Arthritis is a condition that causes one or more joints to enlarge and become painful. The most frequent symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which often worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Is arthritis worse in the winter?Cold temperature has been demonstrated to affect both inflammatory and non-inflammatory arthritis in studies. In a typical winter season, weather pain and arthritis can be inconvenient and have a negative impact on your quality of life. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the cold temperature does not cause arthritis. However, it can exacerbate joint pain. Why is arthritis pain when it’s cold?A shift in barometric pressure, rather than snow, cold, or rain, has been found to be the cause of greater discomfort in studies. At any given position, barometric pressure (atmospheric pressure) is the force exerted on a surface by the weight of the atmosphere. The barometric pressure begins to fall like a storm system forms. The body’s tissues may enlarge as the barometric pressure drops. Nerves that control pain signals are put under additional pressure as tissues expand. Symptoms of ArthritisThere are various types of arthritis, and each has its own set of symptoms. Some people experience moderate symptoms, while others experience severe symptoms. Joint discomfort may come and go, or it may be chronic for a long time. Among the most common signs and symptoms are:
Here are a few useful tips in dealing with arthritis in the winter. Tips for dealing with arthritis pain in the winterSuffering from arthritis can affect your day-to-day activities. These simple tips can still help in managing your aching joints. Eat a healthy diet Some patients with rheumatoid arthritis may experience a flare-up after overindulging rich and sugary foods over the holidays. The holidays are particularly hard due to the abundance of pastries, heavy gravy, processed meats, and other foods. Moreover, poor eating choices raise the likelihood of developing additional health problems such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Make sure to eat a balanced diet and avoid anything that might cause your arthritis pain to worsen. Warm baths Taking a warm bath in the winter is one of the most relaxing activities. According to the Arthritis Foundation, taking a warm bath can bring relief to arthritis sufferers. Warm baths can assist in relaxing your muscles and make you feel more at ease. Just make sure you don’t step into the cold immediately after taking a bath. After taking a hot bath, your body requires some time to return to normal temperature. Before you leave the bathroom, be sure you have adequately covered yourself. Warm compresses, on the other hand, can be used to alleviate joint discomfort that has become more severe. Take advantage of a massage. Researchers from The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a study in June 2015 that found that receiving massages at least once a week for at least eight weeks can aid in the relaxation of the muscles around joint pain concerns. The benefits of increasing the frequency with which we treat our bodies with a rub down will be even more apparent throughout the winter months. Get exercise Exercise is often regarded as the single most effective non-drug treatment for osteoarthritis patients in terms of reducing joint pain and enhancing movement in their joints. Exercise is an important method for relieving pain, increasing energy, and strengthening muscles. All of which contribute to better joint support. Winter can present a variety of challenges when it comes to getting outside for exercise. RecommendationsYoga, indoor cycling, aerobics, free weights, and walking or jogging on a treadmill are all examples of indoor fitness possibilities. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that adults with arthritis who do not have any other serious health issues engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week and two strength-training sessions per week. Don’t forget to consult with your health practitioner before starting any fitness regimen, especially if you are experiencing pain when exercising or if you have been sedentary for an extended length of time. Hydrate This is an important step in any season. Drinking plenty of water can help you avoid muscle cramps, maintain a healthy immune system, and even prevent other diseases. Drinking water from time to time can encourage you to be more physically active. Also, even mild dehydration might make you more sensitive to pain, so make sure you are drinking enough water to ensure that your body is hydrated. In addition to drinking water, you can include chicken soups, bone broth, vegetable soups, bone broth, and other hydrating foods in your diet to keep your hydration levels under control. Make sure you have enough Vitamin D. Having low levels of Vitamin D in your body might make you more sensitive to pain, which is especially true in the winter. RECOMMENDATIONOsteoporosis is another condition that’s a result of a lack of vitamin D. It is recommended that you spend some time outside in the sunshine. Anything from 15 minutes to half an hour will assist your body in synthesizing a small quantity of the vitamin D found in sunlight. In addition, you might choose to take supplements, but only under the supervision of your physician. Is it true that particular sorts of weather worsen arthritis? Some patients report that their arthritis symptoms worsen during particular weather conditions. Humidity and cold are two of the most common factors that cause joint pain. The causes behind this could be for a range of different reasons. People are less active during the rainy season and during the winter months. Cold and damp weather can also cause joint stiffness and worsening arthritis. If you notice that certain types of weather make your arthritis symptoms worse, speak with your healthcare practitioner about the best strategies to manage your symptoms during these times. Dressing warmly, exercising indoors, or using heat therapy may all be effective ways to reduce your discomfort. Living with arthritis At present, there’s still no cure for arthritis. As such, the majority of people will have to manage their arthritis for the rest of their lives. Your doctor can assist you in figuring out the most effective mix of treatments to alleviate your symptoms. One of the most serious health risks associated with arthritis is a lack of physical exercise. If you become sedentary as a result of joint discomfort, you may increase your chances of developing cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other serious disorders. If you need a virtual consultation about your heart health today, feel free to reach out to me for a telehealth consultation. source https://www.drberrypierre.com/tips-for-dealing-with-arthritis-pain-in-the-winter/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/679431133232021504
