One in two adults at risk of painful knee arthritis

According to the U.S. Arthritis Foundation, nearly one in two people will develop painful knee osteoarthritis over their lifetime, with the highest risk among those who are obese.{{more}} The study underscores the immediate need for awareness and may help people understand what they can do to reduce the tremendous pain and potential disability caused from arthritis.

Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, currently affects more than 27 million people in the U.S. and an estimated 67 million people in total will be affected by 2030. Osteoarthritis can affect all joints within the body but when it affects the knee it is more likely to cause a range of symptoms including pain, stiffness and limited joint function.

In a healthy joint, the cartilage within the joint serves as a cushion, permitting the bones to rotate, glide, and roll upon each other smoothly and easily during activities like walking. Over time, acute, small injuries can go unnoticed and, if ignored, can cause more damage which escalates the problem. More advanced forms of knee osteoarthritis are characterised by eroded cartilage, inflammation, joint space narrowing, painful bone spurs, knee deformity and the loss of mobility.

Research findings have indicated glucosamine and omega-3 can help reduce the affects of knee arthritis. The results of a recent study have proven that glucosamine treatment significantly slows or may even prevent total joint replacement for patients with knee osteoarthritis.©ˆ Omega-3 has also been shown to help keep joints and muscles flexible by slowing down cartilage degradation and reducing joint pain and inflammation.

Omega-3 is made up of the nutrients EPA and DHA which are not produced naturally by the body and therefore must be obtained through diet.

The richest levels of omega-3 can be found in oily fish such as salmon, sardines and herring. However, as many people do not like the taste or even the cooking of oily fish, taking a cod liver oil or fish oil supplement which is also naturally rich in omega-3 can be an excellent alternative.

Seven Seas offers the only range of JointCare products which contain glucomega®, a unique combination of glucosamine and omega-3, which helps to keep joints healthy and supple. Working in synergy, glucosamine helps rebuild new cartilage and connective tissue whilst omega-3 has been proven to reduce the amount of anti-inflammatory drugs taken by Arthritis patients by over 30%.©˜ This is a break through for people looking for an alternative natural approach to joint health.

So join us this year during Arthritis Awareness Week to help raise awareness of Arthritis and together we can stay active, what ever life may throw our way.

Try following these simple steps or pass them on to a friend to help keep joints in top condition;

* Maintain a healthy weight – Carrying too much weight increases the strain on load bearing joints.

* Take moderate exercise regularly – many people think exercise may damage their joints but moderate exercise can help to promote joint strength and stability and help stimulate the movement of fluid in joints.

* Always warm up your joints prior to exercise.

* Drink plenty of water each day to help keep your joints hydrated.

* Listen to your body – If you’re suffering from joint pain don’t ignore it, early treatment helps to avoid causing more damage to your joints.

* Take a supplement containing glucomega® such as those from the Seven Seas JointCare range, which contain both omega-3 and glucosamine to help keep your joints in top condition.