WELLNESS

Osteoarthritis By Dr. Aaron Dutruch D.C.

TO UNDERSTAND OSTEOARTHRITIS, IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE A BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE STRUCTURES THAT IT AFFECTS, OUR JOINTS. JOINTS ARE A CLOSED SYSTEM MADE UP OF TWO BONES COMING TOGETHER WITH CARTILAGE BETWEEN THEM. THOSE BONES ARE SURROUNDED BY A FIBROUS MATERIAL KNOWN AS THE JOINT CAPSULE, THAT IS FILLED WITH A LIQUID CALLED SYNOVIAL FLUID, WHICH ACTS AS A LUBRICANT FOR THE JOINT.

Osteoarthritis is commonly described as “age related arthritis” but this is partly inaccurate. Although osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis seen in older patients, it could be better described as “wear and tear arthritis”, as it is the break down of the joints over time from over or improper use. It usually affects the weight bearing joints in the lower extremities, such as our lower back, hips, knees and ankles. What to look for: The symptoms of osteoarthritis range from minor to severe depending on how long the process is going on. In the beginning stage there is little to no pain and it’s hard to detect, but with imaging you can see the beginning of bone spurs around the joints. When most patients realize something is going on they are in the second stage of the condition, noting joint stiffness or pain after longer periods of rest, and noticing it gets better when they start to move around. During the third stage, there is a breakdown of the cartilage, and this causes more joint discomfort or pain, especially with activity (walking, running, kneeling, etc.). In the fourth stage of osteoarthritis, the joint space is notably reduced, which causes an increase in the damage of the cartilage and even more severe pain with motion of the joints. What can help: The first stage of osteoarthritis begins without pain or much discomfort, but you can help to slow the breakdown of the joints by making sure you are engaging in proper biomechanics and safety. If you have a job or hobby that requires a lot of lifting, bending, kneeling or similar activity, be mindful of your posture and make sure you are wearing the proper equipment. For example, good shoes if you do a lot of walking and knee pads if you do a lot kneeling. These can absorb some of the impact of these activities. Stretching and exercise is also particularly important. If the muscles are tight or weak around the joints, they may not allow the joints to move the way they should and can increase pressures on the them. Yoga and Pilates are excellent ways to both stretch and strengthen the joints and their supporting structures. Nutrition is also important regarding arthritis. The “itis” portion of “arthritis” means there is inflammation. Starting an anti-inflammatory diet such as the Mediterranean diet can be incredibly helpful in controlling the symptoms of inflammation, regardless of the stage of the condition. Some studies also show the use of ginger, garlic, turmeric and other natural supplements can help with overall inflammation and reduce joint pain.

The takeaway is that although osteoarthritis is mostly seen in older adults, it really starts when we are younger. You can minimize the effects by being aware of your diet, exercising often, and generally taking care of the body you have. It’s never to late to start. Ask your primary care, chiropractor or physical therapist if you aren’t sure where to begin. We would love to help get you moving better.

Dr. Aaron Dutruch D. C. received his BS in Kinesiology, Fitness and Human Performance from LSU and his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Texas Chiropractic College. He is proficient in Upper Cervical chiropractic care and is a certified FAKTR provider. Premier Chiropractic, 1120 N Causeway Blvd. Ste 2, Mandeville, (985) 674-5855, premierchiromandeville.com

ONE BLOOD DONATION AT A TIME By Christian Dischler

THIS YEAR WE’RE ALL READY TO SPRINT OUT OF OUR HOMES INTO THE EMBRACE OF A COMMUNITY SLOWLY REOPENING. IT’S A TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO SUMMER THAT FEELS EARNED. POOL DAYS, SNOWBALLS AND COLD DRINKS ARE PRIORITIES, BUT THERE’S SOMETHING MUCH MORE IMPORTANT TO BE ADDRESSED. BLOOD DONATIONS CAN REACH DIRE SHORTAGE LEVELS THIS TIME OF YEAR, AND EVEN THOUGH THERE’S A PANDEMIC SLOWLY ENTERING OUR REAR VIEW, ITS COMPOUNDING EFFECTS ARE STILL BEING FELT.

Dr. Tim Peterson is the medical director of The Blood Center, a non-profit organization that has provided blood donation resources across the Gulf South since 1960. He took some time to expound on the blood shortage we’re experiencing, why it’s such a priority and how people like you can help save a life this summer.

“The summertime is always the most difficult time to maintain an adequate blood inventory at hospitals. The main reason is because colleges and high schools are not in session, and believe it or not, our young people do an outstanding job of donating. About 25 to 30 percent of our blood comes from younger donors.”

While school being out certainly creates a lack of active

blood donors, Dr. Peterson says there are more factors at hand. “It’s compounded. Beginning in April we started having a reopening of the community with the lifting of restrictions. Hospitals were then able to do more elective surgeries, like hip or shoulder replacements. Plus, things like angiograms and other preventative procedures that were put on hold during the pandemic are now open.”

“Everything came together in the perfect storm, and put a serious dent in the blood supply for the patients that need it. I’ve been a transfusion medicine specialist for 25 years and this is the worst shortage I’ve ever experienced in my practice.”

