By Kirsten Nichols

Lifestyles Correspondent

IRON MOUNTAIN — Arthritis affects roughly 50 million people in the United States alone, states the Arthritis Foundation. It is the second most reported chronic condition in the United States and costs the economy about $128 billion every year. Approximately one in every five Americans is diagnosed with arthritis and is the nation’s leading cause of disability. It is estimated that by 2030, 67 million Americans will be affected.

Arthritis is a musculoskeletal disorder with many causes, and is not fully understood and has no cure. When joint cartilage wears away with age or injury, bone rubs against bone, which can cause a painful diagnosis — Osteoarthritis. While arthritis includes more than 100 different conditions or diseases that destroy bones, joints, muscles, cartilage, and other connective tissues, there are natural ways to ease the pain.

Weight Loss — Although obvious, it can often be difficult to accomplish simple movements that may lead suffers to want to limit any movement at all. But if you are overweight, losing weight will help take pressure off of your joints and can ease symptoms. Not moving enough can worsen symptoms and lead to increased swelling and pain. It’s important to keep in mind that range of motion can help alleviate stiffness and improve flexibility. Strengthening your muscles through exercises can help support and protect joints. Endurance exercises are also helpful in maintaining the arteries and heart, which can improve your general health and decrease swelling in joints.

Chiropractic Care – Chiropractic care is based on physical adjustments and alignment, so joints can benefit from adjustments aimed at reducing stiffness and pain. Incorporating massages can play a role in reducing stiffness, helping the arthritic patient more freely. Chiropractic manipulation can break up the muscle spasm and scar tissue, which can help alleviate acute lower back pain. Professional chiropractic treatments, along with hot and cold presses, are a natural way to help treat muscle spasms.

Fish – Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish, help reduce inflammation caused by arthritis. There is strong evidence that implies that omega-3s EPA and DHA can help improve endothelial function. These may help provide arthritis relief without the side effects of conventional arthritis drugs. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to provide some relief from rheumatoid arthritis.

Acupuncture – Acupuncture can be effective at treating many chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis. Although acupuncture can help relieve pain and disability for some arthritic conditions, but it cannot help all. Rheumatoid arthritis is commonly treated with acupuncture. Acupuncture points to treat arthritis located all over the body, not just over the affected area, so during treatment, tiny needles are placed along one’s arms, legs, shoulders, or wherever it is determine is best treat the condition. Length, number, and frequency can vary, but acupuncture is a natural method for relieving discomfort, easing inflammation, and preventing swelling.

Green Tea — Green tea helps modify epigenome to suppress inflammation. For people who suffer from arthritis, green tea may be able to produce some chemical changes to DNA and histone proteins, which can be passed down to offspring and help prevent them from suffering from arthritis.

Physical Therapy — Physical therapy helps alleviate pain from chronic conditions, like arthritis, while not only people recover from injury. Physical therapy techniques can help strengthen muscles and increase flexibility to help with mobility and every day life. A professional Physical Therapist will help determine which techniques and exercises will work best for specific cases of arthritis.

Exercise — Regular exercise is a great way to help alleviate arthritis and is considered the key to arthritis management. Exercise promotes the upkeep of healthy, strong muscles along with flexibility, endurance, and joint mobility. It’s also important to have balance between exercise and resting because rest helps lessen active joint inflammation, fatigue, and pain. During active phases of arthritis, rest is encouraged, while moving more during the times when symptoms decrease is ideal. Also during flare-ups, gently exercising joints is encouraged.

Glucosamine — While available over-the-counter, glucosamine is an important constituent of cartilage between joint bones that is a jelly-like substance, and is a natural supplement for arthritis sufferers. When cartilage between bones wears away, the bones start rubbing against each other which results in damage and pain.

Chondroitin — Chondroitin is commonly used with glucosamine to help slow and prevent the degeneration of joint cartilage, which is the underlying cause of osteoarthritis pain. Chondroitin is available without a prescription and are believed to alleviate joint pain.

Proanthocyanidins — These disease-fighting compounds can be found in red and purple foods such as: blueberries, blackberries, grapes, plums, cranberries, black currants, cinnamon, red and kidney beans, red wine, hazelnuts, pistachios, pecans, and almonds. Proanthocyanidins also have major antioxidant activity which can ease symptoms of arthritis.

