Basics for Better Living Continued

When You Hurt, Apply Heat
- Moist heat soothes painful joints much better than dry heat.
- Soaking in a hot tub, sauna, jacuzzi or taking a hot shower is useful.
- Ice or cold applications, are advisable only for acute strains or injuries during the first 36 hours after injury

General Conditioning Exercises
You can help prevent muscle atrophy, or wasting, and lower your risk for developing thin bones (osteoporosis) with these types of activities:

walking
swimming
low impact aerobics
bicycling

However, if your joints are swollen or you have fibromyalgia, be careful before doing a lot of weight lifting, rowing, high impact aerobics, or engaging in tennis, bowling or golf.
If exercise tires you easily, pace yourself with frequent rest periods.

Consult A Rehabilitation Specialist

Physical therapists assist patients with:
muscle strengthening programs
exercises
gait training.

Occupational therapists help to:
lower stresses to painful areas
evaluate workstations (especially those with a computer) to ensure proper body mechanics
recommend a variety of assistive devices.

Vocational rehabilitation counselors may train you for a job that:
involves less sun exposure
puts less emphasis on repetitive motions involving an inflamed hand or other parts of the body.