SierraSil Health News and Updates | SierraSil Joint Health Products

How Does Your Garden Grow?

April 24, 2018/in General Health /by sierra

According to the calendar, spring is here and this means it’s gardening season. There is something so appealing about a vibrant and colorful bed of flowers or the overflowing bounty of a vegetable garden. As a gardener, it’s a great way to see and enjoy the fruits of your hard and passionate work.

As avid gardeners, we’re keen to spread the word about the benefits and beauty of gardening. Not only is it a relaxing and refreshing way to spend time outside in the fresh air, it’s also excellent exercise. Yes, exercise – all the bending, lifting, and carrying is practically a strength work-out. Because of this, we want you to think carefully about how you bend and lift heavy items – remember to protect your joints and take a break when needed.

Now, we know that depending on where you live you might be dealing with less-than favorable gardening conditions. The good news is that even if you’re still digging out from snow or dealing with very soggy soil, there is lots you can do to get ready for the gardening season. In this article we’ve put together some ways you can get ready for the planting season and how to spring clean your garden for the summer and fall growing season. Read more

Keep Your Dog Safe This Spring

April 13, 2018/in Pet Health /by sierra

Ah, there is nothing quite like spring. You’ve got your windows open, the green grass is back, and the kids are outside playing. It’s the ideal time to get outside with your dog and enjoy the warm weather, longer days, and funky spring smells.

However, we do want to remind you that with this new season comes some hidden dangers and threats to your very curious dog. Whether your dog is a senior dog or an energetic young puppy, it’s highly likely that they’ll dig up some trouble this spring. We want you to get your dog outside and even when possible let him run off-leash for some extra joint-building exercise – but remember that with the melting snow comes the potential for injury and hazards.

To help you and your beloved dog get the most out of the springtime weather and this almost-summer feeling, we’ve put together a list of potential threats and caution zones for you and your dog. Now, we don’t want you stressing needlessly and keeping your dog from following his nose, but remember the snow covered up a lot of garbage, junk, and other potential hazards. Read more

Let’s Talk Getting Fit

April 9, 2018/in Exercise General /by sierra

Everyone can be fit. What is important is in recognizing and accepting what being fit means for you. Of course, your top fitness is very different from that of a 20-year old hockey player or a 40-year old lifelong runner. We want you to take a few minutes and think about what being fit means to you.

Maybe it’s being able to walk up and down the stairs without being tired. Maybe it’s building stronger muscles to support your sore joints and alleviating joint discomfort. Maybe it’s being able to continue to improve your weightlifting and bodybuilding goals. Maybe it’s being able to spend the entire day out in the garden or on the tennis court.

Anyway, you get the idea. Your fitness is about you – and not anyone else. Think about what you enjoy doing, what you’d like to do, any goals you have, and take into consideration any physical health limitations you may have. The next step is in moving forward, creating a plan or small weekly goals, and striving to meet these. There is no “too old” or “I can’t”. It doesn’t matter if one week you can’t get to the gym or you’re not able to get out in your garden as you planned – there is no actual failure in this get fit strategy. Read more

Need to Know: Joint Discomfort

March 23, 2018/in General Health /by sierra

We want you to know that you should never ever ignore your joint discomfort. The aches in your knees, back, feet, ankles, wrists, elbows, and fingers can all be pointing to an underlying condition that can be treated. Joint discomfort is often a symptom of an illness or disease, so please do seek medical attention for any joint discomfort.

Just as your health needs are unique, your joint care and mobility issues are also unique. You many have an autoimmune disease or other condition that makes joint discomfort and mobility issues part of your day-to-day. Regardless, we want you to know that you’re not alone in living with and managing this discomfort. You do not need to suffer in silence and we urge you to speak up when your joints are giving you trouble or the discomfort has worsened.

In this article, we take a deep dive into joint discomfort, looking at some of reasons for it and different treatment options and recommendations. Please do seek medical attention for any joint discomfort you have – take our word for it – your health is too important to not give it the attention it deserves. Read more

Try Something New this Spring

March 21, 2018/in Exercise General, General Health, Healthy Eating /by sierra

Ah, spring is in the air. The snow is melting. The early bulbs are starting to poke through. The green grass is almost ready for a mow. Kids are outside playing in the parks and zipping around on their bikes. People even appear to be happier now that the cold and grey slushy snow is gone.

