Winterize Your Joint Health

NHL Hall-of-Famer Paul Coffey Calls the Shots on Joint Pain this Winter

(NC)—“It’s so cold! I can feel it in my joints,” is a common phrase amongst Canadians. For many, the cold winter months can mean bundling up from head to toe. But for some Canadians with joint pain, this is the time of year when their joints may be aggravated by the cold temperature. For this reason, symptoms such as pain and stiffness may be a barrier that gets in the way of enjoying the activities they love to do in the winter.

NHL Hall-of-Famer and four-time Stanley Cup champion, Paul Coffey, knows this story well. Coffey, now 50, suffers from joint pain, but is not prepared to let the aches or the weather kick him out of the game.

“Now more than ever, I try to follow a routine that includes exercise, rest and a balanced diet to help me manage my pain, so I can have a good quality of life,” said Coffey.

In addition, Coffey takes an assist from Aleve to help him break away from his joint pain, which helps him to live an active lifestyle indoors and outdoors.

“Aleve relieves my pain and helps me get through the day,” said Coffey. “It works for me, especially after coaching youth hockey, or shoveling the driveway; having up to 12 hours of relief comes in handy!”

Aleve and new Aleve Liquid Gels are conveniently available over-the-counter. With just one pill, Aleve has the strength to provide up to 12 hours of relief from joint pain. Canadians should always read and follow the label to see if Aleve is right for them, and speak to their doctor or pharmacist if they have additional questions. Visit www.aleve.ca for more information.

There are plenty of ways to manage pain and protect your joints from the cold. According to The Arthritis Society, maintaining overall health through exercise, diet and proper rest are effective ways to combat the effects of joint pain.

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Tags: NHL Hall-of-Famer Paul Coffey Calls the Shots on Joint Pain this Winter, sports injuries, sports injury tips, Winterize Your Joint Health

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Moving forward—12 tips to assist with joint pain relief

(NC)—National Hockey League (NHL) Hall-of-Famer Paul Coffey, now 50 years old, sometimes experiences joint pain in his knees, hips and lower back as a result of many years of training on and off the ice. For Coffey, and many other Canadians 50-plus, the limiting effects of joint pain and stiffness may prevent them from performing daily tasks and enjoying the activities they love to do.

“When I retired from hockey, sometimes my pain prevented me from participating in the activities I really enjoyed such as golfing and coaching youth hockey,” said Coffey. “At times, the pain I was experiencing made me feel defeated. But I soon realized that I shouldn’t let pain kick me out of the game and stop me from doing the things I love to do most.”

According to Coffey, a four-time Stanley Cup champion, you are never too young or too old to start taking care of your joints. Tips such as eating well and exercising can help Canadians break away from pain and play an important role in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

Don’t let your pain skate circles around you!

Here are 12 tips to assist with your joint pain relief:

1. Stick with your exercise routine—Exercise can improve overall health and help you effectively manage pain. Start with a few minutes of exercise in the morning and before bed.

2. Focus on your personal needs—Team-up with your doctor and develop a pain relief plan that’s right for you in order to put joint pain in the penalty box!

3. Proper rest is important—Daytime naps and a good night’s sleep can help to restore your energy.

4. Simplify your daily routine—Don’t over-exert yourself—proactively reduce fatigue and stress on joints by simplifying your daily tasks, chores and schedule.

5. Protect against pain—Saving energy and avoiding painful activities can help to reduce stress and defend against pain.

6. Know when your joints need rest—Recognize the signs of stress on your body and know when your joints require a break.

7. Active pain relief—Speak to your doctor about an exercise plan that doesn’t aggravate your symptoms.

8. Seek support in your daily routine—Ask family and friends for help with difficult tasks.

9. Proactively prevent joint stiffness—Avoid staying in one position for a long time to help reduce stiffness and pain in joints.

10. Maintain your overall health—A proper diet and healthy weight can help maintain your good health.

11. Knowledge is key—Keep up-to-speed with pain relief strategies and effective treatment options that can allow you to play at full-strength.

12. Take an assist from Aleve—To see if Aleve or new Aleve Liquid Gels are right for you always read and follow the product label. For more information, be sure and visit www.aleve.ca. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have further questions.

