|
We are already
in the 3rd quarter of the year - I always stand amazed at how time flies!
During the course of 2004, such a lot has happened.
Marketing:
Targeted at health
professionals, such as Specialist, Doctors, Homeopaths, Dieticians and
to sub-specialties in Medicine:
We have made progress in marketing Lifeforce products to Health Professionals,
through postal marketing. The next task is to follow up this project
with visits to them. One aspect we have become very aware of, is the
need by these professionals to purchase our products in bulk. Please
be aware that our products are available in 500's and 1000's to those
dispensing practitioners who need or want to self-dispense.
We have brought
in a Marketing and Sales Agency:
We ran into some problems with the agency that we brought in to assist
us. It was decided to dismiss the agency after constant negative feedback
that we received.
I have recently
employed a new Sales agent that will be covering the Gauteng Area. Her
Name is Melanie Muller. Melanie is 24 years old, has a Degree in Sport
Psychology and is a Personal Trainer. Melanie is very familiar with
supplementation. Melanie will be active as from the end of July and
she will be assisting me in the Health Shops, Pharmacies and Health
Clubs.
We will be going
into some of the big wholesalers such as UPD:
This is temporarily on hold, as we need to give proof of sales made
through Sales Agents before they will take us in.
We are targeting
certain products to be advertised in health magazines:
Refocus will be marketed through the JHB ADD and ADHD Support Group.
The Body & Foot Lotion, Shampoo & Conditioner will be advertised
in Health Magazines together with trial sample packs.
GTF Plus will be advertised in the Diabetic Focus in September. I would
like to request that the Health Shops, Pharmacies and Practitioner please
ensure that they are well stocked to assist us in this Marketing drive.
Image and Labelling:
We have finished the last phase of our labelling. All of our products
are now in the new labels. Please advise the office if there are any
of our products on your shelves with old labels, so that we can exchange
them for new ones.
NEW PRODUCTS
LAUNCHED DURING THE COURSE OF 2004:
SKIN AID COMBO:
Skin Aid Combo has been specially formulated with nutrients that play
an important role in the health, structure and quality of the skin.
It is known to be effective in the promotion of healthy skin, nails
and hair. This formulation is for the treatment of all skin conditions,
especially Dermatitis, Eczema, Psoriasis and Vitiligo.
STRESS COMBO:
This is a Specialised Formula which helps offset the damaging effects
of Chronic and Acute Stress, Allergies, Chronic Fatigue and Immune Depression.
Stress combo contains a blend of natural vitamins, minerals and trace
elements that work as a nutrient to improve the body's response to stress,
thereby boosting mood and relieving depression. It also improves other
mental functions such as memory, concentration, alertness and recall.
IMMUNO AID COMBO:
Immuno Aid Combo is a superior formulation that boosts immune function
and increases stamina. Selected vitamins, minerals and amino acids have
been combined as an immune system booster. Also included are Lactoferrin
and pre and pro-biotics known to be nature's greatest enhancers of a
strong immune system. The pre and pro-biotics also assist and restore
balances in the intestinal system.
JOINT COMBO:
For further details see our topic of discussion.
Training Dates:
In the past we have set up training dates, sent out invitations and
put a lot of effort into getting people trained on Lifeforce products,
with little or no response at all. I think my greatest disappointment
is that our products are essentially Health Shop products, yet this
is where we get the least support. We will now only offer training to
those individuals and outlets that really want training.
Training sessions
are ongoing on a weekly basis. Please let us know if you would like
to participate.
Product Promotions:
Product promotions are also ongoing. I am presently doing promotions
on three Saturdays of the month. If anyone requires me to do promotions
at their outlet, please phone the office to book a slot.
ONTO OUR TOPIC
OF DISCUSSION FOR THIS NEWSLETTER:
____________________________________________________________________________________
OSTEOARTHRITIS
& THE OTHER FORMS OF ARTHRITIS
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of one or more joints. It is
a degenerative disease of the joints that affects millions of South
Africans.
