A recent test was done by ConsumerLab.com, an independent testing company, on Multivitamins and Supplement. The test found that 30%  “contained significantly more or less ingredient than claimed or were contaminated with lead.” The news of the test also explains that “many supplements generally provide an “overage” of ingredient, i.e., more than the listed amount of ingredient to make sure that the product maintains potency over its shelf-life. Although an accepted practice, actual levels may be up to 50% higher than on the label.”

They also tested two pet supplements that are on the market and found that “one contained only 46% of the vitamin A and 54.7% of its claimed minimum amount of calcium. Another was contaminated with 6.45 mcg of lead per tablet. This is several times higher than the amount of lead (1.41 mcg) ConsumerLab.com found to be in this same product in 2007. Contamination limits for dogs are not well defined, but, as reference, the FDA notes that children should not be exposed to more than 6 mcg of lead per day and, as noted above.”

A previous test from 2007 was also done by ConsumerLab.com and found the following:

“Problems were concentrated among products claiming to contain chondroitin, a particularly expensive ingredient derived from animal cartilage. Of the eleven products that claimed to provide chondroitin, eight, or 73%, failed testing for the following reasons:

• A “maximum strength” supplement contained no chondroitin at all.

• Three other supplements had only 1% to 8% of their listed chondroitin, of which one also provided less than half of its promised glucosamine. Three more had only 51% to 75% of their chondroitin.

• One supplement contained all of its claimed ingredients, but failed to pass testing because it would not break apart properly, indicating that its ingredients might not be fully delivered in the body.”

Here is a list of the supplements tested:

	Advocare		Joint Max		Rottapharm
	Bronson		Karuna		Schiff
	Country Life		Kirkland		Symtec
	Cosamin		Maxi Health		Swanson
	Cosequin		Nature Made		TriMedica
	CVS		Nature’s Plus		Twinlab
	Doctor’s Best		NSI		Vitamin World
	Drinkables		Nutri Vet		Walgreens
	HydraJoint		Pharmanex		Weil
	GLC		Puritan’s Pride
	GNC		Rite Aid

Unfortunately vitamins and supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so talk to your doctor before choosing one and make sure that they are manufactured under the strict guidelines of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Good Manufacturing Practices, or G.M.P. All Flexcin products are manufactured in the United States in a state of the art facility under FDA GMP Standards. Flexcin does not contain chondroitin, instead it is a combination of several proven ingredients to bring you both short term relief as well as long term joint health.  These ingredients are, CM8 (Cetyl Myristoleate),  Glucosamine Sulfate, MSM, Collagen Type II, Bromelain and a digestive enzyme to assist with absorption.

Many of our Flexcin customers share their stories of how Flexcin has helped them stay active even though they have joint pain from Arthritis, Bursitis, Gout, etc. One customer, Frances Woofenden, stays extremely active. She’s 81 and she’s a water skiing champion.

“I don’t know how long I will be able to but as long as my joints and everything are pain free Oh I’ll continue the sport. I don’t intend to give it up. I don’t have to think about pain because I’m taking the Flexcin and I don’t have to think about it” says Francis.

Francis has become pretty famous because of her activity level and age. She was interviewed for CBS Evening News Assignment America.

Joint pain can be caused by various types of Arthritis, by a sports injury or even Fibromyalgia. The pain comes from the inflammation of the joint from disease or injury and can also include swelling and stiffness. Exercise can help relieve some of this pain as part of your treatment plan. Always check with your doctor first to see if exercise is right for you.

There are three different kinds of exercise you’ll want to try:

• Range of Motion
• Strengthening
• Aerobic Exercise

Range of Motion

This includes stretching and exercises like yoga or tai chi. These should be done every day or every other day. By increasing your range of motion joint pain and stiffness can be decreased over time.

Strengthening

Increasing your muscle strength can also help with joint pain. Consider doing some minimal weight lifting and starting with 1, 2 or 5 pound weights. Even low weights can make a significant difference, so start low and stick with one weight for several days before moving up too quickly.

Aerobic Exercise

These exercises get your heart rate up by consistent movement of the large muscle groups. Running, jogging, bike riding are all good aerobic activities. Swimming is a great low impact exercise to help decrease joint pain.

Some arthritis sufferers start their exercise routine by applying heat right before they start and applying cold packs after the workout. The key is to keep it up a few days a week. If your exercise routine becomes boring try to a different type one, listen to music or ask a friend to join.

If swelling occurs, inflammation increases, range of motion decreases or pain from exercise persists for more than an hour after exercise contact your doctor.

Eating right and losing weight can really help relieve some of the stress on your joints, as well as lead to a healthier future. Here’s the first of many recipes that we’ll be sharing with you to make eating health easier and more enjoyable.

Here’s an easy to make and delicious chicken recipe:

Oven-Fried Chicken with Cheese & Nuts - Makes 2 Servings

This is very similar to the not so healthy fried chicken, served in most sports bars and fast food restaurants. However this recipe has under 400 calories and only 16 grams of fat.

1/3 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

3 tbsp chopped almonds, finely chopped

1 tbsp parsley, chopped

1 small garlic clove, crushed

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp thyme

black pepper

1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 chicken breasts, skinless & pounded out to 1/2″ thick

Preheat oven to 400F.

In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix bread crumbs, cheese, almonds, parsley, garlic, salt, thyme and pepper.

Place the oil in a shallow dish. Dip the chicken in the oil first, then in the crumb mix. Place chicken in a shallow baking dish.

Bake for 25 minutes or until temperature reads 170F. (Don’t flip the chicken while cooking.)