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The point where the ends of two or more bones meet is called a
joint. Most of your joints, like the knee joint, are movable joints.
Their structure enables us to bend, straighten, and twist our arms, legs, and
back. In a healthy joint, the bones are protected from physical wear and tear.
The joint absorbs shock from repetitive movements like walking.
Each
part of the joint plays an important role in providing flexibility, support,
stability, and protection, all of which are essential for normal and painless
movement.
 Cartilage. One of the keys to healthy joints,
cartilage forms a firm, slippery coating on the end of each bone.It
covers and cushions the bone, allowing the joint to move easily. Cartilage is
made up of mostly water, as well as:
- Collagen. This fibrous protein is the building block of skin,
tendons, bones, and other connective tissues. It forms a meshwork that gives
support and flexibility to your joints.
- Proteoglycans. In cartilage, strands of proteoglycans and collagen
are interwoven to form a meshwork that allows cartilage to flex and absorb
physical shock.
- Chondrocytes. These cells are found throughout cartilage, helping
cartilage grow and stay healthy. Chondrocytes make the collagen and
proteoglycans that form the basis of the cartilage tissue. Sometimes, they are
triggered to release enzymes that destroy collagen and other proteins.
- Synovium. This thin membrane surrounds the entire joint and is
lubricated with the synovial fluid. The synovium has an outer layer
called the joint capsule. This tough sac helps hold together the bones
and other parts of the joint
- Muscles. Muscles keep the bones stable and allow the joint to
bend and move. Strong muscles also provide support for the joint.
- Ligaments. These tough, cord-like tissues connect one bone to
another and help to keep the joint stable.
- Tendons. These tough, fibrous cords connect muscles to
bones.
Together, tendons and muscles power the joint and make movement possible.
If you have joint pain, stiffness, and/or swelling for more than two weeks,
you may have arthritis.
Make an appointment with your doctor.
see
more on American
Arthritis
Society
or American
Arthritis Foundation
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It only takes a small amount of an allergic food to trigger a dangerous
reaction. Food allergies can be severe and even life threatening if proper steps
are not taken to avoid the risk of accidental exposure. During the holiday
season, it's important to know what is in the food you're eating. The most common food allergies include:
- wheat
- eggs
- milk
- soy
- seafood
such as crab, shrimp, lobster, etc...
- fish or shellfish
- legumes (especially peanuts)
- tree nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, and walnuts
These common allergens are often used as ingredients in many recipes and
baked goods throughout the holidays.
Diagnosis of a food allergy
An allergist/immunologist
will determine whether a food allergy exists after taking a thorough history,
examination and utilization of appropriate tests. Your doctor may also order a blood
test to evaluate if allergies are present. If the
diagnosis is still not certain, a supervised food challenge may be needed to
settle whether you actually have a true food allergy. Steps to take for prevention
Reading food labels and avoiding the
allergic food and its related ingredients is extremely important. Learn the
different and unfamiliar technical names of ingredients. Homemade items do not
have ingredient lists and can be contaminated with trace amounts of allergenic
foods through contact with storage containers, baking sheets and utensils. If
you are not sure, always ask about possible hidden ingredients. Here are some
additional steps you can take for prevention:
- Inform the host about the food allergy and ask about the ingredients used to
prepare the meal selected.
- Homemade items do not have an ingredient list, so be sure to ask the
preparer about the ingredients.
- If you are a parent of a food allergic child, remember to pack a snack for
them, this will help ensure your child has something safe to eat during holiday
school activities.
- Avoid holiday party foods if you are allergic to their main ingredients,
such as eggs, milk, wheat and nuts.
- Remind family members and friends that strict avoidance is key when managing
food allergies and even one little bite can hurt.
see
more on American
Academy of Allergy and Asthma and Immunology
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