Even if Jack Frost is still nipping at your nose, it’s not too early to get your garden growing. Whether you’re starting from seeds or seedlings, get a jump on planting with these tips that are easy on your joints.
Winter weather is right around the corner, and while it’s tempting to huddle up on the sofa on cold days, arthritis knows no season. A lack of activity can cause your joints to become stiff, so move it or lose it. Exercise eases arthritis pain, increases strength and flexibility, and boosts your energy. Studies show that people with arthritis and related diseases – including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia – benefit from regular exercise. Exercise lessens pain and improves your overall quality of life.
Our Jingle Bell Run events are right around the corner, and whether you’re prepping to participate in our 5K, or exercising in your neighborhood, taking a few simple precautions can help control your arthritis pain and keep you active and outdoors throughout the colder months.
Gripping, lifting and carrying are essential for dozens of daily tasks, so it’s important to do them in a joint-friendly way to avoid pain and injury. Carole Dodge, an occupational therapist at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, offers this advice. Continue reading 5 Tips to Reduce Joint Pain With Smart Everyday Moves→
Is arthritis pain keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep? Is daytime fatigue bringing you down? Exercise can help. It’s been proven that even light exercise can help you get the rest you need. Continue reading Move More, Sleep Better→
Standing up and walking around for just two minutes every hour may help you live longer. That’s good news as evidence continues to mount that prolonged sitting shortens longevity and further increases the risk for several chronic conditions that commonly occur with arthritis, including diabetes, kidney problems, obesity and heart disease.
Researchers looked at data from devices that gauge activity levels worn daily for up to a week by 3,626 people in a national health survey. They measured how much time each day participants spent in sedentary and in various low-intensity activities (such as standing) and light-intensity activities (such as walking casually) and moderate to vigorous exercise (such as brisk walking or lifting weights). Continue reading Two Minutes of Activity an Hour To Live Longer→
Study after study has touted the benefits of walking for arthritis. But has your walking routine started to feel a bit … routine? You’ve tried taking different routes and walking with a friend, but it still feels a little ho-hum. Or maybe your doctor has suggested that you start a walking program. Try these creative twists to keep walking interesting. As always, if you’ve never exercised before, talk to your doctor before starting any fitness program. Continue reading Beat Boredom With Two Walking Routines for Arthritis→
Treadmills seem simple, but they can be hazardous, particularly for people with joint or balance issues. Trying to catch yourself when you lose your balance can result in muscle strains or injury in almost any joint, says physical therapist Mary Ann Wilmarth, CEO of Back2Back Physical Therapy in Andover, Mass.
“Injuries can go all the way up the kinetic chain when people slip and try to recover by catching themselves. This can mean foot injuries, strained or sprained ankles, shoulders and wrists – as well as the back and hips if you’re twisting as you lose balance,” she says. Continue reading 10 Tips for Using the Treadmill Safely with Arthritis→
Getting ready in the morning can leave you feeling worn out before the day even starts, especially if morning stiffness creates difficulty with grooming and dressing. Follow these tips to make your mornings less painful.
1. Prep at night. If you’re typically less stiff in the evening, assemble your outfit and grooming needs at night before bed (and set up the coffeemaker, if that’s an important part of your morning). Lay out your supplies and clothes in the order you’ll need them.