Aesculap Seminar

Our two-day seminar with Aesculap was a success.  Doctors from all around Latin America and Germany joined us for a training on a navigation system known as the Ortho Pilot, which assists in orthopedic surgeries.  Dr. Marquez, who is an international instructor for Aesculap, not only uses the Ortho Pilot during his surgeries, but teaches others to do the same.  This modern technology being used in the operating room has changed surgeries dramatically.  It is less invasive than other methods which in effect allows for less pain and faster recovery.

Picture of an Ortho Pilot.

                                                         

The training opened up with a live surgery performed by Dr. Marquez that was streamed from the operating room at Cornerstone Regional Hospital and into our auditorium for the doctors to see.  The nine surgeons listened in on presentations given by our very own Dr. Marquez, Dr. Parra (our anesthesiologist), Robert Huerta, P.T., and representatives from Aesculap Germany.  They also participated in some hands-on training using prosthetic legs to re-enact an actual total knee surgery using the Ortho Pilot.

Dr. Parra lecturing on anesthesia.

Surgeons watching Dr. Marquez perform a total knee surgery.

Surgeons practice with the Ortho Pilot using prosthetics.

After a wonderful meal served by Chef Marcel at Bistro M in McAllen on Monday night, the surgeons were ready for Day 2 of the Aesculap training.  Dr. Marquez presented different techniques and tips and surgeons asked final questions.  Vladimir Alcántara Cejudo, an engineer from Aesculap said, "It is wonderful to have teachers like Dr. Marquez who love what they do and want to share that knowledge with others."  At the end of the course, the surgeons were presented with a certificate of completion of the Aesculap seminar.

Group picture at Bistro M on Monday night.

Doctors receive certificate of completion of the Aesculap course.

After two grueling days of training, it was time for the surgeons to head back to their respective countries to spread their new knowledge with their patients and colleagues.  Some returned to Europe, others to Guadalajara, Leon, and other parts of the world, but Dr. Marquez reminded them that they will always have a home in Edinburg, Texas. 

Marquez Orthopedics

www.drraulmarquez.com

(956)668-0060

2402 Cornerstone Blvd.

Edinburg, Texas 78539

Triathalon Blog

Check out this fun triathalon blog written by Jennifer Marquez (Dr. Marquez' daughter) and fiance Jason Lentzke.  The two share their triathalon experiences with vivid details, pictures and videos.  It is very interesting to see how the couple feeds off of each other's energy giving them physical and mental motivation. Check it out!

http://www.lovelifetriathlon.blogspot.com/

Weather: Joint Pain's ugly brother

If you haven't experienced it first hand, I'm almost positive you've at least heard someone foretell tomorrow's weather or complain of joint pain when there is a change in weather. True, or not?

Some think that this a ludicrous theory while others swear that they have a sixth sense known as "meteorology."  However, this theory happens to be scientifically proven.  Joint pain, as well as other chronic health conditions like asthma, can be affected by weather conditions including: barometric pressure, absolute humidity, chance of precipitation, temperature, and wind.

Precipitation includes any form of water reaching the ground: rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc...It is considered a factor in joint pain because rainy weather is accompanied by a change in barometric pressure and humidity.

Humidity is the amount of water vapor found in the air.  An increase in humidity, especially sudden changes in humidity, can bring about aches and pains.  

Temperature change is probably the most common weather condition associated with achey bones and joints.  A rapid change in the weather can bring about pain mostly because there is a direct correlation between temperature and barometric pressure. 

The Weather Channel has a special section under "forecasts" that provides the ACHES & PAINS scale for the day based on all the weather conditions we are discussing: Precipitation, humidity, barometric pressure, temperature and wind.  It uses a scale from one to 10 (one being no pain and 10 being extreme pain) to indicate what the weather conditions have in store for people with arthritis or any kind of joint pain.  So, next time someone tells you their knees can feel the rain coming, you may want to take their word for it.  

Marquez Orthopedics
www.drraulmarquez.com
(956) 668-0060
2402 Cornerstone Blvd.
Edinburg, Texas 78539

Newsletter for November

November Newsletter

Moving when it hurts can help me?

