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
Making Grocery Shopping Easier
Mar 11, 2009
I'm not telling you anything new if I say you're probably going to eat healthier and more inexpensively by doing your own grocery shopping. But if that weekly trek to the supermarket is a challenge because of your RA, there are some alternatives that you may not have thought of. In this week's article, I'm going to tell you about options that can help spare you some walking, reaching, and carrying.
Supermarket Assistance If you don't have a friend or family member who can help you shop, many supermarkets will “lend” you one of their staff members to help you shop—someone to push your cart, reach the high and low shelves, and lift heavy items for you. So you can do your own shopping without causing pain in your knees, wrists, or hands. Just be mindful of avoiding peak hours when the supermarket staff may be busier.
Also, it is now common for the supermarket cashier to ask if you need help getting your purchases out to the car. It's a great option when you've got a lot to haul through the parking lot. But even if it's a small purchase, the staff at the supermarket are usually willing to help.
Online Shopping Most major supermarkets offer online grocery shopping these days. This truly is the height of convenience, but if it can save you the strain of driving, pushing the cart, and hauling in the bags, I say go for it! It's really simple, too. First you set up an account with your favorite market. Then let your fingers do the walking as you click through the different categories of grocery items.
There's usually a small delivery charge (but you're saving on gas) and many of the markets I searched will let you try this for free the first time. As an added bonus, the supermarket Web sites will keep track of your past purchases, making repeat visits even easier.
So if that weekly trip to the grocery store leaves you achy and tired, remember there are better options available to you. With a little bit of help at the market, you can save your energy for the kitchen.
Managing Pain and Stress
