PreDisease.com Blog

The temperomandibular joint is not a joint that is commonly affected by arthritis, but when it is it can cause considerable pain and dysfunction. Talking, swallowing and chewing can become very painful activities, and because it is almost impossible to rest this joint, pain may be unrelenting.

The TMJ is the joint that joins the mandible (lower jaw) to the skull, so pain in this area can also cause pain in the ear. People who experience TMJ pain often believe that the source of their pain is their teeth. If someone is already known to have arthritis, the problem is generally easier to diagnose.

Pain can often be relieved with pain medication and heat, which may relax the joint. When these remedies fail, doctors may opt to perform arthrocentesis, flushing the joint with anesthetic and sterile fluids to rid the joint of any fluids that result from inflammation. They may instill steroids to counter any further inflammation. If this procedure is unsuccessful, surgeons may opt to perform arthroplasty, sometimes replacing the joint completely. Although arthroplasty is generally successful, it is not without risk, and less invasive measures should be attempted first.

TMJ pain can cause considerable pain and distress to the person who experiences it. Early diagnosis and treatment can result in improved function of the joint and relief of pain.

PreArthros is a twice-daily botanical formulation designed to ease arthritis pain naturally, with no side effects.

Source: TMJ Disease

Identification of diabetes is accomplished through the use of tests that measure glucose levels after a person has ingested glucose (oral glucose tolerance test) or levels of glucose in the blood after fasting for a number of hours (fasting plasma glucose test). The HgA1c test is a relative newcomer to the diabetes testing arena.

Scientists now believe that the HgA1c test, which is a measure of glucose attached to hemoglobin, the cells that carry oxygen in the blood, may be a more accurate way of both diagnosing diabetes and controlling it. The HgA1c test provides a picture of glucose levels for the preceding 2 or3 months, and varies less that fasting glucose levels. Thus, the HgA1c test can be administered with no preparation by the patient and provides a clearer picture of glucose control over the long term.

Normal levels of HgA1c are less than 5.0 for people who do not have diabetes. Those whose levels are between 5.0 and 6.25 are said to be pre-diabetic, and are at risk of developing diabetes without modification of risk factors (i.e. weight loss). Levels greater than 6.25 indicate diabetes. Researchers believe that measuring HgA1c is a more accurate diagnostic tool and is also of greater value in monitoring those who already have diabetes.

PreCrea is an all-natural botanical formula taken to reduce blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. It can be used by those who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes to help them avoid developing type 2 diabetes.

Source: Glycated Hemoglobin Tests See Increasing Use

Fatigue can be one of the more disturbing aspects of perimenopause, affecting women to a significant degree and impacting all areas of life, including physical, emotional, and social aspects. Many women describe the fatigue of menopause as “crushing” and find it difficult to cope with daily life. Fatigue can also worsen other symptoms of perimenopause, or the perception of these symptoms.

Fatigue in perimenopause is thought to be a result of decreasing levels of sex hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, which may cause sleep disturbances. Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep may occur, and hot flashes that strike in the night (night sweats) may add to the problem.

There are some things that may help, including:

• Keeping your room at a comfortable temperature– staying cool during sleep may help you avoid night sweats. Try using a fan or keeping the window open, as well as avoiding sheets that may increase sweating, such as silk sheets.
• Stick to a routine– keeping to a regular routine may help you get a better sleep. Go to bed at the same time every night. Try a relaxing activity before sleeping, such as reading or meditating.
• Avoid stimulants close to bedtime– avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, or exercising right before bed, as these activities may stimulate you, making it more difficult to fall asleep.
• Nap during the day– a short nap during the day may recharge your batteries and leave you feeling refreshed. Avoid sleeping long periods of time during the day, as this may make it more difficult to fall asleep at night.

PreMenora and PreMenora+ are all-natural botanical supplements formulated to decrease unpleasant symptoms of perimenopause, including fatigue.