Keep it Movin'
When your knee aches from osteoarthiritis, the last thing you feel like doing, is moving.  You may think that by remaining motionless, you are doing your knee right....right? Wrong!  Inactivity actually leads to more pain.

Even when you are in a lot of pain from osteoarthritis, your joints do better when you keep them moving.  Physical therapy is the best defense against osteoarthritis. You can't cure osteoarthiritis  with exercise and physical therapy, but you can increase your strength and range of motion, which, in effect, will lessen your pain.

Why Does it Hurt Less When I Move More?
As you begin to move around, the amount of synovial fluid in your joints begins to increase.  This fluid transports nutrients to the joint while providing lubrication.  Think of synovial fluid as WD-40.  It helps the joints to move easier and more fluidly. Have you ever noticed, standing up, after sitting down for a long period of time, hurts your joints?  That's because there is less synovial fluid running through your joints.

Losing excess weight will help your joint to feel even better.  Every pound lost is three to four pounds of pressure taken off of the joints.  If you lost 10 pounds, you would take 30-40 pounds of pressure off of your knees.  That's a HUGE difference!

Exercises You Can Start On Your Own
A physical therapist can customize a workout specifically for you, but there are also some exercises you can do on your own.  Weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing exercises are excellent for people with joint pain.

See below for a list of exercises that can help reduce osteoarthiritis pain:

• Go for regular walks. Walking is one of the best activities for someone with knee pain, Ciccone says. Walking gets synovial fluid flowing, and increases strength and endurance.
• Try swimming or water aerobics. Working out in the water is an excellent choice because you can exercise joints without putting stress on them, explains Ciccone.
• Get on a bike. Cycling is also a great low-impact activity that helps improve strength and endurance without putting too much pressure on your knees.
• Practice yoga or tai chi. Both of these gentle activities build strength and promote flexible joints. Just be careful not to force yourself into positions that put undue strain on your joints.
• Gain strength with simple squats. Squats are a gold-standard exercise, Ciccone notes. Start by standing in front of a hard-back chair with your feet hip-width apart and toes pointing forward. Sink down into the chair by pushing your butt back and keeping your knees over your feet; then stand up. Once you feel comfortable with the movement, do it without the chair. Start with three sets of 10 repetitions and work up to 12 and then 15 repetitions.
• Use the leg press machine at a gym. If you’re a member of a gym, Ciccone recommends using a leg press machine. Start with a weight that’s less than your body weight and use one leg at a time so that you don’t allow one leg to press more weight than the other.
• March in place. Picking up one knee, then lowering it and raising the other knee helps increase strength, balance, and range of motion, Ciccone says. Count 10 steps on each foot per set for three sets.
• Practice a balancing exercise. Hold onto a counter with one hand as you stand on one leg. Once you feel comfortable with the movement, move slightly away from the counter and hold on by your fingertips. Eventually balance without holding onto anything. Balance for 30 seconds on each leg; work up to one to two minutes, Ciccone recommends.

• Stretch. Place your palms against a wall and placing one foot slightly behind you, then lean forward to stretch your calf muscle. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds, then repeat on the other side. To stretch your hamstrings, sit on the edge of a chair. Straighten one leg while keeping your heel on       the floor and move your chest forward until you feel a stretch. Hold it for 20 seconds then repeat with the    other leg.

Everyone is different, so pick the exercise that is best for you...and the one you enjoy more, of course!  Incorporating activity into your daily routine is important for EVERYBODY, not just those with osteoarthiritis.  If you can prevent it, even better!

Marquez Orthopedics
www.drraulmarquez.com
(956) 668-0060
2402 Cornerstone Blvd.
Edinburg, Texas 78539

Obesity's Effect on Bones and Joints

Obesity, as we are all aware, is on the rise in the United States.  Oversized portions at restaurants, cheap junk food, and the lack of inactivity are some of the factors creating the obesity problem.  The effects result in life-shortening conditions including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, sleep apnea, and cancer.  Excessive weight can even affect your bones and joints.

