October 16 is World Spine Day

World Spine Day is the largest annual public health initiative event to raise awareness about the global burden of spinal pain and disability. Spine problems often cause long-term health complications, decreased productivity and ability to work, and significant financial burdens.

 

The spine or backbone is not just bones. It is a complicated structure composed of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. The spinal bones are hollow; they enclose the spinal cord, nerves that pass from the brain to all parts of the body. The human spine is divided into sections named after the portion of the body they pass through: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccygeal.

 

Lower back pain is experienced by almost everyone at least once. It is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. Very little lower back pain is caused by serious health conditions such as cancer, fracture, infection or inflammatory arthritis. Rehabilitation for lower back pain would benefit most of the individuals who suffer from it.

 

The motto of World Spine Day 2025 is “Invest in Your Spine.” Individuals, healthcare providers, communities and policymakers can invest in spine health by learning about this important skeletal component, adjusting lifestyles and encouraging positive workplace ergonomics. 

 

Stopping smoking, using correct posture while sitting and standing, staying active, doing spine-specific exercises, and avoiding excess weight strain and long periods of inactivity will all increase spinal health.

 

Make spinal health a priority today. Invest in a healthier tomorrow.

 

TIP - Proper Storage of Treasured Photographs

Lots of us keep photos as mementos of special people or events in our lives. But photos that are improperly stored can curl, warp or stick together. This damage is irreversible.

 

How to avoid damage to photos? Proper storage.

 

Much of the damage to photographs comes from heat and/or moisture. This makes attics and basements particularly problematic places to store these sensitive items. Find a safe place such as in a closet or under a bed that is away from heat vents and space heaters.

 

Archival-safe boxes are great for storing snapshots. There are also special photo-storage sleeves that can delay the natural chemical degradation that causes yellowing of many older photographs.

 

And of course, digitizing is an excellent and relatively safe way to store your treasured pictorial memories.

 

 

October 12 is World Arthritis Day

 

 

Arthritis is not one single disease. It is a group of musculoskeletal conditions that damage joints. The word “arthritis” derives from two Greek words that mean “joint”  “inflammation.” The most frequent symptoms of arthritis are pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness around a joint. Arthritis typically increases with age.

 

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint and cushions movement breaks down. It is a degenerative disease, and is the fourth largest cause of disability world-wide.

 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune system disease. The body attacks the linings of its own joint capsules. Diseases such as lupus and psoriasis can cause arthritis in addition to affecting other organs and tissues. Septic arthritis is caused by an infection that impacts joints. Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis in which sharp uric acid crystals build up inside joints, especially the big toe.

 

Treatments for arthritis will depend on its cause. There is no cure for arthritis, so the goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms, especially pain, and thus to improve quality of life. Types of treatment include lifestyle changes (e.g., healthy weight, quitting smoking, staying active), physical therapy (e.g., specific exercises and stretching), and medications (e.g., corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs). Sometimes surgery is used to fuse or replace arthritic joints.

 

World Arthritis Day is held every October 12. The aims of World Arthritis Day are to:

• Raise public awareness of arthritis and other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

• Influence public policy makers to be aware of the health and economic burdens of arthritis and other joint diseases, and what can be done to ease this burden

• Offer support to persons with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and their caregivers

• Promote research related to arthritis and other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases

 

The theme of World Arthritis Day 2025 is “Power of Dreams.” This speaks to the hopes and vision of persons living with arthritis.

Bone and Joint Week, October 12-20

 

The Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health has declared this period of October to be Bone and Joint Week. It is sometimes known as Bone and Joint Health National Action Week. Musculoskeletal health is important, because over half of all US adults are affected by related health conditions.

 

This event is dedicated to raising awareness about the management and treatment of musculoskeletal health conditions like arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis and trauma, and to educating the public on ways to prevent them.

 

The musculoskeletal system has several types of tissues which work together to support, move and protect the body.

 

Bones are the rigid strictures that are the internal framework of the body. They store calcium and phosphorous. Joints are connection points between bones that allow for movement. Cartilage is the smooth, elastic tissue that cushions the joints and reduces friction between the bones.

 

Muscles are a special contractile type of tissue that applies force to the bones to enable movement. Contraction of muscles generates heat, which keeps the body warm.

 

Muscles are attached to bones by connective tissue bands called tendons. Bones are connected directly to other bones by ligaments.

 

The week includes several related awareness days. How can you celebrate Bone and Joint Week?

 

• Engage in healthy habits to promote bone and joint health. This includes a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular physical activity and exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.

 

• Learn about bone health, and how to avoid bone and joint health problems. Common sources of bone and joint problems include diseases (e.g., arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis), overuse and trauma.

 

• Encourage family and friends to pay attention to their musculoskeletal health.