In the United States, manufacturing processes are subject to stricter guidelines and quality control is emphasized, whereas products manufactured overseas are typically of lesser quality. The domestic labor may cost more, but the price of both materials and distribution offset any substantial differences. In the past few years the issue off outsourcing labor has been prevalent in the news and media. Certain political ideologies emphasize the need to rebuild our domestic labor infrastructure to stimulate the deflating economy. Job creation is a phrase being thrown around a lot and with companies relocating production and manufacturing to the U.S., it can become a realization.

Flexcin has always understood the value of manufacturing and sourcing labor domestically. We maintain all aspects of our business within the U.S. and as locally as possible. We strive to maintain the highest quality product derived from the purest ingredients which can only be obtained domestically. Supplements manufactured overseas can pose a variety of problems. Under-dosing, poor quality control, and unsafe materials and ingredients are just a few risks of foreign-made supplements. Because our products are manufactured right here in the United States at a state-of-the-art facility under the strict guidelines of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Good Manufacturing Practices (G.M.P), we can ensure maximum results for our customers.

Satisfied customers are the # 1 priority for Flexcin International Inc. which is why we strive to do everything possible to maintain a superior business with happy customers. Our customer service is maintained locally by friendly, top-notch representatives unlike most companies. Our motto is to put people before profits and by operating and sourcing domestically, we are able to live up to our reputation.

How important is it to you that companies you support conduct all or most of their business in the U.S.?

Studies have shown that vitamin D plays a role in preventing cancer, diabetes, weight-gain and auto-immune diseases like arthritis. Its basic role in the body is assisting with calcium absorption. Without adequate calcium, bones become brittle and weak, which is particularly dangerous for both the young and elderly demographics. Typically your body produces enough vitamin D as a result of skin exposure to UV rays, but due to the increasing emphasis on skin protection and decreasing amount of time people are able to spend outside, this means has become obsolete. A healthy diet and supplementation are more effective methods of obtaining adequate amounts without a risk of skin damage or disease.

Benefits of Vitamin D

• Assists in the absorption of calcium and phosphorous
• Helps regulate the immune system
• Helps to maintain a healthy body weight
• Reduces the risk of developing arthritis
• Combats depression
• May help defend against certain types of cancer

It is easy to understand why vitamin D is considered such an important nutrient with such a long list of benefits. The difficulty is ensuring you are receiving the adequate amount on a daily basis. There are a few foods that provide high amounts of vitamin D which you should incorporate into your diet. Eggs, cheese and salmon all have naturally occurring vitamin D while some foods are fortified with it. Milk, orange juice and breakfast cereals are often fortified to ensure you get adequate amounts. Check the nutrition labels of the foods you eat to find out whether they contain vitamin D or not.

Certain people are especially prone to vitamin D deficiency. Depending on where you live, you may be getting inadequate amounts of sunlight to benefit from natural vitamin D production. Older people are especially at risk since they may have more trouble converting dietary vitamin D to a useful form because of aging kidneys. Surprisingly, as many as 40% of older people, even in sunny regions such as Florida, don’t get the necessary amount of vitamin D. If you are unable to get regular sunlight, make sure to have a healthy diet rich in nutritious whole foods or supplement with vitamins.

The study suggests that massages work on a cellular level in reducing inflammation, much like medication. The process works by triggering biochemical sensors that send inflammation-reducing signals to the muscle cells. It also works by signaling the muscles to construct additional mitochondria, the power centers of cells that play a central role in healing.

The study was conducted by a professor of pediatric medicine at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, and involved 11 men in their twenties. They were subjected to vigorous exercise on a stationary bike until the point of exhaustion, after which one leg would be massaged. According to muscle biopsies taken before and after, the muscle tissue of the massaged leg has a decreased amount of inflammatory cytokines and an increase in mitochondria. Typically, mitochondria are a sign of tissue recovery and inflammation is a sign of tissue damage.

The study’s findings are important because it could alter the way we treat muscle injuries. The typical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs tend to mask the pain but may also hinder actual repair. A massage on the other hand can reduce pain and actually assist in muscle and tissue repair. A professional massage is indeed costlier than taking an aspirin, but fortunately you can teach yourself or a family member the right technique for an in-home massage.

There are many websites offering advice and techniques on massage therapy. Massages will help speed the recovery of your muscles after working out, playing a sport or incurring an injury. Be sure to consult a physician if a sports-related injury persists.

