How to Prevent Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative disease that generally gets worse as you age. Trying to prevent arthritis is preferable to trying to treat the pain that comes with chronic arthritis.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Learn how to relax. A tense muscle applies stress to a joint.

2. Balance rest and activity. Regular, moderate exercise 20 to 30 minutes a day, coupled with a full eight hours of sleep at night, is ideal for good musculoskeletal health.

3. Remember to avoid any exercise that produces joint pain lasting an hour after you finish exercising.

4. Practice good posture. Lift heavy items with your hip muscles, not your back.

5. Protect your joints. In cold weather, wear warm gloves to protect your knuckles, long underwear to protect your knee joints, and heavy socks to protect your ankle and toe joints.

6. Lose weight if you are overweight. If you reduce your weight by 12 pounds, you cut your risk of developing arthritis by half. - IS THIS TRUE, OR WHAT IF YOU LOOSE 100 POUNDS?

7. Avoid soft chairs, and sleep on a firm mattress.

8. Soak in a hot tub, especially after strenuous exercise.

Tips & Warnings

• For more information on how to prevent arthritis, call the Arthritis Foundation at [phone].
• Never carry something if you can pull it behind you. Use a wagon or wheelbarrow to lug garbage cans to the curb. Buy two or three laundry baskets so you aren't forced to carry one overloaded laundry basket.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[Melessa]

on 9/25/2008 You can also practice prevention in daily life. If you are a gardener, use tools that have grips that ease joint strain and dampen vibration like the ones made by The Caterpillar Clan. They also have brooms with soft grips. You can see them at www.caterpillarclan.com.