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Stories for Reprint
Tips for people with arthritis, autoimmune conditions on how to enjoy the spirit of summer
By Katerina Pesheva
Summer vacations can be exhilarating, yet taxing time for anyone, but particularly for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or other autoimmune conditions. Fatigue, pain and joint stiffness can sap the joy out of the most exotic vacation, but that needn't be the case, says Dr. Terry Moore, chief of the Rheumatology Department at St. Louis University School of Medicine. Here are a few simple precautions that people with autoimmune conditions can take to make the most of their summer.
Plan ahead
Bring a sufficient quantity of the medication you take. If you are traveling overseas, pack extra medication. Always carry your medication in your carry-on luggage in case your checked-in luggage gets lost. Bring a prescription for your pills in case airport or customs authorities question the origin of your meds. Store medications at the appropriate temperature and away from direct sunlight. If you are using medications that are administered via injection, check with your airline what the current policy is. Federal guidelines allow syringes on board, but have your prescription with you and bring a letter from your doctor explaining your need to carry a syringe.
Sit, move, repeat
Alternate moving around with sitting down. Prolonged immobility is particularly hard on the joints and causes pain and stiffness.
"Take regular breaks, every hour or two, if you are traveling by car," Moore says.
Air travel - especially long transcontinental flights - can be hard on people with rheumatoid arthritis, but also quite dangerous for people with lupus, who are prone to developing blood clots. Clots can develop even in otherwise healthy passengers if they spend too much time on a plane without moving. To avoid stiffness and clotting, take a stroll up and down the aisle at least every hour, Moore says. Also talk to your doctor about any medication you might need to prevent clots.
Exercise in moderation
In the airplane, periodically perform gentle, range-of-motion exercises such as ankle, arm and wrist rotation. Once you reach your destination, don't shun exercise, but don't become a vacation warrior either.
"Way too many people tend to over-exercise when on vacation," Moore says. "Make sure that you increase the length and intensity of your workout gradually."
The sun: a friend, a foe
Certain medications, including naproxen, the most common anti-inflammatory agent, can make you extra sensitive to sunlight. Don't skimp on sunscreen. Use one with SPF of at least 45 and reapply it regularly, Moore says. If possible, avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when its rays are the most intense and cause the most damage. Also, keep in mind that reflected sunlight is just as bad as direct sunlight--do not lull yourself into thinking that sitting under the umbrella is safe, Moore warns.
Summer Bugs
In the summer, viral and bacterial infections are imminent. "This is especially true if you're flying," Moore says. "You're basically stuck in a tube with a 100 other people coughing and sneezing." Also, if you are traveling to faraway, exotic places, you may encounter new viruses, to which you do not have immunity, Moore says.
Infections are usually not a big problem for people with autoimmune conditions, unless you are taking high doses of steroids, such as prednisone, or high doses of other immuno-suppressing drugs, Moore explains. A newer class of drugs, called biologic-response modifiers, works to curb inflammation by suppressing the immune system. These medications make people more vulnerable to infections. Such medications include Remicade, Humira and Enbrel. Talk to your physician on ways to prevent infections and boost your immunity.
West Nile virus, a now perennial summertime presence, is not much of a problem for travelers unless they have severely compromised immune systems from HIV, AIDS, diabetes or advanced-stage cancer, Moore says.
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