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On this episode of Medicine Mondays we have Jake Steiner @Jake Steiner , who hosts one the largest natural vision improvement communities online who has a passion on understanding human eyesight. He talks about how he has spent the past 20 years on his mission to end myopia (near sightedness). We had a really good conversation discussing what random event led him down this path to study eyesight over the past two decades, what he hopes people will be able to receive from his message and his thoughts on a 100 Billion dollar industry. Links
source https://www.drberrypierre.com/video_posts/natural-ways-to-improve-your-vision-with-jake-steiner%ef%bf%bc/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/679363187010846720 Let’s talk about the black side of autism… In this episode of Lunch and Learn with Dr. Berry, we bring you a special guest, Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. She is the CEO of Autism in Black as well as the better half of the Pierre Party of Five. Today, Maria is going to talk about what is the black side of autism. More importantly, she’s here to give us some more details on the upcoming Autism in Black conference, which will take place this summer. Also, we’re going to get a little bit to her business on what she’s been up to since the last time she’s joined the podcast. Episode 212 aims for you to learn more about:
Listen to today’s episode, as Maria joins me for an exciting and inspiring conversation on “The Black Side of Autism with Davis-Pierre, LMHC.” Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, Spotify Sponsors:
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Download the MP3 Audio file, listen to the episode however you like. source https://www.drberrypierre.com/podcasts/the-black-side-of-autism-with-maria-davis-pierre-lmhc/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/678883752255094784 I recently had the wonderful opportunity to join my friend and podcast host Jonathan Jones on his show “your podcast mentor show” to discuss just how I have used social media as a physician to build a level of trust amongst my patients. Listen to the episode as a give an in depth look on how I became a health content creator after tragedy hit close to home. You also get a chance to listen to just how we got to the meet in the first place at a podcast conference. I also was able to give an update on the covid-19 pandemic. For more links to the show click HERE source https://www.drberrypierre.com/how-to-create-trust-with-patients-with-jonathan-jones/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/678547782863405056 On this episode of Real Physician Reacts we are going to be talking about the ever changing state of mind in the United States that has a lot of people asking is the pandemic over? From CDC restrictions loosening, states across the country opening up for business for good and less and less mask restrictions abound this is a perfect recipe for either the end of the pandemic or a mean pie in the face. I also talk about a recent guest appearance on the Your Podcast Mentor Show with Jonathan Jones. Lets Talk!!! Links source https://www.drberrypierre.com/video_posts/is-the-pandemic-over/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/678442113317453824
Colon Cancer Awareness MonthBased on the Centers for Disease Center and Prevention (CDC) studies, colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the US. The Colon Cancer Awareness Month observance aims to support the survivors and those suffering from colon cancer. It also informs the people about the disease and creates an empowered community. This observance usually takes place in March. Supporters would wear a dark blue ribbons or shirts to spark a conversation and raise awareness about colon cancer. WHAT IS COLON CANCER?Colon cancer is one to be one of the deadliest cancer. It is a type of cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon). This disease is more common among older adults, although it can strike anyone. Polyps, or tiny noncancerous (benign) collections of cells that grow on the inside of the colon are frequently the first signs of colon cancer. Colon cancer can develop from some of these polyps over time. Facts and Statistics About Colon CancerAccording to the American Cancer Society, the amount of colorectal cancer cases in the United States in 2022 will be:
The rate of people diagnosed with colon cancer has significantly decreased since the 1980s thanks to more people being screened. Having a healthy lifestyle also helped in reducing the number. Overall, the chances of people getting colon cancer are about 1 in 23 for men. On the other hand, there’s a 1 in 25 probability for women to get the disease. What causes colon cancer?The alteration or mutation of healthy colon cells leads to the development of cancer. A cell’s DNA contains instructions about what it should accomplish. Healthy cells divide and grow in a regular rhythm to keep your body working smoothly. Even if new cells aren’t required when a cell’s DNA is disrupted and becomes cancerous, the cell continues to divide. A tumor then forms when the cells accumulate. Cancer cells can grow big enough to invade and destroy healthy tissues in the surrounding area. Furthermore, cancerous cells can spread throughout the body and form deposits (metastasis). Here are some risk factors that are associated with colon cancer. OLD ageColon cancer can strike at any age. However, the majority of those diagnosed are over 50. Colon cancer rates in persons under the age of 50 have been rising, but doctors aren’t sure why. FAMILY HISTORYYou’re more likely to have colon cancer