Obesity accelerates the wear and tear on the joints and spine.  In particular, osteoarthiritis of the knee is increased.  Osteoarthiritis refers to a type of arthritis caused by wear and tear.  People who are obese have difficulty squatting, running, jumping, even walking.  The reason obese people struggle with these things is because of the amount of force being put on the patella (kneecap) is about three times your body weight.  That means a person weighing 200 pounds is putting up to 600 pounds of pressure on their knees just from walking!  When other more intense activity is taken on, such as climbing stairs, running, jumping, the force can reach 6-10 times the person's weight.  So that same 200 pound person could be exerting 1200-2000 pounds of force during activity!

When it comes to knee and hip replacements, obese people's replacements wear faster, necessitating additional revisions.  While research shows that obese people experience high, short term, satisfaction with their replacements, they do have more complications in the perioperative period, including anesthetic difficulties, blood clots, infections, and medical problems.

Overall, obesity is extremely damaging to the musculoskeletal system.  It is important to try and maintain a healthy weight throughout your entire life so that you can enjoy an active lifestyle.

Marquez Orthopedics
www.drraulmarquez.com
(956) 668-0060
2402 Cornerstone Blvd.
Edinburg, Texas 78539

Success for our first "Live Surgery Apprenticeship!"

    It has been such a pleasure to host the 11th grade students of Mr. Laney's Health Science II-Rehab class at Marquez Orthopedics.  This morning, the students of Med High participated in Marquez Orthopedics first-ever "Live Surgery Apprenticeship." 

    The event allowed the students to view a live surgery, via satellite, from our very own auditorium.  The total knee replacement surgery was performed by Dr. Marquez at Cornerstone Regional hospital, located right next door to our orthopedic facility.  Being that the students were in a class that focuses primarily on rehabilitation, our physical therapist, Robert Huerta, was our presenter.  He opened the event with a presentation that explains how the Ortho Pilot, a computer-assited joint replacement machine, works.  Dr. Marquez is one of few orthopedic surgeons to operate with the Ortho Pilot.  In fact, he utilizes the auditorium in our facility to train other surgeons on how to operate the Ortho Pilot.

    As soon as Robert wrapped up his presentation, we called in to the Operating Room via satellite.  From here, we were able to see the entire operating room and everyone in it.  We had the capability of viewing the surgery from several different angles and could also hear the surgery technicians explaining each step of the process.  The students kept their composure (for the most part) even though the surgery was a bit graphic at times.  

    After the surgery was over, Dr. Marquez walked over to the facility to join the students and talked to them about the importance of loving what you do.  He told the students, "I'm like a little kid on Christmas morning on the days I have surgery!" 

    Overall, it was a great learning opportunity for the students and we are looking forward to hosting another event.  I want to thank South Texas ISD for allowing their students to join us.  We all at Marquez Orthopedics enjoy sharing what we do with others.  After all, it is important that you love what you do :) 

  

Live Surgery Apprenticeship for Med High Students

    All of us at Marquez Orthopedics are extremely excited to host students from Med High at our facility on Wednesday for our first Live Surgery Apprenticeship.  Please see the press release below for more details.

                                                                                                                    FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:                                                                                            

Amanda Odom, Public Relations & Marketing Coordinator: STISD                                                                                             

(956) 514-4255 or amanda.odom@stisd.net           

Jena Cuellar, Marketing Director: Marquez Orthopedics                                                                

(956) 607-3363 or jcuellar@drraulmarquez.com

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON HOSTING LIVE SURGERY VIA SATELLITE 

FOR MED HIGH STUDENTS

EDINBURG, Texas — On Oct. 19, Dr. Raul Marquez, orthopedic surgeon in the Rio Grande Valley, will perform a live surgery which students from South Texas Independent School District’s South Texas High School for Health Professions (Med High) in Mercedes will have the opportunity to view via satellite. 

Dr. Marquez will perform a total knee replacement at 10:00 a.m. at Cornerstone Regional Hospital in Edinburg while students observe from a theater room located inside Dr. Marquez’ Orthopedic Surgery Center.  The facility is a mere 150 feet from the hospital.  Dr. Marquez will have the ability to communicate with the students during the operation via wireless microphone.  Following the surgery, Dr. Marquez will join the students to answer questions. 

