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Media Releases
Handy Holiday Gift Ideas
Columbia, Mo. (Dec. 19, 2006) Still scratching your head for the perfect holiday gift? If your gift list includes one of the 70 million Americans with arthritis, we have some special gift ideas.
These gift ideas are geared toward the special needs of arthritis, says Kathy Donovan Hanson, senior researcher at the Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (MARRTC). "They make everyday tasks such as buttoning buttons or opening doors easier so that people with arthritis can save their energy for other, more enjoyable activities."
Most of the gifts are under $30 and readily available in local stores, arthritis self-help catalogues, or around the neighborhood.
Gifts to Motivate Exercise
Arthritis is one of the most common reasons for people to give up exercises, yet being sedentary can contribute to pain and worsened arthritis symptoms, and can put one at a higher risk of injury. Here are some gifts that may get your loved one moving.
A DVD of yoga or Tai Chi.
A monthly pass to a neighboring fitness center or swimming pool.
A membership to a specialized exercise program, such as "People with Arthritis Can Exercise (PACE)."
Gifts to Make Driving Easier
Driving can be difficult, even hazardous, for both seniors and adults with arthritis. Some car modifications can make them drive easier and safer.
Seat belt extender to avoid overreaching.
Steering wheel enlarged foam grip for a better control and comfort.
A swivel seat cushion to make getting in and out of the car with ease and grace.
A "Handybar" to ease getting in and out of cars.
Special mirrors with "blind spot area" or panoramic rear-view mirror, if he/she has neck problems.
Gifts for Little Ones with Joint Problems
Yes, children can have arthritis as well. In the United States, about 285,000 children have arthritis and related conditions. For them, a gift to help with academic performance will be highly appreciated.
Enlarged pens and soft grip holders to relieve pressure on hand joints.
A rolling backpack to take the pressure off the student's back.
A handheld recorder to reduce the stress from taking extensive notes.
A book holder to make reading more comfortable.
Gifts for Office Workers
A lumbar cushion to give support to the lower back.
Adjustable wrist and forearm support equipment can be attached to the desk to minimize the strain.
Alternative keyboard for greater typing comfort.
Gifts for Garden Lovers
For the upcoming spring, a set of modified gardening tools can be the perfect gift for a gardening enthusiast. Find tools with lightweight, enlarged grips and extended handles. A child's wagon or a carpenter's apron to carry garden tools is also a great gift idea.
Other Ideas
Just take a minute to vision the challenges the person may encounter in their daily routine, and you'll find gift ideas start jumping at you.
A telephone with larger buttons to assist those having arthritis in the hands or fingers.
A pair of flat heeled, lace-free/elastic-laced, comfortable shoes.
A doorknob helper that provides better gripping and pushing power.
A sturdy, boat-type key ring to attach to tiny zipper tabs for an easy pull.
A plug puller to help insert/remove plugs.
Also, don't forget some pampering gifts, such as a pedicure/manicure, a facial, a massage or a spa, Kathy Donovan Hanson adds. "Everyone likes to be pampered at times, and people with a lot of stiffness or sore joints sometimes have a hard time taking care of their nails."
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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