Capsaicin (Chili Pepper) Cream — Capsaicin cream can relieve osteoarthritis pain is available without a prescription and comes from chili peppers. Capsaicin gives peppers their pungence and produce mild to intense spice with also produces heat. Capsaicin that is used as a topical cream can help alleviate arthritis pain as it keeps down the inflammation of the disease and soothes pain.

Ginger- Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called, ginerols, which help ease arthritic pain.

Vitamin C and Flavonoids — Vitamin C and Flavonoids help prevent cells from oxidative damage and excessive inflammation. By maintaining a diet that includes the recommended daily allowance of both, any powerful antioxidant fruit or vegetable- such as blueberries or grapes- can help ease arthritic pain and swelling. Other foods rich in Vitamin C and Flavonoids include: apples, apricots, pears, strawberries, raspberries, black beans, cabbage, parsley, onions, pinto beans, and tomatoes.

Remember to consult with your physician before making any lifestyle changes to ensure your safety.

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NURSING HOMES

Freeman

Kingsford

Sunday: Lawrence Welk, 7 a.m.; Uno, 1 p.m.; Coffee social, 2 p.m.; Church, 2:15 p.m.

Monday: Pretty nails, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Jim Edberg, 1:30 p.m.; Ice cream, 3 p.m.; Bingo, 6:45 p.m.

Tuesday: Craft, 10 a.m.; Reminisce, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Puzzles, 1 p.m.; Kentucky Derby, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; Rosary, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Room visits, 1 p.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.; Movie, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Book Club, 10 a.m.; Bible Study, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Wii games, 1 p.m.; Pokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; Mass, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Cards, 1 p.m.; SingAlong, 2:30 p.m.; Happy Hour, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Newspaper, 10:30 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Parlor games, 1 p.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.

ManorCare

Kingsford

Wet Your Whistle, 9:30 a.m. (daily).

Movie, 10:45 a.m. (daily) and at 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Gathering place, 11:40 a.m. (daily), and at 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday).

Protestant Church service, Sunday, 3 p.m.

Exercises, 10 a.m. (daily).

Sunday: New Year’s social, 9:30 a.m.; Morsels and more, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Did you know, 10:15 a.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.; Pokeno, 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday:  Who am I, 10:15 a.m.; Wheel of fortune, 2 p.m.; Movie and a manicure, 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Table Talk, 10:15 a.m.; Bowling, 2 p.m.; Flip Five, 5:45 p.m.

Thursday: Crosswords, 10:15 a.m.; Good neighbor bingo, 2 p.m.; Mad libs, 5:45 p.m.

Friday: All about January, 10:15 a.m.;  Catholic Mass, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Current Events, 10:15 a.m.; Bingo 2 p.m.

Victorian Heights

Crystal Falls

Sunday: Getting pretty, 1:30 p.m.; Social hour with snacks, 3 p.m.; Church of Christ service, 3 p.m.; Lawrence Welk show on PBS, 4 p.m.

Monday: Smear, 10 a.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Catholic Mass service, 10 a.m.; Hot topics, 10:30 a.m.; Tenant council meeting, 1:15 p.m.; Cribbage, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Card and stamp store, 10:45 a.m.; Exercise, 11:15 a.m.; Jubilee shopping trip, 2 p.m.; Night bingo at Medicare, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Therapeutic adult coloring, 10:30 a.m.; St. Mark’s Church service, 2 p.m.; Cappuccino and cookies, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Catch phrase, 10 a.m.; Exercise, 11:15 a.m.; Happy hour, 4 p.m.

Saturday: Intergenerational social hour, 2 p.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

Exercise, Monday through Friday at 10 a.m.

Juice time, daily at 10 a.m.

Shopping days: Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m.

Sunday: Bible study, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Smile a while, 2 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Golden Throats, 2 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Crosswords, 2 p.m.; Rosary, 3 p.m.

Friday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

Golden Living Center is under new management. The facility’s new name will be Florence Health Services.

Sunday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; New Year’s day social, 2 p.m.

