Forecast Sunny and Hot:How to beat the summer heat

Summer is a time of growth and warmth and fun. Throughout the season, days can be fi lled with outdoor parties with family and friends, trips to the lake or beach, and a bevy of fresh vegetables and fl owers in your garden. At its best, summer is a long cool sip of lemonade in a warm breeze.

But with an increase in temperature of just a few degrees, those lazy days of summer can become an intolerable heat wave. Skyrocketing temperatures are enough to

make anyone uncomfortable, but when you compound that with the aching, swelling joints of arthritis, it is enough to make you downright miserable.

This summer, when the weather report predicts yet another hot spell, keep your cool by trying these ways to cope with

the sizzling weather:

Cool It – Changes in weather patterns can increase pain for many people who have

arthritis. When possible, limiting your exposure to these weather fl uctuations can help ease arthritis

symptoms. When it becomes necessary to combat these temperature swings, use air conditioners and fans to keep your cool.

AUGUST 2010

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Journey to pain relief.Does pain keep you from enjoying

things you love? It doesn’t have to be that way. We we invite you to take the fi rst step of getting a good diagnosis. Southwest offers monthly Arthritis 101 classes. Also in September, one of our

experts will host a seminar on Joint Replacement. Learn more inside!

Whether tropical or in your own backyard, summer can be a challenge for people with joint pain. Read about ways to cope!

Southwest has been an active partner with Rebound Orthopedics and Neurosurgery for more than 40 years. In the 2000s, we worked together to create a new program – the Joint JourneyJoint Journey – to make the seven steps of relieving knee and hip pain a better experience for our patients.

One of our Joint Journey experts is Stephen Southerland, MD. Raised in Canada, he graduated from

medical school from the University of British Columbia. Dr. Southerland completed advanced training at the University of Western Ontario and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dr. Southerland will host a community education seminar:

Joint Pain: the journey to pain reliefTuesday, Sept. 21, 2010 l 6pmSouthwest Health Education Center

Register at www.swJointJourney.orgor call 360.514.2190.

How to beat the summer heat continued

Made in the Shade – Don’t let those scorching summer temperatures keep you from enjoying the outdoors. To have some outside fun, choose the time and place wisely. Morning and evening temperatures are often cooler than those at midday. Trees and awnings create shady, cool spots that are perfect for relaxing.

Limit your Exposure – The bright, hot sun of summer can trigger fl are ups for people with rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and lupus, so it is best to limit your sun exposure. When you do brave the sun’s rays, be sure to use sun block and wear light-colored, loose-fi tting clothing.

Don’t Cook – Summer provides a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables that burst with fl avor in their natural state. Load your plate with cucumber and watermelon, both of which help cool you from the inside out. And when it is time for your next barbeque, let someone else do the grilling while you stay cool.

Slow Down – When temperatures climb, take that as your excuse to take it easy. Move slowly so you don’t get overheated, but be sure to keep moving. Try tai chi or early morning walks for your exercise. Or head for the local pool to swim or do water aerobics.

Using these suggestions, you can ride the next summer heat wave like a pro. May we suggest the Arthritis Foundation also as a great partner in your education. Online at www.arthritis.org.

Learn about the latest options to treat hip arthritis: www.swJointJourney.orgwww.swJointJourney.org

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Most common form of arthritis affecting more than 21 million people in the U.S.

Degenerative joint disease that occurs when there is a breakdown in the cartilage.

Usually effects one joint at a time on one side of the body, but may affect multiple joints at once. (Neck, low back, hands, hips, and knees.)

Osteo is usually caused by aging, injury, repetitive use, genetics, and obesity.

Pain, stiffness, and loss of joint movement as bone rubs on bone.

Treatment usually focuses on pain manage-ment through lifestyle modifications, therapies, medications and surgery.

Osteo generally affects men and women over age 50. About 70% of people over 70 years old have x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Most crippling and disabling form of arthritis affecting more than 2 million people in the U.S.

RA is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that primarily affects the soft tissue around joints.

Multiple, symmetrical (on both sides of the body) joints are affected. Internal organs throughout the body can also be affected.

While the cause is unknown, the theory is that genetic predisposition compounded by a triggering agent like a bacteria or virus is the cause.

Prolonged morning stiffness, fatigue, rheumatoid nodules, symmetrical joint pain, and other issues.

Treatments include medication, therapy, and surgery to reduce pain, prevent deformities and loss of joint function, and maintain a productive and active life.

75% of those affected by RA are women. While disease can occur at any age, it generally appears between the ages of 30 and 50.

Basics

Definition

Area Affected

Cause

Symptoms

Treatment

Other

Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis: How to tell the difference

The term arthritis comes from Greek meaning “infl amed joint.” It includes more than 100 different conditions that manifest as joint pain and other symptoms. With that many conditions, it can be diffi cult to know what type of arthritis you are experiencing. This chart outlines some of the major differences between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, the most prevalent forms of arthritis.

Take action and feel better. Classes for Joint and Back Pain at Southwest

For class information or to register: www.swEvents.org(keyword: arthritis) or call 360.514.2190

Arthritis 101: how to relieve joint painLearn how to manage your arthritis symptoms and pain, and much more!

Held monthly. Upcoming dates: August 25, Sept. 8 and Sept. 22

Back 101: how to relieve back painLearn how to get the best, most effective treatment for your back condition.Upcoming date: August 11

Joint Pain: the journey to pain reliefFeaturing Dr. Stephen Southerland. Date: September 21, 6pm. You’ll be able to ask your questions and learn about specialized procedures for hip and knee pain.

A new technique allows surgeons, including some of Southwest’s Joint Journey experts, to work between your muscles and tissues without detaching them from either the hip or thighbones - sparing the tissue from trauma.

Called the “Anterior Approach,” this surgery uses one small incision on the front (anterior) of your hip as opposed to the side or back. Since the incision is in front, you’ll avoid the pain of sitting on the incision site. Also keeping the muscles intact may help prevent dislocations.

To learn more about the procedure, visit swJointJourney.org.

swJointJourney.org Watch videos about our

seven-step Joint Journey process

Download our Joint Journal information guide

Link to information about arthritis pain

Register for classes!

New hip surgery with less pain, faster recovery

PO Box 1600Vancouver, WA 98668

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