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
A Thanksgiving Dinner You Can Truly Be Thankful For
Nov 18, 2009
Preparing and serving Thanksgiving dinner can be a major undertaking for just about anyone. But for people with RA, it can be particularly challenging. And with the holidays just around the corner, you don't want to wear yourself out before December even starts. That's why I've come up with a few practical tips that can help you host a wonderful Thanksgiving feast without wearing yourself out.
The key is to get others involved so you can avoid taking too much on by yourself. RA or not, there's nothing wrong with including everyone in prepping, serving, and cleaning up after the meal. Besides, it's nice to have some company in the kitchen, and it'll give you all a chance to catch up.
If you insist on cooking the turkey yourself, ask someone for help lifting it in and out of the oven. And find a willing volunteer to do the carving. Or if you prefer to carve it yourself, use an electric or battery-operated knife. It will save your hands and wrists from all that repetitive sawing. You'll thank yourself when you want to make turkey sandwiches the next day.
You could also consider having a local supermarket, deli, or restaurant prepare some or all of the fixings—even the turkey. No one's going to accuse you of “cheating,” especially if it means less strain on your joints. Trust me, your family doesn't want you to overexert yourself.
Another idea is to make your Thanksgiving dinner a potluck. Have your guests bring their favorite traditional dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, or pumpkin pie. I've done this in the past, and the results have always been amazing. I don't even know why I ever consider cooking the whole meal myself. When everyone contributes to the meal, they usually enjoy it that much more!
So start thinking now about ways you can lighten your load. By not placing all of the burden on your shoulders (and hands and wrists), your joints will thank you. And you'll be in better shape for the rest of the holiday season.
Managing Pain and Stress