Symptoms of Arthritis
include:
- PAIN
- sTIFFNESS
- SWELLING OF
JOINTS.
There are approximately
200 kinds of Arthritis, the two most common being Osteoarthritis and
Rheumatoid Arthritis. For the benefit of those interested, Lifeforce
will discuss 3 forms only: Rheumatism, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid
Arthritis.
RHEUMATISM:
Rheumatism is a general term used to denote any disorder, which causes
pain and aching in the muscles and bones. The term is used by the layman,
rather than the professional, and covers a large number of medical conditions
in which suffers experience pain and stiffness in various parts of the
body and, if symptoms are confined to the joints, Arthritis. It occurs
at any age, although it is more common in the elderly. Polymyalgia Rheumatica
is an uncommon form of Rheumatism, which tends to affect the elderly;
it is of sudden onset and causes severe stiffness and pain in the muscles
of the neck, shoulders, hips and thighs.
Causes and symptoms
As the term 'Rheumatism' is a catchall word, the causes of which are
diverse. However, conditions, which may present with the above symptoms
include:
- The symptoms
of Fibrositis or Fibromyalgia are widespread aches and pain, aggravated
by cold and stress and are associated with poor, unrefreshing sleep
caused by stress or emotional upset.
- Polymyalgia
Rheumatica and Temporal Arthritis affect those over 50 and are related
inflammatory conditions. The former causes pain, stiffness and weakness
in the shoulder and pelvic girdle muscles, and the latter headache
and tenderness of temporal artery, with the risk of blindness.
- Polymyositis
is an inflammation of the muscles that causes pain and weakness. It
can be severe, but is uncommon.
- Endocrine disorder
Hypothyroidism causes aching muscles and stiffness. Hyperthyroidism
may cause muscle weakness.
- Vitamin D deficiency
causes bone pain and muscle weakness.
OSTEOARTHRITIS:
Osteoarthritis is believed to be a degenerative disease that develops
as a result of wear and tear of the cartilage in a joint. Cartilage
or 'gristle' provides a smooth a smooth surface for bones to slide against,
allowing painless and easy movement. When the cartilage is worn away
or damaged, the bones rub together causing pain and stiffness, especially
during damp weather or the morning after strenuous activity.
Causes and symptoms
- Primary generalised
Osteoarthritis attacks previously normal joints. It runs in families
and can be recognised by the bony deformity and swelling on the second
joint of the fingers.
- Secondary Osteoarthritis
affects previously normal joints. It is more common on weight-bearing
joints. Those who have had previous joint problems of damage are more
likely to experience secondary Osteoarthritis. Obesity may accelerate
the progress of the condition, especially in the knee.
People with Osteoarthritis
should improve their diet by cutting down on highly refined and processed
foods, saturated animal fats, sugar and salt, and by eating more wholegrain
cereals and fresh fruit and vegetables. A healthy diet boosts the immune
system and provides the suffer with extra energy to fight the disease
The weight factor
Obesity increases the risk of developing Osteoarthritis by putting undue
stress on the joints. Knees and hips, for example, will not cause as
much discomfort when they have less weight to carry. Some form of gentle
exercise, such as swimming, cycling or walking, together with a sensible,
low-fat diet will therefore help to prevent Osteoarthritis, or minimise
symptoms if you already have the condition.
Exercise and
Arthritis
Regular exercise can play a vital role in the prevention and treatment
of all forms of Arthritis. It strengthens the muscles responsible for
protecting the joints, and helps to prevent stiffness. But you also
need to respect you body's limitations in order for exercise to be beneficial.
- Try walking
or swimming every day for 5 - 10 minutes, gradually increasing the
amount of time you exercises.
- Try stretching
exercises, such yoga, for movement and posture.
- Wear shoes that
fit well and are designed specially for the activity you are taking
part in, well-cushioned soles reduce stress on weight-bearing joints.
