Cooking With Arthritis Blog

Is medication and medical procedure costs to high. Help is a simple click away !

noreply@blogger.com (transmediacreative blog) — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 13:15:00 +0000

Good Morning everyone!

I have came across some very helpful information for those of us who don't have insurance or have insignificant insurance coverage that I myself have been using. In some cases the costs are fully covered and in others a huge portion is covered . These are several programs offered for both prescriptions and medical services.

The first program is needy meds . NeedyMeds is a 501(c)(3) non-profit information resource devoted to helping people in need find assistance programs to help them afford their medications and costs related to health care. NeedyMeds is funded by small grants, donations, sponsorship's subscriptions to PAP Tracker, and syndication of various database information. NeedyMeds also works with the patient assistance programs of several pharmaceutical distributors. I personally used this and do receive some of my meds today. The link is as follows http://www.needymeds.org/ Needy meds will give several options of programs available, so try them all you may not qualify for one but may for another.

I also personally use the following website Rx Outreach. It is a non-profit charitable organization their mission is to provide patients affordable medications that are in financial in need. http://rxoutreach.org/

Save on maybe one of the most exciting new finds for myself. It is a new website to save on medical procedures here is how it works.

Find great deals on medical services, manage the process online. How it works is sign on the site, type in your zip-code and the service you need to have done MRI, CAT Scan etc... push enter and wow I promised you will be shocked. Just last week my doctor told me I needed a MRI of the brain, he wrote the script and had me call to make the appointment. The woman on the other end of the phone told me the cost would be 2200 dollars. She then ask how would you like to pay. insurance ,which I don't have, all at once which I don't think so or three easy payments easy for whom I ask? After a brief pause the woman said I do have another options I don't usually suggest. Our company participates in a website called save on meds. Simply go on there find your procedure and click on the doctor and the price you feel best about, pay print and call for the appointment. Hmmm I had never heard of such I thing but what the heck. I didn't have a spare 2200.00 dollars so I took her suggestion, and to my surprise I found the procedure I was looking for for 500.00 dollars a huge savings of 1700.00 dollars, the best part at the very same office I had just hung up the phone with. Now I'm paying my information forward to you the link is as follows. http://www.saveonmedical.com/what-is-saveon

It is very difficult to have a chronic illness with constant chronic pain. Finding out the medications we need just to have a quality of life cost so much just adds to the pain and stress. I love finding new ways to help myself and others offset the cost . It a strange way it helps with my morale, I feel like I'm still able to make a big difference in a life of someone who needs it. Please if you know of any programs that help with cost. Please share your story and the information . You never know whose life you maybe saving.

One last thing I would like to offer. Many doctors are no offering programs where you pay monthly or one set price for the year and can visit as much as needed. They offer a wide selection of services such-as as check-ups, stitches, some offer bone density test, blood work ect. It will vary from provider to provider. This may be another helpful alternative to the high cost of the urgent care.

Fatty Fish May Reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk

noreply@blogger.com (transmediacreative blog) — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 16:34:00 +0000

It's been widely covered in the news and on many health blogs - fatty fish (rich in Omega-3 fatty acid) is a great nutritional way to keep your heart healthy. Now the results of a 7 year study conducted in Sweden have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids can help lower your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. That's right!

The women who participated in the study and who consistently ate at least one serving of fatty fish a week cut their risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by half! This compared to women who ate little or no fish.

It appears that the potential benefits received from consuming Omega-3s comes directly from the fish instead of a fish oil supplement.

You might consider that when planning meals by incorporating fish into your diet. You don't need to eat a serving of fish everyday - up to twice a week should be fine. Eating one portion of fatty fish, such as mackerel or salmon, could cut your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by fifty percent.

These are some fish you might consider when planning meals:

Oily fish - 1x per week

Salmon
Sardines
Halibut
Scallops
Shrimp
Achovies
Herring
Mackeral
Pilchards
Trout
Fresh tuna
Whitebait

Lean fish - up to 4x a week

Cod
Haddock
Halibut
Monkfish
Plaice
Pollock
Sea Bass
Tinned Tuna
Plaice
Dover Sole
Skate

There are many resources online for delicious grilled fish recipes. I found this one on the Mayo Clinic's website.

