Worse for the wear
I'd venture to guess that about a third of my patients have arthritis to some degree. And unfortunately, it looks like that number may only get bigger.
The Centers for Disease Control recently completed a state-by-state survey that showed a rise in arthritis cases, and -- especially as the baby boomer generation ages -- they predict that the numbers will continue to grow.
The survey included more than 260,000 randomly chosen adults. About 27 percent of those adults said that they had been diagnosed with arthritis or a similar condition. Of those people, between 30 and 50 percent said that their arthritis limits the kind of activities they can do.
Remember: even if your arthritis hurts, exercise is one of the best ways to prevent it from getting worse. It's a proven fact that consistent physical activity can help alleviate the pain. In knee arthritis, for example, the best cushioning and protection for your knees are strong leg muscles.
For more information on treating arthritis and joint pain naturally, go back to the April issue of America's Country Doctor. If you're a subscriber, and you can't find your own copy, you can download it for free from my online archives.
Not such good luck after all
That cute little ladybug on your windowsill may not be a ladybug at all. And it could be contributing to your allergies.
The Asian ladybird beetle (Harmonia axyridis) seems to be an increasing source of allergens in the springtime, fall, and winter. These bugs were originally introduced to control garden pests, but eventually started making their way into peoples' homes. Now they're getting attention for causing symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and a rash.
These bugs are slightly larger than native ladybugs, but they look very similar. They emit a foul smelling chemical that can leave a stain, so avoid crushing them. And they also bite, so they're better left alone.
Instead of cumbersome, chemical pesticides that you have to spray or sprinkle around your home, consider a safer, more convenient box trap now available at www.clusterbuster.com. This device is chemical and toxin free, and works by luring the bugs inside the trap, and then incapacitating them with a special powder that makes their legs useless.
Personally I prefer not to kill them. As big a pest as they might be, when they're outdoors, they do help control other bugs and insects.