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Tags: hockey, Moving forward—12 tips to assist with joint pain relief, NHL, NHL tips, sports injury tips

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Get in the (golf) game with arthritis

(NC)—With spring on the horizon, many golf-starved Canadians will soon be making a beeline to the fairways. If you have arthritis, golf is an ideal activity. Walking between holes mobilizes joints and strengthens leg muscles without putting undue stress on knees and hips. Playing golf keeps your hips and shoulders mobile, maintains hand strength and even improves balance and coordination. But repetitive bending, twisting and swinging also puts pressure on your back, shoulders and wrists, so it’s important to take a few precautions to protect yourself from injury.

The Arthritis Society offers the following tips:

• Consult a pro. To minimize strain on muscles and joints, take a lesson or two to learn proper form. Even experienced duffers can pick up pointers.

• Condition your muscles. Exercise can reverse the age-related decline in flexibility, particularly in the back and shoulders, which predisposes people to injury. A physiotherapist can help you devise a suitable strengthening program.

• Warm up. Before hitting the links, ease the stiffness in your joints and muscles with a warm shower or heating pad. To minimize post-game discomfort, take your medication before heading to the course.

• Loosen up. Before a game, walk for a few minutes, do 10 to 15 minutes of gentle stretches and then take 10 to 15 shots on the practice range.

• Get good gear. Perimeter-weighted heads, lightweight graphite shafts and shock-absorbing gloves reduce the jolt to your joints. The same goes for low-compression balls. To lessen stress on your finger joints, you should build up club grips with epoxy tape.

• Don’t toss tees. Use tees even during practice, so you won’t accidentally whack the ground and jar your joints.

• Push, don’t pull. Push your cart (using both hands), rather than pulling it.

• Modify your putt. Learn to putt in an upright position; a longer putter may help.

• Put pain on ice. After your game, remember to apply ice or a cold pack to painful, swollen joints.

More information on living with arthritis is available online at www.arthritis.ca.

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Tags: Get in the (golf) game with arthritis, golf, golfing advice, golfing and arthritis, golfing tips

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Get ready for football season both inside and out

(NC)—Whether you’re a pro athlete or just playing a friendly game with the guys—the best football players are ones who are prepared. Here are a few tips to make sure you are ready for whatever pass is thrown your way.

Eat Right

A balanced diet can help improve your game. Eating right can give you more energy and help you perform your best from the first down to the last. It is also important to stay hydrated, especially on game days before, during and after you play.

Body

Even in the off-season, it is important to keep your body in shape. Whether it is at your local gym or in the comfort of your own home, take 30 minutes everyday to ensure you feel ready for football season. Different routines are better for different body types so figure out what works for you and keep it going all year round.

Hands On

Skin is the body’s first line of defense—the stronger it is, the more it protects. In football, it is all about your hands. Football legend Michael Strahan shares some advice: “You need your hands to catch the ball and tackle your opponent so it is important to take extra good care of them.” A great way to moisturize and keep your skin feeling healthy, resilient and flexible is with Vaseline Men fast absorbing body and face lotion. It has been specifically designed for men, absorbs in 15 seconds, and is ideal for everyday use.

Mind

In football, the mental aspect is just as important as the physical. So keep your mind in gear even when it is cold outside by always thinking about your next play. Watch the highlights on TV or even playbacks of your own games so you can constantly improve and learn new tricks.

To take it one step further, visit facebook.com/vaseline to connect with other football fans, see how to keep your grip on the game and learn how to keep your skin ready for game time.

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Tags: football, football safety, football season, football tips, Get ready for football season both inside and out

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Hockey skates don't have to be such a pain anymore

(NC)—For many Canadians, the end of a session on a skating rink means protecting our feet against pain.

Skaters are often seen digging into their hockey bag for a fresh bandage, or seen cringing while trying to remove industrial or hockey tape from around a foot. All the while on the ice, these skaters are hoping that the bandage will stay on long enough to protect the feet from blistering, and that the tape will not remove too much skin when it is pulled off.

Most of us know exactly where the blistering or chafing will occur, health care specialists say. The top of the foot (lace bite or lace rash), ankles, and heels are the most likely areas to be affected. This is due to the friction caused by just the slightest movements of the foot rubbing in an inflexible skate, especially when turning, pushing off, or stopping.

Relief, fortunately, is already here. For the first time last summer, avid runners started to use a new product called ReSkin to protect themselves from blisters. This reusable bandage is now recommended for similar friction caused by skates or ski boots.

