Customer Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Book for those with arthritis
Comment: This is the 2nd copy of this book I've bought. The first was for myself and has been a great help with my rheumatoid arthritis over the years. Now that my daughter has been diagnosed with the same disease, I wanted her to have a copy for her own, not just my borrowed copy. Besides, I needed mine back!
The idea that we can take charge of our disease and make informed decisions, and especially, improve our condition through strength training is an empowering concept. The book discusses everything from diet to drugs to alternative treatments, with detailed instructions and diagrams on stretching and strength exercises that can be done at home and really make a difference.
I showed this book to my rheumatologist, and he was quite impressed. I'd recommend it for anyone with arthritis.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Strong Men and Women Beat Arthritis by Dr. Nelson
Comment: This is an excellent work on the alternative medicinal and
conventional medicine protocols for arthritis. Dr. Nelson
mentions various Vit C dietary combinations utilizing
orange juice, strawberries or grapefruit to provide Vit. C.
Next, the authors cite important anti-inflammatory combos;
such as, Omega 3 fish oil and flaxseed oil. Sunflower oil
has the requisite Omega 6 ingredients. Sulfasalazine and
methotrexate are important protocols for treating seronegative
spondylarthropathies. In addition, the lungs, heart and eyes
may be impacted by ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases.
For instance, Iritis may impact the eyes. Calcification of
the heart valves and electronic problems with the heart have
been noted. Decreased lung capacity is another important
resultant of ankylosing spondylitis.The authors point out that Chronic Juvenile Arthritis stunts
growth. In addition, the SED RATE (sedimentation rate) and
rhematoid factor are the gold standard for blood tests to
detect arthritis. In my own experience, the MOST- micro-oxidative
stress test may be helpful in articulating the yeast component
as an aggravating factor in arthritic conditions.
The authors provide an important series of exercises which
may be helpful for arthritic patients. The physical therapy
training consists of moderate squatting, toe stand
(standing erect on your toes), moderate push-ups by pressing
the wall, back extensions by facing the floor and raising the
head, modified sit-ups, knee extension flexing, full range
motion employing light weights in torque motion, face flat on
the floor raising the back legs, the lunge stretch,
cross-over hips, placing one knee on the chair and standing
upright or erect, shoulder stretches and a host of others.
Dr. Nelson indicates that excess joint fluid is a sign of
inflammation. In addition, surgical intervention can be
helpful. For instance, an artificial joint may last 15-20 years.
Acupuncture helps to stimulate endomorphins and change blood
flow patterns. There is evidence that acupuncture relieves
arthritis, although there is less evidence for Chiropractic.
This book is worth the price. It provides important alternative
medicinal protocols for arthritis as well as classic physical
therapy exercises aimed at preserving joint mobility and
elasticity. I would supplement the exercises with Alpha
Lipoic Acid to enhance bodily elasticity. In my own experience,
Northern Polar magnets may be helpful if strategically placed.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Really seems to help!
Comment: I was recently diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, and I started following the nutritional suggestions in this book. I think it's already starting to help! Plus it tells you how to perform strengthening exercises for your aching joints. I am a big fan of Dr. Nelson's other works. I like how she explains the science and the applications. I plan to share this with my mom, who also has osteoarthritis.
Customer Rating:
Summary: No hype, just good, sound information.
Comment: I am the kind of person that is not going to buy or "buy into" a book unless it is supported by some reasonable evidence. If you're like me, then you'll love this book. It is based on a study recently conducted at the Tufts University. In short, the study used a program of exercise and nutrition to combat arthritis. The results? Pain was reduced by a whopping 43%! Key to their program was strengthening exercises which have been shown in other studies as well as being extremely beneficial for arthritis patients. I am very pleased with books like these that offer sound treatments based on research. If you like these kind of books too and also suffer from back pain, I can recommend "The Multifidus Back Pain Solution" (available here at amazon.ca too) that is based on randomized controlled trials and involves only one exercise you do at home that strengthens your multifidus muscles found to be abnormal in many people with back pain. So start reading, start exercising, and start getting better!
Customer Rating:
Summary: exercise + diet = controlled arthritis...
Comment: ...Extremely informative for all, regardless of your health. Miriam Nelson has done it again not only with her easy reading style, but with very educational and informative text. I'm going to send as a gift to a friend.
