Life Made Easy in the Kitchen for Arthritis Sufferers
By Stephen R. Farris
At some point in our lives, we have to face the fact that the older we get, the harder it is to do a lot of the things we did in our younger years. I'm not talking about the more physical things, such as leaping over tall buildings in a single bound. Yes, I was being a bit sarcastic, but I think everyone should know what I mean if you're over the age of 50.
No, I'm targeting the little things, especially when you are dealing with arthritis. The worst place in the house seems to always be the kitchen. Something simple, such as holding a knife and cutting up food, can be challenging. There may be days our hands and fingers just seem unable to grip anything. Let's not even get into trying to open jars. Just the other day -- after struggling for several weeks -- I had to get my son to open a jar of spaghetti sauce for me.
Talk about an ego/pride deflate. It was kind of sad, actually. I mean, all those years of being strong in front of my kids, then having to get him to open stuff for me. Oh well, I'm over it now and have been working on making things a little easier in the kitchen area the past couple of weeks.
Roll With It
Remember earlier I mentioned about not being able to grip things like I used to. Well, I think I've found a way around this to an extent. When I have to retrieve food from the pantry or refrigerator, I use a small cart on rollers. I try to get everything I need for the meal I'm preparing, put it on the cart and unload at my prep area. Sure makes things easier and I'm not fumbling around trying to carry the items in my arms and hands. Droppage has been cut in half.
Cookware
You might think about giving away all of those one-handle pieces of cookware you own, and invest in the two-handled kind. The last thing you want to do is lose your grip trying to carry a one-handled skillet full of hot grease and either dump it on the floor or on you. Two handles just make it easier.
Shop the Precut Aisle
The popularity of fresh fruits and vegetables seems to be growing more and more each day, as folks are beginning to eat healthier and include these items in their diet. Most grocery store produce aisles now have sections where precut fruits and vegetables are being sold. They are certainly time savers in the kitchen, and can cut meal prep in half.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Burnsville, Minn.