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Living withYourdefinitiveguidetocopingwitharthritisIncludes information on types of arthritis, symptoms and treatment options, and useful ways of coping and living better

Welcome...Welcome to our Living with Arthritis book, your dependable guide to coping and living better with arthritis and joint pain. 10 million people in the UK today suff er from arthritis. So if you’ve recently been diagnosed, been living with the symptoms for some time, or you’ve just started noticing the signs, you’re not alone. Arthritis is the biggest cause of pain and physical disability in the UK and there are more than 100 diff erent types, all with diff erent causes and treatment options. The symptoms can stop you being as active as you used to be. You might also fi nd it diffi cult to get enough sleep. Arthritis mostly aff ects people over 65 but can occur in children and teenagers as well. It’s also more common in women than men and in those who are overweight. While there’s no cure as yet, there are plenty of things you can do to greatly reduce the symptoms and live a full and happy life. That’s where our Living with Arthritis book comes in. If you or someone you know is suff ering from arthritis, this book will help. In it you’ll fi nd tons of useful information about arthritis and how it’s diagnosed and treated, plus essential advice on how to live well with the disorder. Our aim is that, by the end of this book, you’ll feel bright, uplifted and determined not to let arthritis get the better of you! A new lease of life awaits...www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978

This is caused by daily wear and tear of the joints, but can arise because of an injury. It’s where the cartilage around your joints starts breaking down, causing your tendons and ligaments to have to work harder. Severe loss of cartilage can cause your bones to rub against each other, forcing them out of their normal position. Osteoarthritis typically aff ects the hands, knees, feet, hips and spine. Rheumatoid arthritisOsteoarthritisThis is quite diff erent to osteoarthritis. It’s actually an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system attacks the cells that line your joints by mistake. This makes them swollen, stiff and painful and can cause the cartilage and bone to break down. It often starts when a person is between 40 and 50 years old, and is three times more likely to aff ect women than men. What is arthritis?Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation and stiff ness in the joints. Most arthritis suff erers experience pain and have diffi culty moving around. It is a rheumatic disease — the word “rheumatic” means aches and pains in joints, bones and muscles.There are many diff erent types of arthritis, but the two most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978

Symptom check... Diffi culty moving Mild fevers or night sweats Weight loss Joint stiff ness Fatigue Pain, particularly around the joints Painful or tender muscles Swelling or skin rashes Sleeplessness A general feeling of being unwellYour symptoms will vary depending on the type of arthritis you have. You may experience:www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978

Time to see the doctor?We all experience pain and stiff ness now and again, particularly after strenuous or unusual physical activity. So how do you tell the diff erence between normal aches and pains and symptoms of arthritis? You should consult your doctor if: your pain isn’t linked to an injury or persists for longer than a week  your joints are stiff /swollen and not because of an injury you’re unable to do everyday tasks because of joint or muscle pain you have joint or muscle swelling/pain and also feel unwell or have a fever you experience a painful ‘squeeze’ in your jointsYour doctor will use a variety of methods to make a diagnosis. These can include: blood and urine tests MRI scans and CT scans ultrasounds synovial fluid analysis (which looks at the lubricating fluid around the joints)  sometimes an x-ray or biopsywww.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978

How does arthritis aff ect your sleep?Most people need 7-8 hours of sleep. We sleep in ‘cycles’ of light sleep, deep sleep and dreaming sleep and each cycle lasts 90 minutes on average. A person who completes each 90-minute sleep cycle throughout the night will feel rested and refreshed. A person who is disturbed and wakes up in the middle of a sleep cycle gets a lower-quality sleep and is likely to feel tired or rundown. Arthritis and joint pain can make it diffi cult to get to sleep, particularlyif you fi nd it uncomfortable lying down. Painful joints can also disturb your sleep cycles, causing you to wake during the night. This is particularly true of back, neck or hip pain. If your pillow or mattress is too hard or too soft, or doesn’t give your body enough support, this can make your sleeplessness worse.www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978 Dizziness and nausea Poor concentration Memory loss Headaches Hallucinations (your body has to dream, so if you don’t get enough dreaming sleep, you might hallucinate during the day) Increased blood pressure and other chronic health problemsPoor sleep aff ects your general health and - as well as causingfatigue - can lead to:

Physical therapiesNHC Cyclo-Therapy® is a deep tissue massage system that uses gentle vibrations to stimulate circulation and alleviate back and joint pain and other symptoms of arthritis. Other physical therapies include physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and occupational therapy.SwimmingRegular exercise will keep your joints flexible (as long as you don’t overdo it). Swimming is particularly good for arthritis suff erers because it doesn’t put pressure on your joints in the way walking or running does.MedicationsPainkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-rheumatic drugs and steroids can be prescribed. Some medications reduce pain, some reduce swelling and inflammation, and some treat/slow down the underlying cause of the disease.SurgeryIn severe cases, joints such as the knees and hips can be replaced. Other operations such as tendon repairs and joint realignments can also reduce pain and increase mobility.Blueberries, fi sh and walnuts!Losing weight and eating healthily reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Weight loss takes pressure off your joints. Eating foods high in antioxidants (like blueberries) and omega-3 fatty acids (like oily fi sh and walnuts) reduces inflammation.Physical therapiesNHC Cyclo-Therapy® is a deep tissue massage system that uses gentle MedicationsPainkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-rheumatic drugs and steroids TreatmentsThere are many ways of treating the symptoms of arthritis. These include medical treatments and lifestyle changes...www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978

