Managing Your Movement Gretchen Julian Hello. I have been living with arthritis since the age of 50. Each day I commit myself to moving daily to treat my condition and encourage my family and friends to do the same. Whether living with arthritis or not, it is important to manage our everyday activities to limit the chance of injury or pain and continue leading a fulfilling life. In this New Year, commit to managing your activities effectively and you can keep continue to enjoy all of life’s simple pleasures. One of the best ways to manage your daily movement is to exercising regularly. By exercising, you can improve your overall health and wellness. Your exercise program should include range-of-motion exercises, which keep joints flexible and endurance exercises, which help keep your heart, lungs, bones, and muscles strong. Some of the benefits that exercise provides include: •Keeping joints moving •Strengthening muscles around joints •Keeping bones strong and healthy •Helping you complete daily activities more easily •Improving your overall health and fitness, including increases in energy, better sleep and controlling weight In addition to exercise, there are several other ways you can manage your activities. The following tips can be helpful when performing your daily routine in several areas of your life such as cooking, cleaning, grooming, working, and leisure: Kitchen Tips •Use electric appliances to get the job done with little stress on your joints •Sit on a high stool while cooking or washing dishes •Look for helpful kitchen tools that are easy to use and have large, comfortable grips Housecleaning Tips •Do one major cleaning task a day, such as washing clothes or cleaning the bathroom •Sit down to sort, fold, and iron clothes •Use convenience products such as automatic toilet bowl cleaner, spray-on mildew remover and shower-cleaning spray to reduce scrubbing Personal Care Tips •Sit on a bath stool in the shower or tub •Use an elevated toilet seat to reduce stress on your knees •Use a free-standing mirror to put on your makeup so that you don’t have to lean over the sink and strain your neck Dressing Tips •Wear loose-fitting clothes with large neck and arm holes •Wear pre-tied neckties •Use Velcro to fasten a garment to avoid buttoning and unbuttoning Workplace Tips •Sit in an adjustable chair •Keep supplies and files within easy reach •Use helpful devices such as paper holders, footrests, and armrests Leisure Activity Tips •Wear comfortable walking shoes that fit well and provide support •Lay newspapers or books open on a table to read or use a bookstand •Use lightweight tools with built-up or extended handles for gardening or other yard work to avoid bending over As you can see performing everyday tasks includes daily movement and physical activity. Hopefully these tips will help you manage your activities and use your body wisely. If you find difficulty in performing certain tasks, consult a doctor or an occupational therapist. Additionally, don’t ever be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or coworkers when performing these daily tasks. For more information and tips on managing your activities, visit letmovestogether.org.