Living Well

You live far away from your mother, sister or other loved one who needs care due to their having rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As a result, your sibling who lives closer or your father handle all the core responsibilities. You feel guilty about not being right there, not doing enough and not spending adequate time with your loved one. If you feel as if there’s nothing you can do, think again. While it’s true that caregiving from a distance presents its own set of challenges, there are things that you can do to participate in caregiving, which can help both your loved one with RA and other family members. Here’s how.

Stress and psoriasis can go hand-in-hand. For some people, stress can trigger a psoriasis flare-up, and the outbreaks themselves can be stressful. “Psoriasis is unpredictable,” says Madelyn Petrow-Cohen, who has moderate psoriasis and is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist in New York and New Jersey. “You can do something one time and have it work to clear your skin. But maybe then it doesn’t work the next time, which stresses people out; psoriasis affects how you feel and look, which can be frustrating.”

Doughnuts and cigarettes win you over, you’re not exercising, your wine glass overflows into your gullet and you’re taking medications only when you remember. In short, you’re ignoring your treatment plan and becoming your own biggest obstacle to better health.

Move over, diabetes! For anesthesiologist Natalie Strand, confidence, ability, a strong teammate and assistance from her diabetes educator won her a first-place finish. Here's a look at strategies that can help you conquer obstacles you may face on your road to health!