Welcome to SMART MOVES JOURNALS

A place where you can follow inspirational journeys of people with
osteoarthritis and hear from experts who encourage them along.

"I'm a good swimmer, but I find doing laps pretty dull. That's why I'm trying out water aerobics."

Caitlin, 52

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"The great thing about strength training is, for the price of some
weights and a
good pair of
sneakers, you're
all set!"

Cheryl, 53

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"I'm committed to recharging my current exercise routine—starting with cross training."

Vicki, 58

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Today's Featured Journal

cheryl

Goal: Strength Training

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119
June 30, 2011

Week 20: Trip to Maine

Arthritis Smart Moves – Cheryl’s Trip to Maine

This coming weekend, my daughter Marielle and I will be traveling to Maine. Were looking forward to hiking—oh, and eating lots of chowder and lobster, too! The weather up there is about 10 degrees cooler than it is here in Pennsylvania, so well be packing our sweaters. And, of course, Ill be bringing my turtlenecks to wear under the sweaters to keep my neck protected from those cooler temps.

Im also planning to do my stretches and neck exercises¹ for the week that we are up there. Well be out and about most days, so the exercises will have to wait until the evening. But if I take them nice and slow, and stretch before and after, I dont think theyll rev me up so much that I wont be able to get to sleep.

I just want to keep up the momentum and not lose my neck and shoulder strength that Ive worked so hard to build up these past several weeks. In fact, as I tuck my small hand weights in between my favorite fleece, I cant help but smile at how far Ive come. Maybe I should look at this trip to Maine as a bit of a celebration: I found smart new ways to protect my neck and back and improve my posture. I participated in a 5-K again. I rediscovered yoga. Dare I dig up the Zumba®2 class schedule?!

1. Be sure to get your doctors okay before beginning any exercise routine. Activity may not be appropriate for all OA patients.
2. Zumba® is a registered trademark of Zumba Fitness Inc.

Dr Scott Zashin

Im not sure Zumba®1 is in your future, Cheryl. But over the course of these last several weeks youve found many ways to lessen your OA pain. And thats definitely something to celebrate. What Im really pleased to see is that you didnt let setbacks defeat you.

In reading your thoughts about the colder Maine weather, it sounds like youre one of the many patients with OA who feel their symptoms are sensitive to shifts in weather. So while youre packing, you may want to consider including things like a moist heat patch, or beanbag-like pillows that you heat up and hold close. And definitely make a point to continue your strengthening exercises; theyre one of the first things I recommend for patients with osteoarthritis of the neck.

Your turn:
Does your OA discomfort change with weather conditions?






See Results »
1341603 8/11

caitlin

Goal: Water Aerobics

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84
June 28, 2011

Week 20: Staying Strong

Arthritis Smart Moves – Caitlin’s Silver Lining

More silver-lining aspects to having and managing OA: Ive never before devoted so much time and attention to trying to lose weight, stay strong, and maintain as much flexibility and mobility as possible.

Ive learned—sobering statistic!—that every ext

More silver-lining aspects to having and managing OA: Ive never before devoted so much time and attention to trying to lose weight, stay strong, and maintain as much flexibility and mobility as possible.

Ive learned—sobering statistic!—that every extra pound I carry on my frame adds 3 pounds of stress to my joints. That alone is extremely motivating as I try to shave off excess weight.

I now have a much clearer idea what I need to be doing, have found a trainer to help me, have great physical therapists and several physicians who know whats going on with me. Whatever happens next, Ive managed to assemble a terrific team and thats half the battle. The rest is up to me.

1. Before undertaking any exercise program, be sure to talk to your doctor. Activity may not be appropriate for all OA patients.

Arthritis Smart Moves - Kristin Armstrong

Seeking the silver lining is important when youre managing OA. There are a lot of road bumps in life, and being diagnosed with OA is just one of them. I believe that the greatest gift humans were given is the gift of choice. We get to choose how we handle such news. Though sometimes it may seem easier to just curl up and feel sorry for ourselves, this is not the right answer. I find a lot of truth in the adage, when one door closes, another door opens.

When you seek the silver lining, you will become healthier and stronger, both mentally and physically. You never know what the next road bump may bring you. Doing all of the right things to keep your OA at bay will also keep your body healthier and stronger along the way. How you live your life is up to you!

Your turn:
Whats next for you? What are your hopes going forward with your OA?