It is a well-known fact that people with the condition known as prediabetes can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a condition in which fasting blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance test levels are elevated but are still within “normal” range, by modifying risk factors such as weight, diet and exercise.

A new study from researchers at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) found that almost 30% of Americans over the age of 20 had prediabetes, but only a small percentage of these individuals (7.3%) were aware that they had the condition and less than half of these had had their blood tests repeated in the previous three years.

Those with prediabetes were more likely to:

• be male
• older in age
• have a first-generation family member with type 2 diabetes
• be overweight
• have high blood pressure and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease

The take-home message of the research is that there needs to be an increased awareness of what prediabetes is and greater measures to prevent diabetes from developing, including greater promotion and support of healthy lifestyle choices.

PreCrea is a twice-a-day botanical formula designed to help reduce blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.

Source: Diabetes Risk Reduction Behaviors Among U.S. Adults With Prediabetes, Geiss et al, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, April 2010

New research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology has discovered that women who take HRT (hormone replacement therapy) may be at higher risk of developing lung cancer.

The large study, which included 36,588 women taking HRT containing both estrogen and progesterone, found that post-menopausal women taking HRT had a 50% higher risk of lung cancer. Women who took only estrogen without progesterone (unopposed estrogen) did not appear to be at higher risk of developing lung cancer.

The length of time a woman took HRT was related to their risk of developing lung cancer, as well as the later stage at which the disease was diagnosed. Other factors known to contribute to the development of lung cancer were considered, such as age and smoking status.

New recommendations for HRT state that women should take HRT for the shortest time possible, but there may be many women who have taken HRT for long periods of time, before the studies were done which pointed to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease with long-term HRT therapy. These women may be at higher risk for lung cancer and this begs the question: could HRT therapy be part of the reason that lung cancer rates have been increasing in women?

PreMenora is an all-natural botanical formulation that is taken twice daily to ease the symptoms of menopause.

Source: Hormone therapy linked to lung cancer risk

New guidelines for prostate screening state that men aged 50 and older should discuss their risk of prostate cancer with their physician and decide whether the benefits of screening for prostate cancer is greater than the risks. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in men; in 2009, approximately 27,000 men lost their lives to prostate cancer.

The problem lies in the fact that really effective prostate screening tests have not been developed. At present, prostate screening consists of performing a rectal exam to check for prostate irregularities and a blood test, the PSA, or prostate-specific antigen. The problem with the PSA blood test is that it can yield false-positive results. Many prostate cancers are slow growing and not immediately life-threatening, meaning that men may undergo treatments for prostate cancer that can have potentially devastating side effects, such as impotence and incontinence. The other side of the coin is that not testing may result in some cancers not being diagnosed.

The American Cancer Society is focusing on education, recommending that screening counseling should be provided prior to screening taking place, so that men are aware of the shortcomings of prostate screening, as well as the risks of not screening. The bottom line? Men should be armed with the most current information and should decide for themselves whether or not they should be screened for prostate cancer.

Source: Let men decide on prostate screening, cancer society says

If you have high cholesterol, you are undoubtedly aware that there are many foods that you should avoid. You may be less aware of foods that can help you lower your cholesterol naturally. The following is the short list of powerful cholesterol-fighting foods:

Soy– the American Heart Association has stated that soy does not significantly reduce LDL cholesterol (although it does slightly reduce it); however, soy has less saturated fat than meat does, so it makes sense that incorporating more soy into your diet can help you reduce your cholesterol.

Oatmeal– oatmeal contains water-soluble fiber, which is thought to bind to cholesterol molecules in the bowel and transport it out, allowing less cholesterol to be absorbed into the blood stream. However, instant oatmeal may contain sugar and other less desirable ingredients, so the oatmeal you prepare yourself is likely better for you.

Fish– Fatty fish, such as tuna, salmon, herring and mackerel, contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which have heart-healthy benefits. When using fish as part of a healthy diet, preparation is the key: fish should be broiled or baked, rather than deep-fried or covered in sauces. You should aim for at least two servings a week.