Dr. Marquez believes that enriching young minds with opportunities such as this will motivate them to continue their education.  He says, “Exposure to a live surgery will pique students’ interest into a career in the medical field and it is our duty as professionals to provide these opportunities when possible.”

The students observing the surgery are juniors in a Health Science II – Rehab course at Med High. In this class, students will study how to work with patients in a rehab setting, like those who have had knee replacements, with a focus on physical and occupational therapy.

Med High is one of four high schools within the Exemplary, all-magnet South Texas Independent School District. Open to students from Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties, the campus provides students with the opportunity to jump start their professional careers in the medical industry while in high school. For more information, call 1-800-21STUDY or visit www.stisd.net.

Dr. Marquez has been serving the community of the Rio Grande Valley for more than 18 years.  His chief clinical interests are in sports medicine and orthopedics.  Dr. Marquez also serves as an international instructor for the use of computer aided technology in the USA, Germany, and Latin America.

           

# # #

Thank you Steve Jobs

   This morning, I turned on my t.v. to Good Morning America to find that Apple visionary Steve Jobs had died.  As quotes, speeches, and memories about Jobs were reminisced upon, it got me to thinking, "Have Apple products changed the way things are done in the medical field"? And the answer to that is, ABSOLUTELY.  

   When I first started working for doctors, I only associated iPads with reading, music, and playing games like the ever-popular Words With Friends and Angry Birds.  Little did I know, the iPad was being used for much more serious things rather than just a tool for passing the time.  Many doctors, including Dr. Marquez, have several ipads at their nurse's stations to read x-rays, take notes, communicate with their colleagues, and get in touch with their patients STAT.  The iPad has changed the swiftness in which doctors and their staff care for their patients. 

   In the past, if a doctor was in surgery and had patients getting x-rays at his practice, he could not read those x-rays until out of surgery...and we all know how crucial time is when you have a broken bone.  Now, with the iPad on staff, x-rays can be read clearly and quickly.  The medical staff just sends the image over to the doctor, he reads it, and emails his staff with the prognosis.

   Note-taking is another benefit of the ipad.  It seems (in our practice at least) that paper has become a material of the past.  With electronic charts and e-filing, the necessity for paper products has become minimal. Consider the iPad the new, and improved, version of the sticky note...except we don't crumble up the iPad when we're done with it.

   Schedules are constantly changing at doctor's offices.  Cancel. Re-schedule. Cancel. Cancel. Re-schedule.  The amendments are never-ending.  The iPad has assisted our medical staff in staying on top of the schedule which in turn provides our patients with better service.  And who doesn't like that?

   Apple products, as a whole, have improved the workflow in a variety of environments and industries.  They have made us more efficient and more effective.  Without Jobs' futuristic mindset, technology, as we know it, may be lagging at least 10 years.  He brought his creations to life by trusting that it was possible.  He had it right when he said, "You have to trust in something -- your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.  This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life." (Stanford University commencement address- 2005). 

Thank you Steve Jobs for making all of our jobs a little more manageable. 

Tips for Healthy Work

While you may think that office work is "safe," typing and using a mouse can be damaging to the muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels.  The physical demands of computer work can lead to pain and work-related musculoskeletal problems (MSDs) like tendonitis, nerve compression and back pain.  Not enough recovery and workplace stress can heighten these effects.  Computer work causes harm when you make repeated and/or forceful motions of the fingers, when you hold your arms, hands or neck in uncomfortable positions, and when you don't get enough rest throughout the workday.

Why Computer Work Causes MSDs

• Your body needs to move and relax at work

Although your body is not moving while you are working at a computer, your muscles and tendons are vigorously at work.  You will not have sufficient blood flow if your muscles cannot frequently relax.  Toxins will build up in your muscles and tendons and limiting your large muscles (back, legs, and arms) to movement will limit blood flow.  This causes discomfort, soreness, and pain.  It can lead to tissue damage and inflammation.

