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Doctor’s Senior Exercise & Health Newsletter

November 1, 2003

Issue Vol. 3 No. 11

In This Newsletter
Introduction
Healthfully yours
Health Hints

Introduction***

The Doctor’s Senior Exercise & Health Newsletter is written monthly, solely for information to help seniors, baby boomers and anyone who may have an interest in staying healthy, living a vigorous, active lifestyle and combating the aging process. It does not constitute the practice of medicine and is not meant to prescribe treatments. It is offered strictly as an educational aid. Any medical problems you may have, we recommend that you seek the help of your physician or other healthcare professional. Discussing your intentions with your doctor is always the proper procedure. The newsletter also includes know-how in the form of useful tips and links to more extensive material on the Internet. You may wish to share this newsletter by sending a copy to a friend, neighbor or relative and suggesting they subscribe to it.

Website: http://www.doctorsexercise.com

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Healthfully Yours***

Restless Leg Syndrome.

This is a condition that usually affects people who are 40 years of age or older. The condition itself is not usually painful, but is reported as having unusual sensations in the legs. The patient can report burning, crawling or itching sensations. It is these sensations that cause the individual to constantly move their legs, hence the “Restless Leg Syndrome”, (RLS) name given to it. Statistics have shown that 3 to 15 percent of the population can be affected with this syndrome. At times these sensations can also occur in the arms and the trunk of the body.

Anyone that is prone to this type of symptom should see his or her healthcare provider for a complete examination so as to rule out any other condition that may be the causative factor. These types of symptoms can be found in people with diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, circulatory problems that impair the flow of blood in the legs, pregnant women, chronic renal failure and those undergoing dialysis. Nerve damage, particularly to the nerve endings can be another cause of RLS.

The occurrence of the symptoms usually affects the individual at night when in bed, and even when sitting or lying down. It is during this period of inactivity that the individual will be unable to remain quietly without the necessity of having to get up and move around. The symptoms are generally worse at night, and will prevent the individual from getting a restful night’s sleep. When they do fall asleep, the sensations will constantly awake them. The individual will be tired all the time and will constantly complain of being fatigued. They feel as though they are in a zombie like state, and they just feel drained.

Emotions and stress can worsen the symptoms. Certain foods can also be a factor in worsening the symptoms, especially those that are high in caffeine. This is not a contagious condition, however, it may have a tendency to run in families. Should someone in the family be diagnosed with RLS, and another member of the family starts to show signs of the above symptoms, they should advise their healthcare provider of these facts. The long term affects of RLS, although not life threatening, can impact the individuals quality of life. The resultant lack of sleep can lead to a chronic condition called “Insomnia”.

Insomnia can also be a precursor to other problems, such as irritability, stress, emotional disturbances, fatigue and the inability to cope with life in general. Being fatigued all the time can also lead to accidents, such as falls and driving miss-haps, leading to accidents and possibly road rage. In some individuals the levels of iron in the blood may be lower than normal, even if they are not anemic. Treating RLS can prove to be quite complicated. Your healthcare provider will do the necessary blood tests and be able to make his or her recommendations.

There are steps the individual should be aware off to help themselves. Read more about them in the health hints below.

Health Hints***

Treatment for RLS needs to be discussed with your healthcare provider. If He or She have found any underlying conditions that are causing these symptoms, then of course that has to be addressed. The individual with RLS has to be aware that there are no magic cures. By following certain procedures for changing their lifestyle, they can of course improve the quality of life, and alleviate the symptoms to a great degree. Start with the following:

  1. Eating habits are very important and the individual has to incorporate a well-balanced diet.
  2. Supplementation with iron may help, even if blood tests show that the individual is not anemic. 60 mg of iron (best taken on an empty stomach), with at least 100 mg of vitamin C to aid in absorption. If the symptoms show no sign of abatement, stop taking the iron supplementation. Folic acid 800 mcg should be taken on a regular basis.
  3. RLS usually results in insomnia; therefore the individual needs to improve their sleeping habits. You can read more on this subject by going into my website at: www.doctorsexercise.com and clicking on Newsletter. At the index click on Vol. 1-2001, November 1.
  4. Stress needs to be reduced as much as possible. Review your day’s routine and hone in on what your stressful situations are. These need to be addressed. You can also read more on dealing with stress at my website. Click on Newsletter. At the index click on Vol. 1-2001, December 1.
  5. Relaxation techniques are very important and can reduce the symptoms of RLS, and be help in getting a better night’s sleep. Adding a tryptophan supplement before bedtime may also be of value.
  6. Exercise, especially for the “Couch Potato”, is a must. The individual needs to be dedicated to a daily exercise program. This can be the single most important part of your efforts to alleviate and control the symptoms of RLS.

Following a regular regime as outlined above can improve the quality of life of those afflicted with RLS. However, should any new symptoms occur, they should of course be reported to your healthcare provider. That is to be certain that any underlying conditions may have worsened and needs to be taken care of. Do not wait for them to impact your health any further.

Doc Cane

Copyright, Disclaimer, and Trademark information Copyrightă 1997-2003 Emanuel M. Cane. All rights reserved. Except stated below, this material or parts thereof may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed by any means whatsoever without explicit, written permission from the author.

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