- Don't push yourself
too hard. Too much exercise - particularly anything that jars the
knees, hips or other joints - can lead directly to Osteoarthritis
- If you experience
extra pain, you may be overexerting yourself and you should cut back
or change to a less physically demanding activity.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid Arthritis is what is known as an 'auto-immune' disease -
the body's immune system mounts an immune response against its own tissues,
causing inflammation and diseased tissue.
In the case of Rheumatoid Arthritis, the part of the body affected is
the tissue that lines the joint, known as the Synovium. It usually starts
in early adulthood or middle age, but can sometimes start in childhood.
Rheumatoid Arthritis affects 2 - 3 percent of the population and about
75 percent of suffers are women. The cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is
unknown, but there is some evidence that it may be triggered by food.
Key Symptoms
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a mysterious inflammatory disease in which the
immune system turns on itself and starts to attack the joints. Although
this progressive condition can strike at any age, it most commonly occurs
between the age of 25 and 55. It is three times more likely to affect
women than men.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is characterized by inflammation in the joints
of the fingers, toes, wrist or other joints of the body. The affected
joints become swollen and stiff and may become deformed in the long
term. People with the condition are also likely to feel generally unwell.
Rheumatoid Arthritis often lasts for many years, with painful periods
being interspersed with times where suffers are relatively symptom-free
(remission).
Complications
of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The complications are numerous and include Anaemia, joint infections,
damage to the peripheral nerves, eyes, lungs, heart and ulceration of
the lower limbs, as well as side effects brought on by treatment.
Foods and Rheumatoid
Arthritis
- Avoid foods
that tend to cause inflammation. There are some foods we eat on a
day-to-day basis that seem to promote the processes that cause inflammation
in the body, for example red meat, sugar, yeast and coffee. Cutting
back on these foods, or eliminating them altogether, may help to reduce
the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Avoid foods
to which you may be sensitive. In some individuals, the immune system
activity that causes Rheumatoid Arthritis seems to be triggered by
certain foods. It is thought that partially digested food leaks through
the intestinal wall into the bloodstream, triggering the immune cells
to react. Common culprits in these reactions include: wheat, corn,
dairy products and citrus fruit. A significant number of Rheumatoid
Arthritis suffers find that identifying and eliminating problem foods
from the diet can lead to significant improvement in their symptoms.
- Cut down on
highly refined foods, saturated fats, sugar and salt for Osteoarthritis
Allergies or
Intolerances
For some people who develop Rheumatoid Arthritis, allergy intolerance
to particular foods may be a contributing factor. Pinpointing the culprit
foods may be difficult, but common suspects include: dairy products,
eggs, wheat and cereals. One of the best ways to identify problem foods
is to follow an elimination/exclusion diet, but this should only be
done under medical supervision.
Fish Oils
Scientific evidence has now emerged to show that fish oils can prove
helpful to people who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Salmon, trout,
snoek, mackerel, sardines, cob and pilchards all contain polyunsaturated
fats called omega-3 fatty acids, which can have an anti-inflammatory
effect on the joints of some Arthritis suffers. Inflammation is the
body's natural reaction to arthritic diseases, causing pain, swelling,
redness and heat.
People with Rheumatoid
Arthritis can try eating fresh oily fish at least 3 times a week, or
they can take fish oil capsules (or in liquid form if this is more manageable)
keeping to the recommended daily dose. Tinned oily fish (such as pilchards
and sardines - but not tuna) also contain these omega-3 fatty acids.
Signs of improvement are normally seen after a period of two to three
months.
People who need
to take anti-inflammatory drugs may be able to reduce their dosage (with
their doctor's permission) by about one-third if they eat oily fish
regularly. This reduces the risk of the drugs having any unpleasant
side effects.
