Dr. Mao shares how a diet rich in minerals prevents osteoporosis.

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Short-duration stretching before exercise temporarily improves range of joint motion and doesn't weaken muscles, says new research that fuels the debate about whether stretching before exercise reduces muscle strength and performance.

In this study, moderately active, non-athlete participants did two, four and eight-minute sessions of lower leg and ankle stretching. The participants' exercise performance was assessed before and immediately after, and also 10, 20 and 30 minutes after stretching.

I had an ankle fusion in June 2004 and found out today that a second one needs to be done.I am very scared because the first one was mentally and physically draining.Even at four years out I feel it was one of the worst things I could have done.Now my back,hips and knee is causing me problems,which is because of my gait pattern. I would like to know if anyone out there has or is having difficulties because of a fusion? If so,how are you dealing with it? Thanks,Vicki :)

I have recently been diagnosed with RA and am on some heavy duty drugs. I would like feedback from other ra patients. Are these drugs safe long term? What is your cancer risk? life expentancy? I am 63. Will this disease progress more rapidly because of my age. I am going to a good facility (I hope) but my doctor does not really have a lot of time to discuss anything with me. He seems to be good medically. There is
very little support for this disease. Maybe I am overacting to the severity of it. What are the bes facilities for this disease? Any support would be appreciated.

TUESDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- Undergoing hip or joint replacement surgery may well be worth the trouble for older adults with severe osteoarthritis, researchers say.

In a new study, symptoms improved markedly more in patients who had undergone this type of surgery a year previously, relative to patients who had not had the procedure.

The findings, by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, were published in the July 14 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

My husband is a Webmaster, and works 8-12 hour days at his computer. He recently read that it is not good to "sit all day", and that standing is a better alternative, as it helps with everything from circulation to being more creative. So now, he STANDS all day at his computer! I remember my first job working retail, and my back and feet would ache from standing all day. So...which is better?

Is there a good balance between "sitting all day" and "standing all day" when at work?

Thanks!