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Journaling

We asked and we found that our members vary greatly in their journaling activity. From a self confessed "data freak" who records everything to one who refuses to journal because it might make him focus too much on the disease, with most of us falling somewhere in the middle.

Some asked, "Why should I keep a journal?" That's a good question! The best reason, in my opinion, is that a 1999 study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed a definite decrease in arthritis symptoms in those who keep a journal as compared to those who don't. Decreases symptoms? Count me in!

Journals also help us to be more involved in our medical care. If we can state when a certain symptom started or what triggers certain types of pain our medical providers will be able to treat us with more accuracy. 

I think the question to be asked is: Why wouldn't you keep a journal?

There are many different types of journals, and the kind you choose to keep is up to you. But for the beginner, simple is usually best. We've created a basic, simple daily worksheet. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes a day.

Most of the areas are self explanatory, just fill in as needed. The "Notes" area can be used for many different things. If you are trying to decide if you have a food trigger, record you daily food intake here. Or if you are trying alternative treatments or a new medicine, you might want to keep track of any side effects here.

We feel that this will become a valuable tool in your medical management, along with our Medical Records Forms. 

Just click here to get to the work sheet, print it and you are all set to begin your journaling journey!

Tina Underwood
Page last updated on March 25, 2002