Melinda's Tips for Preparing Fish

To help hold the fish in place when cutting try sprinkling salt on your cutting board and also dip fingers into salt for stability, the salt should be rinsed off fish when complete - if you are watching your sodium intake.

Using a simple dish cloth wrapped around the knife handle and secured with a rubber band makes the perfect fit for the arthritic hand.

The perfect fish recipe is so simple:

Season a fish filet with a little lemon juice salt and pepper
Place fish in parchment paper
Top with a thin slice of onion and tomato
Wrap like a sandwich bake at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes (longer for thick cuts of fish)
Allow to stand in paper sealed for additional 5 minutes serve in paper.

It is fun for family and guests to open the delicious package!

Kids with Juvenile Arthritis: Ways to Help Them Enjoy Time Off

noreply@blogger.com (transmediacreative blog) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 21:02:00 +0000

Activities

Pain sometimes limits activities for kids with juvenile arthritis. Maintaining a regular exercise program is really beneficial in the long run. Exercise keeps the joints mobile and builds muscle strength. Through regular exercise, everyday movements like walking and dressing become less stressful and less painful.

Swimming is a good activity because it uses many joints and muscles without any weight bearing pressure.
Walking is also a good way to exercise without putting too much stress on the joints.
Download Exercise Tips for Kids (a printable pdf)

Meet Other Kids with Arthritis

Sometimes a kid with juvenile arthritis can feel isolated. Meeting other kids with the same or similar conditions opens up a whole new perspective. Suddenly there are other kids who feel the same way, experience the same pain and understand what it’s like to live with JA.

To connect with other families contact the Arthritis Foundation 1-800-283-7800 or visit www.arthritis.org to find an office close to you.

Juvenile arthritis camps are developed specifically for kids with arthritis. Camp activities encourage camaraderie and lifelong friendships. The Arthritis Foundation holds a national Juvenile Arthritis Conference annually. The location changes each year. The opportunities to meet with other parents and kids, to learn important information and bond with family are great reasons to attend.

Here’s a sample the fun and educational surprises at the Juvenile Arthritis Conference.

“Kids Get Arthritis Too - Flash Mob at Disney!”
The Young Adult Program at the national Juvenile Arthritis Conference is a program designed to empower young adults (18-30) with arthritis with the skills and information they need to live the life they want and deserve....and it's a heck of a lot of fun! Siblings and significant others join in as well to learn how they can better support the people in their lives.

Connect with Others

The Girl with Arthritis
This lovely young woman has Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis. She's an aspiring artist who is just trying to get by day to day without too much pain. Her goal is to help other kids and adults with arthritis reach out and feel accepted.
RArainbow
A resource blog for young women living with (Juvenile) Rheumatoid Arthritis
Kids Get Arthritis Too
The Arthritis Foundation's online home for the 300,000 families living with juvenile arthritis.

Arthritis and Travel

noreply@blogger.com (Oh, the Humidity!) — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 18:14:00 +0000

July is vacation month. Kids are out of school, the weather is hot, and it's a great time for a mid-year getaway. But for people with arthritis, traveling can seem like an impossible dream. How do you accommodate the pain of long sitting? What if something happens to your medications while you're away? Are there any activities you can participate in?

Great news! With foresight and a little creativity, you can have a great vacation away from home, solo or with friends and family. Below are five ideas to get you started.

5 Ways to Make Traveling with Arthritis Easier

1. Car Rides: have you ever missed out on a family road trip because your destination was several hours away and you knew that the hours of sitting would leave you cramped and aching? Here's where a little planning is crucial. Since you know you need to move around every hour or so to avoid pain, plan your stops! Find your course on a map and see which cities you'll be driving through, and when. Then go online and find food, shopping, or coffee stops to add to the existing bathroom/gasoline breaks. That way the stops are family fun, not just necessity for you. It's a great way to meet your needs without feeling self-conscious.

