Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Released on: June 14, 2008, 12:31 pm

Press Release Author: Vitanet

Industry: Healthcare

Press Release Summary: If you\'re reading this, chances are you or a loved one
suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that
not only attacks the joints like other forms of arthritis, but organs like the heart
and lungs as well.

Press Release Body: Rheumatoid arthritis, unlike many other kinds of arthritis, also
usually affects both the right and left side of the body symmetrically. For
instance, both your hands will be inflamed, rather than just one, making any task
all the more difficult as you do not have one part of the body to lead over the
other. This adds to the frustration of the disease, further hindering mobility. For
those living with rheumatoid arthritis, whether they are in chronic pain or suffer
from flares, there is no aspect of their life that is not affected by the disease.

While there are no cures for rheumatoid arthritis yet, there are measures you can
take to make living with the disease easier. Besides the medications that your
doctor prescribes, you can take responsibility for alleviating the symptoms and
improving your overall quality of life. While some of these may seem like small
changes, you won\'t believe how much they can help.

The first and most important thing you can do for yourself is get regular exercise.
Activities like swimming and other light cardio works the joints and muscles around
the joints and also strengthens mobility. Your doctor can recommend the best form of
exercise for you, targeting the areas that need help.

While exercise is vital, so is not putting too much physical stress on yourself.
Avoid heavy lifting whenever possible; also, learn how to bend properly, such as
lifting with your knees rather than your back. If you have arthritis in your hands,
get an electric can opener instead of using a manual one.

Because of the pain at night that accompanies rheumatoid arthritis, many of those
with the disease have difficulty sleeping. Your doctor can prescribe sleeping pills
of varying strengths, if necessary.

Learn when it\'s best to use heat or cold to lessen pain. Heat should not be applied
directly to inflamed joints; instead, enjoy hot baths or showers for aching muscles
and soreness. Use cold directly on the inflamed joint, preferably with an ice pack.

Adding fatty fish or fish oil has been found to lessen the length of morning
stiffness and intensity of inflammation pain, according to a 200 study published by
Australian scientists in Journal of Rheumatology. Eat fish like albacore tuna,
salmon or herring regularly, or try a supplement packed with Omega-3, like Omega
Daily.

Web Site: http://www.vigshop.biz/general-health.html

Contact Details: Peter Oamets
Vildi 77 600-4078
vig.ert@mail.ee

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