense health benefits for a diabetic. They are low fat, low calorie and high protein! They make you feel full, slow down your digestion process and prevent blood sugar from spiking.

Oranges

Despite the fact that an orange contains sugar, it also contains other compounds that help control blood glucose, which makes it good for a diabetes patient. The soluble fibre present in an orange thickens as it’s being digested. This in turn slows down the sugar absorption, offering better control of your blood sugar.

Cherries

If you have a sweet tooth, don’t worry! Sweet cherries are good for you! The sugar in them is natural. To add to that, they have a low calorie count and a minimal carbohydrate level! But make sure you check the labels before you pick up a can of cherries as many of them are loaded with artificial sweeteners!

Cabbage

Cabbage has a low glycaemic index of 10 which is very diabetes friendly. It is also a rich source of vitamin C and K. However, keep an eye on the fat content if you are including cabbage in your diet.

Brinjals

Non-starchy, low carbohydrate and soluble fibre, could a vegetable be more perfect for diabetes? Load up on this easily available vegetable and enjoy the goodness that it offers!

Okra(Lady Finger)

This vegetable is a sure shot hit with kids and diabetics! Like brinjals and oranges, the presence of soluble fibre in okra makes this humble vegetable one of the best things to eat if you are diabetic.

Pears

Rich in potassium and loaded with fibre, a pear is also low in carbohydrates! Add them in your fruit bowl or mix it up with spinach to get an instant fix for your hunger pangs.

Despite the fact that fruits and vegetables are good for you, there’s no denying the fact that some of them contain sugar and carbohydrates, albeit in small amounts. So keep your portions small and do check with your nutritionist before any major diet changes.

INSTANT NOODLES NOT GOOD FOR HEALTH

BE CAREFUL  WHEN COOKING  INSTANT NOODLES.

 

The National Heart Institution has recommended not to over eat instant noodles as heart disease is mainly caused by the seasoning powder.   If you can't do without it, reduce the powder by half and don't drink the soup after you finish the noodles.  The noodles are coated with wax and it will take around 4 to 5 days for the body to excrete the wax after you have eaten the noodles.   CORRECT METHOD OF COOKING NOODLES' without harming our bodies and health: 1. Boil the noodles in a pot of water. 2. Once the noodles are cooked, take out the noodles, and throw away the water which contains wax. 3. Boil another pot of water, add the cooked noodles into the hot boiling water and then turn off the stove. 4. Only at this stage when the stove is off, and while the water is very hot, add the flavouring powder into the water, to make noodle soup. 5. However, if you need dry noodles, remove the noodles and add the flavouring powder and toss it to get dry noodles.  Dietician's Note: If you buy plain hakka noodles which you make, you initially need to boil in water and discard the water. This will soften the noodles. To prevent it from sticking we need to add a table- spoon  of oil and also the noodles are deep fried partially to make them crunchy and then dusted with flour to prevent them from sticking while boiling. Hence when you buy the noodles they are already made unhealthy and this is the type we use to make stir fry noodles and the regular 'Maggi' too is made the same way, plus they add Mono-Sodium-Glutamet / Ajinomoto and other chemical preservatives. A large number of patients with ages ranging from 18-24  years are ending up with pancreatitis either as  a swelling or infection of the pancreas due to regular consumption of instant noodles... If the frequency is more than 3 times a week, then it is very hazardous... Please share this info and help save a life

HEART ATTACK AND WATER

Water and Health !

Heart  Attack and Water -   Heart  Attack & Water Something  else I didn't know ... I asked my Doctor why do  people need to urinate so much at night time.  Answer from my Cardiac Doctor = Gravity holds  water in the lower        part of your body when you  are upright (legs swell). When you lie down and  the lower body (legs and etc) seeks level with  the kidneys it is then that the kidneys remove  the water because it is easier. This then ties  in with the last statement! I knew you  need your minimum water to help flush the toxins  out of your body, but this was news to  me. Correct  time to drink water... Very Important. From A  Cardiac Specialist!  Drinking  water at a certain time maximizes its  effectiveness on the  body: 2 glasses  of water after waking up -  helps activate internal organs 1 glass  of water 30  minutes before a  meal - helps  digestion 1 glass  of water before taking a bath - helps  lower blood pressure 1 glass  of water before going to bed -  avoids stroke or heart  attack Please pass this to  the people you care  about...... I  can also add to this... My Physician told me  that water  at bed time will also help prevent night time  leg cramps. Your leg muscles are seeking  hydration when they cramp and wake you up with a  Charlie Horse.