2. Air Travel: ok, you can't exactly ask the pilot to stop every hour so you can get a break from sitting, but there are plenty of ways to make air travel comfortable for you. First, talk to the flight attendant before the flight and explain your needs. That way he or she will be expecting to see you taking frequent walks around the cabin, and can be available to help if you should need it. Booking early can enable you to choose the best seat for you, and if your finances allow it, you can spend a little more and book business class. The added comfort is worth the extra cost.

3. Medications: this is an important enough issue to merit its own place in our list. Traveling with meds can be tricky, especially when you're relying on public transportation (planes, trains, buses). The number one thing to remember when traveling with meds is to ALWAYS carry them with you. They should not be under the bus, plane, or train where they can get lost or stolen, or where you can't get to them immediately. Make sure your name is clearly visible on all bottles, blister packets, etc. It's a good idea to pack extra, just in case something happens to delay your return home. Should you find yourself without enough medicine to last your trip (in spite of all your careful planning), don't worry! A local pharmacist can usually contact your home pharmacy and get you the amount of medicine you require to finish out your trip. Talk to your home pharmacist before you go out of town. Let him or her know your plans, and make sure they can cover you in an emergency.

4. Be Organized: because of your special circumstances, it's extra important that you have everything you need before you leave your home. But don't let that stop your plans-getting organized to travel is actually very simple and will be second nature after one or two trips. First, make a list of everything you will need. This includes clothes, meds, and anything else you use on a daily basis. Do this plenty of time in advance, so you have time to add to it if necessary. Take a photocopy of your identification documents (driver's license, passport, military I.D., etc) and keep them in a separate piece of luggage, away from the originals. That way you have backups if you lose the originals. Talk to people who are vital to your health at home, such as doctors, physical therapists, and pharmacists. Let them in on your plans so they are ready to help if you have a problem while you're away. And finally, make some plans for what you will do if you have a high pain day, or if there is an activity you don't feel like participating in.

5. Travel Light: part of this one falls under "Be Organized," since in order to pack light you must be able to plan ahead and take only the items you'll need for your trip. Make sure you know what kind of weather to expect, and what your activities will be. Pack accordingly. Another way to travel light is to have several items of clothes that can be repurposed. For example, a fitted cotton t-shirt is perfect with shorts for sight seeing during the day, and can transitioned to nighttime dinner out with some slacks and accessories. As for the luggage, test it to make sure you can handle it. Rolling suitcases can be a great help, but choose a small one. This encourages you to be careful with what you pack, and has the added benefit of being a carry-on which means no lost luggage for you! This last idea might seem a bit unorthodox, but it can be a great solution: mail your luggage ahead of you! That way all you need to worry about is your toiletries, meds, and maybe one change of clothes, all of which can be managed in a small carry-on. Sending your luggage ahead to your destination can be especially useful if you will be enjoying an extended stay and would otherwise have to lug a huge suitcase around. Even if you're staying at a hotel, rather than with family or friends, call ahead to see if they'd be willing to help you out. Most places are happy to assist.

There is no need to let arthritis keep you at home while others hit the road. With just a few adjustments, you can have an amazing trip and create wonderful memories with friends and family. Happy trails!

Preparation - Meat, Poultry & Fish

noreply@blogger.com (transmediacreative blog) — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:27:00 +0000

If you are unable to use your hands to hold the meat in place, I find the following methods very useful when butterflying meats, fish, or poultry. Place the meat flat on a cutting board. Using a fork or large carving fork with a thick handle (if you are unable to use your hand to hold a standard size fork, use the large carving fork), spear the meat right in the middle.

When cutting, slicing, or dicing
raw meats, fish, or poultry, it is easier
to slice if the item is partially frozen.

When using the carving fork, place it in the bend of your elbow and squeeze as tightly as possible. Rest your chin or cheek on the top of the fork to give further stability. Using a sharp filleting knife, begin to make the cut. First, make a small incision using the tip of the knife. (Always work the blade of the knife away from your body!) This will allow you to smoothly move the knife through the breast or fish, meat, etc.

