OCR Text |
Show w . Manage Arthritis i f. . Pain is Y ' gfiidfanSt uima Arthritis pain comes in many forms. For tome, it's that occasional twinge of dkmmfcg in nng lm Bnr nfhwv, painful fhx in almost every joint never go away More than 100 different types of aithptis affect 43 million Americans, says the Arthritis Foundation. Nearly half suffer from osteoarthritis, which results foam the breakdown of joint cartilage. Though medicines help control the pain and swelling, experts agree that creating your own pain management plan abo is etnriaL the disease and Irt important to take an active role in the. care of your arthritis," says Shannon Metcher, vice president of programs and services at the Arthritis Foundation. There are many options out there, you really have to opetimenc with different pain management techniques to see what works best for you. One technique is the use of hear and cold. Heat relaxes muscles and stimulates blood circulation, while cold numbs the sore area and helps reduce swelling and inflammation. A cold pack may work better for you, and a heat pad or a warm bath may work better for me, so tty different treatments and decide for yourself, Mescher advises. ' For a guide, inapenswe cold treatment, gob a bag of frozen peas or com from the freezer and apply it to the aching joint. Don't exceed 20 minutes for either type treatment at a time. Masafge also can soothe pain. You can practice or seek out a certified massage therapist experienced with arthritis sufferers. In doing scop if you fed any pain and avoid massaging a swollen joint. . The mind is a powerful cool in pain management. ReiaxKion and distraction techniques can be very effective, Mescher ttys. When you feel pain, try to take yourself out of the situation mentally by watching a movie, reading a book, or participating in any activity you find enjoyable." Meditation and prayer also are effective, studies have shown. Finally, maintaining a healthy weight through sensible diet and exercise is essential. Every extra pound wnln- tit added stress on the knees and hips. A fitness program that includes cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility evriie is recommended. For more information, call the Arthritis foundation at (80Q) 2837800 or visit its web-rit- e at utvuLrtbritu.trg. " iEKNa!filipr.--) 'i&ifoft self-mana- non-mediri- Less Pain. The freedom to test on your arm which is less painful and gives sensitive fingers a break.- Less Blood. A tiny blood sample can mean a less painful stick. self-maaage Less Bother. Accurate results in just 5 seconds. Easy sampling with sdf-mawagr, the OneTouch Ultra FastDraw1 ssv ' Design Test Strip. Test Smart. The more you test, the easier it Is to stay in range. - Aagsi Vtbkmg is writer. U m NesbrilU, Ten., frnUea ' : - - OftfRXJCH' Ultra OneTbudf changes everything. MfclHMrJKlK . Mmm tar BlmpHM Mill hImh nad MiO AmmiiBc Bind Smptar Onttawli Utatfifi Imhm. nl mu a uwwa .cabi mb mtmumiit Vniiii j, i . mtin in. |