Abbott presents home-improvement tool for RA patients

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. To recognize National Arthritis Awareness Month, Abbott is highlighting a resource that seeks to help people living with rheumatoid arthritis.

RA.com, which features interactive tools to aid rheumatoid arthritis patients, includes a special home-improvement section especially for people living with the condition. The RA Home Makeover tool gives people home makeover tips to help make living with RA -- a lifelong disease that causes pain and swelling of joints -- easier, Abbott said. The tool showcases adjustments around the home in areas like the bedroom, kitchen, garage and more. Some tips suggest adding assistive devices, while others are simple ways to modify daily routines in order to avoid unnecessary joint stress.

"A comfortable home environment is important for patients managing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis," said Martin Bergman, M.D., clinical assistant professor of medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine. "The makeover ideas on RA.com are simple for do-it-yourselfers and  generally can be very helpful for people who want to adapt their  home to better accommodate their RA."

In addition to the RA Home Makeover tool, RA.com features other informative tips to help people learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, including a video depicting one woman's story about  living with RA. Web site offerings also include a section on the  importance of seeing a rheumatologist, educational information about RA and links to patient advocacy organizations.