From Hydrotherapy To Massage, Home Therapies Can Help Ease Arthritis Pain

February 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment

15628483About one out of every five American adults has been diagnosed with arthritis, and it is the most common cause of disability in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The pain and stiffness caused by arthritis – and the high cost of arthritis medications – prompt many people to seek effective home therapies.

While you should always work with your doctor to manage your arthritis, you can also do a lot at home to help minimize symptoms. Home remedies like hydrotherapy, massage and simple exercise have been shown to help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with multiple forms of arthritis.

Here are some common home therapies to discuss with your health care provider:

Massage - Recent studies indicate that massage can help people with arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation reports on its website ArthritisToday.org. Simple massage of painful joints such as in the hands, elbows or knees, may help your arthritis pain. You don’t need to pay for a professional massage to find relief. Talk to your health care provider for simple tips on self-massage. Besides pain relief, massage offers another benefit that may be particularly helpful to people living with chronic pain: relaxation.

Hydrotherapy - Soaking in warm water has been a viable home therapy for muscle and joint aches for centuries. Your arthritis may also cause mobility issues, making you wary about climbing in and out of a traditional soaking tub. A walk-in tub may be a viable alternative. Premier Care in Bathing, makers of walk-in tubs, offers its Hydrovescent Therapy system designed to help ease aches and pains but with gentler water motion than you would find in a traditional jetted tub. The company has earned the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease of Use commendation for its easy-to-enter tubs that feature extra-wide, low-level entry, left or right-hand door openings, contoured and slip-resistant seats and backrests, and leak-free design. Remember to consult your doctor before beginning any home therapy, as hydrotherapy may not be appropriate for all types of arthritis or with other health conditions. 15628920

Lifestyle - As important as it is to work with your doctor to manage your arthritis, self-management is also essential. Lifestyle habits such as staying active and watching your weight can help reduce the pain of arthritis and improve function, according to the CDC. Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five days a week; it’s OK to break that time into 10-minute intervals, the CDC says. Carrying excess weight can make your arthritis worse, and losing just 11 pounds can improve mobility and reduce pain. It’s important to manage your weight as part of your overall arthritis treatment. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Health Matters

What You Need To Know About Composite Decking

February 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Have you ever considered composite decking but disregarded the idea because you felt like you didn’t know enough about it? Maybe you’ve wondered how composite decking is made? Or what kinds of materials make up composite decking?

Although composite decking is not new, lack of familiarity with the product may lead you to be confused when making a decision about the type of product you should choose for your deck. To make this decision-making process easier, it often helps to go back to the basics.

So what is composite decking anyway? By definition, composite decking is a wood-like product that is created by the mixture of wood fibers, or sawdust, and virgin and recycled plastics. The combination of these elements along with color pigments and other protective additives, form a traditional wood-like decking profile that requires less maintenance than traditional wood decks.

Many composite decking products are manufactured through a process called extrusion. This is defined as a forming process in which melted plastic and wood materials are forced through an opening to produce a product that maintains a relatively consistent size and shape. Think of it like putty that is being pushed through a mold. The opening gives the board the shape and texture.

Another manufacturing method is compression molding. Combined molten materials for the composite wood are placed on to wood grain molds which are then compressed under tremendous heat and pressure to create a physical bond. The force applied helps to squeeze out air pockets and create a compressed board.

For outdoor living, composite decking provides many added benefits including weather resistance, complementary colors, durability and reduced maintenance. 15146842

* Weather resistance: The density of a composite decking board helps protect the board from rot and decay caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. By keeping moisture out, this helps reduce mildew, insects and bacteria.

* Complementary colors: The composite boards are also manufactured in a range of colors to perfectly complement any home. Instead of needing stain or paint, the colors are already added to the boards.

* Durability: Composite decking boards are manufactured to be stain resistant against certain common food and beverage stains, including mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, canola oil, fruit punch, wines and coffee. This stain resistance will preserve the life and beauty of the deck.

* Maintenance: Composite decking does not require paint, stain or a sealer reducing the overall maintenance of the deck. The best way to maintain a composite deck is to keep it swept, hose it off at least twice a year and attend to stains promptly with household cleaners or commercially available composite deck cleaners. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Home Improvement

The Surprising Ingredient That Makes Favorite Recipes Tastier And Healthier

February 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment

17395736Modern or current may not be the word that comes to mind when you think of cottage cheese but this dairy case classic is experiencing a resurgence that is taking it beyond the diet plate to a starring role in how consumers eat today.

Low-fat cottage cheese is high in protein, low in calories and fat and minimally processed. Its versatility, price and nutritional profile make it a must have in any healthy kitchen and its popularity is on the rise. In fact, Health magazine named it one of the “flashback foods of the year.”

Today, cottage cheese is anything but plain. With its light flavor and creamy texture, cottage cheese makes a delicious and healthy base for a host of dishes. Have a favorite high-fat dip? Swap out the mayo for low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese. You’ll add calcium and protein without compromising flavor. In the mood for a creamy dressing? Blend cottage cheese, herbs and spices for a rich-tasting, low calorie dressing for salads from greens to pasta.

