e CY Editor: Valorie. Lennox 656-1151 TheReview Wednesday, November 11,1992 — All Arthritis CounterAttack: Tips on outsmariing the disease Sometimes arthritis patients have to ‘out-think’ the disease in order to carry on with their lives. In the fourth session of the Arthritis Management Program, participant Norma Jubb learned more coping techniques to handle arthritis attacks. STEP AT A TIME, taken sideways, may be an easier way of climbing or descending stairs for arthritis patients like Norma Jubb. by Valorie Lennox - The Review Talk isn’t cheap. A few words can make the difference between a good mood or a bad mood, espe- cially when addressing yourself. “You can talk yourself down so easily,” Jubb said. The trick is to try and change a negative message into a positive one. For example, waking up in the moming is a painful experience for many arthritis victims. Instead of focusing on the pain, Jubb suggests a more positive thought: “T don’t want to get up but if I do, I can have a lovely cup of coffee.” Focusing on pleasure makes it © easier to deal with the pain, she said. “Positive self-talk can benefit everyone, not just people with arthritis,’ Jubb added. Another useful skill is problem solving, which Jubb describes as “outsmarting arthritis.” For example, climbing stairs may be painful and difficult for someone with arthritis, “First you identify the problem GRAY CONDO RESALES TOWNHOUSES NEW PROJECTS Be one step ahead and get on my list for up to date info. on these rare properties. (SS PROPERTIES Ab? Ai] ‘GOOD PEOPLE, GOODISERVICE and then list options. If one doesn’t work, then can substitute another.” Options to make climbing stairs easier could include holding on to a handrail, using an elevator if one is available, climbing the stairs sideways —— which places less strain on sore muscles — or mounting stairs on hands and knees. If there are only a few steps, it might be possible to focus thoughts on something else while climbing the stairs — a technique learned in the third session of the course. “Any short-term thought that MAYCOCK OPTICAL = beet, » SINCE 1939 NIKON LENSES YOUR EYES DESERVE THE BEST. e ANT!-SCRATCH COATING e WATER PROOF COATING « ANTI-REFLECTIVE COATING ¢ ULTRATHIN DESIGN ALL ON ONE LENS! Available at MAYCOCK OPTICAL #104 - 2376 BEVAN Sidney Centre 655-1122 you can use for a long enough time to distract from pain is helpful,” Jubb said. Course participants report suc- cess with their ongoing aerobic exercise, distraction techniques and stretching exercises. One man said he was able to clean out a cupboard and a woman reported a noticeable improvement after doing some finger exercises recommended in the course. Participants also discussed options for physical fitness, including the rehabilitation swims from 1 to 3 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Pano- rama Leisure Centre. A physiot- herapist supervises those sessions. Despite the disabling effects of arthritis, accidents in the home can be prevented by a little common sense. Loose rugs and slippery pol- ished floors are dangerous for those who may have difficulty maintaining their balance. A lightweight cane of the correct length can help maintain balance. Railings on stairs are helpful and rubber mats should be installed in bathtubs. Electric cables or wires on the floor are a hazard as are shoes with too-high heels. Cupboards should be arranged so frequently used items are within easy reach to eliminate use of a step-stool. Inside the cupboards, and fridge, should be the makings of a healthy diet. _ Although there are several ‘mir- acle diets’ on the market which claim to combat arthritis, the best diet for arthritis patients is the same as the best diet for everyone: low fat, high fiber, fewer servings of red meat, oil and eggs and more of poultry and fish plus three servings of fruit and vegetables each day. ‘Positive self-falk can benefit everyone, not just people with arthritis’ A good diet maintains a healthy weight, reduces fatigue, prevents constipation and counteracts the side effects of medication. When the diet includes two or three servings of milk or milk products daily, it also combats osteoporosis. Osteoporosis makes bones brit- tle and easily broken. It is an especial danger for older arthritis patients, who lose their balance and fall more easily, increasing the chance of broken bones. Increased calcium intake and weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or running, can combat osteoporosis. “Regular exercise and a healthy diet is good advice for everyone, Not just people with arthritis,” Jubb noted. Continued on Nov. 18 ne waa = \ In honor of those who gave their lives for Canada, Facets Jewellers will be Closed Wednesday, November 11th. | facets jewellers 2403 Beacon Avenue Sidney, B.C. 655-1515 CARPETS _ CERAMIC TILE SUGGESTED 4 RETAIL PRICES s SaNIT GOOMGYVH Come see us at United Carpet. We carry all the best lines in blinds including Levolor. VINYL FLOORING AREA RUGS For the best blind date you'll ever have. [ J / ‘ UNITED CARPET * CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOCATION * 9752 4th ST. SIDNEY 655-4858 sony VWadV — ONIWOOT TANIA HARDWOOD __ BLINDS The best quality. The best prices. The best value. Guaranteed. ~ Visit our showroom or call us for a free in-home estimate. 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