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“All levels of government in Australia need to get on board to address the growing burden of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions,” she said. “These conditions are already the most expensive conditions in the Australian health system, at more than $12 billion a year, and this cost will only escalate in coming years with an ageing and increasingly obese population. “However, there’s a major mismatch between the cost and burden of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions and their prioritisation in policy and resourcing, which needs to be urgently addressed.” The authors also stressed the need for standardised methods for collecting data on the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders across the world. These disorders, which affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and joints, can severely affect individuals’ physical and mental health, being especially prevalent among ageing adults. Although many researchers are studying these conditions and their rates in different regions of the world, no study to date has provided an overview of the burden of all musculoskeletal disorders until now. The findings are accessible in Arthritis & Rheumatology1, an official journal of the American College of Rheumatology. Complementary strategies to manage arthritis Ms Marine says many complementary strategies to manage arthritis can be used in addition to the medications available. The “important part” of such strategies, she adds, is “making healthy food choices and managing weight”. This, she says, is due to extra body weight increasing the stress on many joints, particularly the knees, hips and lower back. “Pharmacists can stress to patients and customers that losing some excess kilograms will lessen the stress on their joints, reduce pain and make mobility easier.” As to what diet to follow, Ms Marine underscores that to date no diet has been proven by research to cure arthritis. Based on this, she advises that a “cautious approach” be taken to special diets or supplements claimed to cure arthritis. “Arthritis symptoms for the most part vary from day to day, making it tricky “Pharmacists can stress to patients and customers that losing some excess kilograms will lessen the stress on their joints, reduce pain and make mobility easier.” to determine if a change in symptoms is due to a change in diet or just coincidence,” she said. “At times people report feeling better after eliminating certain food, but that could be attributed to an individual food intolerance. “A dietitian or doctor would be best suited to provide dietary advice. “Just cutting out whole food groups based on a personal hunch could lead to a nutritional deficiency. “The best advice I can give here is for pharmacists and their assistants to promote a healthy, balanced diet, high in fresh fruits and vegetables with wholegrains, healthy fats and lean animal or plant protein, to maintain general health and avoid medical issues. This may also help overweight or obese people to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.” Ms Marine highlights that it’s not surprising much of the research surrounding nutrition in arthritis management focuses on anti- inflammatory foods, as some types of arthritis are inflammatory. Certain foods have been shown to trigger inflammation, while others can suppress it, she says, citing the examples of antioxidants in vegetables and monounsaturated fats in nuts, which both fight inflammation. She also points out that Mediterranean diets have come to the fore as being favourable for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic conditions, as these diets tend to keep foods that trigger inflammation at bay while focusing on foods that can help suppress inflammation. According to Registered Dietitian and blogger Andy De Santis, alcohol, refined carbohydrates made with white flour, foods high in saturated fat such as certain higher fat dairy and red meat products as well as processed red meats such as salami, sausages and hot dogs should be consumed in moderation. For those with osteoarthritis, he advises cholesterol-lowering foods such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, oatmeal and soy-based foods. References 1. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/ (ISSN)2326-5205?utm_source=miragenews&utm_ medium=miragenews&utm_campaign=news. AS SEEN IN RETAIL PHARMACY 49 Ms Marine advises pharmacists to suggest that people living with arthritis contact their local arthritis organisation to learn ways of better managing their condition (national Arthritis Infoline: 1800 011 041). To read the full feature as it appears in the Jan/Feb issue of Retail Pharmacy magazine, visit: retailpharmacymagazine.com.au/magazine RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • FEB 2021