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Arthritis affects more than 50 million people in the U.S. alone. In fact, there are over 100 types of arthritis, including the well-known osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect not only the elderly but people of all ages. Most forms of arthritis are not curable. However, with early diagnosis and some simple lifestyle changes, the resulting swelling, joint stiffness, and pain can be effectively managed. These five tips will help you to take control of your condition by reducing joint damage, improving function, and easing your arthritis pain. 1. Keep Active While Protecting Your Joints It may seem counterintuitive to exercise when your joints are in pain, but remaining active is critical to managing arthritis. Moderate exercise helps to reduce pain and stiffness, and perhaps more important, it helps strengthen muscles that support your joints. Some of the best low-impact exercises include stretching, yoga, walking, swimming, and biking as they take the str

“The first wealth is health.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson  By now you’ve probably heard the phrase an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This phrase is especially true when it comes to your annual checkup. While your trusted physician should be an advocate for your health and wellness, it’s important for you to take control of your own health by scheduling annual exams and screenings.  According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 92-percent of Americans believe it’s important to get an annual physical, yet only 62-percent report actually following through with the exam. An annual checkup can serve as a baseline or road map of your health, your physician will check your vital signs, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, unhealthy trends that may be a cause for concern and indicators for heart disease, diabetes, and other serious diseases. Here are some compelling reasons to schedule an annual exam.  Saves you money Healthcare costs can ad