Monday: Bible study with Dorothy and Wayne, 10 a.m.; Bingo with Bette, 2 p.m.; Room visits, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Resident shopping trip, 9 a.m.; Flippo, 10 a.m.; Hearts dice game, 2 p.m.; Ice cream social, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Horse races, 10 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.; Fitnessize, 3:30 p.m.; Music by Grace and Dave, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason church service, 10 a.m.; Good Ole Days magazine stories, 2 p.m.; Room visits, 3 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion service and rosary, 10 a.m.; Bowling, 2 p.m.; Movie night, 7 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; Mingle and munch with trivia, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

Sunday: Grace church, 10 a.m.; Sensory, 10 a.m.; Trivia, 2 p.m.; Ladder ball, 2 p.m.

Monday: Life connections, 9:45 a.m.; Hang massage, 11:15 a.m.; Song service, 1:30 p.m.; Rosary, 2:30 p.m.; Word puzzles, 3:30 p.m.; 1 to 1 visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Movie, 10 a.m.; Pictionary, 11 a.m.; Social circle, 2 p.m.; Trivia, 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Shopping outing, 10 a.m.; Scattergories, 10 a.m.; Rummy, 2 p.m.; Dominoes, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise, 10 a.m.; Sensory, 11:15 a.m.; Bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Cards, 3:30 p.m.; 1 to 1 visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Spa treatments, 10 a.m.; Aromatherapy, 10:15 a.m.; Happy hour, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: Current events, 10 a.m.; Beach ball toss, 10 a.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.; Trivia, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Note: All centers ask for 24 hour advanced reservations for lunch. If you have meals delivered and will not be home, notify the center.

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Meal every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at noon. Reservations requested 24 hours in advance.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Lunch at noon.

Bingo on Tuesdays.

Free meal drawing on Thursdays.

Breen Center

906-774-5110

Meals: Monday through Friday.

Cards and games available 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Hostess on duty Monday through Friday.

Treats and coffee, 8:30 a.m. through 111:30 a.m.

Center retail store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; volunteers and donations are welcome.

Birthdays acknowledge everyday.

Evening meals are held first and third Thursday of the month. Salad bar opens at 4 p.m. with dinner served at 5 p.m. Donations are $4 for those 60 and older and $5 for 60 and younger. Seating is limited, so make reservations early.

Blood pressure and blood sugar testing, every fourth Wednesday.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook, Tracy West

906-875-6709

Meals will be served on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 4:30 (a salad bar will be open at 4 p.m.). The dinner donation is $4 for those age 60 and over and $5 for those under age 60. All persons are invited. For reservations, call 906-875-6709. Cribbage will be played on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and be concluded in time for the dinner. Center is closed Thursday through Sunday. A site council meeting is held on the third Wednesday at 3 p.m. Blood pressure taken by request anytime the center is open.

Crystal Lake Center

906-774-5888

The center is closed on the weekends.

The casino bus will no longer be running this season. It is expected to start running again in the spring or summer.

Monday: Woodcarvers, 10 a.m.; Majong in dining hall, noon; Les Artistes Art Club, noon; Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday: Pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: Billiards, 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday: Spinning Spools Quilters Guild, noon; Crafters, scrap bookers, etc. also welcome; Knitting and crocheting class, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Camera Club, 6 p.m.

Friday: Smear, 12:30 p.m.

Last Saturday of the month: Music Jam starting at 1 p.m.

Evening Meals have a salad bar beginning at 4 p.m. with the meal beginning at 4:30 p.m. A donation of  $4 is accepted for seniors (60 plus), but not required. Those 59 and younger are required to pay $5. Please call the center ahead of time to make reservations. The even meal schedules include:

Jan.10: Chicken divan over rice, breadstick, broccoli, homemade dessert, with soup and salad bar.

Jan.24: Beef stroganoff over mashed potatoes, dinner roll, scandinavian vegetables, homemade dessert, with soup and salad bar.

Felch Center

Director: Norma Dixon

906-246-3559

Meals served Monday through Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

Bingo on the first and third Wednesday of each month after lunch.

Congregate jigsaw puzzle done daily.

Please call for meal reservation.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County

715-528-4890

Director: Lori Friberg

The suggested donation for those ages 60 and older is $4. The meal cost for those under 60 is $7. You may also contact the ADRC to request a menu or resources at 1-855-528-2372.

