Stop Osteoarthritis Now: Halting the Baby Boomers' Disease [Paperback]

Harris H. Mcilwain (Author), Debra Fulgham Bruce (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1996

What exactly is this debilitating disease? It is an inflammation in or around the joints caused by wear and tear on the cartilage and bone, resulting in pain, swelling, or stiffness in the back, knees, hips, hands, or other joints. The good news is that osteoarthritis can be successfully treated and may even be delayed or prevented. In Stop Osteoarthritis Now! Dr. Harris H. McIlwain provides the reader with a five-step basic treatment plan for self-help involving moist heat, exercise, weight control, medication, and joint protection; a three-step prevention program; a guide to nonstandard treatments, such as vitamin supplements, creams, spas, meditation, acupuncture, and more; and stress-reduction tools that can help end osteoarthritis pain, including relaxation techniques, visualization, and sleep and diet advice.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Rheumatologist, gerontologist, and arthritis expert McIlwain and health and relationship issues writer Bruce have joined forces to produce a book that describes a five-step method for controlling and preventing osteoarthritis. Written in clear, conversational language suitable for the general reader, their book provides useful information on pain relief, exercise, weight control, joint protection, and stress relief. Also included is a chapter that describes the different types of arthritis and the factors predisposing one to osteoarthritis. The patient profiles at the end are designed to create incentives for readers to continue the treatment program. This book will be useful to readers who suffer from or are predisposed to osteoarthritis and is strongly recommended for consumer health collections in public and health sciences libraries.?Stacey Burright, Wright State Univ., Dayton, Ohio
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Osteoarthritis is a painful form of arthritis affecting the joints. Rheumatologist McIlwain and health journalist Bruce's guide aims to teach its sufferers how to manage, control, and alleviate joint pain and stiffness. After discussing risk factors and symptoms, McIlwain and Bruce explain the importance of early and proper diagnosis and present a five-step treatment plan based on moist heat, stress reduction, medication, weight control, and exercise. They also address such nonstandard pain relievers as topical creams and acupuncture. Their sensible treatment plan offers plenty of workable ideas for tackling a painful, debilitating condition. Sue-Ellen Beauregard

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone; Original edition (October 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684814390
• ISBN-13: 978-0684814391
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,276,519 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book gives natural remedy to STOP OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN, April 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Stop Osteoarthritis Now: Halting the Baby Boomers' Disease (Paperback)

Natural remedy greatly reduces pain associated with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Books give insight into a natural remedy for arthritis pain--and it's free! Jacksonville, Florida, September 10, 1997: Baby boomers may think they can have it all. But as they age, they might get more than they bargained for, specifically, two debilitating forms of arthritis called osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. While many have turned to nutritional supplements for the "cure," these are not approved by the FDA and are not substantiated by clinical trials. "There is a natural remedy that many are unaware of," reported Harris H. McIlwain, MD, a Florida-based board certified rheumatologist and gerontologist and coauthor of Stop Osteoarthritis Now! Halting the Baby Boomer's Disease (Simon & Schuster Publishing) and The Fibromyalgia Handbook (Henry Holt and Company). The treatment? A combination of conditioning and strength-training moves that almost anyone can do. "Exercise is the easiest and most guaranteed way to ease pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia--the two most common forms of arthritis," McIlwain said. With increased years, the chances of getting osteoarthritis increases, as the body becomes less efficient at repairing itself. After age 50, 80 percent of America's population is affected to some degree with osteoarthritis, showing signs of pain and stiffness. Likewise, more than 10 million Americans have fibromyalgia, mostly women ages 40 to 55, which causes deep muscle pain, depression and fatigue. "Imagine what 50 years of use and 200 pounds of weight can do to your muscles and joints," McIlwain said. "But this exercise program will help to maintain a normal weight and keep aging muscles strong and joints lubricated. For fibromyalgia patients, exercise will reduce deep muscle pain, ease depression and promote healing sleep." McIlwain believes in this treatment so strongly that he developed a step-by-step treatment and prevention plan for his patients. The activity-based program he promotes helps to stop these forms of arthritis and gives patients a higher quality of life. "I even see elderly patients who, by staying on this exercise and strength-training program, are able to feel great improvement with reduced pain in just a few weeks," McIlwain contended. "Many have delayed or prevented worsening of arthritis with this plan." Helping the body heal itself with exercise is fully described in McIlwain's latest books, Stop Osteoarthritis Now! Halting the Baby Boomer's Disease and The Fibromyalgia Handbook, as well as in his Winning Series--Winning with Back Pain, Winning with Arthritis, and Winning with Osteoporosis (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.). Winning with Back Pain and Winning with Arthritis. All are now available at major booksellers.