Evening Primrose
oil has also been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, and is therefore
particularly useful for anyone who does not eat fish. Vegetarians can
get omega-3 fatty acids by including plenty of Soya beans and Tofu in
their diet. In fact, several studies have found that a vegetarian diet
helps to relieve some of the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
NATURAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
FOODS
While some foods tend to encourage inflammation in the body, others
have the reverse effect. Healthy fats, also known as essential fatty
acids, in the diet are metabolised in the body in substances that have
natural anti-inflammatory properties. Foods that are rich in these healthy
fats include: oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and trout, olive oil
and pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds, and increased amounts of these
foods are recommended.
Helpful Foods:
a) Eat plenty of wholegrain cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables for
Osteoarthritis.
b) Eat plenty of Soya beans and tofu, for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
c) For any form of Arthritis eat plenty of Sardines, salmon, cob, pilchards
and trout. Eat three or more times a week.
d) Green vegetables are a source of beta-carotene, calcium, folate,
iron and vitamin C. Eat raw or lightly cooked, 6 - 8 portions per day.
e) Bananas provide a good source of potassium and vitamin B6. Eat three
or more times a week.
f) Broccoli is a source of Beta Carotene, vitamin C, folate, iron and
potassium. Eat raw or lightly cooked, every few days.
g) Carrots are excellent sources of beta-carotene. Eat raw or cooked,
as often as you like.
h) Celery is an anti-inflammatory agent and source of potassium. Eat
raw, three times weekly.
i) Ginger is a food that helps reduce inflammation because its natural
anti-inflammatory agents. The recommended quantity is approximately
5 grams. It can be incorporated and added to stir-fry and other dishes,
twice a week. It may be taken as an infusion or 'tea'. Steeping some
freshly sliced or grated root ginger in hot water makes this.
Homeopathic
supplements that Arthritics can benefit from:
Lifeforce Joint
Combo - Reimbursable through Medical Aids.
Recommended dosage: 2 Capsules 3x per day before meals. If pain is severe,
use 2 Capsules every 4- 6 hrs until joint discomfort and pain is manageable.
Essential Fatty
Acids:
Omega 3 (at least 3,000mg daily) to be taken ½ hour before meals.
Vitamins:
Vitamin E 400 - 1,000IU daily before breakfast,
Lifeforce B6 Plus - 2 am and 2 pm,
Lifeforce B2 Plus - 1 to 2 tablets 2x per day.
Minerals:
Lifeforce Balanced Minerals & Salts - 1capsule before breakfast
Lifeforce Tricalcium Phosphate - 3 tablets midmorning or Lifeforce Magcal
Plus - 2 tablets 3x per day.
Lifeforce Chelated Zinc Gluconate Plus -1 am and 1 pm.
MSM 1000mg - 2000mg 4x per day for best results.
LIFEFORCE JOINT
COMBO:
Joint Combo is a unique natural combination of vitamins, minerals and
herbal extracts combined with specially selected, specific amino acids
to treat joint problems at grass roots level. Joint Combo is Lifeforce's
premier formula to improve the health of joints naturally. It is the
most powerful and effective joint-health formula available and can actually
assist in the repair and rebuilding of cartilage and restore joint flexibility.
In nature, certain
nutrients can dramatically improve joint health. Joint Combo capsules
provide a combination of Kelp, Calcium Pantothenate (Vit.B5), Turmeric,
Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulphate, Devils Claw, Celery Seed Extract,
Boron, Resveratrol, Ginger Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Stinging
Nettle extract and Amino Acids: Phenylalanine, Cysteine and N-Acetyl-Glucosamine.
These substances show remarkable abilities to soothe the pain associated
with Arthritis and other joint problems.
WHO NEEDS TO
USE JOINT COMBO?
Those with
- Inflamed, painful
joints
- Stiff joints
- All forms of
Arthritis
- Muscular pains
- Concerns about
developing Arthritis
- People over
the age or 40 years
- All who actively
participate in sport
____________________________________________________________________________________
|