Educate me on this topic

[bjdrayton]

I want to learn about lifelong health tips

[katie_huffman Administrator]

Hi bjdrayton. Thanks for your question. I like to think that the CDC's "Strive for Five" strategies for managing arthritis are pretty good lifelong health tips, whether or not you have arthritis! Read the article here: cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/ma...

1. Learn new self-management skills- join a self-management education workshop, which can help you learn the skills to manage your arthritis and make good decisions about your overall health

2. Be active. Physical activity is a simple and effective, non-drug way to relieve pain from arthritis. It can also improve function and mood and delay the onset of disability.

3. Talk to your doctor about your pain symptoms and health goals.

4. Manage your weight. Losing excess weight and staying at a healthy weight is particularly important for people with arthritis but can also help with other health conditions.

5. Protect your joints. Sports- and work-related injuries increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis and other conditions that might cause disability.

While the CDC (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) only lists these 5 strategies, I am sure other members in our group have many more suggestions for lifelong health. Hopefully we'll get some other ideas. Two things I can think of are surrounding yourself with a strong and supportive social network and engaging in meaningful activities.