There are lots of useful aids that can ease your pain, increase your mobility and restore your independence. Here are some examples:Take control of your symptoms: useful coping aidsAdjustable beds and chairsAdjustable beds and riser recliner chairs are specially designed to aid mobility, reduce pain and improve sleep quality. Niagara Therapy beds and chairs feature built-in NHC Cyclo-Therapy®, which means they act as a treatment for arthritis as well as a coping aid. NHC Cyclo-Therapy®helps improve blood flow, soothe aching joints and muscles and reduce muscle tension - all without the need for drugs, creams and ointments.Stairlifts and home aidsArthritis suff erers who have trouble going up and down the stairs could benefi t from having a stairlift. Other home aids like shower rails, shower chairs and gadgets to help you get dressed and do DIY, gardening and housework can really help people with limited mobility. Many people fi nd that they can soothe arthritic aches and pains with ice packs or heat pads.Mobility accessoriesCanes and walking sticks relieve pressure on sore knees, hips, ankles and feet. Many diff erent types and styles are available, including adjustable canes, folding canes and canes with ergonomic grips to reduce the stress on your hands. If you’re out and about, a walker is particularly useful. These are lightweight, height adjustable frames, with or without wheels, which help you maintain balance and stability while walking.and chairs feature built-in NHC Cyclo-aching joints and muscles and reduce or without wheels, which help you maintain balance and stability while walking.www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978

The advantages of adjustable beds & chairsNiagara Therapy adjustable beds and chairs exhibit a whole range of diff erent benefi ts for people with arthritis. Let’s take these in turn...Superb comfort and supportNiagara Therapy beds and chairs have easy-to-use, fully electric, rise and recline adjustment mechanisms so you can fi nd your perfect sleeping or resting position at the touch of a button. Niagara Therapy mattresses are a sumptuous blend of super-responsive pocket springs, lush fi llings and top-quality visco-elastic memory foam, off ering superb comfort, back support and relief for your joints.Pain relief and improved sleepFor arthritis suff erers, the principal benefi t of Niagara Therapy beds and chairs is the built-in NHC Cyclo-Therapy® massage system. Instead of the usual ‘to and fro’ motion of traditional vibration therapies (which can do more harm than good), NHC Cyclo-Therapy® vibrates outwards in all directions in a whirlpool motion. This off ers a much subtler and more soothing full-body massage that relieves joint and muscle pain and improves sleep quality, leaving you feeling relaxed and revitalised.www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978IndependenceNiagara Therapy riser recliner chairs are particularly useful if you have limited mobility, because the ‘riser’ function will lift you up onto your feet, immediately giving you back your independence. Unlike other adjustable beds, Niagara Therapy beds have a unique Easy-Reach® function to ensure that your bedside table is accessible from all positions. Medically proven benefi tsNHC Cyclo-Therapy® is medically proven to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis and other conditions. Therefore all Niagara Therapy beds and chairs are certifi ed and regulated medical devices. In fact, the NHC Cyclo-Therapy® system is regarded by health professionals as the “fi nest in the world”.

Three arthritis suff erers tell their stories...Susan buys the perfect chairFinding it diffi cult to get in and out of bed, Susan Jerome purchased a Niagara Therapy bed. Its adjustability solved the problem, but the bed also served as a treatment for her arthritis because of its built-in NHC Cyclo-Therapy®. That’s why she turned once again to Niagara Therapy when she needed a new chair. Susan now enjoys even more independence and freedom from pain with her new Niagara Therapy riser recliner. Want to see the benefi ts for yourself?Sue’s ‘miracle bed’Sue Sanders’ leg ulcers were preventing her from losing weight, aggravating her arthritis and stopping her from being able to get a knee replacement operation. When she purchased a Niagara Therapy bed, her leg ulcers were gone within 3 months. The NHC Cyclo-Therapy® in her ‘miracle bed’ improved her blood flow and allowed her ulcers to heal. It also eased her arthritic pain and boosted her mobility, allowing her to lose the necessary weight for her knee replacement surgery.Fiona gets her confi dence backJust 26 years old when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, Fiona Neville started to fi nd work and social situations uncomfortable because of the pain she was in. Medications weren’t doing enough, so a friend recommended that Fiona try a Niagara Therapy riser recliner with built-in NHC Cyclo-Therapy®. Fiona’s new chair helps her work longer and sleep better, and has dramatically improved her self-confi dence and sense of wellbeing.www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978

Are you following your doctor’s advice?Are you taking your medications?Are you exercising regularly?Have you tried going swimming?Are you making sure you don’t overexert yourself?Are you sleeping well?Are you eating healthy foods rich in nutrients, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids?Is your bed providing you with the best support possible for your joints?Is your chair comfortable and easy to get out of?Do you think an adjustable bed or chair would be better suited to your needs?Name: Mr/Mrs/Ms/MissAddress:Postcode:Email:Please contact me to arrangea free home demonstrationPlease send me my freeNiagara Therapy brochure packTelephone No:By supplying an e-mail address I agree to you contacting me by e-mail with information about other products and services.Find out how our range of adjustable beds and chairs can improve your life, simply FREEPHONE us today or complete the coupon below and FREEPOST it to us.Quoting:FREEPHONE 0800 066 9978NLWARTFollow these checks and you’ll be well on your way to living better with arthritis.Your arthritis checklistwww.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978www.niagaratherapy.co.uk • Tel: 0800 066 9978

Niagara Therapy (UK) LtdThe Pin nacle First FloorCentral CourtStation WayCrawleyRH10 1JHFREEPOSTRTLJ-XAEG-KJHX11Where you can get further help:Hopefully our Living with Arthritis book has made you realise that with the right treatments, therapies and coping aids, you can live well with arthritis. For more information or advice, speak to your GP or visit:• Arthritis Action www.arthritisaction.org.uk• NHS Choices www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Arthritis• Versus Arthritis www.versusarthritis.orgFor more information about Niagara Therapy beds and chairs, visit www.niagaratherapy.co.ukV01040121001989