According to Arnot, author of The Breast Cancer Prevention Diet
and NBC's chief medical correspondent, with aging comes damage to joints along with aches, pains and reduced flexibility. This situation is made worse for those who have sustained injuries over the course of an active life and for those who are overweight. Arnot offers helpful strategies to help prevent arthritis and minimize further joint damage. Although he sees a role for medications including NSAIDS, aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors to assist with pain, he cautions against overuse and suggests that they be used in combination with topical analgesics. Arnot is a firm believer in yoga and in exercise that builds muscle strength in order to restore joint health; he offers useful descriptions of joint-friendly sports such as bicycling, walking and swimming, and an appendix lists nutrients that promote joint health. Arnot provides clear directions on what footwear to use and which shoes to avoid (high heels). Although the writing is sometimes a bit jumpy, the information will be useful to those who currently have joint problems and to younger people who want to prevent future damage. (Jan.)