TOPIC 3: Osteoarthritis How are we able to tell one person's age from another? Dr. Jason Theosadakis says, "it's obvious that a person's body ages and changes with each decade. These changes are not set in stone. A person has a lot to say as to how their frame ages." Two of the biggest enemies of our human frame, the skeleton, are osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. They're the leading causes of disability in this country. Both usually strike when you're older, but start long before that. Tomorrow we'll discuss osteoporosis, today we'll examine osteoarthritis. It's a disease of the joints that causes the cartiledge to break down. It's painful, disfiguring and crippling. Dr. Jason Theosadakis says everyone is at risk, "Osteoarthritis can start in young people, especially with injuries. Most people who deveolp it spontaneously start in their 40's and 50's and it becomes very common after age 65. Almost everyone has signs of osteoarthristis even if they don't have the symptoms." Dr. Theosadakis has written a best seller called "The Arthritis Cure." In his book he talks about ways to prevent or at least slow down the disease. "As people get heavier, there's more chance of osteoarthritis even in non-weight bearing joints. Have a good diet that includes fruits and vegetables and supplements glucosamine and Chondroitin that are shown to delay the progress of osteoarthritis as well." He continues by stating, "Glucosamine and Chondroitin are natural supplements. They are found in foods, but you have to take them in higher quantities to treat osteoarthritis." Most people begin treating osteoarthritis when they begin having symptoms like pain and joint disfigurement. They may have even had x-rays years before, that showed natural bones. Dr. Theosadakis says, "Some people may think, well, I go to my HMO... get x-rays, and the doctor says the x-rays are normal... you don't have osteoarthritis. That's not true. The disease starts years before x-rays become positive." Doctors say the good news is that it's never too early or too late to start pevention or treatment of osteoarthritis. Living younger means enjoying an active lifestyle. Doing things you want to do. Execise, contolling your weight, your diet and in general taking good care of yourself can determine whether or not you'll be living younger, longer.