Ten Ways To DO SOMETHING About Arthritis
Think there's nothing you can do about arthritis? Quit thinking and DO SOMETHING. The Arthritis Foundation published these suggestions as part of 1999 Arthritis Action Day:
- Make a date with your doctor. If you haven't gotten a medical diagnosis for your arthritis, get one.
- Tune in. Listening to your favorite music can lighten your mood and may even help you forget your pain at least for a little while. Make a tape of your favorite upbeat tunes and listen to it when you need a lift.
- Lose weight. Every extra pound you carry means added stress to your hips and knees. Excess weight can mean more pain, no matter which form of arthritis you have. It can also aggravate osteoarthritis and increase your risk of gout.
- Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, both prescriptions and over-the counter. And don't forget to mention any nutritional supplements, too. All medications - even natural ones - have the potential to cause side effects or to react adversely with one another.
- Reach for an orange or a tall glass of orange juice. Recent research has shown the importance of Vitamin C and other antioxidants in reducing the risk of osteoarthritis and its progression. Another bonus: oranges and other citrus fruits are good sources of folic acid, which can help alleviate side effects of the popular rheumatoid arthritis drug methotrexate and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in women with lupus.
- Play in the dirt. Buy the seeds for your three favorite veggies or flowers and plant a garden. Digging in the dirt can be therapeutic for sore hands and can yield results that are beautiful and fragrant or delicious and nutritious.
- Wear sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen in the sun. Some forms of arthritis, as well as certain medications, can lave you more vulnerable to the sun's harmful rays.
- Volunteer with an organization that needs you. Or raise money for a cause you believe in. Helping others can be a great way to help you forget your own problems, or at least put them into perspective.
- Kick butt. If only for a day, and then another, and another. Smoking can increase your risk of complications from lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and can predispose you to osteoporosis. Also if you have to undergo joint surgery, smoking can prolong your recovery.
- Sit, soak and soothe. A warm bath before bed can relieve muscle tension, ease aching joints and help you get a good night's sleep.