if someone in your family has had it. Your odds are even higher if you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer. A high-fat, low-fiber dietA typical Western diet that is low in fiber and high in fat in calories can lead to colon and rectal cancers. However, the findings of the research are divided. According to multiple studies, people who eat a lot of red and processed meat have a higher risk of colon cancer. INFLAMMATORY INTESTINAL CONDITIONSHaving chronic inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease can increase your risk of getting colon cancer. PHYSICALLY INACTIVEColon cancer is more likely to happen to people who aren’t moving around a lot. Colon cancer may be less likely if you stay active on a regular basis. OBESITYIndividuals who are obese have more chances of getting colon cancer than people who have average weight. Signs and Symptoms of Colon CancerColon cancer symptoms may not show up at all in the early stages. If you do have signs in stages 0 through 2, they’re likely to be:
People who have many of these symptoms may also have other problems that aren’t as bad. However, if you have any of these symptoms for more than a week or two, you should see a doctor. Consulting with your doctor would help determine whether or not a colon cancer screening is appropriate. How do you screen for colon cancer and when should you get it?Polyps and colorectal cancer can be found with a number of different tests. If your stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and CT scans show something is wrong then you’ll need a colonoscopy. stool tests
flexible sigmoidoscopyIn flexible sigmoidoscopy, a doctor can see inside the body without having to move. Moreover, a very short, flexible, tube with lights is then inserted into your rectum. The doctor looks for the cancer cells in that area or in the lower third of the colon. colonoscopyIt’s similar to flexible sigmoidoscopy, except the doctor uses a longer tube with a light to check the rectum and the entire colon for polyps and cancer. The doctor can discover and remove most polyps and certain cancer cells during the test, but not all of them. If something is discovered during one of the previous examinations, a colonoscopy is performed as a follow-up test. The test is done every 10 years. Treatment After DiagnosisA variety of factors influence colon cancer treatment. Your overall health and stage of your colon concern determine the optimum treatment approach. In the early stages of colon cancer, your surgeon might be able to remove malignant polyps with surgery. Your chances of survival are favorable if the polyp hasn’t attached to the gut wall. Another option is chemotherapy. Injections of drugs to kill cancer cells are part of the procedure. Following surgery to remove any leftover malignant cells, patients with colon cancer are commonly given chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a treatment that can help tumors progress more slowly. If you need a virtual consultation about your heart health today, feel free to reach out to me for a telehealth consultation. source https://www.drberrypierre.com/colon-cancer-awareness-month/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/678211850762141696 On this episode of Real Physician Reacts we are going to be discussing Florida Governor Ron Desantis yelling at high school kids to remove their masks at a recent press conference. If you have been following me long enough you know that I don’t particular care for the governor of my home state for many reasons but his response to the covid-19 pandemic has been absolutely awful, insensitive and outright ridiculous. He has been anti-mask since the beginning of the pandemic like many of his particular cohorts but he always argued it in the sense of freedom of choice, but here he shows his true colors on what he really feels about masks and those who continue to wear them to protect themselves and others. Links
source https://www.drberrypierre.com/video_posts/governor-ron-desantis-demanding-students-to-remove-their-masks/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/677800392823881728 Let’s talk about how to make an impact despite the obstacles … In this episode of Lunch & Learn with Dr. Berry, I give my personal take on what it means to be a physician trying to make a lasting impact in this current climate of health care and how despite it all the obstacles the mission must go on. Being a physician prior to the pandemic there was a certain sentiment towards doctors that was resulting in burnout at a record pace. There was just a general lack of love and respect given to our profession but a lot of that changed immediately once this pandemic hit. Today, I will talk about what it was like being a doctor and seeing the change of public support as the pandemic first began and what has started to occur as people are hoping to close this chapter of the pandemic. In this episode, we will discuss;
Tune in to today’s show and be inspired as I share “How to Make an Impact Despite the Obstacles”. Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, Spotify Sponsors:
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Download the MP3 Audio file, listen to the episode however you like. source https://www.drberrypierre.com/podcasts/how-to-make-an-impact-despite-the-obstacles/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/677619199234965504 How to make an impact despite the obstaclesOn this episode of Medicine Mondays I give my personal take on what it means being a physician trying to make a lasting impact in this current climate of health care and how despite it all the obstacles the mission must go on. Being a physician prior to the pandemic there was a certain sentiment towards doctors that was resulting in burnout at record pace. There was just a general lack of love and respect given to our profession but alot of that changed immediately once this pandemic hit. On this episode I talk about what it was like being a doctor and seeing the change of public support as the pandemic first began and what has started to occur as people are hoping to close this chapter on the pandemic. source https://www.drberrypierre.com/video_posts/how-to-make-an-impact-despite-the-obstacles/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/677528591504949248 |