Are you aware that COX-2 enzyme is a form of cyclooxygenase enzyme and is produced by your body and plays an important role by helping to prevent blood clotting?

Why would you suppress this important function of body with drugs?

Better, safer ways to combat pain and joint pain in particular exist which are less expensive and readily available without a prescription.

You can evaluate them with a Doctor who is knowledge- able about food, supplements and herbs and decide what is right for You.

Foods, supplements and herbs which you can easily incorporate into your diet to help reduce your pain and inflammation:

Ginger Garlic Hot Pepper Turmeric Rosemary Oregano

Green Tea – contains 51 inflammation inhibiting Compounds like salicylic acid and polyphenols.

Fresh cold water fish like salmon and sardines, which are highin omega-3 fatty acids which are a natural oil for your joints and help reduce inflammation.

Other foods which are high in omega-3 fats:

Grass fed beef which is also high in omega-3 fats

Nuts - Brazil, walnuts, almonds, pecans and hazelnuts. As well as seeds – like sunflower seeds and flaxseed.

Mother natures supplements to ease joint pain and inflammation:

Glucosamine – an amino sugar and key component of cartilage. Must be combined with next 2 for best results.

Boswellin – an Indian herb which reduces inflammation causing complex carbs

Msm – Methyl-sulfonylmethane – an organic source of mineral sulfur.

The above 3 are best used together for optimum results.

Vitamins C and D – both have been clinically proven to reduce osteoarthritis and joint stiffness and inflammation.

Fish oil tablets - also high in omega-3 fats.

You can even swim and exercise in water to go easy on your joints.

Now go out and take action to reduce your pain safely, Naturally and inexpensively.

Sources: Los Angeles Times “Suspect painkillers win fda panel ok”, February 19th, 2005.

And, if you don't normally check ingredient lists, I encourage you to do so. I've been amazed at how "same" products have different lists!

For example, I was buying some baking chocolate squares to use; and I just assumed they were all same and picked a box and took it home. Then, when I went to use it, I read ingredients and found it had milk in it! And, it wasn't even titled milk chocolate like others that contained milk. So, back to store. The other baking chocolate was indeed pure, dark chocolate.

Anyway, label checking can be very enlightening as to what you're putting in your body. I can't describe how much my health has improved since going "natural" and "organic" and "soy". It definitely costs more at grocery store; but hey, who can add up cost of a Mom fatiqued, irritable, and constantly catching every illness within a two mile radius? I think everyone will agree that a higher grocery bill is well worth it.

So, when checking labels for food allergies or your new diet, rest assured that Kraft and Nabisco have gone extra mile to be sure you know exactly what you're going to eat.