It’s also a perfect addition to your morning pancake mix. Mild, creamy cottage cheese mixed with lightly sweetened batter forms tender, delicious California Cottage Cheese Pancakes with the added bonus of a healthy dose of protein. While people tend to add fruit and other “sweet” additions to cottage cheese, don’t overlook savory ingredients like chopped artichoke hearts, olives, nuts or even salsa.

The dairy experts at the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) have developed two Mediterranean-inspired modern cottage cheese plate recipes that will suit any palate or occasion. Go Greek with fresh, flavorful ingredients like cucumbers, red peppers, herbs and olives. And, when you’re craving the rich flavors of Italy, look no further than the Modern Italian Cottage Cheese Plate. Dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, lemon and pine nuts mixed with cottage cheese combine for a guest-worthy salad or dip when served with baguette slices or multi-grain crackers.

The Modern Cottage Cheese Plate: Italian

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup California low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 2 cups baby arugula
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
  • 3/4 cup red and yellow grape tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup mixed olives
  • 6 whole grain baguette slices
  • 3 teaspoons Real California butter

Directions:

  1. Spread butter lightly on baguette slices and toast.
  2. Stir together cottage cheese, tomatoes, basil, garlic and lemon zest in a small bowl.
  3. Place arugula onto two plates and top with cottage cheese.
  4. Sprinkle with pine nuts and surround with tomatoes, olives and baguette slices.

Makes two servings. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Food and Fun

High-Tech Homes Make Everyday Living Simpler

February 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment

17358707If you find yourself wondering how you ever got along before your smartphone, laptop and GPS, you’re not alone. Technology is so much a part of how we go about our days that we often take it for granted. However, in many cases, houses haven’t caught up to the same technological standards as the gadgets people carry with them 24/7. But that’s all about to change, as new ideas begin to revolutionize the way we view our homes.

Technology can do two things: First, it can make everyday tasks simpler and faster. Second, it can enable us to do things that weren’t possible before. So when it comes to your home, having technology on your side can make a big difference – in terms of time, energy and money savings. If you want your home to join the world of high-tech living, consider these solutions:

* Entertaining made easier: Part of the fun of owning a home is inviting friends and family to come over. Because everyone has a busy schedule these days, planning and hosting a party needs to as easy as possible. With the help of some smart new audio systems, setting the mood with music is a snap. Bluetooth-streaming stereos like iLuv’s MobiRock let you control the music from wherever you are, right from your smartphone – no more having to leave your conversation to go turn the music up or down, or switch to a new track. The Aud 5, also from iLuv, features a dock that accommodates Lightning, the next generation connection port on the latest iPhones and iPods. Since you can charge your device while using Bluetooth to control it, there’s no worry about the music stopping in the middle of your party.

* Staying secure: Protecting belongings and family in the home has been a priority since time immemorial, but now there are far better ways to do it. While everyone wants protection, in the past state-of-the-art home security technology has been well out of many homeowners’ budgets. But that was then – today, protecting your home is becoming much more affordable, and the average homeowner can install high-quality security cameras that make it easy to always keep an eye on your property. Polaroid’s line of Wireless IP security cameras include both indoor and outdoor models, can be operated via computer or smartphone and even let you send snapshots via email. Whether you just want to check in while you’re at the office or during a weekend getaway, security cameras make it easier to know that your home is safe. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Home Improvement

Dogged By Pricey Pet Care? Cost-Cutting Tips For Pet Owners

February 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment

173840These days, everyone is searching for ways to save money and stretch budgets. Consumer experts advise people to sniff out deeper discounts, saving opportunities and additional ways to cut costs. For pet owners, it can feel challenging to cut costs without compromising on care.

Being vigilant is key, according to pet expert, Charlotte Reed.

“Clip coupons, use store circulars and ask for discounts like family and friend’s rewards, and multiple pet or store loyalty programs,” says Reed. “Constantly challenge yourself to find ways to save money when it comes to pets. I do it every day!”

To get started, Reed suggests using these five tips. Before you know it, you’ll be seeing savings on everything your four-legged friend needs.

1. A membership that pays

You might think of AAA as being strictly for roadside assistance. Think again – pet owners can enjoy additional discounts, which most people never take advantage of. For example, pet-owning members can shop in-store or online and receive discounts with pet manufacturers and national pet retailers. Some discounts vary among regional auto clubs, but it’s always worth it to ask.–

2. Investigate discount pet medications

The Advocacy for Pets and Affordable Wellness (APAW) raises awareness among pet owners about significant cost savings they can enjoy simply by asking their vet for a prescription, and purchasing that medication from their local retail pharmacy. Just be sure to confirm the retailer’s pet pharmacy program before dropping off your pet’s prescription. In addition, pet owners can purchase vet-grade, over-the-counter, generic medications, such as flea and tick treatment, for a fraction of the cost of the brand name at pharmacies such as Walmart, Sam’s Club or Costco. Visit www.APAW.org for more savings tips, and to find out what pharmacies carry pet Rx programs.

3. Deep discounts on pet necessities

Pet food and cat litter are two of the biggest pet expenses for dog and cat owners. If you purchase these products online from larger online retailers, cash in on the auto-ship option. In most cases, consumers not only get the discount prices of online purchasing, but they frequently get additional discounts which can more than make up for shipping cost. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Pets