So how can you help? Peterson recognizes it can be tough to find time. “Many people are taking vacations, the kids are home, it’s difficult for people. Because we’re not just asking people to give blood, they’re giving something much more valuable and that’s their time. To take an hour or two to come and donate can be hard, and that’s a very special gift that they’re giving.”

To be a donor, you can visit www.thebloodcenter.org to find the nearest blood drive or donation center near you, and donors can even fill out their questionnaire ahead of time to make the process quicker. You can also call 1-800-86-BLOOD to learn more and find out how you can help organize a blood drive.

“We will do anything to help hold a blood drive. It can be to support a family member in need, church or social groups. We will help with any size group to organize a blood drive to get the word out, and give back to the community in need,” Peterson said.

“Most people say they don’t donate because no one has ever asked them, but we’re asking them now.”

DONATION LOCATIONS

Hammond* 1116 McKaskle Dr. Hammond, LA 70401 (985) 340-2320 • (985) 340-2330 Fax Mon, Tues & Thurs: 11 a.m. -7 p.m., Wed: 9 a.m. -5 p.m., Fri: 7 a.m. -3 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Metairie* 2617 Edenborn, Ste A. Metairie, LA 70002 (504) 249-4450 • (504) 249-4451 Fax Mon, Tues & Thurs: Noon -7 p.m., Wed: 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri: 7 a.m. -2 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Thibodaux* 329 North Canal Blvd.Thibodaux, LA 70301 (985) 447-1774 • (985) 447-4093 Fax Mon: 11 a.m. -7 p.m., Wed: 7 a.m. -3 p.m. Closed on Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat

Mandeville* 4350 Hwy. 22, Suite K, Mandeville, LA 70471 (985) 377-7007 • (985) 377-7008 Fax Mon, Tues & Thurs: 11 a.m. -6 p.m., Wed: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri: 7 a.m. -3 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Slidell* 770 Gause BlvdSlidell, LA 70458 (985) 641-4400 • (985) 641-0785 Fax Tues -Thurs: 11 a.m. -7 p.m., Fri: 7 a.m. -3 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Closed on Mondays West Bank* 2701 Manhattan Blvd., Ste. 21-22, Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 263-1190 • (504) 263-1196 Fax Mon, Tues & Thurs: Noon -7 p.m., Fri: 7 a.m. -3 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.Closed on Wednesdayst

*Accepts plasma & platelet donations

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT ONLINE TheBloodCenter.org Or Call: (800) 86-BLOOD

EAT FRESH CHERRIES

By Christian Dischler

Cherries are the delicious, low-calorie and nutrient dense snack we deserve this year, and every year. Their health benefits more than make up for their diminutive size, and their flavor can be a complex journey through the world of sweet and tart—the two categories this stone fruit is known by.

Sweet cherries, such as Bing or Rainier, are known for their heart-shape and boast a juicy flavor that’s versatile. Perfect for a sweet snack on the go. Tart cherries, like Montmorency, are firm fleshed and tangy, making them great for withstanding higher temperatures when cooked in pies, cobblers and preserves. Whichever cherry you prefer, they’re all loaded with health benefits and help de-toxify your liver and fight life-threatening diseases.

Ensuring a healthy liver is an important focus in the modern age. Environmental toxins have increased, and an influx of processed foods has put an excess amount of stress on our liver–the organ responsible for keeping our blood clean. This results in the build-up of unwanted substances around the liver, and a flood of harmful petrochemicals such as microplastics. According to a peer-reviewed study in BMC, a medical journal, “Cherries are one of the richest sources of anthocyanins and antioxidants—and are more effective than vitamin C and four times more potent than vitamin E in antioxidant activity.” These anthocyanins and antioxidants are responsible for keeping our liver clean by helping remove those petrochemicals. They’re also supportive in disease prevention and lowering blood pressure.

“The anthocyanins in cherries have been shown to be associated with the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease,” the BMC study states. “Tart cherry juice can lower blood pressure and improve some aspects of exercise performance.” Additionally, cherries are linked to healthy hemoglobin levels and specifically help target non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and brain tumors. Women in particular receive help from cherries due to their cleansing effect on the uterus, and reduction of ovarian cysts.

It’s easy to recognize that including this crimson fruit into our diets is beneficial. But of course, everything in moderation is the mantra here. Consuming one hundred cherries in a day won’t make you invincible, so find a healthy balance by using cherries as a snack, in salads, with desserts and in smoothies.

When selecting fresh cherries, it’s best to choose the darkest ones available for optimal nutrients and minerals. This means the tree was rich in minerals when the fruit was ripening. It also ensures that the fruit will have a robust flavor profile. Sweet or tart, fresh or frozen, there is no wrong choice here. But remember, cherries that are preserved in sweet syrups are counter-productive to the health boost they provide. So stick with an all-natural approach and your health will thank you.

“Tart cherry juice can lower blood pressure and improve some aspects of exercise performance.”

James and Melodie Knapp, owners, invite you in for a visit.

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