May is Arthritis Awareness Month and according to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is the world’s most prevalent disease. For most of us, that fact is shocking. Arthritis Awareness Month is our chance to spread the message about arthritis treatment and prevention, important facts about this condition, and what you can do to help.
Arthritis is Bigger Than You May Think
While arthritis may not be as life-threatening as heart disease or cancer, it is no small health issue. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is responsible for 100 million doctor visits and almost 7 million hospitalizations each year. And arthritis doesn’t just affect the elderly. The majority of those with arthritis are under the age of 65, including 300,000 children.
Arthritis not only costs the individual, but it’s costing our country, too. The hundreds of billions of dollars this condition costs our country is manifested in missed workdays, lost wages, and an excess of medical expenses. It can also decrease victims’ quality of life.
Let’s Stop Arthritis Once and For All
The Arthritis Foundation is constantly working to fund arthritis research, looking for better arthritis treatment, and pursuing a cure. Whether you have suffered from arthritis symptoms yourself, know someone who has, or are passionate about stopping arthritis in its tracks, follow this link to donate directly to the Arthritis Foundation.
Other Ways to Help
While The Arthritis Foundation looks for ways to end arthritis, there are things to do now to make arthritis relief easier for you or a loved one.
Reach Out to Loved Ones
The pain of arthritis expands beyond just physical hurt. Many patients feel lonely because their friends and family don’t understand what they’re going through. But just because they haven’t felt the same pain doesn’t mean that they can’t help. If you have arthritis or arthritis symptoms, lean on your loved ones and know you’re not alone. Explain your limitations to those close to you and suggest activities you can do together, such as going for a walk or reading. The Arthritis Foundation has even more solutions for dealing with challenges that arthritis can create in your relationships.
Don’t Bury Your Feelings
Dealing with long-term arthritis symptoms can be just as taxing on your emotions as your body. Feelings of emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and even anger are all completely natural. The key to dealing with those feelings is not to ignore them, but to understand and accept them as a part of your own process. It’s important to remember that your emotions can change your perception of your arthritis symptoms, and have the power to improve your condition by giving you some arthritis relief. For example, if you make a conscious effort to focus on all the good in life, rather than the pain, your perspective will slowly start to shift. Self-care practices like therapy and exercise are great options to see the bright side of life. You could also try counseling or arthritis support groups.
Seek Means of Comfort
American Standard walk-in tubs have several built-in benefits to specifically target and ease aches and pains caused by arthritis. Designed specifically to provide safe bathing for users with limited mobility, American Standard Walk-In Tubs are Arthritis Friendly, Easy-to-Use. Our bathtubs are designed special to be accessible to folks who may suffer from mobility issues. Features include several slip guards, as well as hydrojets for soothing massages. If you or a loved one suffers from arthritis, consider looking into walk-in tubs to serve as a complement to your arthritis treatment and relief.
Arthritis is a condition that affects millions, but there are ways we can help. Donate to the Arthritis Foundation for further research and testing, lean on those around you for support, and consider ways to make your home safer and more comfortable if you are struggling with arthritis pain.
