| Having arthritis doe not mean that you have to live | | | | weekdays, when fewer people travel and buses are |
| your life in a cocoon. Millions of people who suffer | | | | less crowded. Try to book your trip with as few |
| from degenerative osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis | | | | transfers as possible. Bring a pillow or cervical collar |
| are reluctant to visit friends and relatives because | | | | with you to make naps more comfortable. Take along |
| traveling for long periods can make their joints stiff. | | | | snacks or small meals in case it is difficult to get off |
| While carrying luggage, transfers and cramped seating | | | | the bus at food stops. Try simple stretching exercises |
| can contribute to pain and fatigue, here are some | | | | throughout your journey to avoid stiffness. |
| handy tips that you can use to minimize the stress on | | | | Traveling by car - Traveling by car offers you the |
| your joints whether you are traveling by plane, train, | | | | most freedom, as you can set your own schedule and |
| bus, car or even on a cruise ship. | | | | stop whenever you like. When renting a car, ask about |
| Traveling by plane - Try to book a nonstop, direct flight | | | | special features like power-steering, cruise control and |
| to eliminate transfers and avoid traveling during peak | | | | lift-up door handles. These will all make your journey |
| times as it is less stressful. Ask for a seat in the exit | | | | less stressful and place less pressure on your joints. |
| row or bulkhead as these have more legroom. Check | | | | To prevent this, stop every hour and a half and do |
| your large luggage in so you do not end up carrying it. | | | | some light stretching exercises. |
| Once on the plane, inform the flight attendants that you | | | | Taking a cruise - Before booking a cruise, ask about |
| have arthritis and that you may need to get up | | | | the ship's design and accessibility. Some cruise ships |
| periodically to stretch during the flight. Use the airline | | | | offer gentle exercise classes, which can help minimize |
| pillows to support your back and neck throughout the | | | | joint stiffness. If disembarking at stops is difficult, be |
| flight. Carry medications with you in case your luggage | | | | selective when you choose to go ashore. It is |
| gets lost or delayed. Also carry copies of your medical | | | | important to rest and not overdo it, so use your time |
| prescriptions and your doctor's telephone number to | | | | while the ship is sailing to regain your strength and |
| minimize hassles and delays when going through | | | | energy. Take massages whenever they are available. |
| customs and security. | | | | Keep an eye on your diet - Whenever you are |
| Traveling by train - Be sure to pack lightly if you think | | | | traveling it is important to keep a close eye on your |
| you might be unable to get any assistance getting your | | | | diet. You will become tired and stiff and this can lead |
| baggage on and off the train. Enquire whether porters | | | | to joint pain. One of the best things to take with you is |
| will be available to help you with boarding and exiting | | | | omega 3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil supplements. |
| the train. Amtrak has a special service desk where | | | | Omega 3 is an excellent anti-inflammatory that can |
| you can make requests for help. It is best to reserve | | | | help reduce stiffness in your limbs and control the pain. |
| an aisle seat near the restroom so you can do stretch | | | | You can find more information about the preventative |
| whenever you feel that your joints are coming stiff. | | | | benefits of omega 3 fish oil on my website and see |
| Pack a light lunch or take some snacks so you do not | | | | why it is always one of the first things I pack when I |
| need to walk to the dining car to get something to eat. | | | | travel. |
| Traveling by bus - Consider scheduling your trips during | | | | |