Nuts– Certain nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts and pistachios, are high in fiber, monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, protein and minerals. An ounce per day can be included in your diet to help lower cholesterol. A note of caution: avoid eating large amounts of nuts that are salt-covered; also, nuts are very high in calories.

Pre-Lipid is an all-natural botanical formulation that can be used in conjunction with a healthy diet to lower your cholesterol naturally and safely.

Having arthritis means coping with some level of pain on a daily basis. Pain can have a significant impact on physical, emotional and social well-being. So what can be done about it? The following are some proven tips for fighting arthritis pain:

Make use of assistive devices– there are many devices on the market that can be used to make life easier and less painful. Examples are devices to open jars, easing stress on painful fingers and hands. Shoe horns can make putting shoes on a lot easier. These are just a couple of examples of things that can simplify everyday life.

Try to engage in some form of exercise– many people suffering from chronic pain may find it hard to fathom, but exercise can actually improve arthritis pain, by strengthening the muscles that support inflamed joints. Exercise also releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers.

Get plenty of rest– fatigue can add to pain, making it more difficult to cope with. When we are tired, we are less able to cope with pain, both emotionally and physically.

Eat a well-balanced diet– A diet enriched with protein, vitamins, minerals will help you to maintain strength and energy, adding to your sense of well-being.

Keep your weight under control– Maintaining a healthy weight will minimize the stress on your joints. Excess weight means more wear-and-tear on your body and can lead to the development of other health problems as well.

Pre-Arthros is a twice-a-day natural formula designed to help reduce arthritis pain and inflammation.

Janice is 48 years old, and for the past year she has been feeling persistently tired and has had difficulty sleeping at times. Her periods have become less regular and are often heavier than they used to be. She often feels irritable and “not herself” and states she sometimes feels depressed. Over the past year, she has experienced some difficulty with frequent urinary tract infections and complains that relations with her husband are less enjoyable for her due to vaginal dryness. Intercourse is sometimes painful; as a consequence, she rarely feels like being intimate with her husband. She says that her libido is “almost non-existent”.

If you find that you are experiencing many or all of Janice’s symptoms, you are likely in perimenopause, the period of time which can last months or years and precedes menopause, when ovulation ceases to occur monthly. These symptoms can be attributed to fluctuations in hormone levels, and are commonly experienced by many women.

PreMenora is a botanical formula made up of 10 different natural ingredients that help to ease the transition to menopause. Every woman is different, and PreMenora is designed to alleviate symptoms of perimenopause without the serious risks associated with pharmaceutical hormone replacement therapies, such as breast cancer and heart disease. If you are interested in learning more about Premenora, visit http://premenora.predisease.com/product_information.php.

Mary has suffered from arthritis for years. The disease affects her hips, knees and hands, making the most mundane of tasks difficult to perform. She lives alone and finds it difficult to do many of the activities that many of us take for granted. Mary has tried various anti-inflammatory drugs over the years and eventually developed a bleeding ulcer. Now she only takes something for pain when she absolutely must and lives in fear of experiencing another episode of bleeding.

One of Mary’s friends, who also suffers from arthritis, tells Mary that her doctor advised her to try an herbal product called Pre-Arthros, an all-natural botanical product. Mary’s friend has high blood pressure and cannot take anti-inflammatory medications because they raise her blood pressure. She raves about the pain relief she gets from taking Pre-Arthros and urges Mary to try it.

Mary begins taking Pre-Arthros and is delighted to discover that her friend was right- her pain eases significantly and she is able to resume most of her usual activities. Best of all, Pre-Arthros does not bother her stomach, and the cost of Pre-Arthros is less than she was paying for expensive drug therapies. She couldn’t be happier!

Interested in learning more about Pre-Arthros? Visit http://prearthos.predisease.com/.