In order to live an active and mobile lifestyle, it is important to positively promote your joint health. So, what is joint health? The joint is where our bones connect and it is a complex structure of many specialized tissues that function together to provide the means for motion. Inside the joint, there is cartilage and viscous fluid. The cartilage is resilient with tremendous shock absorbing capability while the viscous fluid bathes and lubricates the joint. As a consequence of aging, trauma, and wear and tear on the joint, cartilage may be broken down, which can compromise joint movement. In order to remain active and live a healthy lifestyle, it is critically important to take care of your joints. How can I promote joint health? There are many ways to promote your joint health such as: eating healthy staying active and maintaining a healthy weight visiting your healthcare provider regularly taking your medications as prescribed taking dietary supplements You should also consider taking a high quality glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplement. Glucosamine, in combination with chondroitin sulfate, helps inhibit enzymes responsible for the breakdown of cartilage and supports the maintenance of healthy joints. Choosing the right glucosamine/chondroitin product Recent published clinical studies have further validated the combination of high quality glucosamine/chondroitin supplementation for joint health. It is important to make sure you purchase a high quality glucosamine/chondroitin combination product, and below are some of the items to look for: Reputable brand cited in published clinical studies Serving size of trademarked active ingredients are the same as used in clinical studies Quality seal from third party public health and safety organizations Take away message It is important to closely monitor and take care of your joints to remain active late in life. It is recommended to consult your physician before taking any medication or dietary supplement.    

The post Introduction to Joint Health appeared first on Summer 2015 Issue | CDiabetes Online Magazine.

5 Tips to Help Manage Your Medicines Once-a-day medicines can usually be taken anytime. The important thing is to take them at about the same time every day. Some medicines work better when taken in the morning or at night. Ask your healthcare provider what time of day is best for the medicines you are taking. ?Take your medicines at mealtimes whenever possible. ?It’s usually easier to remember. And stick with a regular meal/medicine schedule as much as possible. If your schedule happens to change, ask your healthcare provider about the best way to deal with it. If the label says to take after meals or on a full stomach, take them when you finish eating. Bedtime can mean different things on different days. Choose a time and remember to take your medicines at that time, regardless of when you go to bed. If the label doesn’t say anything about food, you don’t need to be concerned about when you take your medicines—though it is often easier to remember if you take them at mealtimes. Many people do not fully understand what the instructions on their medicine bottles meant. They often take medicines more times per day than needed. Most people find that the more often they have to remember to take their medicines, the easier it is to forget. So what can you do? Ask your COSTCO pharmacist the following questions: Is there a particular time of the day it is best to take this medicine? Do I need to avoid certain foods or drinks with this medicine? Is it safe to drink alcohol with this medicine? What are the side effects? How do I store this medicine? Also, ask your pharmacist to help you make a plan or a calendar that will fit in to your day and help you get the most from your medicine. What does the label on my pill bottle mean? If The Label Says: It Means: Take on an empty stomach Take at least two hours after eating or one hour before you start eating Take before meals Take right before you start eating Take with food and liquid Take during or after your meal Take with meals or at mealtime Take during or after your meal Take every 12 hours Take twice daily, 12 hours apart ?(for example: 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.) Take every eight hours Take three times a day, 8 hours apart (for example: 7 a.m., 3 p.m. and 11 p.m.) By Martha Funnell MS, RN, CDE

The post Making Sense of Meds appeared first on Summer 2015 Issue | CDiabetes Online Magazine.