By Kay Leaman, Health Architect, HealthyDay HealthyLife Gout is a painful form of arthritis that occurs when high levels of uric acid in the blood form crystals and accumulate in and around the joint. However, gout can still occur without high UA levels. The onset of gout is sudden with severe joint pain, redness (feels like the joint is on fire) and is tender to the touch. It often occurs at the base of the big toe, but can affect other joints as well. It is a type of arthritis which creates inflammation in the affected area. Men are more prone than women to have gout. The chances for women increase after menopause. Areas affected are the joints, bursae (sac between bones in joints), tendon sheaths and kidneys. Gout arthritis increases bone fracture risk notably due to low vitamin D levels but also oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines induced by hyperuricemia. Inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress can increase bone resorption and decrease bone formation increasing the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Uric acid is produced when purines (a naturally occurring chemical in the body and some foods) are broken down during digestion. UA normally passes through the kidneys and exits through urine without issue. Higher levels due to excess production of UA or failure to eliminate properly triggers the condition. Risk Factors: • Family history • Age and sex • Diet • Obesity (UA levels higher primarily due to lowered elimination) • Medical Conditions: HBP, diabetes, metabolic syndrome,... Read More

  The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Todd Craven, Music Director/Conductor Featuring the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale, Darrin Scott Isaac, Music Director Soloists: Stephanie Riegle, flute and Katie Ott, harpWorks by W.A. Mozart, Matthew Fossa and Maurice Duruflé Experience the beauty of the famous Requiem by French composer Maurice Duruflé performed in the perfect spiritual and ambient setting of the Resurrection Catholic Church with a full 65- piece chorale and orchestra. The first half of the program highlights principal musicians from the NFSO: the premiere of a new work by principal oboist Matthew Fossa and a performance of the magical Concerto for Flute and Harp by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, featuring Stephanie Riegle and Katie Ott. Saturday, May 13, 2023 The performance is at 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $25 Call the Mattie Kelly Arts Center box office at (850) 729-6000 or visit mattiekellyartscenter.org. Tickets also available for purchase the day of the performance at Resurrection Catholic Church, Miramar Beach, FL The post NFSO at Resurrection Catholic Church: Duruflé Requiem May 13 appeared first on Bay Life | News, Events and Community Information.   Read More