Genes, Environment and Your Arthritis
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What You Can Do
What does all this research mean for you if you already have a form of arthritis? You can’t change your genes. However, you can make not only your life better now, but also perhaps the lives of your family members.
• If you smoke, the message is loud and clear: Stop. You could be increasing your risk for a flare and raising the odds that loved ones who live with you might develop an inflammatory form of arthritis.
• If you eat a diet loaded with red meat or other saturated fats, or you drink too much alcohol, the message is simple: Cut back. Opt for foods that lower your chance of having a flare, and avoid those that increase your risk of developing other problems associated with inflammation, such as heart disease or diabetes.
• If you work around petroleum oils or silica dust, the message is emerging: Take precautions. Be sure to wear a dust-filtering face mask when you’re exposed to silica dust, and heed warnings for working in well-ventilated areas and washing material from skin as soon as possible.
• If you have inflammatory arthritis but your children do not, the message is straightforward: Instill good habits. Help them avoid infections that might trigger their genetic susceptibility by teaching them to wash their hands often.
Read More: Scientists Discover New Genes for RA
