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   Living with ASFor People Living with AS: Fun in the SummertimeIn summer, the days are longer and full of opportunity for fun and recreation. Temperatures are rising, and the beaches are getting their first wave of visitors. People are firing up their barbecue grills and making vacation plans. If you’re living with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), you know that on occasion, certain activities can be difficult. Sometimes just getting out of bed is a chore because of the stiffness and pain you may feel in your back, neck, or hip.3 With the summer approaching, you don’t want AS to slow you down. Here are some tips to help prepare you for those things you enjoy most, like a dip in the pool, road trips, and walks on the beach. First, if your summer plans involve long-distance travel, be aware that sitting for long periods of time in an airplane, car, or train can be uncomfortable and cause pain in your neck and lower back. Take time out to stretch. If you’re driving, pull into a rest stop and walk around for a bit. If you’re on a train, take the aisle seat and get up and walk around during your journey. When it is appropriate, get up from your airplane seat and take a short walk to the restroom or the kitchen. Don’t hesitate to tell the flight attendant that you need to take a stretch periodically. By taking breaks to exercise mobility, you can avoid pain later, when you finally arrive at your destination.4,5 In addition, when you sit, both feet should be on the ground. Hold your head in a balanced manner over the trunk of your body. Try to sit “tall” at all times. Maintaining good posture is part of managing your AS symptoms.2 People living with AS are often able to continue doing the activities they love with little discomfort. However, if you experience pain while engaging in an activity, stop immediately. If a brief rest is all you need, then take it. If you find the activity is causing you more pain, then it may be time to find another enjoyable pastime.2,6 Walking and biking are good forms of aerobic exercise. If you plan on doing some hiking or biking this summer, prepare by doing light stretches and resistance training with small weights to maintain muscle tone and stamina. If you feel pain or discomfort during your activity, you should stop immediately. Talk to your rheumatologist about finding appropriate activities and exercise that do not cause pain or injury.2,6 It is important to keep in mind what is within your limits. Even moderate exercise is beneficial. You should talk to your rheumatologist about which exercise might provide the most benefit to you with the least amount of strain. Finally, wherever you go, it’s a good idea to bring along items that you might need in order to manage your AS so that it doesn’t get in the way of your fun. Below are some suggestions for what to have handy when you travel. Your “AS Summer Survival Guide” can live in the trunk of your car, in a backpack or suitcase, or even by the front door of your home for those quick getaways. It should include:
Also, you need adequate back and hip support, so always have a comfortable pair of shoes or sneakers handy as well, the kind that will help you stand tall and stay active. Remember, good posture combined with these simple tips can help you enjoy this summer season in just the way you want.1, 2, 3, 6 Most recent Living Guide articles Bibliography:
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