When you get to the fork, pull the fork out and re-pierce the meat in a position that has already been cut and continue on in the same manner. When butterflying meat or poultry, be mindful not to cut all the way through. Butterflying should open up like a butterfly.

For deboning and skinning fish, if you are able to use your fingers, a great tip is to place a little salt on the cutting board to hold the fish in place and salt on your thumb and forefinger. This makes the grip on the slippery fish firm. Using a sharp deboning knife, carefully run the blade between the meat and the skin.

When slicing, dicing, or cubing meat, poultry, or fish, pierce the object with a dinner fork. If unable to hold the small fork, again, use a large-handled, long carving fork and follow the steps above. Using a sharp chef’s knife, position the knife over the meat, pushing the knife forward, tip on the board the back over the meat, push down and forward while applying pressure make the first cut, pull back, and repeat.

After slicing, if you need cubes, use the same procedure cutting each slice into cubes.

Please note: When cutting, slicing, or dicing raw meats, fish, or poultry, it is easier to slice if the item is partially frozen.

Preparation Method - Peeling & Coring

noreply@blogger.com (transmediacreative blog) — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:23:00 +0000

Cutting and/or coring and removing skins apples, pears, potatoes, small summer squash, mangoes—things of that nature—can become a challenge. There is a simple solution to cubing when your hands just are not up to par. Using an apple cutter works miracles. To cut any of the above (except

There is a simple solution to cubing when
your hands just are not up to par.
Using an apple cutter works miracles.

mangoes), use a mango cutter when cutting mangoes. Simply place an apple cutter/corer on the top of the item you would like to chop or dice, position the cutter so that one handle is next to your body and the other is away from your body, and place your forearms on the handles, using your weight of your body. Firmly press down. The item is not only sliced, but cored. If any item will not stand firmly, remove a thin slice off the bottom for stability.

To skin, slice for pies, or cube, lay one slice at a time flat on the cutting board, hold the slice in place with a fork, start by puncturing the slice with the fork to stabilize. Using a paring knife, carefully run the blade down the outer side to remove the skin. Once the skin is removed, turn the fruit or vegetable so the wide side is on the board. Use a fork to stabilize. Using the paring knife, slice the thick slice into desired thinness. Also use the fork method to cube.

When peeling larger items to be sliced, such as eggplant or cucumbers, the first thing I do is cut the eggplant or squash or cucumber in half, making it easier to handle, then trim each end to make a flat surface. Place one flat end on the board. Place one hand flat on top of the item being peeled; you also can pierce it with a fork if you are unable to lay your hand flat. Using a peeler that has a handle with the blade on top, start making downward strokes from top to bottom. Continue this pattern until the entire item is peeled.

To slice, pierce the item with a dinner fork or a large carving fork. You may hold the fork in your hand if able to grasp the handle with your hand. Otherwise, place the top of the carving fork in the bend of your arm at the elbow and squeeze as tightly as you can. Stabilize using your chin or cheek on the top of the fork. Using a chef’s knife, begin to make the slices in the desired thickness; if you have a mandoline, use it.

To peel and slice smaller items such as carrots when unable to hold in your hands, lay the carrot on a flat surface on top of a rubber jar opener to avoid slipping. Pierce the item with a fork or use your hand, laying flat on the carrot to hold it in place. Pull the peeler toward you in a backward motion. Sometimes the peelers are too small to hold in your hand. I have found an inexpensive solution. Home improvement stores and hardware stores carry pipe insulation tubes made of foam. They are usually gray in color and already come with a slit in it to accommodate putting it over the pipe with ease. I simply cut it to size (have a friend or family member do this for you), slip it over the handle of the peeler pots, hairbrushes, toothbrushes, anything you need thicker, and secure with duct tape. It may not be pretty, but it makes life so much easier. You can also buy it already the correct size at health supply stores. No need to duct tape this product; it is designed to fit your items.

Preparation Method - Heavy Items

noreply@blogger.com (transmediacreative blog) — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:07:00 +0000

Get a cup any size you can handle
and scoop the batter from the bowl
into your pan. A small plastic
measuring cup works wonderfully.

