Summer Sips for Healthy Joints

Three refreshing summer beverages on bar

There’s nothing quite like sipping on a cold and refreshing beverage on a hot summer day! For those managing chronic joint pain, there are a variety of summer drink options available to keep you cool and hydrated while also promoting better joint health. If you need a little inspiration, we have some of Dr. Dean’s favorite summer sip recipes made with joint-healthy ingredients to share here.

“When you are living with joint pain, it’s very important to be mindful of your food and beverage choices to help control inflammation,” says Dr. Dean. “For example, research suggests that sugar can increase the risk of chronic inflammation, which in turn can complicate existing joint pain. So, when it comes to summer beverages, I always recommend skipping the sugary stuff and creating your own healthier recipes at home.”

Morning Green Juice. If you have a juicer at home, summer is a great time to put it to use! I love to start my day with a green blend using ingredients like kale, celery, cucumbers, and green apple. You can even add a little turmeric, which is known to be a natural anti-inflammatory.

Cherry Spritzer. Tart cherry juice is loaded with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and joint pain. To balance the tartness and give it some fizz, I mix it with plain sparkling water, pour it over ice, and add some orange and lemon slices.

Fruit-Infused Water. It’s important for those managing chronic joint pain to stay consistently hydrated throughout the day. But plain old water can get pretty boring! I’ll often recommend fruit-infused water to my patients as a way to add natural flavor without added sugars. You can mix and match your favorite fruits as well as herbs like mint and rosemary to create your favorite recipes.

Turmeric Ginger Lemonade. When it comes to natural ways to reduce inflammation, both turmeric and ginger are at the top of the list. Mix these with some homemade lemonade and mint for a super tasty and refreshing beverage. Get the recipe here.

“I always tell my patients that staying active and enjoying the summer is very important for their overall health and wellbeing as well as their joint health,” says Dean. “We don’t have to give up the little pleasures in life, like tasty summer drinks. Rather, we just have to make more mindful choices about ingredients so we can balance enjoyment with pain management.” 

If you are living with chronic knee, hip or shoulder pain that’s preventing you from daily tasks and activities, you can complete the form below to request your free consultation with Dr. Dean to see if you are a candidate for AROmotion which has helped more than 2,000 patients stop their joint pain fast without surgery.

How to Embrace Aging

Healthy senior couple walking on the beach

“Aging is a gift that should never be taken for granted.” – Dr. Robert Dean, founder of AROmotion.

As the average life expectancy in the United States continues to increase, more people are changing the way they think about aging. While some continue to struggle with the natural changes that come with aging, others are beginning to embrace aging and seeking out ways to live their best lives while maintaining optimal health. AROmotion’s founder, Dr. Robert Dean, has often talked about the importance of healthy aging and shifting the mindset around it in a youth-obsessed culture. In this article, we share his top tips for embracing the gift that is aging.

“I hear from a lot of my patients who are struggling with the mental and emotional aspects of aging,” says Dr. Dean. “It’s difficult to accept that the years of eating whatever we want and doing whatever we want without aches and pains are behind us. But, instead of dwelling on that loss, I always encourage my patients to embrace aging because it truly is a gift to have more time to enjoy life and our loved ones.”

When it comes to healthy aging, Dr. Dean believes there’s an important balance between physical and mental wellbeing.

“I’ve talked and written extensively about the importance of physical health as we age,” he says. “A big part of that is staying active while listening to your body to avoid injury or strain on your joints. Then, it’s equally important to nurture your mental health through aging because your internal outlook plays a huge role in your overall health and wellbeing.”

So, what does Dr. Dean tell his patients who are struggling with the mental and emotional aspects of getting older? Here are his top tips for embracing aging:

Practice Gratitude. Not everyone has the good fortune to live a long and happy life, so practicing gratitude for your life, health, and happiness each day is vital when it comes to shifting your mindset about growing older.

Acknowledge Your Wisdom. There’s a reason for the saying “youth is wasted on the young”! When we are younger, we may have more physical stamina but we lack the wisdom that comes with age and experience. With this wisdom comes better balance and inner peace that makes life even more enjoyable.

Love What You See In the Mirror. Do you ever look in the mirror and feel a bit shocked when you don’t see a 25-year-old you looking back? This is a dangerous cycle! When you look in the mirror and see your wrinkles and other signs of aging, try thinking about how you look and feel in the present moment.

Stay Sharp. Keeping your mind active is just as important as movement, especially as we age. Studies have shown that challenging your mind with activities like puzzles, sudoku, or games with your family, can help keep your mind and memory sharp.

Savor Self-Care. One of the perks of being older is being able to slow down and enjoy the little things. Now is the time to savor this shift and really enjoy your self-care activities. Plus, practicing daily self-care can help curb stress and anxiety which can create serious health complications for older people.

“We are seeing a significant shift in how our society perceives aging as the Boomer generation becomes senior citizens and their kids approach middle age,” says Dean. “These people are staying fit, active, mentally sharp, and investing in enjoying every aspect of life as they age. My hope is that this trend will continue so that the stigma is eventually gone.”

If you are living with chronic knee, hip, or shoulder pain that’s preventing you from enjoying life as you age, you can complete the form below to request your free consultation with Dr. Dean to see if you are a candidate for AROmotion which has helped more than 2,000 patients stop their joint pain fast without surgery.