Work on Your Posture

Stand up straight. Good, erect posture keeps your weight evenly distributed, placing less stress on your back and joints.

Practice your posture by standing next to a wall with your heels, back, and head touching the wall. Your lower back will curve in slightly. You should be able to slide your arm behind you, between your lower back and the wall. This is the posture you want to maintain when standing.

Sit up straight. Keep your feet on the floor and your buttocks at the back of the chair. Your thighs should be parallel to the floor.

If you work at a desk, use good lighting so that you don’t have to crouch forward in order to see your work. This causes muscle tension in the neck and shoulders and places you in a bad sitting posture. Periodically relax your hands from typing or writing when necessary. Don’t grip the pen too tightly, since this puts stress on fingers and hand joints.

When working on your computer, use a mouse pad that supports your wrist. Don’t hunch toward the screen. Adjust it so that you can view your work while maintaining a proper sitting posture.

When you brush your teeth, don’t grab the toothbrush handle tightly. Hold the brush with your thumb and index finger extended and loosely gripping the handle.

Be sure to always consult a physician before you begin any kind of diet or fitness program or before you make any significant adjustments to your lifestyle. The severity of your disease can impact your ability to do certain activities. Your physician can help you determine what activities and quality-of-life adjustments are best for you.

Next: Accessibility