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Weight Control
This area of our lives is often a difficult task to maintain. With our society becoming more and more dependent on technology the amount of time that we spend with physical exercise continues to decrease. Weight reduction may relieve some of the discomfort and pain associated with the added stress that is placed on our joints.

The optimal objective with persons suffering from Arthritis is to be as close to the recommended weight level as possible. Seek consultation with your family physician or licensed dietitian before beginning a weight lose program. Remember, what you eat may very well effect or flare up your arthritic condition.

Psycho-Education and Support Groups
The knowledge of any disease is a critical factor in how effective you are in dealing with its symptoms. The more you are familiar with the various signs and symptoms of Arthritis the more you will be able to effectively follow a treatment regimen and stay with it.

While coping with the physical pain and suffering of this disease there is also the emotional and psychological stress that must be addressed. There are a number of support groups that can provide you with the necessary emotional support to deal with the psychological trauma associated with Arthritis.

Numerous techniques including relaxation and stress management can provide you with the necessary tools to confront the daily issues that you will face. An important element of having a support network is the "catharsis" that occurs by being able to share your feelings with others.

Surgery
As is the general rule of thumb in health care, surgery should be considered as a last result when considering treatment options. Seeking a second opinion from another physician when surgery is recommended is sound advice to anyone who may require surgery.

Lifestyle Change - Redefining How We Do Things
One of the most difficult things to do when faced with any type of disease has to do with the readjustment of our lifestyle in order to accommodate the restrictions that this disease has on our lives.

When faced with this dilemma we realize that our work is cut out for us, nevertheless, we are willing to sacrifice difficult changes for maintaining a quality lifestyle. This balance is seldom easy to swallow and can be very taxing on us at times. But what are our options? Do we become dysfunctional in our self-pity allowing Arthritis to totally control our lives? Or do we stay focused on the challenges at hand with a positive attitude and outlook? Either way, the decision is ours. So why not make the best of a not so good situation? In the end we just might be surprised to find that the results are less pain and fatigue, more favorable mental attitude, increased energy, a positive outlook on life and an ability to maintain independence longer.

Here are some of the basic principles and guidelines that will assist you with accomplishing these objectives.

• Conserve Energy - Don't perform difficult tasks when you are tired or vulnerable to injury.
• Mobilize Yourself - Whenever possible, avoid allowing your joints to become stiff. Movement or position changing can be all that is required.
• Employ Ergonomic Techniques - Ask yourself whether you can just as easily slide an object to a location rather then strain by lifting the object up?
• Purchase Assist Devices - Utilize appliances that are designed to relief associated stress on your joints. ( See our Catalog for further information on Assist Device Products)
• Rethink How and What Muscle Groups to Use - As a general rule of thumb the more we can use the larger muscle groups and joints to perform activities the better off we are. Instead of lifting an object while bending over placing stress on our back, position yourself so that you use more of your legs. Why push open a door with Arthritic hands when you can lean into the door with your back and accomplish the same results?

In general, we need to start reevaluating the way we do things and mentally break these tasks down into smaller components. Have you ever heard the saying "How do you eat an Elephant?" At first thought you think that this is impossible. Then the answer makes perfect sense. One bite at a time!

The same holds true with daily activities that are now difficult to perform due to Arthritis. We must first ask ourselves whether there is an easier way to accomplish the end result? Remember the goal is to not work HARDER, but to think SMARTER!

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