Three senior dining locations are listed below:

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

Meal at noon on Wednesdays only. Reservations are requested. Cribbage and cards are available.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

715-528-4261

Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Reservations are requested.

Jigsaw puzzles, cards, cribbage, and board games are available. The coffee is always on.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

715-589-4491

Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Reservations are requested. Jigsaw puzzles, cribbage, cards, and board games are available. The coffee is always on.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Meal is Monday through Friday at noon. Suggested donation is $3 for those 60 and older and $7 for those under 60. Please call a day in advance before 12:30 p.m. to place a meal order 906-498-7735.

Fifteen games of bingo are played each Tuesday and Friday.

Monday: Rides to Iron Mountain during the day.

Tuesday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m..

Wednesday: Cards played in the afternoon

Thursday: Rides to Escanaba during the day.

Friday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m.

Monday through Friday: Walking in the gym from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A treadmill is also available.

Once a month going to Menomonee, would have to call in advance.

Iron River Center

Directors: Katherine Bortolameolli and Brian Kassa

906-265-6134

Meals served Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; $4 (over 60) and $5 (under 60).

Evening meal is on Thursdays with a salad bar at 4 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m.

Bingo is on Sundays at 2 p.m. (doors open at noon) and Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m.

Cards are played on Thursdays, 1:15 p.m.

Bus trip to Iron Mountain is on the third Friday of the month.

Dance on the second Saturday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cover charge is $6.

Pancake Day is on the third Saturday of the month, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Transportation is available Monday through Thursday with the bus running 8:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. $4 (over 60), $5 (under 60), $6 (wheelchair).

Bingo every Tuesday and Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Doors open at noon.

Salad bar with Thursday meal, 4 p.m. and dinner at 4:30 p.m.

Niagara Northwoods Senior Cafe and Center

Meal site manager: Corrie Maule 715-251-1603

Center director: Jill Anderson 715-251-4154

Noon meals served Monday through Thursday, call 24 hours ahead for reservations.

Bingo once a month, Jan. 30 after lunch.

LCR tournament after lunch on Jan. 17.

50’s and 60’s reunion will be on Jan. 18.

Center will be closed Jan. 2 in observance of the New Year.

Transportation to the meal site from the Niagara area is offered.

Wii games, cards, puzzles, and board games available to play for your enjoyment.

Senior groups who would like to use our meal site as their meeting place may join us for lunch and stay to have their meeting or social time.

Norway Center

Director: Susie Slining

906-563-8716

Monday through Thursday: Meals served at noon with salad bar. Soup is also available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please sign up early for means. (Meal donation is $5.)

Two special theme noon meals each month with bingo, prizes, and 50/50.

Two evening meals (5 p.m.) on the first Monday and third Wednesday of the month with bingo, prizes, and 50/50.

Cards are played daily after the noon meal.

Senior coloring class meets Monday through Thursday, materials will be provided.

Craft and exercise classes: Mondays and Thursdays.

Ceramic and art classes: Wednesdays.

Puzzles always worked on.

Senior coloring class meets daily. All are welcome. Some materials will be provided.

Telephone reassurance is available. If you are a senior who doesn’t get out much and would like a friendly daily phone contact, the center will have someone check in to see that all is well.

Note: A CSFP food card (green card) is available to income-eligible seniors. Make an appointment to get signed up. ile of Life packets available at the center.

Note: Ask about the Medicare Savings Program. This program helps people pay their Medicare part B premium. You may be eligible. Your local MMAP Counselor can be reached at 1-800-803-7174, or dial 211.

Jan. 2 — Noon meal: Tator tot casserole, green beans, fruit, juice, salad bar, and desert.

Jan. 2 — Dinner, 5 p.m., company chicken, vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy, soup and salad bar (ready at 4 p.m.) and dessert. Bingo, prizes, and 50/50. Please sign up early.

Jan. 4 — Blood pressure clinic from 11 a.m. to noon.

Center membership cards are available for $5 at the front desk.

Sagola Center

Director: Connie Secrist

906-542-3273

Meals: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:45 a.m.

Cards: Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday.

Commodities every other month and quarterly commodities are every three months.

Puzzle table for all to enjoy.

Volunteers are always welcome.