About This Column
Here you'll find advice on how to take a more comprehensive approach toward managing your rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Keep in mind, this column is intended to advise you on how to complement your treatment, not replace it. Please consult your doctor to determine what advice may be right for you.
Featured Article
Watch Your Step!
May 21, 2008
In our discussion about balance just a few weeks back, we touched on some ways that you can help protect yourself against the risk of falls. Heightened awareness of your environment was one key precaution we discussed. But looking back, we barely scratched the surface of the subject. So this week, I'd like to focus on some specific tips that can help you not only become more aware of your environment, but also make it a safer one.
Indoor Tips
Keep rooms free of clutter, especially floors
When entering a room, watch for the threshold and changes in floor level
Keep electric cords out of walkways
Equip area rugs and carpets with skid-proof backing
Make sure your home is adequately lit at night, especially in stairways
Keep a flashlight near your bed with fresh batteries
Use a rubber bathmat or slip-prevention strips in the bathtub and shower
Ensure that floor surfaces are even and not slippery
Install handrails on both sides of stairways and grab bars in bathrooms
Use a shower chair with a back and non-skid legs
Avoid climbing on chairs or stepladders. Try to reorganize storage areas so that items are not out of reach
Keep at least one portable phone in the house so that you don't have to rush to it when it rings
Promptly and thoroughly clean up spills
Outdoor Tips
Use a cane or walking stick for added stability, especially in rainy or snowy weather
Wear shoes with rubber soles for added traction
Be mindful of changes in floor and ground surfaces, including curbs and bumps
Carry loose items in a pack so that your hands are free to help keep you balanced
Feel free to adapt these tips based on your personal situation, and don't be afraid to come up with a few of your own. Again, awareness is key. Any step you can take toward awareness of your environment and its safety is a step worth taking.
Managing Pain and Stress