Of all the findings, the location of residence had the most impact on whether arthritis was present or not. One possible link may be the prevalence of obesity in lower socioeconomic communities. Obesity is often a huge contributing factor to the development of arthritis. Lead author, Dr. Sharon Brennan from the University of Melbourne and Deakin University said, “this is the first time a study has shown specific associations with people’s neighbourhoods which may explain that link.” Another speculation is that these areas are often not conducive to physical activity, which is necessary for preventing and treating the symptoms of arthritis.

For the study, researchers surveyed 10,757 men and women aged 40-65 years, selected from 200 neighborhoods of varying socio economic status in Brisbane. The implications of the findings are important because it points to a need for changes in policy, health promotion, and other strategies for prevention and treatment of arthritis. Perhaps more efforts need to be focused on the less socially advantaged neighborhoods, as it will benefit the entire population. Expenditures in healthcare related to arthritic problems are immense and a properly executed program to reduce the prevalence of arthritis would not only raise the quality of life in these areas, but also free up capital for use in other underfunded programs.

Arthritis can result from general wear and tear over time, thus a diagnosis is often overlooked as many will attribute the symptoms to a temporary injury. Here are a few indicators that you may have arthritis:

• Lumps under skin- oftentimes nodules will form around affected joint areas under the skin. They are more common in people who have advanced RA, though they can show up in other cases as well.
• Pain or tenderness in a joint area- particularly when that area is painful during certain activities and movements.
• Swelling and Inflammation- if a certain area is swollen and/or red, it could be due to arthritis. Oftentimes this leads to stiffness and the inability to use the affected joint area.
• Morning Stiffness- this is often characteristic of both OA and RA. Some joints may be stiff and even locked. Certain exercises can help remedy this symptom.
• Foot pains- people with arthritis often have difficulty with their feet; pain on the bottom and around the heel is most common.
• Injuries that don’t heal well- people often mistake arthritis for injuries. Especially common in younger people who play sports, a recurring pain in an area like the knee or ankle could in fact be due to the presence of arthritis.
• Loss of flexibility/range of motion- arthritis becomes progressively worse making normal movement and flexibility more difficult.

If you have experienced any combination of the symptoms above it is possible that you are afflicted with arthritis. The best way to know is to schedule an appointment with your doctor to obtain official diagnosis. While there is no immediate cure for arthritis as of yet, there are a great deal of things you can do to prevent it and/or treat the symptoms. Millions of people live everyday with the condition as it is not something to be terribly afraid of. With the right remedies, life can continue as normal for any person diagnosed with arthritis.

Contrary to popular belief, stretching should not be the first step in your exercise routine. A light warm-up for 10 minutes should precede any stretching. This allows your muscles and ligaments to be stimulated before they are subjected to strenuous motions. As we get older, it is especially important to stretch before you exercise, as joints become worn from years of repetitive usage. Specific muscles should be targeted as well to help strengthen the important weight-bearing areas. The hips, thighs, and back all do a good majority of the work involved in walking, running, or any other physical activity. Follow these stretching tips and exercises to target these areas:

• Quadricep stretch
• Knee-to-chest stretch
• Upper back stretch
• Hip flexor stretch

Arthritis is a common condition that over time limits the mobility and flexibility of those affected. Aside from typical treatments such as chondroprotectants, NSAIDs, and other medication, stretching and exercise are the best course of action for helping to prevent the painful and debilitating symptoms caused by the condition. Stretching can make physical activities more endurable thus enabling a more active lifestyle which prevents the onset of obesity, another contributing factor to arthritis and bad joints.

Many trainers and physical therapists advocate post-workout stretching as well. It has a wide range of benefits not just limited to physical mobility. It can have positive psychological effects and stimulate blood flow and neuron activity. Stretching can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. It is most beneficial right after waking or before exercising but does not need to be limited to these times. The more often you stretch the better, particularly if you have a job that requires long periods of sitting or immobility. Give stretching a try and see the results for yourself, it’s easy and fun!

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is typically the form of arthritis resulting from a sports-related injury, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease that individuals are generally predisposed to and develop at random times. Osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive damage to the cartilage around the joint, which provides cushioning material between the ends of bones. The lack of cartilage causes pain and discomfort and can lead to the formation of bone spurs and other growths which only exacerbate the problem.