• Your body is strongest and healthiest when your joints are in relaxed, neutral postures

Working with the joints in non-neutral or bent positions puts pressure on nerves and tendons and limits blood flow.  Neutral postures place the least amount of stress and strain on your musculoskeletal system.  Using a mouse, typing on a keyboard, and other "simple" desk tasks, make you reach out, bend your wrist, and tilt your head in unnatural positions.

• Repetitive forceful movements of small muscles are a strain

You may think that your fingers and forearms are strong, but really, they weren't made to be tapping at a keyboard repetitively.  Those repetitive motions can lead to discomfort and pain in your shoulders, elbows, forearms, wrists, and fingers.

• Pressure can cause tendon, nerve, and blood vessel damage

Leaning on desks, wrist rests, or unpadded armrests can compress tendons, nerves, and blood vessels.  Chair pressure on the legs does the same.  This also leads to musculoskeletal damage.

How to Reduce Fatigue, Discomfort, & Pain While at the Computer

• Work in neutral postures

Neutral means, neck is straight, not bent back, forward, or to the side

1. place monitor and keyboard right in front of you
2. make sure the screen is at the right level for you

Shoulders are relaxed, not hiked up, and not winged out when using armrests

1. don't use armrests that are too high or too low
2. don't work with the keyboard on the desk as this is usually too high...try using a keyboard in which the height is adjustable 

Lower and middle back are firmly supported by the chair

***Make sure you are taking plenty of breaks throughout the workday.  After 25 minutes of sitting, leave your workspace and do something else for 5 minutes.  

Discomfort, stiffness, soreness, numbness, and tingling are signs of musculoskeletal stress and strain.  You should see your physician if the symptoms last for more than a few days or feel free to contact us with questions you may have regarding your pain.

Dr. Raul Marquez Orthopedic Surgery Center
Phone: 956-668-0060

Address: 2402 Cornerstone Blvd. Edinburg, Texas 78539 

5 Foods That Can Trigger a Stroke

5 Foods That Can Trigger a Stroke

Myth: Once you have osteoporosis, there's nothing you can do about it

Many people think that once you have osteoporosis there is nothing you can do about it.  That is a HUGE misconception.  Osteoporosis can be treated by physicians from several areas of specialization, including: general practitioners, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, and of course, orthopedic surgeons.

There are a variety of drugs that can help to slow the progressive thinning of the bone as well as bone forming drugs which help to rebuild the skeleton.

Weight-bearing exercises have been proven to help maintain and build up bone mass.  These weight-bearing exercises help, also, to build up stronger muscles, better balance, and agility, which can help to prevent a fall.

Rehabilitation following a fracture can also be helpful to assist in the strengthening of the muscles surrounding the fractured bone(s).

Depending on how advanced the osteoporosis is, surgery is another option.  Total hip and knee replacements are very common in the United States- over 581,000 knee replacements are done each year.  If you are interested in learning more about these types of surgeries, visit our website for an interactive lesson at http://www.drraulmarquez.com/patientInfo.php

As you can see, there are many options to consider if you suffer from osteoporosis.  There are many ways to prevent, ease, or correct your condition.  For more information, visit our website at drraulmarquez.com  or feel free to schedule an appointment with us today.

Dr. Raul Marquez Orthopedic Surgery Center
Phone: 956-668-0060
Address: 2402 Cornerstone Blvd. Edinburg, Texas 78539

Top 14 Calcium-Rich foods

Food: Calcium-fortified cereal (brand: Total)
Amount: 3⁄4 cup
Calcium (mg): 1,000

