More Tips

Pet tips

Pet cause. Having a pet may help you become more active. If you have a dog, take it for daily walks so you both will get some fresh air and exercise.

Travel tips

Travel tip. When making hotel reservations, ask for a handicapped-accessible room. Many larger hotels now have such rooms, with showers, bathtubs, toilets, sinks and closets that are easier to access.

Fun and leisure tips

Game time. If you have trouble holding and tossing a pair of dice, toss dice in a cup or mug and pour them out.

Entertaining

Potluck. If you’re having family or friends over for dinner, make the meal a potluck affair. Assign each guest a dish to bring so you won’t have to cook the whole meal.

More tips

Lighten your load. Use a waist or fanny pack to carry keys, wallet or other necessities. Don’t pack so many items that the load becomes too heavy.

Take gardening to new heights. If you find it difficult to bend to work your garden, try a flower box or a raised flowerbed to eliminate stooping.

Write your blessings. Feeling down? Try counting your blessings. Better yet, write about them.

Simpler sipping. If you have trouble holding a heavy drinking glass, try using long, bendable straws that enable you to drink from a class without picking it up.

Cheri January

10 Mar 2011, 14:20

I do a physical job. Production, manufacturing environment. Can you give me any advice on the best way to protect my joints while I'm at work? I have Osteoarthritis. I have knee problems and back problems.

Karen

01 Jan 2010, 10:39

I have a dog and 2 cats. I have RA; and one artificial hip. Also, my wrists are badly damaged and painful. I found that cleaning the kitty litter daily was becoming difficult since it was on the floor. Before my hip surgery, I decided to raise it up onto a small, but sturdy TV table, which I placed in the same corner of the room that the litter box was already in. Doing this has made daily cleaning of the litter box so much easier for me. With the added height I no longer have to bend and I find it's easier on my wrists too. I thought this idea might be able to help someone else with cats.

Christie

28 Jun 2009, 19:00

Anne,
I think what you're looking for is what Schwinn calls a "cruiser" bike. Go online to schwinnbike.com and click on "cruisers"... I think this style is what you're talking about.

Jean

26 Jun 2009, 11:02

Since fanny packs are quite dorky-looking, a cute fashion backpack is a good alternative. Not a book-bag or a camping backpack, but one found where stores display purses.

Gloria

20 May 2009, 11:50

Anne: I have an inexpensive stationary bike. My doctor said I should raise the seat as high as would allow me to touch the pedals with my toes. It has an odometer and I ride every day about 15 minutes or 2-3 miles. It really helps my knees, to my surprise.

Anne

04 Apr 2009, 14:20

I was diagnosed with RA 9 years ago and in the last 5 have slowly, but steadily improved. I'm thinking of trying biking again, but need a coaster (brake) bike - just a basic old fashioned ride around the neighborhood type bike. They aren't easy to find! Any bike riders with suggestions? My legs are good, but my hands are not. I do walk a lot, but my feet do get sore.

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