A look back at the health problems the Queen faced
Having lived almost a century, with a magnificent reign of seven decades, Queen Elizabeth II became the world's second-longest reigning monarch. Until the final days in her life, the Queen still attended royal engagements. While the late Queen's dedication to her people and her country was unwavering, the 96-year-old did not have a smooth sail through the years. With time, she experienced several ups and downs in respect to her health.
Knee surgery in 2003 and mobility issues later
Reportedly, Queen Elizabeth II suffered from back pain over the years and had undergone a knee surgery in 2003. The operation was conducted to remove a torn cartilage from her right knee.
However, this did not stop the head of state from resuming her royal engagements.
However, in 2018, the Queen's knee was reportedly in distress again.
11 Knee Pain and mobility issues Dos and Don’ts
Don’t rest too much. Too much rest can weaken your muscles, which can worsen joint pain. Find an exercise program that is safe for your knees and stick with it.
Do exercise. Cardio exercises strengthen the muscles that support your knee and increase flexibility. Weight training and stretching do, too.
Don’t risk a fall. A painful or unstable knee can make a fall more likely, which can cause more knee damage. Curb your risk of falling by making sure your home is well lit, using handrails on staircases, and using a sturdy ladder or foot stool if you need to reach something from a high shelf.
Do use "RICE." Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) is good for knee pain caused by a minor injury or an arthritis flare. Give your knee some rest, apply ice to reduce swelling, wear a compressive bandage, and keep your knee elevated.
Don't overlook your weight. If you're overweight, losing weight reduces the stress on your knee.
Don't be shy about using a walking aid. A crutch or cane can take the stress off of your knee.
Do consider acupuncture. This form of traditional Chinese medicine, which involves inserting fine needles at certain points on the body, is widely used to relieve many types of pain and may help knee pain.
Don't let your shoes make matters worse. Cushioned insoles can reduce stress on your knees. For knee osteoarthritis, doctors often recommend special insoles that you put in your shoe.
Plau with temperature. For the first 48 to 72 hours after a knee injury, use a cold pack to ease swelling and numb the pain. A plastic bag of ice or frozen peas works well. Use it for 15 to 20 minutes three or four times a day.
Don’t jar your joint(s). High-impact exercises can further injure painful knees. Avoid jarring exercises such as running, jumping, and kickboxing. Also avoid doing exercises such as lunges and deep squats that put a lot of stress on your knees.
Do get expert advice. If your knee pain is new, get a doctor to check it out.
A bout of gastroenteritis
In 2013, the then 86-year-old Queen Elizabeth II was hospitalized with what seemed like a bout of gastroenteritis.
She was taken to a hospital "as a precaution" after experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis, Buckingham Palace officials said.
Prevention of Gastroenteritis
A person can use the following hygiene practices to try to prevent bacterial gastroenteritis:
- washing the hands thoroughly before handling foods and after using the bathroom
- washing the hands thoroughly after touching animals, especially farm animals
- using a separate cutting board for raw meat
- washing vegetables, fruits, and salads thoroughly before eating them
- avoiding close contact with people who have gastroenteritis
- drinking bottled water when traveling
- avoiding eating raw meat and fish
- avoiding drinking unpasteurized milk
- storing food appropriately and discarding any items that expire or spoil
- keeping the kitchen and bathroom clean
The British monarch underwent a cataract procedure
In 2018, besides having some trouble with her knee, the late Monarch also underwent a cataract procedure.
A cataract refers to the clouding of the lens of the eye. This can lead to clouded vision, which is why in such cases, people usually undergo cataract surgery.
However, it didn't take much time for the Queen to recover and she was back to business.
Tips how to prevent cataract
No studies have proved how to prevent cataracts or slow the progression of cataracts. But doctors think several strategies may be helpful, including:
- Have regular eye examinations. Eye examinations can help detect cataracts and other eye problems at their earliest stages.
- Quit smoking. Ask your doctor for suggestions about how to stop smoking.
- Manage other health problems. Follow your treatment plan if you have diabetes or other medical conditions that can increase your risk of cataracts.
- Choose a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Adding a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet ensures that you're getting many vitamins and nutrients. Fruits and vegetables have many antioxidants, which help maintain the health of your eyes.
- Wear sunglasses. Ultraviolet light from the sun may contribute to the development of cataracts. Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet B (UVB) rays when you're outdoors.
- Reduce alcohol use. Excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of cataracts.
Forced to miss the annual Remembrance Day Service due to a back injury
In November 2021, the Queen had experienced a back injury, which is why she had to miss the annual Remembrance Day Service.
How to prevent back pain?
- Do muscle-strengthening and stretching exercises at least 2 days a week.
- Stand and sit up straight.
- Avoid heavy lifting. If you do lift something heavy, bend your knees and keep your back straight. This way, your leg muscles will do most of the work.
- Get active and eat healthy. Being overweight can strain your back. Getting regular physical activity and choosing healthy foods can help you stay at a healthy weight.
COVID-19 with “mild cold-like symptoms"
Earlier this year, the Queen had tested positive for COVID-19, Buckingham Palace has said.
She experienced "mild cold-like symptoms," and continued with "light duties" at Windsor.
Queen Elizabeth tested positive for COVID-19 in February, reported the BBC, despite receiving her first vaccine dose in January 2021, and is “believed” to have had all her follow-up shots after that.
Booster doses critically important for seniors
“But you know what we tell everybody is that if you’re over 80 or 75, you should get boosted,” said Dr. Robert Lahita, director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Disease at Saint Joseph’s Healthcare System and author of “Immunity Strong.”
Her eldest son and soon-to-be king, the Prince of Wales, also tested positive for COVID-19 after sharing a room at Windsor Castle with his mother at that time, reported the BBC.
“Based on what we know about COVID’s activity with regard to the heart and the vasculature, that means clotting, and I don’t know what variant of COVID she might have had, whether it was the Omicron or the Delta — and the Delta is still going around. That could have been the source of her demise,” said Lahita.
The bottom line
Queen Elizabeth II of England died peacefully at her summer residence in Scotland at 96 years of age after ruling the UK for 70 years.
Although vaccinated, the queen experienced COVID-19 earlier this year, had long-standing health issues, and walked with the assistance of a cane.
While a cause of death has not yet been released, experts say her previous infection with the coronavirus may have contributed to her death.
So stay safe and do what you can to prevent health issues and reach the age of the Queen.
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/queen-elizabeth-ii-dies-at-96-after-a-series-of-health-issues
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/knee-pain-dos-and-donts
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322349#prevention
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790
https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/safety/prevent-back-pain