Elite athletes are at more risk of developing OA due to a related injury. Certain sports are notorious for contributing to the problem including long-distance running, weight lifting, and wrestling; all high-impact sports. Complications of OA include swollen, stiff, and painful joint areas. OA can be mild and only occurring every so often, or quite severe and disabling. Different injuries can cause the problem including direct injury to the cartilage (fractured joints) or injuries that alter the joint’s mechanics, thus increasing stress on the particular surface. Although these are less common in sports, they can result from other accidents.

More common sport injuries that can cause OA happen when a ligament or supporting structure is damaged. The knee is especially prone to the OA condition. ACL tears are notorious for excessive wear leading to arthritic symptoms. The time OA can take to develop can vary from months to years.

If an injury has been sustained, immediate medical attention and treatment is required to prevent any future complications. By taking extra precautions with a sports related injury, you can reduce the chance of developing an arthritic condition. Participate in low-impact exercises and schedule routine physical examinations. If you do sustain an injury, make sure to have an evaluation from a doctor followed by his/her prescribed treatment.

Improves Memory

As you age, your brain shrinks in size particularly the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory. Research published in 2010 by Kirk I. Erickson, PhD, in the journal “Neurology,” found that older people who walked 6-9 miles per week had larger brains and better memory than those who did not walk as much. Another study noted how fibromyalgia patients experienced increased memory activity and a reduction in pain following a exercise routine.

Improves Thinking

Contrary to what some might say, adults have the ability to grow new neurons, or brain cells, throughout their life. A study in 1990 found that rats who exercised on a wheel experienced significantly higher rates of neuron development than those that were prohibited from exercising. Exercising eliminates brain activity that is counterproductive such as stressors and pain signals. Without the additional processing of these signals, our brain is freed to perform other tasks and calculations.

Prevents Age-Related Complications

Physical exercise can help protect your brain from developing age-related health complications such as dementia. As you get older your circulatory system becomes less-effective thus limiting blood flow to the brain and neurons and creating cognitive deficits. Exercise elevates the heart rate, which forces the delivery of oxygen and glucose to the brain, which improves cognitive function. Middle-aged people who exercise regularly are 1/3 less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

Get Started!

It is never too late to get into an exercise routine. Both your short and long-term health will benefit from the addition of exercise into your lifestyle. Aside from all of the mental benefits, exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight which can prevent a variety of health issues including arthritis. Easing into an exercise program and having a partner to work out with can help you get started. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to a healthier mind and body!

The study is considered one of the largest studies to examine gender differences in human pain perception. Some scientists reject the study’s findings because pain is regarded as a subjective measurement. A person’s mood, medications and other bodily functions can alter the way pain is perceived. Despite the study’s quandaries, its scale was large enough to solicit the attention of the medical and scientific realms. One thing is for certain, the study has introduced a new area for further research, as understanding what factors contribute to pain perception in different individuals could be of significant value.

Osteoarthritis

Considered the most prevalent form of arthritis, Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition resulting from prolonged wear and tear. As we age our joints endure years of continuous movement, and oftentimes additional weight. The cartilage, which serves as a cushion between bones in the joints, begins to break down causing bones to rub directly against one another. This triggers painful inflammation which limits movement and flexibility. Although an injury or disease can cause osteoarthritis, it is typically the result of repetitive and prolonged usage.

Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, hips and knees. There are no blood tests to diagnose osteoarthritis, rather there are physical diagnostics and questions used to determine its presence. Treatment options for OA are somewhat limited as well. Diet plays a key role in reducing the symptoms of OA as excess weight can aggravate the condition. Certain foods are also known to trigger or relieve the associated symptoms.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term disease which causes inflammation of the joints and the surrounding connective tissue. Unlike OA, it is caused by the immune system attacking the body rather than general wear and tear. RA is a more serious auto-immune disease which affects every age group. It targets both sides of the body equally. The wrists, fingers, feet, knees, and ankles are the most commonly affected areas.

Like OA, there is no specific test which can positively indentify if an individual has rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment for RA is more complicated than the treatment for OA. The treatment is typically life-long and involves medications, physical therapy, exercise, education, and surgery if the condition worsens. Certain activities and exercises can help relieve some of the pain associated with the condition.

Conclusion

Both arthritic conditions can put a hamper on normal activities and lifestyles. There is no definite cure for arthritis but there are various preventatives. Maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle are some of the best ways to treat/prevent arthritis and other harmful health conditions.