Thursday, March 15, 2007

Good Morning, Afternoon, whatever...

It isn't my fault that too many coffee graphics assume that the morning is the only time people drink coffee!!!

Because, hey, it is about 1:30pm here... and I am drinking my third luscious cup of the Nectar of the Gods, we call coffee!

I am having a yummy Green Mountain Hazelnut Cream, with half n half and no sugar.  Yummy! 

Today is rainy and yucky.  According to my www.accuweather.com forecast today's arthritis index is 'very high'!!!  Meaning a 'very high' likelyhood of pain.  Yeah, no crap Sherlock.  

I shouldn't dis them... they are the first weather service to include an index like this and it is great!

Here is what their Arthritis Index - 'What is this?' section says:

The fact that weather has an effect on how arthritis is felt by its sufferers is well documented, with surveys showing as many as 93% of arthritis sufferers believing that weather affects their pain level, and 68% believing that weather severely affects their pain level. Patients with arthritis often claim they can predict the weather, based upon their pain level, and a number of studies have been conducted to test this hypothesis. While these studies show that the effects of weather can vary from person to person, many show that arthritis pain is increased by a variety of weather factors, which may swell inflamed arthritic joints, stretching the inflamed joint lining and capsule, thereby increasing the pain of arthritis.

Among the types of weather that may increase joint sensitivity and arthritic pain are:

1. Changes in atmospheric pressure, especially falling pressure
2. Changes in temperature, especially lowering temperature
3. High or increasing relative or absolute humidity
4. Relatively low atmospheric pressure
5. Low temperatures
6. Precipitation

Arthritic pain can be especially severe when these conditions are combined, such as during chilly, damp weatherwhen pressure is low and falling.

Now, AccuWeather has developed an index that combines all of the weather factors that may affect arthritis sufferers, and summarizes the most likely severity of weather-related arthritis pain in one easy-to-understand scale, from Low to Extreme. Available exclusively on AccuWeather.com, the AccuWeather Arthritis Index forecasts this level for each of the next several days, so arthritis sufferers can have advanced notice of when they are most likely to have increased pain, allowing them to take appropriate medication and to better plan activities.
 
Very true... all of it.  And, it does help.  Yesterday, I could feel the bad weather coming in and it is nice to go somewhere and have it confirmed.
 
This great for people with all kinds of arthritis, not just Rheumatoid Arthritis, like me.  So, if you have older loved ones with osteo, you might want to share!
 
It also gives the allergy index which is great since Fuzzy is heading into that Springtime allergy fest!
 
Anyhow, Hubby is working from home today which is always nice.  ;-D  He is on the computer doing a huge Excel sheet of specs for 650 windows that need to be replaced somewhere in NYC. 
 
be well,
Dawn

 

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's evening here now but I'm drinking raspberry and echinacea tea, which really seems to be clearing the sinus problem left from my bug.

After walking round town without a coat yesterday they are now forecasting snow for us on Sunday!!!!

Linda x.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I am impressed with the accuweather folks...they "get it" while many doctors are still denying that weather doesn't affect arthritis. (Obviously, they are the doctors who don't HAVE arthritis.)--Cin

Anonymous said...

I can only do one large coffee a day!  Too much of it makes me jittery!!  When I was younger I would drink expressos (with 2 packs of sugar of course) just to look "cool".  It was either smoke (which I never did) or drink expressos.  I remember watching my hands shake afterwards!  Julie :)  I hope the sunshine comes to you soon!  Julie

Anonymous said...

I have inherited a barometric toe thanks to my break from six weeks ago... I've been pain free for days and now... with our crappy weather... I'm hurting again..
oh well.. .I know it could be worse...
And coffee is kewl any time of day! I can drink a cup of caffeinated coffee and go STRAIGHT to bed!
*laugh*
hugs
heather

Anonymous said...

Hey thanks for the weather link! Yes, just Why is it that everyone assumes coffee is just for mornings? lol
love ya,
carlene

Anonymous said...

My mom always got the worst migraines when the barometric pressure dropped.  I'm so surprised that more people don't realize we are part of the environment and when things change -- WE change!!

Have a good Friday!

Russ

Anonymous said...

I new this already, I always feel dreadfull beofre a storm. I also new about the arthritis link too.
I hope Spring is coming to your neck of the woods soon.
Gaz x

Anonymous said...

What great info ! Thanks and I hope we dont get any snow today. It's hailing now here.
hugs to you Dawn,
Ellen

Anonymous said...

LOL...I've been known to drink coffee at all hours and then I wonder why my insomnia gets worse.  My dad had arthritis severely and always was the barometer that we used to guage the incoming rain or snow.  That web site is really awesome.  I'm amazed at the info that is popping up daily.  Hugs to you...Chris