Feel Good Friday

[MAS_Nurse]

Good morning everyone, how are you all doing? Maybe today doesn't feel too good to you and you have a tough and challenging week. But we are all here for you ready to offer support and a shoulder to lean on, you don’t have struggle on alone.

An interesting news article came out yesterday of a scientific research study results were released in the UK by the 'Cloudy with a chance of pain' project demonstrating that for people long term chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or migraines there is a strong correlation between increased pain and stiffness on humid days. Although it has been known anecdotally that there may be an association between pain and weather, previous studies have been small. But this recruited 2,500 participants who recorded data over 15 months. This study will possibly lead to further future studies, for example, to be able to have a ‘pain forecast’ to enable people with chronic to plan their activities. Here is the link to find out more, it makes very interesting reading: bbc.co.uk/news/health-50151...

I don't know about you, but it's definitely getting colder and the nights are drawing in. Wrap up warm, drink hot/warm drinks or soups, don’t skimp on your heating. If you are eligible, apply for the UK Government heating allowance to help with fuel costs. If you're sitting down a lot, use heat pads, fingerless gloves, scarves, extra layers and try to get your circulation going by moving around every hours or doing static exercises. Don’t forget to have your flu jab for this year!

Remember, if you live in the UK that the clocks go back this Sunday 27th October.

Have a good weekend and take care of yourselves.

Best wishes,

MAS Nurse and Moderator

Reference:

Cloudy with a chance of pain project: cloudywithachanceofpain.com/

[Lynd]

When I was younger you would often hear people associating various pains with the weather. Us younger ones would laugh but II think it is all true.

Also at this time of year I think the lack of light causes very low mood but to cheer myself up I love to go and look at the Christmas decorations in the shops. I do not need new ones as have too many really but they are so jolly. Also on freeview channel 50 they have some Christmas films which I will watch any time of year 😁

Have a good week x

[sassy59]

All ok here thank you MAS_Nurse apart from our grandson having a nasty cold. He’s doing better now.

I saw the article about the weather having an effect on pain. I was reminded of my mum, many years ago, saying she knew when it was going to rain because her arthritis would be more painful.

Pete and I had our flu jabs last Saturday so that’s done. We take care of each other.

Wishing everyone a good weekend. Stay well and warm.

Take care all. Xxxxx

[Hidden]

Hi MAS_Nurse,

I had a really nice day yesterday, catching up with a couple who were close friends and neigbours in the Caribbean, all the years I lived there. Lucky pair were off on a cruise starting today. No such luck for me, but it was still a joy to meet up and have a meal and gossip together.

And speaking of the Caribbean, which is always hot and humid, I definitely endorse the findings of the 'Cloudy with a chance of pain' study. Heat and humidity is, at the very least, absolutely no better for things like arthritis. Mine has flared equally there and here in UK. Also, long ago in my teens I worked with someone who became really debilitated, and had a migraine, whenever the barometric pressure was dropping ahead of a storm. So I found the study results fascinating.

The weather here certainly has changed along with the season. Now the clocks are to be put back and we have to prepare for those long winter nights and fewer daylight hours which I know can affect the mood of so many.

I hope that everyone's managing to stay cheerful and can find something to enjoy in the coming weekend.