Food: Yogurt, low-fat, plain
Amount: 8 oz
Calcium (mg): 415

Food: Calcium-fortified orange juice
Amount: 1 cup
Calcium (mg): 350

Food: Sardines
Amount: 3 oz
Calcium (mg): 325

Food: Spinach, cooked
Amount: 1 cup
Calcium (mg): 291

Food: Milk, low-fat
Amount: 1 cup
Calcium (mg): 290

Food: Soy milk, fortified
Amount: 1 cup
Calcium (mg): 300

Food: Cottage cheese, low-fat
Amount: 1 cup
Calcium (mg): 206

Food: Chedder cheese, reduced-fat
Amount: 1 oz
Calcium (mg): 200

Food: Salmon, canned, with bones
Amount: 3 oz
Calcium (mg): 181

Food: Tofu, processed with calcium
Amount: 1⁄4 block
Calcium (mg): 163

Food: Almonds
Amount: 1⁄3 cup
Calcium (mg): 110

Food: Beans, cooked
Amount: 1⁄2 cup
Calcium (mg): 25–65

Food: Broccoli, cooked
Amount: 1 cup
Calcium (mg): 61


Read more: http://www.tipsonhealthyliving.com/diet-and-fitness/14-calcium-rich-foods-you-need-to-eat-right-now#ixzz1Y226PcQU

New Study on Osteoperosis

Story provided by:  http://www.righthealth.com/topic/Facts_About_Bones?p=l&as=goog&ac=519&kgl=7762789

Boning Up On Bone Health
Children who spend twenty-five minutes running around in play, or an extra thirty-five minutes walking per day, could ensure the prevention of osteoporosis development later in life, reports a new study from the University of Wales in Bangor. The current research will be presented at the International Symposium of Paediatric Work Physiology in Belgium in September.

Although this is the first research to directly link bone density to the number of steps taken per dayit is already well known that exercise is a major factor in the prevention of osteoporosis, the common bone-thinning disease. In fact, there are exercises that have been identified as particularly effective in building bone strength, and not just in children.

The keys to good bone health

Weight-bearing exercises are great for building bone strength. The weight of the body is transmitted through the bones, working against gravity, and your bones respond to this force by growing stronger. Walking, jogging, dancing, hiking, stair climbing, and aerobic exercises are all weight bearing exercises. In a good bone strength regimen, these exercises should be performed three to five times per week, and the goal is to work up to forty-five minutes or more per session. Bike riding and swimming, although good exercises, are not weight bearing.

Keep in mind, however, that if you have osteoporosis, you should be careful about performing high impact activities such as jogging or high-impact aerobics. These exercises cause too much jarring of the spine and can increase the risk of vertebral fractures.

Resistance exercises are also part of a good osteoporosis prevention program, and should be performed two to three times per week. They strengthen the muscles and stimulate the bones to grow stronger. Exercising with weights or resistance bands are examples of this type of exercise. If you have osteoporosis, make sure to review your strength-training program in advance with your physician or physical therapist.

Read more: http://www.righthealth.com/topic/Facts_About_Bones#ixzz1XkMzQSen

FYI: Anemia

Iron Deficiency And Anaemia Risk For Children In Low Income Countries Can Be Reduced With The Addition Of Micronutrient Powders To Their Food

Editor's Choice
Academic Journal
Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 07 Sep 2011 - 10:00 PDT

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A new Cochrane Systematic Review concludes that the risk of anaemia and iron deficiency among infants and children between the ages of six months and 2 years, can be reduced by adding a powder to their food that contains numerous vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc and vitamin A. 

Over two billion individuals worldwide are affected by vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially in iron, zinc and vitamin A. Because infants and young children grow so fast, they usually have diets low in these nutrients making them highly vulnerable. Micronutrient powders are single-dose sachets that contain, in powder form, several vitamins and minerals that can be sprinkled on top of any semi-solid food immediately prior to eating, whether their child is at home or any other place. Therefore, this intervention is known as home or point of use fortification. 

Led by Luz Maria De-Regil, a group of investigators set out to determine whether the health of young children improved by using micronutrient powders. They discovered eight appropriate studies that combined consisted of 3,748 children living in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, where anemia is a public health problem. The powder formulations used in the investigations, which lasted between two and 12 months, included between 5 and 15 nutrients. 

In comparison with no intervention or placebo, the risk of having anaemia was, in general, reduced by 31% by home fortification with the micronutrient powders, and Iron deficiency was reduced by 51%. However, they discovered that there was insignificant or no evidence that this intervention has an effect on growth, survival or overall developmental outcomes. De-Regil, who is an Epidemiologist at the Department of Nutrition for Health and Development of the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, explains: "We still need to know more about possible positive and adverse side effects as only a few trials reported on this." 

