Arthritis-Friendly Tips
Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-434 -- More Projects »
Brenda Adderly, a health expert, keeps us cooking, even with arthritis or joint pain. She provides helpful tips for comfortably cutting, stirring and lifting in the kitchen. - Joints are used a great deal in cooking. Cutting, chopping, lifting and standing can be painful for arthritis sufferers.
- Because most prep work in the kitchen involves cutting and chopping, use a stool at the cutting board. The height of the stool should be low enough to rest arms on the table. This reduces the fatigue factor. Keep in mind that the arm should be an extension of the cutting tool. This will reduce stress on the wrist.
- A sharp instrument is essential when chopping or cutting. The efficiency will reduce the work involved and the pressure exerted on the wrists.
- An electric can opener can be a godsend for someone with arthritis. Although hand-operated can openers are being manufactured to reduce the strain of operating (figure A), it is no substitute for an electric in terms of comfort.
- Cooking inevitably requires straining liquids. Use a pot that has wide handles and a built-in strainer that takes the strain away from holding large pots over a sink (figure B).
- Bowls should be plastic and lightweight, not heavy ceramic.
- Have all utensils, condiments and seasonings readily accessible. Mounting hooks and racks on the wall enables most items to be within an easy reach.
Resources The Arthritis Cure Cookbook
by Lissa De Angelis, Brenda D. Adderly (ISBN: 0895263750)
National Book Network, 1998
This title is currently out of print. Consult local libraries, used bookstores and book searches to find copies.
Guests Brenda Adderly
Author / Health Reporter
Website:
www.stayhealthy.com
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