Cool tools help you do more with less pain.

If you have aching bones and joints from arthritis, everyday tasks like starting the car or opening a jar of jelly can be painful.  Fortunately, numerous assistive devices are now available to help you avoid pain as you go about your daily tasks.

On the road
A wide key holder can make turning on the ignition in your car easier and a gas cap opener can help you open the tank for a refill without putting as much stress on your joints.

In the kitchen
Various kitchen gadgets and appliances help make slicing, dicing and opening things easier. Consider investing in a food processor, electric can opener, gripping devices and a rubber jar opener.

In the garden
The right gardening tools can help you prune, weed and do other landscape chores with less pain. Lightweight hoses, bypass loppers and shears,  kneepads and easy-grip garden tools make yard work easier on your body.

Around the house
Try replacing doorknobs and sink faucets with easier to use levers.  When it's time to replace household cleaning tools, look for light-weight models and, if electric, make sure controls are easy on the joints.

At the office
Ergonomic keyboards and computer mice can help you avoid discomfort at your desk.  Look for pens and binders with easy-grip or easy-open features.

To find specific products tested and proven to help make tasks easier for those with joint pain, go to the Arthritis Foundation’s website at: http://www.arthritis.org/ease-of-use-new.php.

Reprinted with permission from H2U-Health to You. An affiliate of HCA, H2U provides health and wellness resources to individuals, companies, and affiliated hospitals across the U.S. For membership information, visit www.h2u.com or call (800) 771-0428. © Copyright 2010 by H2U-Health to You.