INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Make an appointment with your doctor so he can diagnose the cause of your knee pain. Your doctor will likely do a physical exam, take x-rays and order blood tests to confirm a diagnosis. If your knee pain is not alleviated by home remedies or OTC medications, then talk to your doctor about getting a stronger prescriptions drug. COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib) are particularly strong NSAIDs that have less risk of stomach problems. They are usually prescribed for OA of the knee. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are typically used to combat the pain and reduce the progression of rheumatoid arthritis by dampening down your immune system. The most common DMARD is methotrexate. An corticosteroid injection into the knee can quickly reduce inflammation and pain, and allow for better range of motion. Corticosteroids are hormones that act as strong anti-inflammatories. They are usually injected into joints by orthopedic surgeons under local anesthesia. The most commonly used medications are cortisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone and triamcinolone. The effects of the shots are almost always short-term the pain relief will last from a few weeks to many months typically. The number of corticosteroid injections you can get is limited to one every three months, because they can cause the knee to deteriorate more quickly. Potential risks of corticosteroid injections include: infection, bleeding, tendon weakening, local muscle atrophy and nerve irritation/damage. Corticosteroid injections can be fairly expensive if your health insurance doesn't cover it, so check with your insurance provider. Acupuncture is an ancient healing therapy based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves sticking very fine needles into specific energy points within your skin in efforts to reduce pain, combat inflammation and stimulate healing. Some research indicates that acupuncture can relieve some types of knee pain and improve joint function, particularly in people with OA. Acupuncture is relatively painless and has an excellent safety record, so it may be worth a try if your budget allows it it isn't usually covered under most health insurance plans. Acupuncture appears to alleviate pain and inflammation by triggering the release of hormones, such as serotonin, and other compounds called endorphins. Acupuncture is now practiced by many more types of health professionals, including some medical doctors, chiropractors, naturopaths, physical therapists and massage therapists whoever you choose should be certified by The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). If your knee pain persists after trying a variety of home remedies, medications and alternative treatments, then ask your doctor about the pros and cons of surgery. Surgery should only be considered in severe cases of arthritis and to repair significant damage, such as ruptured ligaments and tendons, torn meniscus and broken bones. There are many types of surgical procedures, including arthroscopic surgery as well as partial and total knee replacements. Arthroscopic surgery involves inserting a small cutting instrument with an attached camera (arthroscope) into the knee joint in order to clean up pieces of torn cartilage and repair ripped ligaments. Recovery time is pretty quick (1-2 weeks), depending on the extent of knee damage. A synovectomy involves removing the inflamed lining of a knee joint afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis. An osteotomy involves realigning the bones that form the knee joint the tibia and femur. An arthroplasty is total or partial knee replacement surgery. The damaged cartilage/bone is cut out and replaced by an artificial joint made from metal and plastic.

SUMMARY: See your doctor for prescription medications. Consult with your doctor about steroid injections. Try acupuncture therapy. Consider surgery as a last resort.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Choose products that will help to define your curls without weighing down your hair. Look for curl-defining shampoo and conditioner that helps to bring out the curl while also hydrating your hair to keep it shiny and strong. This will keep your curls from falling out too quickly, especially if it's humid outside. To keep your curls lasting as long as possible, try not to touch your hair throughout the day. Avoid wearing a hat or using hair accessories that might weigh your hair down.
Summary: Use medium-bodied shampoo and conditioner. Finish with light-hold hairspray.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Weight loss as slow as 1 to 2 pounds per week is normal. If you were expecting much more dramatic results, then adjust your expectations so that you are not discouraged. Eat a maximum of 6 ounces of protein at mealtimes. Ideally, women should consume 1,500 to 1,800 calories per day, and men should consume 1,800 to 2,200 per day. If your weight loss has stalled, then try counting calories for a couple of days and see what is pushing you out of your acceptable calorie range. If you're estimating, then you may be overeating. Make a new commitment to accurately counting the grams of net carbs that you eat each day. If you aren't eating enough vegetables, then you may become constipated, which could increase the reading on the scale. Many sauces and condiments contain carbohydrates, so be sure to read your labels. Sometimes, dieters overdo their consumption of these products. If you skip a meal, then you will feel ravenous before your next meal. If you allow yourself to become extremely hungry, then you will have more difficulty gauging when you have eaten enough. Over-the-counter medications and some prescription medications can slow down weight loss. Stress causes your body to produce cortisol, a fat-storing hormone, which can deposit fat around your waist. Try yoga, meditation, exercise and other healthy methods to cope with stress and to restart your weight loss. Increasing the intensity of exercise or varying your exercise routine can be a wonderful way to restart your weight loss journey.

SUMMARY:
Adjust your expectations. Manage protein consumption. Count calories. Count your net carbs. Make sure that you consume 12 to 15 grams of carbs in the form of foundation vegetables. Watch for hidden carbs. Cut back on low-carb shakes and bars. Avoid skipping meals. Talk to your doctor about medications. Curb stress. Get some exercise.