What is Arthritis Awareness Month?
Arthritis affects over six million Canadians across the country, which is one in five individuals. Arthritis Awareness Month occurs annually every May to raise advocacy for the millions affected as well as celebrate those who have helped make impactful contributions to arthritis research. There are numerous variations of arthritis and the implications may vary from person to person, however, there is no better time to improve daily living with arthritis than the present. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started.
Exercise
Exercise may seem a difficult habit to include in your daily routine due to arthritis; however, exercise can actually make a difference in your symptoms such as pain and swelling. Several reasons why this is the case include:
- Exercising strengthens joints and muscles surrounding them
- Improves overall range of movement and maintains a healthy weight
- Natural painkillers such as endorphins are released to manage pain
Low-impact exercise options such as swimming, cycling, and yoga have proven to help people with arthritis. Find something that you enjoy doing regularly as personal preference is also important to help habits stick.
Mindful diet
In conjunction with regular movement, it is also essential to maintaining a well balanced diet. Consuming healthy foods can help with overall inflammation and discomfort throughout. Incorporating a diet that consists of low fat and low sugar is a great starting point for anyone looking to make proactive changes. Many foods can help fight inflammation/improve joint symptoms such as fish, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Bracing support
Bracing is an exceptionally effective method to help mitigate joint pains when it comes to arthritis. Inflammation restricts movement and wearing braces in affected areas can improve functionality. Some benefits of wearing braces include enhanced stability, reduced swelling, and pressure to give you the support you need to complete daily tasks.
Nightingale Medical is pleased to offer a variety of bracing/support options to assist you. We provide support for commonly affected areas such as the shoulder, back, legs, and more. You can find more information on our products by trusted brand names by clicking here.