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1341603 8/11
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Latest Post

vicki

Goal: Cross Training

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51
October 04, 2011

Week 20: Planning Ahead

Arthritis Smart Moves – Vicki’s Cross Training

Ive been continuing the routine outlined by the trainer, and I feel great! I absolutely recommend working with a trainer, especially if he or she understands your condition.¹ It can be hard to come up with new ways to motivate yourself and push your workout to the next level. But its a lot easier if someone tells you what to do. Two mornings a week, I go to the gym fairly early; the

Ive been continuing the routine outlined by the trainer, and I feel great! I absolutely recommend working with a trainer, especially if he or she understands your condition.¹ It can be hard to come up with new ways to motivate yourself and push your workout to the next level. But its a lot easier if someone tells you what to do. Two mornings a week, I go to the gym fairly early; then, two other days, I go in the late afternoon. I feel confident that by summer Ill be in great shape. Theres just too much going on in my life that its not good for me to feel sorry for myself or dwell on having OA. I have a new grandchild on the wayhe or she will be here soon, and I can help out and chase after my other grandchildren. I was also blessed with some good news concerning my husbandhes had quite an improvement in his condition and were both feeling more confident about the future. Feeling less anxious has improved my eating habits. (I was always a ""nervous"" eater.) Now when we finally get to travel to the Grand Canyon, Ill be ready for the long hike!

1. Be sure to get your doctors okay before beginning any exercise routine.

Dr Scott Zashin

Its great that youre feeling optimistic about your progress, Vicki. And that optimism will do wonders for you as you continue to reach for your goal. Be sure to send me a postcard from the Grand Canyon! Im just going to make a few more suggestions related to diet, because it may be one area people dont think too much about. Im a big believer in the idea that inflammation may aggravate OA and can be eased by eating some foods and avoiding others. I encourage my patients to try to eat more colorful whole fruits and vegetables and healthy fats, such as those found in salmon, mackerel, avocados, extra virgin olive oil, and raw nuts. Other healthful foods that may help with inflammation include grass-fed beef, which has more anti-inflammatory essential fats, and organic free-range chicken, which comes from animals fed a vegetable/grain-based diet. Spices such as ginger, turmeric, and garlic may also be anti-inflammatory. Heres to feeling better all the time!

Your turn:
How often do you think of your own long-term goals?






See Results »
1258500 6/11
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The information on this website should not take the place of talking with your health care professional about how to manage or treat your arthritis. If you have questions about your condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Individual results may vary.

Important Safety Information
  • Like all medications that contain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), VIMOVO may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This chance increases
    • With longer use of NSAID medicines
    • In people who have heart disease
  • NSAID-containing medications, such as VIMOVO, should never be used before or after a type of heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
  • As with all medications that contain NSAIDs, VIMOVO may increase the chance of stomach and intestinal problems, such as bleeding or an ulcer, which can occur without warning and may cause death
    • Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events

VIMOVO is not right for everyone, including patients who have had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reaction with aspirin or any other NSAID medicine, patients who are allergic to any of the ingredients in VIMOVO, or women in late stages of pregnancy.

Serious allergic reactions, including skin reactions, can occur without warning and can be life-threatening; discontinue use of VIMOVO at the first appearance of a skin rash, or if you develop sudden wheezing; swelling of the lips, tongue or throat; fainting; or problems swallowing.

VIMOVO should be used at the lowest dose and for the shortest amount of time as directed by your health care provider.

Tell your health care provider right away if you develop signs of active bleeding from any source.

VIMOVO can lead to onset of new hypertension or worsening of existing high blood pressure, either of which may contribute to an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Speak with your health care provider before starting VIMOVO if you

  • Have a history of ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines
  • Have heart problems, high blood pressure, or are taking high blood pressure medications
  • Have kidney or liver problems

Tell your health care provider about all of the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements before starting VIMOVO.

Talk to your health care provider about your risk for bone fractures if you take VIMOVO for a long period of time.

Talk to your health care provider about your risk for developing low levels of magnesium if you take VIMOVO for a long period of time.

The most common side effects of VIMOVO include: inflammation of the lining of the stomach, indigestion, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Approved Uses for VIMOVO

VIMOVO is approved to relieve the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis and to decrease the risk of stomach (gastric) ulcers in patients at risk of developing stomach ulcers from treatment with NSAIDs.

VIMOVO is not recommended as a starting treatment for relief of acute pain. Controlled studies do not extend beyond
6 months.

For further information on VIMOVO, please see the full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warnings.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.