Introduction
"Mental agility" is something that is often emphasized (and praised, if you possess it) in the workplace but when it comes to "physical agility" the benefits are often far more subtle.
For one, when men look well-built, they're most likely to be "popular" and "desirable" with the opposite sex while they tend to garner the respect of other males (oh, yes… the whole alpha-male thing) who do not look so well-endowed at first impression.
Exercise is the Key
The world worships Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo (in the game of soccer) whereas several football stars in the United States not only make the big bucks but they also get the prettiest women not to mention the first soccer players are among the highest paid soccer players in the world.
Blame it on human nature or genetics… but that's how the world works!
On the other hand, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs might be stalwarts in the computer industry but nothing beats the aforementioned stars who seem to have it all.
And the key to all of this: Exercise!
However, it is unrealistic to say that whoever works out become superstars but it sure increases their chances of getting ahead in life, and what's more it contributes not-so-subtly to mental vigor as well.
Yet most of us aren't able (or choose not) to see this…
On the other hand, while how you look at 20 is merely a matter of your parents' genes, the same isn't true at 30 or 40. In these later stages, it's all about how you've taken care of yourself during these years.
One can resist disease and even stay immune to it while other people are dropping off like flies especially when they've exercised and have managed to at least get the basics of health and hygiene down.
There's no doubt that as you get older, you are more and more susceptible to a wide range of chronic illnesses that you would have never dreamed of when you were much younger. And one of these is known as osteoarthritis…
Osteoarthritis & its Symptoms
Known to effect at least 27 million people in the United States have been known to suffer with arthritis knee pain that can be attributed to a number of causes, mostly stemming from the natural process of "aging".
Very simply, osteoarthritis is the gradual breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in one or more joints with some of its symptoms being stiffness, locking, tenderness and in most cases, joint pain.
Pain (like a sharp knife going through or a burning sensation in your muscles or tendons) that makes you feel like you are in hell!
Osteoarthritis affects joints in the hands, feet and spine as well as large weight bearing joints such as in the knees and hips (ouch man!).
And before we dwell on that feeling… let's move on!
Treatment of Osteoarthritis
So how can we treat this disease might be the next question?
It won't be surprising to mention that the treatment of osteoarthritis combination of exercise (and I reiterate, exercise) along with physical therapy and analgesics are used together. And if all else fails, surgery is the last resort…
In Closing
I'll leave you with a beautiful motivational (although quaint) stanza on "exercise" written by John Dryden:
"Better to hunt in fields, for health unbought,
Than fee the doctor for a nauseous draught,
The wise, for cure, on exercise depend;
God never made his work for man to mend. "
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I just came across your health and fitness blog. Your article about exercising to reduce Osteoarthritis was especially interesting. I especially liked your comments about combining physical therapy with physical fitness to reduce the pain and symptoms of Osteoarthritis. I am adding you to my favorites. We’re in the same industry, the business of encouraging health and fitness. We market a product called The AbStand: http://www.theabstand.net. We would love for you and your readers to check out our ab workout product. Any feedback would be appreciated as well. Thanks!
Osteoarthritis and obesity have been linked in clinical studies. Overweight individuals are suffering especially in their weight bearing joints. Given that obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, osteoarthritis incidences are expected to go up too
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