Tips for a Happy Home Life When You've Got RA
On most days, Deb Constien of Sun Prairie, WI, stays on top of her household chores. She preps meals, cleans, and does laundry. But when her rheumatoid arthritis (RA) flares up, it's time to call in some back-up. Her husband and 17-year-old son pitch in.
"Over the years, our family learned how to work around my RA," Constien says.
Arthritis-Friendly Workouts to Keep You Moving
Aerobic exercise -- like swimming, using cardio machines at the gym, or simply going for a brisk walk -- is not only possible when you have rheumatoid arthritis, it’s good for you, too. It's great for your heart and lungs, and it also: Helps you move better Makes everyday activities easier Lifts your mood May lower joint pain Boosts bone density “I highly encourage all my patients to do some form of exercise," says physical therapist Jan Richardson, PT, PhD, OCS, an emeritus...
Read the Arthritis-Friendly Workouts to Keep You Moving article > >
The joint pain and stiffness that comes with the condition doesn't need to take a toll on your life at home.
"The key is having an open communication with your family," says Ashira Blazer, MD, a rheumatologist at NYU Langone Medical Center. "You should be able to express your needs and work together as a team."
How do you get started? Try these tips.
Ask for help. "If you're experiencing a flare, it's important to rest," Blazer says. Don't try to push through the pain. Ask for support, and delegate household chores when possible.
For example, you might want to ask your son to do the laundry, or your husband to take charge of child care.
"At first, it was hard for me to ask for and accept help from others," Constien says. "I was used to doing everything on my own."
When she got wrist surgery for her RA, members of her church volunteered to bring meals. "My instinct was to say, 'No thanks, I'm fine,'" she says. "But I came to realize that I wasn't fine, and that our friends genuinely wanted to pitch in."
Make doctor's appointments a family affair. Bring your partner to your rheumatologist visits. It can help him or her understand your disease better.
"Early into our relationship, I had my husband and in-laws meet my doctor," Constien says. "They were able to address questions that they might not have felt comfortable asking me." This can lay the groundwork for a conversation about your limits and needs.
Make priorities. When you juggle a dozen things for your family, it's easy to shortchange your sleep or skip that workout. "But you need to put your own health first," Blazer says.
from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/20TkCHF
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment