Caring For Your Self.

Engaging in moderate physical activity on a regular basis helps decrease fatigue, strengthen muscles and bones, increase flexibility and stamina, and improves your general sense of well-being. When your symptoms are under control, work with your health-care team to develop a full exercise program that includes stretching for joint flexibility and range of motion, strength training for joint support and aerobic (cardiovascular) exercise for overall health, weight control, muscle strength and energy level.

Overall, eat a balanced, healthy diet. Although scientific studies have not proved that diet changes either cause or relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, studies do show that a wide variety of foods, from strawberries to olives to fish, can help reduce RA inflammation, while selenium and vitamin D may have preventative effects.

Live healthy, join a sports clup or under take some sports activities.

Practice self-management techniques by learning all you can about the disease and knowing what to expect. Discuss it with your family, with your physicians and with other health professionals involved in your care. Contact your local Arthritis Foundation office to find out about educational events and the Life Improvement Series of programs, including aquatic exercise like swimming and bicycle riding..