Lifestyle Celebrity health
“In my experience people aren’t aware of how painful arthritis can be"
Experts aren’t really clear about what makes
Jo Whiley with her daughter Coco at the Sofia The First TV series launch
nearby, whether they’ll have to sit down when they are there. It’s just constantly looking for crutches and considering how difficult the whole situation might be – it affects them on a daily basis.” But rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t just have
physical limitations, she adds. “It affects your mood, emotions and state of mind, just as much as your body.” Your local Careway pharmacist can
recommend things you can try for your pain or new ways to take medication if you have rheumatoid arthritis.
Who’s affected? According to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, the condition can affect people of any age – though around three quarters are first diagnosed while of working age. Women are also three times as likely as men to have rheumatoid arthritis.
the immune system attack the joints. But according to the NHS you have an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis if you have a family history of the condition, as there is some evidence that it may affect her too. Hormones may also play a part, since
rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than men. If you smoke you also have a higher- than-normal risk of developing it, the NHS claims. Jo is naturally aware of the fact that
rheumatoid arthritis may run in families. “It’s something I’m aware that maybe will affect me in the future,” she says in a campaign for Arthritis Care. “And my kids – I’ve got four children – and I’m
concerned about seeing it in them as well.” But what would Jo say to someone who’s just
been diagnosed? “Don’t despair,” she tells Inspire magazine. “Arm
yourself with as much information as you possibly can, and talk to people who have lived with arthritis for a while. “I’m hoping medical progression will continue
and that life won’t be as hard for future generations as it was for my grandma, who has also lived with arthritis for many years. I don’t want my kids to have the same problems she has had. Keep active – that’s what I do.”
Rheumatoid arthritis: how to help yourself
There are treatments for rheumatoid arthritis that can reduce pain and help you live as active a life as possible. Taking your medication as prescribed is essential, as it can help prevent flare-ups and reduce the risk of further problems such as joint damage. Here are some more things you can do to help manage your
condition:
Protect yourself If you have rheumatoid arthritis your GP or specialist may advise you to have a flu jab every year as well as the one-off pneumococcal injection that protects against pneumonia.
Eat well According to Arthritis Research UK there’s no specific diet that can cure the condition, so make sure you eat well and have a healthy balanced diet.
Exercise – but rest too It’s important to get plenty of exercise, but you must strike a balance between physical activity and rest, as rest is essential to help your joints feel more comfortable. Avoid high-impact exercise and contact sports, but try the following as they put less strain on your joints:
•Walking • Swimming • Cycling • Aqua aerobics • Yoga
Always speak to your GP or consult a physiotherapist before starting to exercise if you have rheumatoid arthritis or any other medical condition.
All About health 7
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