For many, spring feels like the ideal time for a fresh start. While it’s always a good time to try something new, we want you to think about doing so this spring. Embrace the fresh air, bright blue sky, and warmer longer days with a new activity or two. The physical and mental health rewards of getting out and meeting new people, trying a new activity, or even eating a new food – cannot be overlooked. Maybe you’re struggling with daily joint discomfort or have always wanted to improve your swimming – well now is the time – sign-up for some stroke improvement classes or join a masters-level swim club. Read more

Natural Treatment Options for Joint Pain

March 19, 2018/in General Health /by sierra

Whether it’s from illness, injury, or age, joint pain is something most everyone has experienced at some point in their life. Even everyday activities like carrying a child, walking up the stairs, or opening a jar can aggravate joint pain. But with the serious side effects of many anti-inflammatory drugs, it’s important to consider safer alternatives. Following are some natural therapy options to help alleviate long-term and short-term joint pain and prevent it from coming back.

As a Dr. of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide variety of excellent health practitioners, and I find that the right combination of treatments goes a long way in treating and preventing joint pain. Read more

How to Choose a Dog Walker

March 9, 2018/in Pet Health /by sierra

You know how important regular walks and exercise are for your dog’s joint health, muscle strength, weight control, and mental health. However, some days it is more challenging than others to find the time to get out the door and take your beloved dog for a walk. Don’t hang your head in embarrassment – you’re not alone. So many of us are busy and with multiple responsibilities, some days, something has to give.

Enter a trustworthy and reliable dog walker. It’s amazing how much stress can be alleviated for both you and your dog with the help of a dog walker. Not only will your dog get his much needed exercise, but you’ll feel good knowing that your dog’s needs are being taken care of. Read more

Any Activity at Any Age

February 22, 2018/in Exercise General, General Health /by sierra

There are no limits. The only limit is your mind. You’re only as old as you feel. Yes, these are all a bit cliché but – they’re also very true. You likely know someone who defies their age – looking, living, and thriving well-below their years. You can also experience this fountain of youth and energy.

There are no magic pills, foods, or solutions that can give you the feeling of energy, wellness, and health – it comes with good habits, consistency, an open mind, and a sense of adventure. Yes, you do need a bit of luck on your side with healthy joints, the ability to follow the unbeaten path, and overall wellness. But, really there are no limits on what you can do.

Hiking the Pacific Coast Trail, picking up a new sport at the age of 60, learning to scuba dive or sail during your retirement years, packing up your belongings in a storage trailer and setting out for a round-the-world adventure – there’s no reason why you can’t do this and more. Read more

Need To Know: Arthritis

February 19, 2018/in General Health /by sierra

There is nothing more debilitating than arthritis. This very common disease knows no boundaries when it comes to age, sex, or race – it is the leading cause of disability in the United States.

Often associated with joint swelling, redness, stiffness, a limited range of motion, and pain, arthritis symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. Impacting more than 50 million American adults and 300,000 children, arthritis is unfortunately more common than most people realize. Because the symptoms and pain of arthritis can be so wide-ranging, the disease impacts each person differently.

You may know someone with arthritis who struggles to walk up and down stairs and you may know someone with arthritis who is able to play tennis regularly and enjoy her garden. The individual impacts of this disease can make it hard for friends, family, and colleagues to understand how limiting the disease can be.

We want to create better understanding of arthritis and urge you to share this article with your friends, family, colleagues, and social media network. If you know someone who has arthritis, take the time to listen to them and understand what they’re going through – don’t dismiss their pain or chalk it up to small aches. If you have arthritis, we hope you’re getting the right medical care and support you need to manage your disease and pain. Read more

Adopting a Senior Dog

February 2, 2018/in Pet Health /by sierra

There is nothing quite the like the companionship and love of a dog. Your dog is there for you when you come home from work, ready to play on a Saturday afternoon, or to cuddle up for an evening of movies and treats. You have special connection with your dog that grows over time. The more time you spend with your dog, the closer you become.

Since you’re thinking of adopting a senior dog, we want you to be reassured that you’ll have this same deep connection with your new-to-you older dog. Remember, your senior dog has likely been through some rough days and is looking for someone to love unconditionally and who will do the same for him.

When thinking about adopting a senior dog, there are some different aspects to dog ownership to think about when compared to adopting a puppy. We want you to feel prepared and excited for your new senior dog. Thank you for giving an older dog a fresh start with a safe, loving, and stable home. Read more