A Rheumful of Improvements

Some of you have avowed to make some changes in 2014. How are you doing so far? As the days march on, are those changes receding into the distance, abandoned at the roadside, like yesterday's trash?

A Rheumful of Tips (ART) is, to quote Healthline.com, "chockfull" of tips and tools I use to live my life well, in spite of having had rheumatoid arthritis for thirty-five years. However, you don't have to have rheumatoid arthritis to find strategies that will propel you towards more of what you want out of life, like enjoying a greater sense of health and well-being.

If you're wondering about your habits, you might like Parts 1, 2 and 3 of Bad Habit, Be Gone.

Does a sweet tooth have you in its sugary grips? Try dill pickles or some flavourful Chai Spice Tea from Stash Tea. Did you know that fermented foods like dill pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi and miso help to restore the flora in your gut, which aids in the absorption of vitamins and nutrients? According to research that was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, probiotics have an impact on the gut brain axis, leading to lower levels of corticosterone. That's good news for you stressed out people. So do what your Baba told you or at least what mine did - "Eat your sauerkraut!"

That's an introduction to what to eat, now for how to eat. Try using chopsticks as you cultivate the practice of Hara Hachi Bu. Remember to drink your water.

What's a new year without a commitment to get more exercise? If I can do it, with rheumatoid arthritis, artificial hips, fused toes, etc., I am certain that you can too! You have to start somewhere, so start small. A dog helps.

Perhaps you've made the decision to exercise, but you're stalling because you're doing too much of this? Consider overcoming your fear, if that's holding you back.

Oh, your feet hurt, so that's stopping you? See Christian Johannsen at Foot Solutions in Vancouver for expert help. Now that you're moving more, you may have hurt yourself. Physicool might be just the thing to reduce your inflammation and get you back on track. Remember to play this game, though. If things aren't better, you may need surgery, so do what you can by mentally preparing for your surgery.

If you're having trouble deciding just what to do, use this decision-making strategy. Of course, you could always turn to a book for some help. Check out The Bookman in Abbotsford and Chilliwack - they might have just what you need. They ship, too!

Remember to get regular doses of Nurturing Nature and laugh often, even if it is at your own expense!

I have a whole Crateful of Gratitude for so many people who supported me in that almost 500-post venture. To see who they are, please tune in at #500, which will soon be posted.

However, the whole project would never have been born had it not been for the push from Kathrin Hardie - Business-Sitter, blog post bouncer, strategist, website restorer and friend.

One of the many highlights on A Rheumful of Tips was being able to procure some wonderful giveaways by a number of generous businesses. If you click the Giveaways category tab on ART, you'll see who supported me (and you). I'm happy to report that the giveaway tradition will continue here on Auntie Stress Café. So, stay tuned!

Once again, I am honoured to be nominated for Healthline.com's Best Health Blog Contest of 2013. As you can see, ART is so much more than just a blog about rheumatoid arthritis. I hope you will consider voting for A Rheumful of Tips on a daily basis up until January 20th, with both your Twitter and Facebook accounts. Thank YOU!

4 Replies to “A Rheumful of Improvements”

  1. Marianna, when I read your posts, I always wish we lived closer and could take our dogs on a nature walk together so we could talk. I always find one more thing we have in common. This time it is nature and fermented foods. When I met you over the summer, it was something special. Thanks for a great post. You add so much to this community.

  2. Always love it when you say that you have RA but it doesn’t have you…<3
    Hope!
    I have RA too, but it doesn’t have me…. 😉
    ~hugs~

Add a comment!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.