Pedestrians, bodegas, taxis…New York has a lot of everything. Rheumatologists are no exception. According to the US News & World Report, there are an astounding 513 rheumatologists practicing in the New York City area.
When you’re coping with RA, a rheumatologist is invaluable. “That’s the individual with the skills to help you manage the disease,” explains Dr. Goddard.
Your rheumatologist can help you find the right combination of medications to treat your RA, and can coordinate care with other specialists, like physical and occupational therapists.
Lagos, Nigeria
According to a recent Gallup Poll, this West African nation has the lowest rate of smoking in the world.
Not only is smoking a known cause of RA, a cigarette habit can also exacerbate the condition. In some patients, RA can cause inflammation of the lung sac. Smoking can increase this inflammation. What’s more, joints need as much oxygen as they can get to function properly, but smoking starves them of oxygen.
Sydney, Australia
Walk Score deemed Australia’s largest city the best place to walk in the continent.
While walking benefits everyone, it’s especially helpful if you have RA. Walking helps you maintain a healthy weight, which eases stress on your joints. It also strengthens the muscles around your joints, which can reduce joint pain and inflammation.
The American Arthritis Foundation recommends 30 to 60 minutes of walking every day, or at least 210 minutes per week. Sound daunting? It’s easy to walk 30 minutes per day when you can walk to the grocery store, coffee shop, and park.