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Media Releases
Nine Packing Tips for Travelers with Arthritis
Columbia, Mo. (July 18, 2006) While many of us look forward to exciting travel, for millions of Americans with arthritis, the idea of travel can be disheartening. However, having arthritis doesn't mean you have to give up the pleasure and relaxation of going to great places. In fact, traveling can be good for your arthritis, allowing you to try new things while staying active and getting some fun exercise. It's also a great distraction from pain.
The key to a smooth trip is to know your limitations and plan accordingly. Diana Baldwin, occupational therapist at the University of Missouri-Columbia and researcher for the Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, reminds you not to let your rest and joint stretch breaks take a vacation. She also reminds us that a person should never go more than an hour without getting up and walking because keeping the body in a mechanically compressed position can be harmful and painful.
Here is a list of the things MARRTC experts suggest you may pack in your suitcase for a stress-free getaway.
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Medications - Pack enough medications to last the entire trip plus a few days' extra, in case your flight is delayed/cancelled or the trip is unexpectedly extended. Keep medications in their original bottles with a note from your doctor explaining the condition and medications. It may save you a lot of trouble at airport security.
- Medical insurance and doctor's phone number - Keep important papers in a folder, like your medical insurance, a list of the medications you are taking, phone numbers of your doctor and pharmacist. This information will come handy in an emergency room or a pharmacy.
- A lightweight tote - Since luggage can get lost or delayed, keep essentials with you. Pack items you can't do without in the tote, such as a set of clothes, the folder of important documents, and at least one-day supply of medications.
- Comfortable shoes - It's tempting to look stylish on your trip. However, comfort and safety should always be your top priority. Wear your most comfortable shoes, the ones you can walk for long distance. Some criteria for your shoe pick include: flat heels, enough room for your feet, lace-free or using elastic lace, and in good condition. No matter what you choose, remember: go for comfort, not for looks!
- A sweater/jacket/windbreaker to keep you warm - Exposure to low temperatures or sitting too close to air conditioning vents may cause stiffness and soreness for people with arthritis. An extra layer of clothing could make a big difference.
- Assistive accessories for driving in a car - Driving with limited function can be not only stressful, but also dangerous. If your trip entails driving a rental car, pack some portable car accessories. Baldwin recommends these:
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a key holder that's extended or has an enlarged grip to provide additional leverage for those having trouble maneuvering the fingers or turning the wrist.
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a Handibar aid for ease of getting in and out of cars.
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a swivel seat cushion that can turn 360 degrees can help you get in or out of a vehicle with ease and grace. If using a rental car, considering buying at your destination a seat cushion to raise your height and use a rolled towel for back support in a rental car.
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an enlarged foam grip that can be wrapped around the steering wheel if you find it a challenge to grasp things firmly.
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a ribbon or strap you can tie to the seat belt or a seat belt extender to decrease pain from reaching across and over left shoulder
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special mirrors for people with difficulty turning head and neck, such as SmartView with "blind spot area."
- Sun protection care -Some arthritis medications make skin more sensitive to the sun. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if any additional sun protective measures are needed.
- Grip aids - Tiny zipper tabs on suitcase can be a challenge for people with limited hand/wrist mobility. Add a key ring (boat-type is especially good) to the zip tab so that you can pull the zip with ease. If you'll have the need to charge a digital camera or a laptop, a plug puller can make it a lot easier to insert/remove the plug.
- Suitable Suitcase - Of course, using a rolling suitcase is a priority. Consider purchasing a TravelTow handle to ease the strain of pulling the suitcase. Another suggestion from Baldwin is to carry a round gripper pad with you to assist in opening or turning things and a piece of insulation foam to slip around bag handles or items you need to grip.
As MARRTC's co-investigator, Diana Baldwin and colleagues are recruiting volunteers to participate in a study on worksite vocational rehabilitation intervention. Eligible participants should be between the ages of 18 and 60, are currently employed full- or part-time, and have been diagnosed with either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. For information about this project, call (877) 882-6826 or visit http://www.marrtc.org/recruitment/index.html.
The Missouri Arthritis Research Rehabilitation and Training Center (MARRTC) was established in 1971 at the University of Missouri-Columbia Arthritis Center. MARRTC is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (H133B031120) and is the only federally funded arthritis rehabilitation research and training center in the country.
As part of the MU Health Communication Research Center (HCRC), MARRTC's mission is to become a national leader in the areas of disability management and communication, improve the quality of life and promote independent living among people who have arthritis and arthritic conditions. MARRTC's core message is "Disability is everyone's issue."
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