By taking care of your general health you are more likely to avoid problems with CMT and be able to lead a healthier and fuller life. Things that would be good to think about include:
- Keeping active – the human body is designed to be active. Long periods to rest or inactivity will actually damage your body (click here for Exercise and Nutrition)
- Keeping the weight off – being overweight or obese – is bad for anyone’s health whether they have CMT or not. For people with CMT carrying extra weight can make matters worse for the following reasons:
- Makes it more difficult to exercise or stay active
- Puts more strain on already weakened muscles and joints
- Increases the chance of back pain
- Increases the risk of diabetes, which can lead to other neurological problems, particularly in the legs and feet.
- Puts more pressure on your heart and lungs
- Cuts the amount of oxygen that is available to your body – to work effectively, every cell needs a good supply of oxygen.
The best way to keep unnecessary weight off is to keep active, rather than trying to diet alone, perhaps taking up a sport such as swimming or walking more.
- Alcohol. Alcohol was removed from the neurotoxic drug list in July 2004. While people with CMT generally suffer no ill effects from the moderate consumption of alcohol, they should be particularly mindful of the fact that alcohol affects balance and coordination, and that over-consumption of alcohol is generally not recommended under any circumstances. Heavy drinking or getting drunk can damage your nerves. This effect is likely to be exaggerated for people with CMT. If you have questions about alcohol and your health, consult your doctor.
- Recreational drugs. As with alcohol abuse, recreational drugs are thought to have a damaging effect on the nervous system and this is likely be worse for people with CMT.
- Chilblains. Your bloody circulation in any limbs that are not working at full capacity can be a problem, so keep your hands and feet warm. (Again, activity is an excellent way to help your circulation). Chilblains are an unnecessary problem and should be avoided at all costs.
- Pressure sores. If you sit a lot, perhaps because you use a wheelchair, take extra precautions to avoid pressure sores. Make sure you use a decent pressure-relieving cushion (talk to your occupational therapist) and stretch out on a bed from time to time.
Falls
CMT can increase the chance of you tripping and falling. However, you should try and take extra precautions to avoid a fall, as fractured bones could take longer to heal. Also, any inactivity because you are recovering from a fall may cause your CMT to get worse.
Making sure you are wearing good shoes (with orthoses, if necessary), clearing any trip hazards from your home and taking particular care on uneven ground can all help you avoid falls.
A 15 point action plan to avoid falls
- Take regular exercise, even if this only a short walk, to keep muscles strong (as possible!) and joints supple
- Fit easy grip handrails on both sides of the stairs. Avoid/minimise climbing stairs if you do not feel safe climbing the
- Keep stairs and living areas well lit. Keep a torch by the bed
- Never leave objects which may be tripped over, on stairs or in walking areas. Avoid flexes and cables crossing walking areas.
- use non-slip rubber mats in the bath/shower. Fit a handrail near the bath/toilet. Avoid small rugs in the bathroom
- Replace worn rugs and carpets. Nail or tape down the edge of rugs to avoid slips and trips
- Minimise bending/climbing. Keep frequently used items on racks or in drawers at an easy level. Have a letter tray and rack for milk deliveries fitted.
- If you must climb, use proper steps.
- Get up from chairs/bed slowly. Blood pressure falls as you get up, and your body may take longer to adjust as you get older.
- Avoid poor fitting shoes or slippers
- Have regular eye tests. It is possible in many areas now to have an eye test in your own home
- Avoid clothes which may trip you such as trailing nightdresses
- Don’t rush to answer the telephone. Warn friends that it may take you longer to reach the telephone. Have an extension socket fitted upstairs
- If prescribed medication is making you feel dizzy, keep taking it, but consult your GP.
- Keep rock salt handy to put on external paths in cold weather.
Last Updated ( Friday, 11 November 2005 )
