Joint pain is not limited to runners and athletes. In fact, 28 million Americans experience joint pain. Did you know for every pound of weight you gain, you add 4 additional pounds of pressure to your knees and 6 additional pounds of pressure to your hips. No wonder so many Americans experience joint pain. Even though as we age, the protective cushioning deteriorates around our joints and increases the joint discomfort, joint pain is not restricted to seniors and/or athletes; it affects most everyone at some time. This cartilage between the bones can deteriorate for many reasons, therefore, causing reduced mobility and pain.

So now that we understand the problem, what is the solution? What is the ideal formula for optimal joint pain relief? This question needs to be answered because many of the anti-inflammatory prescriptions such as Vioxx have been recalled, and our health care is in chaos when it comes to prescription and medical coverage.

Can chondroitin offer joint pain relief, especially knee pain relief? Several studies have been done to analyze that exact notion and until recently the experts remained split. In fact, if you interviewed 100 runners, you would've heard a huge array of answers from, "it did nothing for me," to, "I can't live without it".

About 5-10 years ago, you wouldn't have even thought of buying a glucosamine supplement without chondroitin, but scientists have uncovered new information. The good news is that there is no down side to glucosamine: it's practically harmless. But chondroitin on the other hand does have a down side. New research has proven that glucosamine is not only more effective than its counterpart chondroitin, but also better absorbed without chondroitin. That's right...if you want the best joint pain relief then you need to use a supplement that has glucosamine without chondroitin.

It has also been proven that glucosamine combined with Boswellia extract can greatly increase joint pain relief and help rebuild the joints within a shorter amount of time than chondroitin and glucosamine combined. When choosing the right glucosamine supplement, it is essential to go with a large, time-tested company because there is little federal regulation on these supplements in the U.S. Many supplements are imported and the FDA is too overwhelmed to monitor everything. That is why the company's reputation and standards are so important. After starting a supplement regimen, remember to keep it up for 3-6 months to be able to see the full effects of improvement.

The optimal glucosamine supplement has been shown to increase mobility, flexibility, joint function by supporting long-term joint health. This supplement is best absorbed if the following nutrients are also present:

• Zinc
• Copper
• Manganese
• Vitamin C
• And of course, Boswellia extract.

Although numerous consumers have found relief in just 5 days with this patent-pending combination of ingredients, everyone's body responds differently. Typically, natural supplementation takes longer than prescription medicines. However, the side effects are quite often positive benefits, instead of negative effects. For instance, glucosamine with Boswellia extract is an excellent supplement that offers knee pain relief but is not limited to the knees: it helps alleviate all joint pains.

Quite often, when a company boasts of instant gratification, either they are lying or the side effects just aren't worth the risks so be patient and consistent. Whether you are dieting or treating a specific problem like knee pain or even heart disease, it always pays to be patient and consistent.

Barb Lulay is an Education Health Specialist and the owner of Health and Harmony LLC. To learn more about the glucosamine with Boswellia extract supplement that Barb herself uses, simply visit Best Glucosamine Supplements. Barb is very athletic and has competed in triathlons, natural body building, swimming and track in spite of having lupus. To check out the highest quality products that have been time-tested for over 50 years and have been proven to improve your health, simply visit No Joint Pain.

The school year has started. No matter what grades your children are entering, they cannot avoid the bugs that they are exposed to on a daily basis. Staying healthy can be very difficult, but not impossible.

Help your children start the year off right with these tips:

• Make sure your child gets enough sleep - Children and teenagers need at least nine hours of sleep each night to promote good health. Enforce an earlier bedtime a few weeks before school starts to get your child's internal "clock" adjusted to the new time.
• Reinforce regular hand washing - This is one of the easiest, yet more effective ways to keep contaminants away from your child's body. Hand washing protects against colds and the flu and many other possible diseases. Instruct them to wash their hands before they eat and after using the bathroom.
• Make sure your child has a healthy breakfast - A healthy breakfast is absolutely essential for getting your child off on the right foot this school year. It is a proven fact that children who eat breakfast participate more in school, learn better, and do not miss as much school. Protein meal shakes are an excellent addition to any breakfast. They contain essential vitamins and minerals that your child might miss even though they are eating breakfast. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber and protein. Meal shakes are also rich in calcium, which is essential to a healthy body. Make sure to purchase all natural protein shakes that are made specifically for children and are from a reputable all natural company.
• Provide your child with all natural Omega 3 supplements - This is something that the majority of parents do not even think of giving their children. Omega 3 for children supplements have amazing benefits for your child's physical and mental health. Give your children ultra-pure DHA that will significantly improve memory, concentration, and mind skills.
• Give your child an all natural children's multi-vitamin - An all natural children's vitamin will help to ensure your child is getting the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy body. Look for an all natural multi-vitamin that contains lactoferrin. This is a protein that helps children keep their immune systems "supercharged." There are many all natural companies that provide adequate multi-vitamins; however, there is only one company that offers a children's vitamin with lactoferrin.
• Switch to green cleaners - Conventional cleaning products can be dangerous and can be the cause of many health risks. Conventional cleaning products have been linked to asthma, cancer, hormone disruption, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and many more health problems. These health problems are caused from inhaling or absorbing in the skin and then entering the blood stream. This is not something many people think of when they hear that conventional cleaners are dangerous. They likely think of the immediate dangers of chemically based cleaners, such as: burns to the skin and eyes and immediate lung damage from breathing in the chemicals causing them not to be able to breathe directly after contact. Switching to green cleaners is the best way to ensure you are doing your best to provide your family with the healthiest home environment possible. Green cleaners are not only safer, but are also more effective than conventional cleaners.

Keep your family safe and give your children the best start possible to this school year by providing them with a safe home environment and giving them the all natural supplements they need to thrive. Simply telling them that you love them with a big hug and kiss can go a long way in helping your child start the year off right.

Learn more about why omega for children should be every parent's Smart Choice!