Seasonal Health Focus: Arthritis Awareness Month

Arthritis
Approximately 46 million Americans (1 in 5 adults) have arthritis, one of America's most prevalent chronic health conditions and the nation's leading cause of disability among people over the age of 15. Arthritis refers to over 100 different diseases that affect areas in or around joints, including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis.

About Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis—the most common form of arthritis—is a degenerative joint disease in which cartilage (the tough tissue that covers the ends of the bones) deteriorates. Most prevalent in those 60 years of age and older, osteoarthritis results in pain and loss of movement as bone begins to rub against bone. While there's no one cause, several factors may increase a person's risk of developing the disease:

• Age or "wear and tear"
• Obesity and extra stress on knees and hips
• Injury, overuse, and repetitive movements that cause joint stress
• Genetics or heredity
• Muscle weakness
• Other diseases, such as hemochromotosis (excess iron), rheumatoid arthritis, and agromegaly (excess growth hormone)

Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis-related joint problems include pain, stiffness, inflammation, and damage to joint cartilage and surrounding structures. Such damage can lead to joint weakness, instability, and visible deformities that interfere with basic daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, using a keyboard, chopping food, and brushing teeth.

Managing Arthritis
Management and treatment depend on the type of arthritis a person has. Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical exam to assess your disease activity. He or she may order x-rays to confirm a diagnosis.

The management of osteoarthritis should incorporate healthy lifestyle changes and medications (if appropriate). Healthy lifestyle changes may include exercise, weight control, joint protection, and physical/occupational therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.

• Controlling pain and other symptoms
• Improving your ability to function in daily activities
• Slowing disease progression

Most people with osteoarthritis will use medication therapy to ease the symptoms of the disease. Medications may include analgesics to relieve pain; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or COX-2 inhibitors to relieve pain and inflammation; or injectable medications to provide targeted pain relief or increase the slipperiness of the joint fluid. Be sure to talk with your doctor or Publix pharmacist about which medications may be right for you.

These Products Can Help You Manage Your Arthritis

FLEX-A-MIN

Flex-a-min nourishes joints, promotes healthy cartilage formation, and gives you the nutrients your joints need to move freely and comfortably.*

• Flex-a-min Triple Strength with Bone Shield helps maintain bone mass and strength.
• Flex-a-min Complete supports mobility, flexibility, and range of motion.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

OSTEO BI-FLEX^®

The next generation in joint care.

• Taking 5-Loxin shows improvement in joint comfort within seven days.
• Osteo Bi-Flex Advanced Triple Strength with Joint Shield helps protect cartilage and helps with annoying flare-ups while renewing the cellular components within joints.

ALEVE^® AND BAYER ASPIRIN^® BACK AND BODY

• Aleve^® is the #1 recommended product by orthopedic doctors.*
• Aleve^® is available in a variety of forms: caplets, tablets, smooth gels, liquid gels, and Easy Open Arthritis Cap.
• Bayer Aspirin^® Back and Body offers tough pain relief so you can move more freely.

* Minor arthritis pain. Based on a survey of 260 orthopedic surgeons, April 2006. Comparison among leading brands of OTC pain relievers.