Tuesday, July 3, 2007

CHRONIC DISEASES

www.mayoclinic.com

With millions of Americans suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, the Mayo Clinic has launched health portals that provide information on symptoms, tests and drug treatments relating to each ailment. The osteoporosis center profiles medications and calcium supplements that aim to boost bone strength, while the osteoarthritis pages include a slide show on how to choose and use a cane. The rheumatoid arthritis center provides the pros and cons of joint replacement surgery and assesses alternative medicine therapies.

Yoga Journal

Can holding Down Dog and Warrior II help you lose weight? In the August issue of Yoga Journal, "Tales of Transformation" profiles three people with little yoga experience and describes how they reached their fitness goals after six months of yoga practice. One participant lost 30 pounds and healed a long-standing knee injury, while another experienced a 25-point drop in blood pressure after yoga class. Triathlete Edith Chan improved her racing times and swimming and running biomechanics despite reducing the length of her aerobic training to make time for yoga.

www.gorp.com

If you prefer sea kayaking through Glacier Bay, Alaska, to sipping a strawberry margarita at the beach, go to http://www.gorp.com for active vacation ideas. The Web site recommends biking, hiking and caving destinations, and provides handy tips for navigating national parks. The "gear guy" offers print-and-pack lists so you don't forget your spoke wrench while biking through Spain's Costa Brava. For those looking for a quick weekend trip, check out the regional guides for adventurous ideas close to home.