Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Arthritis Tips for Daily Living #3:


Continuing our series regarding “Arthritis Tips for Daily Living,” Dr. Hulon Crayton is always looking for ways to ease the pain for his patients associated with the simplest of daily tasks. The Arthritis and Infusion Center found an article in Significant Living magazine by Dr. Rick Caracciolo, and have adapted a list of his suggestions regarding things to keep in mind around the BEDROOM/DRESSING:


  
  • Rather than having to pick up laundry, use a wheeled cart to push the dirty clothes to the washer/dryer. 
  •  When you are dressing, sit down as much as possible.   
  • There are numerous aids to assist you in dressing – for instance, zipper pulls or sock aids. (Just Google “Items for senior citizens” and you will find many sites that offer simple solutions to life’s daily challenges as you age.)


  •  It should go without saying that non-skid mats should be used not only in the bedroom, but all through the house. (The use of throw rugs should be discouraged around senior citizens.) 
  •  Just as in the bathroom, bed rails will assist you in sleeping more securely and rising in the morning. 
  •  Wear clothes that are wrinkle-free so you do not have to iron.


You may find other information that’s helpful from the National Institutes of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, you may want to consider a subscription to Arthritis Today magazine, which covers other helpful hints to ease the pain of day-to-day living.

However, it’s vital that you find a doctor who really listens to you. Dr. Hulon Crayton has garnered a reputation for not only listening to his patients, but working in tandem with them to develop the most effective treatment plan available. Call us today to see how The Arthritis & Infusion Center can help make your life easier and more pain free!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Arthritis Tips for Daily Living #2

Continuing our series regarding “Arthritis Tips for Daily Living”, Dr. Hulon Crayton is always looking out for his patients and seeking ways to ease the pain associated with the simplest of daily tasks. The Arthritis and Infusion Center found an article in Significant Living magazine by Dr. Rick Caracciolo, and have adapted a list of his suggestions regarding things to keep in mind around the BATHROOM:  
  • It should go without saying that non-skid mats should be used not only in the bathroom, but all through the house. (The use of throw rugs should be discouraged around senior citizens.)
  • Within the tub, non-skid strips are helpful, as is a cushioned, suction mat.
  • Some people prefer to utilize a tub bench, or bath chair, when bathing, but regardless of whether or not you are using one of these options or choose to sit in the tub, grab bars are suggested for both inside and outside the tub.
  • Grab bars are also a good idea next to the toilet, and utilizing a raised toilet seat would eliminate a lot of straining to get up.
  • Long-handled sponges and back brushes help reach areas of your body without putting stress on your joints and muscles.
  • Place towels within easy reach. 
  • Simple additions like liquid soap, toothpaste in a pump dispenser, and an electric toothbrush can help make the task of personal grooming less painful.

You may find other information that’s helpful from the National Institutes of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, you may want to consider a subscription to Arthritis Today magazine, which covers other helpful hints to ease the pain of day-to-day living.

However, it’s vital that you find a doctor who really listens to you. Dr. Hulon Crayton has garnered a reputation for not only listening to his patients, but working in tandem with them to develop the most effective treatment plan available. Call us today to see how The Arthritis and Infusion Center can help  make your life easier and more pain free!


Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Arthritis Tips for Daily Living #1


At The Arthritis and Infusion Center, we’re always looking for ways to help our patients cope with Arthritis, while at the same time giving them strategies for daily living.  Recently, we found an interesting article by Dr. Rick Caracciolo, in Significant Living magazine, and have adapted a list of his suggestions regarding things to keep in mind around the KITCHEN:
  • Use electric appliances. (Manual options can put stress on your joints.) 
  • Use pre-cut vegetables and nuts.(Although a little more pricy, you will be more  likely to eat these health-giving snacks, and your joints will thank you as well!) 
  • Keep pots and pans near the stove and try to store them at waist level. (This reduces lifting and stress on hand and wrist joints.) 
  • Use large handle kitchen utensils for easier grip. (And, light-weight utensils would also help.) 
  • Sit down while preparing meals. (What’s the hurry? With Arthritis, it’s important to lower your stress level.) 
  • Install lever faucets, or easy grips, on faucet handles for easier turning to close. 
  • Use disposable pans, non-stick pans, foils, and sprays to reduce, or eliminate, cleaning.
  • Dispose of all clutter, and set up work stations (cutting area, coffee, etc.). 
  • If you use mats in the kitchen, make sure they are the non-slip, industrial variety that provide good support and cushion for your feet and legs. (Rugs should be avoided.)


You may find other information that’s helpful from the National Institutes of Health (www.nia.nih.gov) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov). However, it’s vital that you find a doctor who really listens to you. Dr. Hulon Crayton has garnered a reputation for not only listening to his patients, but working in tandem with them to develop the most effective treatment plan available. In fact, several of his patients have actually moved to this area just because of the level of treatment they receive from Dr. Crayton. Call us today to see how The Arthritis and Infusion Center can make your life easier and more pain free!