| Lifestyle Changes |
| Written by John Sinatra | |
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More than 1 million Americans have rheumatoid arthritis. The disease mostly affects women, although a significant number of patients are men, and the onset of the disease is usually between the ages of 25 and 40. The disease causes the immune system to attack the lining of the joints, also known as the synovium. This causes inflammation and swelling in the joints and can cause damage to the joints and bones. Fatigue and fever are other symptoms. Over time, this illness can result in severe pain and loss of mobility as the deterioration of the joints and bone makes it harder and more painful for people afflicted with this disease to move. The long term impact of this disease are as follows:
ExerciseFor folks with rheumatoid arthritis, physical activity can be painful. However, certain exercises can relieve pain and increase strength and muscle tone, increasing mobility and lessening fatigue. Finding the right balance between rest and activity is important for folks with rheumatoid arthritis who are seeking to improve their quality of life.In general, folks with rheumatoid arthritis should engage in light exercises that stretch and tense the joints. Mild strength training and aerobic exercises such as swimming, walking or using an elliptical device are also recommended. Tai chi, which uses slow, graceful movements is a form of exercise that is highly recommended because it's low impact and incorporates stretching and range of motion activities. Folks with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid high impact exercises such as jogging or heavy weight lifting. In general, if your exercising is causing sharp pain, you should stop. DietHow you eat can impact your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The more weight you're carrying around, the greater the pressure on your joints will be. If you're overweight, you may want to see if you can lose a few pounds to relieve some of the stress on your joints. Recent studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful with rheumatoid arthritis. Eating salmon, mackerel or herring are good natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids, or you can take a fish oil supplement. If you chose to take a supplement, consult with your doctor first. Foods you should avoid include caffeine and large quantities of lean meat, among others.SmokingSmoking cigarettes is a bad habit, period. Recent studies have shown that smokers have nearly double the chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis than non-smokers. People with rheumatoid arthritis that smoke tent to suffer from fatigue at higher rates and suffer more pain than non-smokers. Quitting smoking can help reduce the severity of your rheumatoid arthritis and improve your overall health.Medical marijuanaRecent studies have indicated that medical marijuana may be an effective treatment for arthritis symptoms. While this may not be for everyone, people who live in areas where medical marijuana is legal for use may want to consult with their healthcare provider to determine whether this is an advisable treatment for the illness.Psychological counselingCoping with the psychological impact of rheumatoid arthritis is something you don't want to neglect. Chances are that the chronic pain and loss of mobility the disease can cause may have an impact on your feelings about yourself and your relationships with others. To mitigate the illnesses' impact on your emotional well-being, you may want to seek the help of a mental health professional.If you've been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, you're in for the long haul. By making some positive changes to your lifestyle, you can mitigate the symptoms of the disease and its impact on your mobility. While some of these changes may be difficult to make, the overall impact on your health makes them worthwhile. |
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