Fish Oil: Arthritis and Job Performance

According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, arthritis pain and disability interferes with the job performance of almost 7 million
American workers.

One out of every five or six Americans between the ages of 18 and 64, or 23.4 million people, suffer from arthritis – a painful, inflammatory joint disease. Of this group, nearly 30% or 6.9 million workers say they have difficulty working to the best of their ability. (Arthritis & Rheumatism, March 29, 2007)
Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) in Atlanta report arthritis-attributable work limitation is most common among people between the ages of 45 and 64, women, non-hispanic blacks, people without a high school education and those with incomes below $20,000 a year.

Kristina A. Theis of the CDCP and her colleagues also note in their report that many of the adults with arthritis work-related problems were also overweight, suffered joint pain, had frequent doctor’s visits and “multiple indicators of poor physical health and function.”
Theis states the indirect cost of arthritis is over $35 billion a year and that “protecting workers from disability, injury, and prolonged negative effects of illness makes simple social and economic sense.”

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the more common form of arthritis. It affects over twenty million Americans. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects over 2 million. Women are by far the most affected, but men seem to have more serious complications.

Since there’s no known cause or cure for either OA or RA, most sufferers are willing to use controversial painkillers for relief of pain and discomfort. But since most of these painkillers have serious side effects, medication may be a big mistake. New research shows a more holistic approach to arthritis is just as effective and a lot safer.

Moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming and yoga, have all been found to strengthen bones and muscles, improve flexibility and reduce pain. And a low fat diet, rich in fatty fish such as salmon, whole grains and fruits and vegetables is also highly recommended. This eating plan helps to control inflammation and weight gain, both of which add extra stress to the joints.

But there’s good news for the 23 million Americans who suffer from the aches and pains of OA and RA. Two recent studies, published In the British Journal of Nutrition (Vol. 85: 251-69), found omega 3 fish oil was the most effective arthritis anti-inflammatory pain reliever – even better than aspirin and other NSAIDs and corticosteroids.

Fish oil was found to significantly reduce the number of painful joints, reduce inflammation of the joints and relieve chronic morning stiffness. The researchers found fish oil to be so effective many patients were able to completely discontinue or greatly reduce their use of controversial pain medications.

And that’s really good news for anyone who wants the pride, satisfaction and rewards of doing a good job at work.

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