In addition they discovered that these miconutrient powders also had a very similar effect to daily iron supplements. However, the researchers report: 

"We need to treat this result with caution, however, because there was much less data for this comparison.

It seems that micronutrient powders can be helpful for infants and young children aged six to 23 months and living in places that have different amounts of anaemia and malaria, regardless of whether the intervention lasts two, six or 12 months or whether recipients are girls or boys.

This intervention involves mixing the powders with homemade food as a vehicle, so it is important to assure that basic sanitation is available and food hygiene and handling is done properly with safe water."

The investigators believe that more information is needed regarding the best combinations of vitamins and minerals to include in the formula, whether it should be given daily or intermittently and for what duration of time it should be given to ensure that children receive the maximum benefits. 

This review is informing the development of a new WHO guideline that has appeared in the recently launched electronic Library of Evidence of Nutrition Actions.

Written by Grace Rattue 
Copyright: Medical News Today


Link to story: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/234035.php

FYI: Arthritis

Definition:  

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement.  There are over 100 different types of arthritis.

Causes:

Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilige. Cartilige typically protects the joint, allowing for smooth
movement.  Another function of cartilige is to absorb the shock when pressure is placed on the joint, like when you walk.  Without the usual amount of cartilige, the bones rub together,causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Why do we get arthritis?

Arthiritis is usually associated with "wear and tear" on the joints, but it can also be caused by an infection caused by bacteria or viruses, a broken bone, or an d autoimmune disease.

Most common type of arthiritis:

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and it is more likely to occur as your age.  It is most common to feel it in your hips, knees, or fingers.  Risk factors for osteoarthiritis include, being overweight, previously injuring the affected weight, using the affected joint in a repetitive action that puts stress on the joint (baseball players, ballet dancers, construction workers are all at risk).

Symptoms:

Joint pain, joint swelling, reduced ability to move the joint, redness of the skin around a joint, stiffness (especially in the morning), warmth around the joint.

What to do if you think you may have arthiritis:

Visit your doctor and he will determine if, in fact, you do have arthiritis, or if it is another musculoskeletal problem. 

Treatment:

It is possible to greatly improve your symptoms from osteoarthiritis and other long-term types of arthiritis solely by making lifestyle changes.  Low-impact aerobic activity and strength training can help to prevent arthiritis.

Sleeping 8-10 hours is also very important.  Proper sleep will help you to recover from a flare-up and may even prevent exacerbations.

A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial, especially antioxidants such as Vitamin E, selenium, and Omega-3 fatty acids. You can find these in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, sunflower seeds, cold water fish (salmon, mackerel, and herrig).

Surgery and Other Approaches: 
In some cases, surgery to rebuild the joint or replace the joint, may help maintain a more normal lifestyle.  The decision to perform joint replacement is normally made when other alternatives, such as

lifestyle changes and medications, are no longer effective. 

Dr. Marquez' specialty is total bone and joint replacement.  He designed and patented his own mobile-bearing knee implant system and he continues to contribute to the development and design of new technology.

If you have any question about arthiritis or any bone/joint concern, please call Orthopedic Surgery Center to set up an appointment: (956) 668-0060

Welcome to our Blog!

Hello and welcome to Dr. Raul Marquez' blog!

The goal of this blog is to educate our readers on orthopedics.  We will provide you with information on how to prevent bone injury, protocol in the event of an inury, as well as post-surgery/treatment recommendations.

Along with our knowledge on orthopedics, please stay tuned for articles on the latest medical breakthroughs, innovative technology aiding the medical community, and other medical-related news.

We will also be hearing from Dr. Marquez' patients whom would like to share their post-surgery testimonies.

Please share your comments and opinions with us and the other bloggers on our site.  We would love to hear what you think about the topics featured on our blog but please remember to keep it friendly! Thank you and we hope you enjoy our blog.

Sincerely,

The OSC Staff