Arthritis affects about 40% of Americans and about 50% of people worldwide. This ailment is more common than cancer and heart problems and dates back thousands years. It is believed that famous Roman baths were created not only for hygiene purposes, but to help ancient people ease aches and pains in joints.

What is happening and why?

There are two most common forms of arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. RA is an autoimmune disorder when body attacks its own cells, which often results in joint destruction. OA is wear and tear arthritis that comes with age or because of improper diet or lifestyle.

Cartilage, joint lining, that acts as a shock absorber consists of water and though protein fibers, collagen. Collagen matrix, that gives cartilage its strength and shape, is insulated by a net of proteglucans. They are filled with water to protect and nourish cartilage. Proteglucans are long molecular chains that include glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate - two important building blocks.

Glucosamine is essential to production of water-binding proteins in cartilage, and chondroitin sulfates draw fluids that provide ease of movement and attract nutrients for cartilage repair. Injury, wear, corrosive enzymes can damage this protection, and cartilage loses ability to repair itself. It gradually deteriorates and forms clefs and crevices that impede movement and cause pain.

Traditional approach to treating joint pain is well known: pain is suppressed with NASDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.). Calming symptoms, these drugs simply mask problem, while joints keep deteriorating.

Can any man really lower his cholesterol?

Lower cholesterol levels should be a health concern of every man.

Heart disease is number one killer among so-called healthy men in Western world today. More than 40% of men will die from it.

What is particularly disturbing is that strokes and heart attacks are becoming much more common in younger men.

It seems that younger men, even those who look physically like they are in good health, are dying because they can't lower cholesterol levels.

Even if a man seems healthy and follows good eating and exercising habits there's no guarantee that he'll have lower cholesterol levels.

There're so many misconceptions when it comes to trying to lower cholesterol. That's why we are here to present you with accurate, concise and unbiased information on what it really takes to lower cholesterol.

Witness unfortunate death of St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Darryl Kile, who was felled in his prime, only 33 years old.

Although it seems counterintuitive, athletes, in fact, can be even more vulnerable than average person and have a tougher time when it comes to trying to lower cholesterol.

When a man, in good health or not, engages in vigorous exercise he'll create an excess of free radicals. These free radicals cause tremendous amounts of damage to body with devastating effects, one of which is elevating their cholesterol.

But taking a powerful antioxidant will help neutralize these free radicals before damage occurs. Nowadays, due to lifestyles, diet, and deeper understanding in role that genetics plays, every man young or old should be acutely aware of importance of trying to lower cholesterol to an optimum level.

High cholesterol is considered best "marker" for potential heart disease and it is a condition that 1 in 4 men have.

In order to prevent future problems, it is widely recommended that you check your cholesterol levels, and if they are "out of line," take action to lower cholesterol - irrespective of your age.

Are You At Risk If You Don't Take An Active Role To Lower Your Cholesterol?