Health Essentials - Fall 2011 - South Pointe - (Page 3)

ASK THE DOCTOR I was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis. I have read that it is important to stay active, but I am not sure how to go about that. Can you help? Tips for Getting Started Here are some basic guidelines for you to consider: active is very A:Staying(OA). Engagingwith important for patients osteoarthritis in moderate physical activity at least three times per week can greatly reduce your risk of developing arthritis-related disability. Bijal Jayakar, MD I Do exercises that put low stress on the joints while burning calories. This includes walking or using a stair-climbing or elliptical machine. I Be positive! Focus on the beneﬁts of exercise and try to enjoy yourself. View this as taking time for YOU. I Keep an exercise journal. It provides great accountability. I Know when to stop. Do not continue any exercise that hurts a joint. Instead, switch to one that puts less weight on that joint, such as swimming or water aerobics. I Exercise with a group if possible. This makes it more fun and provides extra motivation. I If you usually walk outside, do not let a rainy day stop you. Keep a few exercise videos on hand for a backup. Two types of exercises are important for those with arthritis: strengthening and aerobics. Strengthening is valuable because the muscles around a joint act like shock absorbers. The stronger these muscles are, the more they help protect the joints. Aerobic activity can be performed with weights or with exercise bands that add resistance. The goal is to improve range of motion and balance, so I usually recommend brisk walking and low-impact aerobics. Exercise can help you achieve another key element in managing OA: losing weight. For every pound of body weight you lose, your knees experience three fewer pounds of stress. For hips, one less pound reduces pressure on the joints by a sixth. Carrying extra weight also causes the cartilage that cushions joints to break down more quickly than it would with normal aging. To set yourself up for success, follow the helpful guidelines in the sidebar at right. —Bijal Jayakar, MD, Rheumatologist at South Pointe Hospital and Chagrin Falls Family Health Center SOUTHPOINTEHOSPITAL.ORG (call) SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY To make an appointment with Dr. Jayakar, call 216.491.6000. HEALTH ESSENTIALS 3 http://www.SOUTHPOINTEHOSPITAL.ORG

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Health Essentials - Fall 2011 - South Pointe

Health Essentials - Fall 2011 - South Pointe
A message from the president of South Pointe Hospital
Q&A: Can I stay active with osteoarthritis?
Armed for the fight
Sagamore Hills Medical Center’s 30-minute guarantee
Amazing new treatments to heal old wounds
Attend the Diabetes Health and Wellness Fair!

Health Essentials - Fall 2011 - South Pointe