Although I'm well-educated and consider myself a fairly intelligent person, the Sock Aid was not made for me!!! I tried very hard to learn to use it after my first hip replacement with little success. I think that I most definitely must have a personality conflict with that aid because I tried even harder after my second hip surgery to no avail. Out of sheer frustration, I finally relegated it to the back of my closet and went without socks until I could actually (kind of) put them on by myself!

Two of my most favorite "aids" weren't designed for people with special needs. I've found that my folding 2-step stepladder is invaluable; with my balance problems I obviously don't use it as a ladder anymore, but it's wonderful for holding cooling cookie sheets, wrapping paper rolls (greeting card components) and even holding an open cook book! By the way, so I don't have to wrestle with cookbooks, I've taken my favorite recipes, put them in plastic photo pages and store them in a 3-ring notebook, which stays open (and clean) while I'm using it. My new favorite is an electric mattress pad. It's wonderful to get into a warm bed, which seems to really help those aching joints, and I put a timer on so it turns off after a few hours. The most important survival technique for people with osteoarthritis is to learn to take care of your self. Splurge on an occasional massage. Take the time to relax in warm water swimming pools. Take a nap or read a book. Much to my surprise, the whole world didn't shut down when I only made two kinds of Christmas cookies (instead of 100) last year.

Since the holidays are a time for sharing---please contact the following internet sights EVERY DAY. Click to Give: The Hunger Site and The Child Health Site are two options, but there are other charities as well. By clicking once on each sight, the advertisers donate a certain amount of food for each click on the hunger site, and provide medical care for children on the other. They can actually both be reached on the same web-site. Just think, it will take less than 30 seconds out of your busy day and you don't have to wear out your "plastic", or even find a parking place. Please share these websites with everyone you know, but remember-DO IT DAILY!

Related Information: 

Read our Healthy Holiday Guide for more tips on eating healthy, staying active and managing stress throughout the holiday season.  

Learn more about preventing and alleviating osteoarthritis pain through diet, exercise and medication.