Helpful tips for RA Peeps | Arthritis Information

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I thought i would start a post that everyone could pitch in on.

 
What do you do that others could benefit from to make their life a bit easier?
 
Here are mine....
 
1) Buy jar grippers, some can't grip, but if you can grip enough, these open containers far easier than just using the jar and hand.
2) Before buying pots and pans, always test their weight with your hands.  This way it won't be too heavy to life like mine are.
3) Buy plastic stir spoons and spatulas, they weigh far less, easier to use when lighter.
4) Don't be afraid to use a cane when needed, im 35 and use mine whenever i need to, it keeps me from falling in the yard or in other people's laps at restaurants.
5) Braces from Walmart etc. can help when needed for arms and knees.  I like these thin ones that are about 1inch wide and very long to wrap around the knee.  They put pressure just right in the knee cap and i can walk.  I got mine at walmart, thin and black.
6) Cut your hair.  If you want to look good, get a cut that is layered so it is easier to take care of and brush.  Long hair takes too long to dry and if you can't lift a hair dryer, it's a pain.
7) Buy bras that fasten in the front.  I can't fasten in the back but can do front ones on most days.
8) Velcro shoes help hands.  They also sell shoes that slip on, best for hand arthritis.
9) Headbands for hair is a quick and easy way to hold hair back and look good.
10) Universal remotes, these are good for all your stuff from tv, to stereo and sometimes even lights, one remote does it all.
11) Toilet seat risers, i use these, you don't need the fake tall seat cuz these go under your regular seat and raise it higher, my husband doesn't like low toilets anymore lol.
 
If i think of more i will say later :)
bubbagump2008-03-08 14:49:52Yay!  RA peeps!  Joonie made a really cute peep graphic at the end of the original peep thread.  I tried to copy it and post it here.  No luck.  Have a great day!
elasticized laces... the kind you don't have to ever tie
 
long handled shoe horns
 
ice grippers that fit on her snow boots
 
her disabled parking card
 
her bed rail to assist her in getting up
 
tub rail that clamps on the edge of the tub
 
I like:
Good Grips utensils. I love the salad spinner. No cranking... you pull on the handle
 
Silicone spatulas ... they're light and can stand high temperature
 
Silicone muffin cups... no greasing/spraying pans, or trying to separate paper liners.
 
Long handled shower/tub scrubbers... no more bending... great for the walls
 
An under the counter jar opener... will open up lids as small as the twist-on ones on salad dressing bottles.
 
Extendable magnet... looks like those extendable metal pointers business people used years ago before laser pointers were invented.  Great for picking up pins, nails, metal screws. Mine's got an rare earth magnet so it's strong enough to pick up cutlery, and chef knives!
 
My daughter gave me a neat tool that does 4 things -  it can open bottle caps, pop up the tab on pop and juice cans, peel back lids on those small tins of mandarin oranges, and unscrew tops on pop bottles. She bought it at one of those specialty kitchen shops. My sister said she found one for herself at Winners.
 
For cleaning toilets, I like the long handled wand that grips those little flushable cleaning pads... no more dripping brushes
 
Microfibre blankets... they're so cozy and light weight
 
My foam mattress that molds to the body via body heat
 
Flannel sheets for winter. There are micro fleece sheets, but your nightgowns and pj's will stick so it's hard to turn over in bed
 
Rice or flax neck bags that you can heat up in the microwave
 
Pill splitters for those half doses
 
Our remote car starter ... no more going out in freezing temps to start the car.
 
My Merrell runners.... great grip and cushioning
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
These are so great. I have already started a list, ladies! Thank you!Oh I forgot that I found a hands free blow dryer.  It was on the Today show.
 
bloandgo.com 
[QUOTE=TheLa]Oh I forgot that I found a hands free blow dryer.  It was on the Today show.
 
bloandgo.com 
[/QUOTE]
 
 
Yeah, or you can just go to Wal-Mart and use their hands free hand drier to dry your hair  Bump
 
I think this is a great thread!!
Weekly medication tray.  Mine has AM and PM sections for each day, and the days are "detachable" so I can take the day's med container and toss it in my purse.  I fill it every Saturday night.  This way, I am less apt to screw up my meds during the week (no need to remember which ones to take, or to remember if I took them or not), and I only have to mess with the Rx containers once per week (instead of twice per day!).

Also, those with kids or thieves in the house - keep your meds in a locking metal toolbox.
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