1. Check Your Genes
While the direct cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, several factors can cause you to be more prone to getting it. According to research, there is a correlation to being at more of a risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis if someone else in your family has had it. If you feel that this may be the case you can talk to your doctor more to see what you can do.
2. Get Checked Out Regularly
The mileage that we put on our bodies does definitely have an impact on us in our later years. Research indicates that rheumatoid arthritis is most commonly seen in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 years of age, however it can still be found in children and older individuals. As a precautionary step, getting a physical exam on an annual basis can help your doctor to see if there is anything that he needs to pay more attention to about your health.
3. Women Beware
Unfortunately it has been shown that women are at more of a risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis than men are. This means that women need to be more aware of the risks, signs and symptoms that come with rheumatoid arthritis. It is advisable that women check in with their doctor to see if there are any signs that you may be experiencing any symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Catching it early on will give you a better chance of dealing with it.
4. Quit Smoking
Smoking has been shown to cause problems with the heart, lungs and skin. Now we can add to that list rheumatoid arthritis. While there is currently no direct link between the two, there was a higher prevalence of it in smokers than non-smokers. Risk factors for smokers increased while risk among non-smokers decreased. Not only can quitting smoking put some money back in your pocket, it could also help decrease your risk of getting other health problems.
5. Watch the Contributing Factors
While there currently is no direct cause that we can point to for rheumatoid arthritis, many physicians and scientists believe that it may be brought about by a combination of things. A family history coupled with choices we make about our life such as smoking tobacco could be the root cause. Taking care of our bodies and avoiding harmful behaviors can decrease not only our chances of getting rheumatoid arthritis, but other health conditions as well.
