| As most people get older they start to feel pain and | | | | calories than your couch-potato self, but the simple act |
| stiffness in their fingers, hands, knees or shoulders | | | | of getting up and getting out when you don't always |
| over time. These pain sufferers may have arthritis, | | | | feel like it will keep you motivated and positive. |
| which doctors believe may be caused by inflammation | | | | Do stay warm and dry however. The old saying about |
| of the tissue lining the joints. Cold weather tends to | | | | cold and dampness aggravating joint pain is almost |
| aggravate this condition especially if you are among | | | | certainly true. Dress warmly in layered clothing. New |
| the 45 million or so Americans who have been | | | | fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin are |
| diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. | | | | ideal. Keep your feet dry. There are many brands of |
| Cold weather may have more effect on arthritis | | | | waterproof shoes and boots available. If your feet do |
| sufferers that first thought according to a French | | | | get wet that is probably a good enough reason to |
| study of diagnosed arthritis patients. Rheumatoid | | | | return to home base and get your feet dry and |
| arthritis that demonstrates in the winter or early spring | | | | comfortable before venturing out again. |
| may actually be more severe than arthritis that | | | | Take a warm to hot shower if you feel like you may |
| emerges in the warmer months of summer and early | | | | have overdone it. Do some gentle stretching in the |
| fall. Viruses, such as common cold and flu viruses, | | | | shower to keep the blood moving through your |
| which are more prevalent in colder weather may play | | | | muscles. |
| a part in the increased severity of winter-onset arthritis. | | | | With electricity rates and heating oil costs on a |
| Do not let winter's cold winds keep you hiding indoors | | | | constant rise some people will choose to keep their |
| until the thaw. Keeping all your joints moving will help | | | | thermostats a little lower than they would like. Dress |
| you keep the pain, stiffness and discomfort at a | | | | warmly in the house too if that is the case. A warm |
| minimum. Bundle up appropriately and get out for a | | | | blanket draped over your legs will work wonders. For |
| brisk walk every day rain and snow permitting. | | | | small rooms where people tend to gather to watch |
| Consistent exercise will also help you keep your | | | | TV a portable gas heater can quickly bring the |
| weight under control. Not only will you burn more | | | | temperature up to toasty. |