Whelehans Health Blog

• Find a balance between exercise and rest. Swimming is an excellent activity because it strengthens your muscles and joints without putting any strain on them.

   

• Losing excess weight will reduce the pressure on your joints.

   

• Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet and cut down on saturated fats.

   

• A hot water bottle is useful when joints feel stiff and painful; try an ice pack.if they are hot and irritated.

• Natural medicines: are any effective?

  As a pharmacist I am often asked what natural medicines are beneficial to those living with arthritis including the likes of Osteoarthritis (the most common type of arthritis and caused by wear and tear) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (the most debilitating form of arthritis caused by severe inflammation of the joints). For today’s talk, we don’t have the time for me to discuss all natural medicines but I will discuss a few of the most popular ones. There are thousands of natural and herbal pain relief products marketed in magazines, newspapers, the internet, health food shops etc. and most have little or no evidence and are gimmicks to help you part with your money (as when you are in constant pain you will try anything to try relieve it). My main advice, before try any alternative, natural or herbal product, check with a health professional like your pharmacist or GP first as they will advise you if there is any evidence of effectiveness and more importantly on any interactions with other medicines you are taking or potential side effects.

  
  

For comprehensive and free health advice and information call in to Whelehans, log on to www.whelehans.ie or dial 04493 34591.

Research shows that regular exercise is one of the most effective treatments for arthritis.

Physical activity helps broadly in two ways.

Improving symptoms

Firstly, exercise will help your arthritis by: (1) decreasing the pain in your joints and muscles (2) maintaining and increasing the flexibility of your joints and muscles (3) strengthening muscles - this will help take the load off your joints, and make the joints more stable (4) decreasing or relieving muscle tension - tension adds to the pain of arthritis and in the long term can lead to poor posture and joint deformity (5) improving your posture and balance - this will take weight off affected joints, and reduce your risk of falling.

Improving overall health

Secondly, regular exercise will improve your overall health. This means you will be able to do more in life, feel more in control of your arthritis and be better able to manage pain. In particular, exercise will: (1) improve your heart and lung fitness (2) help control weight and reduce body fat - this will also reduce the load on weight-bearing joints such as feet, knees and hips decrease stress (3) strengthen bones (4) improve your sleep (5) decrease fatigue and tiredness (6) create a feeling of general well-being (7) Improve mood

Women who choose a mastectomy (complete removal of the breast) may decide on reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy, but many choose breast prosthesis. Breast prosthesis is an artificial breast which is worn after the mastectomy. It helps balance the body and allows a bra to fit naturally on the side of the mastectomy and prevents potential problems such as back and neck pain and shoulder sagging downwards which can lead to aches and pains. Prostheses are designed to be similar weight, texture and feel to natural breast tissue. Depending on the type of surgery and the preference of the woman, a prosthesis can adhere directly to the chest, while some fit into pockets of mastectomy bras that hold the prosthesis in place. The surface of the prostheses can have an artificial nipple or a specific shape depending on your shape prior to surgery and preferences.

Types of prosthetic devices

External silicone breast prosthesis. Composed of silicone and aims to be similar in texture and weight to natural breast tissue. It is designed to prevent problems such as shoulder drop and poor balance.

Non-silicone breast prosthesis. Made of light-weight foam or fiberfill meaning that it can be worn soon after a mastectomy. The light weight means it is convenient to be worn during exercise, swimming and in hotter weather.

Postsurgical soft-form camisole. Designed to be worn immediately after surgery and is often a temporary solution until a more permanent prosthesis is fitted. It is made of a soft and stretchy type material with lace elastic straps.

For advice and information on breast prosthesis and bra fitting post breast surgery, contact Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC at 1890 719 719