Christmas can be an exciting time but for arthritis sufferers it can be a lonely time. The pain and unpredictable nature of the disease can prevent social engagements and cause people to feel isolated.
Debbie Griffin has lived with arthritis since she was a child and speaks honestly about how she finds Christmas. Follow this link to listen to her story. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales.
Arthritis affects over 58 million people in the US. The condition can fluctuate from day to day, which means many people find it difficult to make or keep plans with friends and family.
In a recent report it was highlighted that
- Three quarters (73%) of young people with arthritis avoid making plans for social occasions because of their condition.
- Three quarters (76%) are forced to cancel plans with family and friends because of pain and fatigue.
- More than half (52%) of young people with arthritis feel lonely because of their arthritis, compared to a quarter (27%) across all ages.
Tips to Help with Christmas Flare Ups
Keep Warm
When the cold weather sets in, it can increase your level of pain and stiffness. This isn’t something you should have to deal with during the festive season. Make sure to wrap up and keep your intake of hot drinks up too. After all it is hot coco weather isn’t it?
Nothing says cozy like being wrapped up in a blanket while hugging a cup of tea. With thanks to a daily living aid like our Uccello Kettle, you can do so with no pain. Our Uccello Kettles tilt-to-pour action means there is no lifting, straining or balancing with a hot heavy kettle.
Get Moving
While you might not like to get active over Christmas, it can really help with your arthritis. A lot of our favourite activities over the festive season involve sitting. Whether it be watching our favourite movies, enjoying delicious treats or chatting with loved ones. It is a long time not moving and this can cause stiffness.
To help you avoid this, try and move about as often as you can. Why not try:
- Short walks
- Stretching
- Flexing
- Massage
Vitamins
During the winter, it can be fair to say we may not get a lot of sunshine. This can affect your bodies vitamin D production. That is why its important to make sure you have correct amount of both vitamin D and calcium in your diet during the winter months. If you are unsure at all, consult your doctor.
Our founder and inventor of our Uccello Kettle; Andy de Petra, suffered from arthritis in his hands, so we’re delighted to see so much help and resources currently available on Arthritis Foundations website.
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