| Controlling weight is difficult at any time, however | | | | walking twenty steps from say your front door - |
| when faced with painful joints it becomes almost | | | | remembering that you have to take those twenty |
| impossible. It really becomes a "Catch22" situation: | | | | steps back again - thus you will have taken 40 steps |
| more weight more pain, more pain less activity and so | | | | in total. Continue this at your own pace twice a day if |
| it goes on. So how to lose those extra kilos when you | | | | possible, for at least four to five days, then increase |
| feel exercise is totally out of the question. | | | | the distance by ten steps (twenty in total) every four |
| Diet | | | | to five days until you are walking quite comfortably for |
| It must be remembered that when you become | | | | at least half an hour each day. Take your time - slow |
| inactive due to illnesses such as arthritis you don't burn | | | | success is better than no success. |
| the calories as quickly. Although it is important to keep | | | | This plan is only a suggestion and one I have used |
| your energy levels up, decreasing your calorie intake | | | | personally and should be adapted to suit individual |
| will help you maintain a good weight or lose a few | | | | capabilities. You should also discuss any exercise and |
| pounds if you are already overweight. | | | | diet regime with your medical professional. |
| It becomes more important than ever to eat a well | | | | Swimming/Water Aerobics |
| balanced healthy diet if you suffer with diseases such | | | | You may find exercising in water easier on painful |
| as arthritis. By carefully watching what you eat you | | | | joints as they don't have to bear your full body weight. |
| cannot only reduce pain and inflammation, but also aid | | | | Gentle water aerobic exercise can help build up |
| in keeping your weight at a level that does not put too | | | | muscles that have become weaker through inactivity. |
| much strain on your weakened and painful joints. | | | | Many local pools run water aerobic exercise classes. |
| A diet enriched in calcium, omega 3 fatty acids plus | | | | When making enquiries about classes, ensure the pool |
| vitamins and minerals will go a long way to helping you | | | | is heated and the instructor is qualified. |
| cope with your arthritis pain. Keep processed foods | | | | Hydrotherapy is also wonderful therapy for those sore |
| and sugar to a minimum and eat lots of fresh fruit and | | | | and swollen joints. It is recommended that the water |
| vegetables every day. Fish such as salmon, tuna, | | | | temperature should be maintained at 85 degrees |
| mackerel, herring and mullet are a good source of | | | | Fahrenheit. Gentle exercise or just walking in the water |
| omega 3s. For those who don't eat fish, fish oil | | | | will benefit your arthritic joints. For this therapy to be |
| supplements are readily available. | | | | effective the painful area should be totally immersed. |
| Walking | | | | In summarizing, it is important for not only your painful |
| If this is not a painful option for you it is a good way to | | | | arthritis to be kept under control as much as possible, |
| keep your weight under control and it also aids your | | | | but also when you succeed in reducing the pain that |
| general wellbeing. The main thing is not to push | | | | you feel all the effort has been worthwhile. Your whole |
| yourself too hard. A few steps today can be a few | | | | self will be stronger and you will be more able to cope |
| steps more than you took yesterday. | | | | with bad days as well as the good, just try to remain |
| If your pain intensity is low to medium, start off by | | | | positive. |