Specialists agree that ReSkin (reskin.ca) is the first truly washable and reusable bandage. It uses a unique combination of a Lycra weave material with a soft silicone-based adhesive, meaning the bandage combines a material that is cut-able, flexible and washable with an adhesive that can re-stick even after a number of uses. This new solution for comfortable hockey feet can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart and in select Source for Sport stores.

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Tags: hockey injuries, hockey pain, Hockey skates don't have to be such a pain anymore, hockey tips, ReSkin

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Reduce the pain of hockey skates

(NC)—One of the rights of winter seems to be the foot pain felt when Canadians put on their skates to play hockey, whether it is for fun or on a more professional level. Many people just suffer through the pain, health care specialists say, or turn to industrial or even hockey tape to try to keep their feet blister-free. As they turn and glide on the ice, skaters hope their bandage or tape will stay on their feet and protect their skin from the friction and distress caused by inflexible footwear.

Runners may already know the solution. A protective bandage called ReSkin can also be used in the winter with skates to keep feet pain-free.

As runners will attest, ReSkin (reskin.ca) is the first truly washable and reusable bandage. It uses a unique combination of a Lycra weave material with a soft silicone-based adhesive, meaning the bandage combines a material that is cut-able, flexible and washable with an adhesive that can re-stick even after a number of uses.

“The key to providing protection for the feet while skating is to ensure that the bandage is put on when the foot is dry,” says Dr. Alan Davis, chief scientific officer of Bescot Healthcare Canada. “This allows the adhesive to bond with the skin. The fact that the bandage is breathable means that sweat does not affect the performance of the bandage, and the bi-elasticity of the weave allows the bandage to move with the skin preventing the friction on the skin that causes painful blisters and chafing.” It is now possible to enjoy the game of hockey without worrying about skin irritation. The bandage can be found in Shopper Drug Mart locations and in select Source for Sport stores.

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Tags: hockey, hockey injuries, hockey pain, hockey tips, Reduce the pain of hockey skates

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The National CML Society and NBA's all-time leading scorer team up against leukemia, one anniversary at a time

(ARA) – For most people, celebrating a birthday or wedding anniversary simply marks another year passed. But for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, being able to celebrate these events may mean much more – another year of life celebrated to the fullest.

CML is a blood cancer, or leukemia, which just 12 years ago had a median survival of five to seven years. Today, more people with CML are living out their lives due to significant advances in treatments. In fact, a recent survey of CML patients reveals that since their cancer diagnosis, many CML patients are continuing to enjoy happy milestones. The 170 respondents to the survey have celebrated 2,800 family birthdays and enjoyed 493 wedding anniversaries. Dr. Michael Mauro, Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Oregon Health & Science University’s Knight Cancer Institute, explains:

“Research looking at the role of the genetic abnormality responsible for CML, known as the Philadelphia chromosome or ‘Bcr-Abl’, has led to the development of drugs that block the ability of this abnormal gene to drive production of the leukemic blood cells and has led to improved patient outcomes. For the estimated 28,000 Americans currently living with this disease, working closely with your physician to develop and continually evaluate a treatment strategy allows you to properly manage your disease, while still being able to enjoy the important things in life is vitally important and fortunately needs to be a long-term strategy.”

The survey also found that these CML patients want to help spread the word about what it’s like to live with this disease. Respondents to the survey indicated that they have shared their personal story with over 8,200 other cancer patients. The NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer and CML patient, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, knows firsthand.

“As someone living with CML, I know I need to play an active role in managing my disease. My first step was to work closely with my doctor to really understand my treatment plan. I encourage other CML patients to do the same, by working closely with your doctor to establish clear treatment goals. Managing CML is an ongoing process and it’s important to track your progress. If you’re not meeting your treatment goals, there are things you and your doctor can do — like making sure you’re on the right medication — which can help you get back on track.”

But it’s not only those living with CML who want to raise awareness about the disease, as family and friends of these patients are often also affected by a loved one’s diagnosis. “I can personally relate to the feelings that loved ones and family members’ of CML experience, as my family faced those same feelings in January 2005 when my mother was diagnosed with CML,” says Greg Stephens, Founder and Executive Director of the National CML Society. “It was a scary time in our lives and we sought out information from a variety of sources, which all ended up being more focused on other cancer types and less targeted to CML patients and families than we had hoped for. It is for that very reason that the National CML Society seeks to assist those living with and supporting CML specifically.”

