It's hip to be arthritis-free

Manila, Philippines -  Joint problems, such as arthritis, are among the major causes of disability around the world.  In the Philippines alone, 2008 records from the Department of Health (DOH) estimate that 11 million Filipinos are suffering from osteoarthritis (based on a prevalence rate of 16 percent). And about 50 percent of 65-year-olds and older have symptoms of arthritis.

At some point, the market embraced a food supplement called glucosamine as an alternative remedy for joint pains.

Glucosamine and chondroitin, derived from shellfish and widely advocated as the most accepted remedy for joint pain relief, is not for everyone. In fact, a landmark study conducted by the US National Institutes of Health and published in the New England Journal of Medicine states that glucosamine and chondroitin may not be as effective as originally thought. Furthermore, a 2007 Gallup study found that more than half of all joint relief seekers who have used glucosamine quit taking it after just one year.

New research published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) on two supplements regularly prescribed to help patients with knee and hip problems suggests that glucosamine and chondroitin produce “no clinically-relevant effect” in terms of managing joint pains caused by knee and hip osteoarthritis.

The newly launched Arthrite is the first product to be classified and approved as a traditional medicine for permanent relief from joint pains. Arthrite’s 14 herbal components work synergistically to aid in pain management, reduce inflammation. and improve joint mobility. Asians and Europeans have relied on Arthrite’s unique herbs for thousands of years to soothe their sore joints.

As compared with glucosamine and chondroitin that are both advocated as having cartilage regeneration capabilities but were proven to be ineffective in pain management, Arthrite makes your joints feel younger by alleviating the pain, reducing inflammation and improving overall joint mobility. This makes Arthrite the ideal treatment in managing arthritis.

In terms of safety and potency, people with shellfish allergies cannot take glucosamine as a food supplement since it is often made from the shells of shrimp, crab, and lobster. Arthrite, however, does not contain any shellfish like most glucosamine and chondroitin products, and is free of all other “Super 8” allergens.

A minimum period of four to 12 weeks is recommended with a daily dosage of two soft gel capsules each day for Arthrite’s onset action to reach its peak level of providing relief.

For inquiries, call Arthrite consumer hotline at 369-9364, 551-3422 local 114/103 or send SMS at 09175384628, 09228569810. Check out www.rotexhealthcare.com or e-mail joyflores@rotexhealthcare.com.

For appointments, visit Ed Poblete, MD, FPCGM at St. Luke’s Medical Center (QC), Suite 136 Medical Arts Bldg, Tues./Thurs./Sat. from 10 a.m. to 12 noon or at New Manila Assisted Living & Home Care Center, 15 Catalina Building, 12th St., New Manila, QC, telephone number 298-6305.