Towards better mobility

TO Richard Ooi, aged 45, his mother has always been a picture of vitality and positivity. Even at 73, Mrs Ooi still enjoys gardening. However, lately Richard has noticed that his mother avoids the stairs and seems to be staying home more often. She is unable to walk far before her knees give way.

Mrs Ooi started experiencing joint pains in her right knee about three years ago. She started taking the usual ointments and glucosamine supplements, which worked for awhile but the joint pains seem to have returned. Her garden is now neglected as she cannot squat to tend to her plants.

Although his mother doesn’t complain and puts up a brave front, Richard understands how frustrated and confined she must be feeling, being unable to do what she enjoys in her golden years. However, this does not explain why there are so many people in their 60’s and 70’s who are still mobile and active while some 50year-olds are having aches, pains and joint stiffness in their knees and fingers.

Scientists have discovered that the reason is due to the natural joint repairing process that occurs in the case of injury. Before the joint can be rebuilt and repaired, it first needs to be broken down. To do the job, a type of enzyme known as Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP enzymes) is released to break down the joint.

In the case of arthritis patients, the MMP enzymes fail to “switch off” and as a result destroys the joints. MMP enzymes also cause inflammation, which contribute to pain, stiffness and swelling. In order to tackle joint problems, the solution lies in controlling the root cause that is the MMP enzymes. substance called New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel extract, also known as Biolane, which is able to inhibit the MMP enzymes from continually damaging the cartilage, which is being built. With added antiinflammatory, antioxidant and marine mineral healing actions, it is able to also address various pathologies involved in joint degeneration.

Biolane, which has 40 years of research behind it, has been clinically tested in patients to deliver a 70% success rate for joints to return to normal function. As the process of joint repair takes time, recommended dosage is to ingest two capsules twice daily, for at least three months for best results.

However, Biolane is not a painkiller. Patients may still need to take their painkillers initially, before the benefits of Biolane kicks in. Additional advantages are its stomach-protecting properties, which when taken together with painkillers, reduces the percentage of gastric lesions by more than 50%. In the long run when MMP enzymes are balanced, patients will find that they need not rely on painkillers any more. for her knee problems. When nothing happened for the first two months, Mrs Ooi began to doubt if Biolane would really work at all, but she persevered.

One morning, Richard was pleasantly surprised when his mother asked to be taken out for breakfast, something she hadn’t requested for a long time. Mrs Ooi is now able to walk around her neighbourhood without the usual joint pains. She now feels well enough to go out together with the family. Her son was proud to escort his mother to their regular coffeeshop where many old friends commented how good it is to see Mrs Ooi out and about once again. Richard now intends to start on Biolane as his knees are feeling the brunt of his hiking activities.

This article is brought to you by Nuvanta Sdn Bhd. For more information, please call 1300 88 1712 or e-mail pharmacist nuvanta.com.