As part of the CML Society’s efforts to support CML and gain national attention for those living with the disease, September 22nd has been designated as CML Awareness Day in the United States. On this day, Americans are encouraged to recognize the advancements made in the treatment of CML and to honor those impacted by the disease.

For more information on CML and to access tools to assist you with tracking your health to optimize your care during CML treatment visit the Novartis-sponsored social networking site www.cmlearth.com or the National CML Society website at www.nationalcmlsociety.org.

Tags: CML, CML patients, NBA, one anniversary at a time, sports news, The National CML Society and NBA's all-time leading scorer team up against leukemia

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(NC)—Keep the spirit of summer camping light and fun without the worry of over packing, forgetting things at home or not knowing what to do once you arrive. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when planning your next summer camping trip.

• Do pack the essentials. This means having great gear that will keep your camping trip relaxing and fun for everyone.

• Do have a tent that is easy to set–up and reliable to sleep in. Coleman’s line of instant tents set up in 60 seconds, leaving more time for relaxing.

• Do ensure that your food is kept cold and safe. Coleman’s coolers keep food fresh and are easy to stack for convenient transportation to and from the campsite.

• Don’t rely on just the campfire to cook your meals. Leave the fire for marshmallow roasting and use a powerful grill to prepare your favourite meals.

• Don’t attempt to do anything around the campsite at night without proper lighting. A great lantern will provide light all night once the sun has gone down.

• Don’t forget to plan some activities for when you get there. Splashing in the lake with inflatable beach toys gets everyone in the spirit of summer.

More information can be found online at www.canadiantire.ca and www.colemancanada.ca.

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Tags: camping tips, summer camping trip

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Difficulty breathing. Wheezing. Chest tightness. Coughing. Symptoms like these are most often related to asthma and can be caused by a number of factors including pollen, dust, allergies or smoke. However, when these symptoms happen during, or shortly after exercise or physical activity, it may not be asthma, but instead, a preventable breathing condition called exercise-induced bronchospasm, or EIB.

According to the latest estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 25 million Americans, or over 8 percent of the US population, have asthma. Although the majority of asthmatics have EIB, EIB can exist as a condition separate from asthma. Within the asthma population and as a separate condition, EIB impacts an estimated 30 million people in the United States.

The CDC recommends children participate in one hour or more of physical activity every day; however, children who experience the symptoms of asthma and EIB are more likely to avoid exercise and physical activity for fear of triggering their symptoms. In general, lack of exercise may lead to weight gain and obesity, risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and trouble sleeping.

Despite the large number of people living with asthma and EIB in the U.S., EIB diagnosis still remains low due to a lack of awareness and understanding about the condition. The first step in effectively managing EIB is to be able to properly identify the signs and symptoms. People who think they may be experiencing symptoms should talk to their doctor and get evaluated.

EIB is a manageable condition. National guidelines recommend using a quick-relief inhaler 15 to 30 minutes before exercising to prevent symptoms from happening in the first place.

Once diagnosed, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your treatment options, as not all quick-relief inhalers are the same. Some are designed to be carried and stored in any position for the active lifestyle and have a longer expiration date. Your doctor can work with you to identify which quick-relief inhaler is right for you.

Having asthma and EIB doesn’t mean you have to avoid exercising. It just means that you need to take the proper steps to prevent the symptoms from occurring. For more information, visit www.EIBActive.com.

Tags: breathing, breathing conditions, sports tips

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Bring the World Cup home this summer. As one of the world’s most popular sports, soccer is a perfect summer activity for kids of all ages.

Following the excitement that will come from the 2010 World Cup, Popsicle – a sponsor of over 18,000 Canadian under-10 soccer players – shares soccer skills that will have you playing like a pro this summer.

• Warm-up: Don’t forget to stretch your muscles before any practice or game to make sure you don’t injure yourself on the field.

• Drills: Try out a variety of drills to learn about precision and the speed of the sport.

• Spacing: Make sure you have enough space around you to be able to maneuver the ball. And know where your teammates are on the field – this will help to make more successful passes.

• Come Equipped: Make sure to bring your towel, a large water bottle and a tasty treat to keep you hydrated and energized. Popsicle ice pops are a hassle-free snack that are great to have on-hand for a post-game treat.

Practice. Practice. Practice. And you’ll be sure to improve your soccer moves while having fun this summer. More information is available online at www.popsicle.ca.

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Tags: World Cup

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