Posted on by universalhomecaresudbury

Managing Arthritis

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We hope 2017 is filled with amazing health and lots of joy for you and your family.

Arthritis is our focus for the month of January. Arthritis is a common, yet very broad disease with over 100 different types. This disease can be present in people of all ages, sexes, and ethnicities. However, it is the most common in women and older individuals. Common symptoms include swelling, stiffness, pain and decreased range of motion in a particular joint. Additionally, the symptoms may not be constant, and can range from mild to severe pain.

The following list includes recommended activities from the Arthritis Foundation for individuals with arthritis:

  • Biking
  • Golf
  • Hiking
  • Swimming/aquatics
  • Running
  • Tennis
  • Walking
  • Aerobics/dance
  • Martial arts
  • Pilates
  • Yoga
  • Tai Chi

Of course, these recommended activities differ for everyone and are dependent on the location of the arthritis and the severity.

To reduce injury, the Arthritis Foundation provided the following tips when exercising:

  • Do not skip the warm up and ensure you stretch
  • Always take the time to cool down
  • Start with lighter weights. Do not use the heavy ones first.
  • Find a happy medium for your body where you are not going too easy, but also not overexerting yourself.
  • Stay hydrated!
  • Focus on your posture and form, evaluate your positioning.

The following link from the foundation depicts how to exercise with arthritis and how to customize your exercise to your needs.

http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/exercise/how-to/

Furthermore, the foundation also explores the best foods to consume for individuals with arthritis:

  • Fish (Omega-3 fights inflammation. Salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring are recommended).
  • Soybeans (Tofu and edamame also fight inflammation).
  • Oil (Extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, safflower oil and walnut oil).
  • Cherries (Anti-inflammatory effect. Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are said to have similar effects).

To view more amazing foods for arthritis, take a look at the Arthritis Foundation’s list.

http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/best-foods-for-arthritis/best-foods-for-arthritis-6.php

Next, we are going to look at lifestyle changes to manage your arthritis symptoms:

  • Exercise regularly.
  • Stick to a healthy diet.
  • Consume vitamin C (Studies have shown that vitamin C can assist in managing inflammation).
  • Do not manage your arthritis pain with alcohol.
  • Manage your stress by getting enough sleep each night, taking vacations, expressing your feelings in a journal, meditating, giving yourself time to relax each day, etc.
  • Purchase reachers. These long rods can assist with reaching items that are up high or down low.
  • Implement door handles instead of doorknobs to eliminate gripping and turning.
  • Implement hand rails in your washroom.
  • Use a shoe horn.
  • If buttons and shoelaces are a challenge, choose velcro.

Remember, we are only one call away for a full list of medical and non-medical home care services. Peace of mind and increased quality of life at home. Call Universal Home Care today 705-523-9100.

References:

http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/

http://www.everydayhealth.com/arthritis/taking-control-of-arthritis.aspx

 

 

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