VISITING ANGELS CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 815-479-0312
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Four Ways to Honor Arthritis Awareness Month

Welcome, May! In addition to being the month where we earn our floral payoff for all those April showers, May is also Arthritis Awareness month. It's our annual opportunity to learn more about what the CDC explains is "one of the most widespread health conditions in the United States." Approximately 54 million adult Americans, about one out of every four, struggles with arthritis.

The Mayo Clinic defines arthritis as "the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints." This can cause pain, a feeling of stiffness in the joints, and a decreased ability to freely move. Age, family history, and past injuries can increase our likelihood of developing arthritis. The Mayo Clinic further explains: "Carrying excess pounds puts stress on joints, particularly your knees, hips, and spine. People with obesity have a higher risk of developing arthritis." Senior couple walking outside

Arthritis can be painful and hard to live with. Learning about it every May can help you adopt new habits and awareness that keep you more attune to your body and more aware of how to take good care of those joints. After all, that's the point of an awareness month.

Walk it Out

While the threat of COVID-19 makes it challenging to get out of the house very often, we're still encouraged to get outside, when we can, for exercise. You don't have to wear your mask if you go out for a walk. It can be helpful, though, to walk at a time when the volume of other pedestrians is low; consider trying an early morning walk, for example.

Walking is helpful exercise for mind and body. Even those who struggle with arthritis can benefit. "All adults, including adults with arthritis, should get 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) per week and do muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week”, the CDC explains.

Kick-off the summer by building a regular walk into your routine. Talk to your doctor, and make sure this level of exercise is safe for you, and then work out a route that makes you feel comfortable and safe. Don't take on too much; build your routine slowly and follow your doctor's advice.

Yoga

Yoga has multiple benefits. It helps to slow us down, to breathe deeply, and to cultivate a sense of calmness and peace. It's an ancient form of exercise that is both physical and spiritual. Yoga helps with balance, flexibility, and strength.

The Arthritis Foundation has simple yoga practice videos on its website that you can follow along with to learn some arthritis-friendly basics. Again, it's a good idea to talk with your doctor to make sure that yoga is a safe option for you. It's also a good idea to do your exercises when your Visiting Angels Caregiver or a family member is there with you. Even experienced yogis take a topple sometimes!

Weight Management

We all know that we must control our weight, but sometimes it can be hard to find the right motivation to get started. Maintaining a healthy weight has so many positive effects, and it's good for the joints as well. If, like so many of us, weight is a struggle for you, use arthritis awareness month as your reason to shave off those extra pounds.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends a Mediterranean diet, which aims to avoid processed foods and saturated fat, has plenty of fruits, vegetables, fish, beans, and nuts. Eating this way is healthy, but it can be a bit pricey. Talk with your doctor about what's right for you and modify according to your budget. Work with your Visiting Angels caregiver to prepare healthy shopping lists and meals that cut out the bad stuff and incorporate plenty of healthy foods. Remember: canned and frozen fruits and veggies are an affordable and healthy option. Just make sure they don't include added oils or sugars.

Relax

Stress is bad for our bodies. The Arthritis Foundation explains: "Being under stress can worsen arthritis symptoms. The best solution is to manage stress before it can undermine disease management." Find ways to relax. Get out in the garden and grow some of those healthy foods yourself. Reach out to friends and family and keep your network strong. Breath. Meditate. Pray.

This May, adopt a healthy lifestyle that stands to make your joints and the rest of you healthy and strong. Then keep that vibe going all year long.

Serving Crystal Lake, McHenry, Woodstock, Cary, Barrington, Algonquin, Palatine, Lake Zurich and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels CRYSTAL LAKE, IL
228 Florence St
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-479-0312

Serving Crystal Lake, McHenry, Woodstock, Cary, Barrington, Algonquin, Palatine, Lake Zurich and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels CRYSTAL LAKE, IL
228 Florence St
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-479-0312