When making cakes, soups, and stews, I find it hard to lift heavy batter bowls and pots with liquid in them. To make this problem go away quickly, simply get a cup any size you can handle and scoop the batter from the bowl into your pan. A small plastic measuring cup works wonderfully. When you get to the bottom, use a spoonula. This is a spatula that has a spoon/spatula appearance. It’s the perfect tool for that last little bit remaining in the bowl.

The next problem to be solved is getting a heavy pan of water into the oven for a water bath or filling a stockpot for soup. No problem. Before you preheat your oven, place the empty bath pan in the oven. Using any size cup you can handle, fill the water bath. Once it is to the desired level, shut the oven and begin the preheating process.

To transport water, soup or any heavy item, use an inexpensive plant stand with wheels. Simply place the container for transporting liquids on the plant stand. Fill the container with liquid, wheel it across the counter to the oven or stove, then use a cup to fill the pot or water bath. This method saves on the many trips to the sink. I reverse this method when the water has cooled to remove the water bath from the oven or the pot of liquid from the stove. This is a nice way to let children help with no worries of them getting burned or the pan being too heavy.

Sometimes lifting the full spring pan or even a layer cake with my hands becomes a problem. In cases like this, I wait until the cake is completely cooled and then tightly place the pan between my forearms, squeezing as tightly as I can with my hands clasped together. I then use my chest to balance the pan. Using this method works well to get a cheesecake into the oven. I tested, allowing the cheesecake to heat as the oven heated, and my cake turned out fine. I placed the cheesecake into an empty water bath in the oven and then carefully filled the pan with water and turned my oven on to preheat. If using this method, adjust the cooking time. Subtract seven minutes off the total cooking time of the cake.

Preparation Method - Cutting & Chopping

noreply@blogger.com (transmediacreative blog) — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:01:00 +0000

When there is a lot of chopping and shredding involved in a recipe, of course a food processor would be the easiest and quickest means of completing the task. Some of us simply do not own a food processor. If you have the means to purchase one, it would definitely be worth its weight in gold to the physically challenged!

Prepare cabbage or lettuce for shredding
by first placing the head on a cutting
board (preferably a wooden board)
on top of a rubber jar opener
to hold the head in place.

However, I have developed a few ways to help those of you who do not have one. For example: when preparing cabbage or lettuce for shredding (even if you are using a processor, this is the first step for cabbage and lettuce) the first thing you will need to do is place the head on a cutting board (preferably a wooden board) on top of a rubber jar opener to hold the head in place. Using a large, sharp serrated knife, pierce the head with the tip, making a starter cut and always keep the blade facing away from your body. If you are unable to hold the head of cabbage in place with your hand, pierce the head with a large, thick-handled carving fork for stability. For those of you who cannot hold the large fork in your hands, place the top of the fork’s handle in the bend of your arm at the elbow and squeeze as tightly as possible, stabilizing the top of the fork with your chin or cheek. After you have a starter cut, place the blade in the cut horizontally, begin moving the knife through the cabbage horizontally in a back and forth motion just until you have a deep cut. Remove the fork from the cabbage. Place your hand or forearm on the cabbage on the back side (the smooth side) of the knife using the weight of your body to apply pressure move the head of cabbage back and forth until fully cut in half, repeat to cut into quarters. Remember to place the knife into the hand that has the most strength.

No worries if you have problems at first. I promise, it soon just becomes a way of life and it gets so much easier, so please do not give up!

Position the knife right above the visible
core position with the knife at an angle,
place the palm of your hand or forearm
on the smooth back side of the knife, use
the weight of your body to apply pressure.

Place each quarter flat on the board and using the same knife right above the visible core position the knife at an angle, place the palm of your hand or forearm on the smooth back side of the knife, use the weight of your body to apply pressure, and remove the core. Once the core has been removed, continue using one of the holding methods (hand or fork) to hold quarters in place to cut one “wide slice against the grain.” For smaller pieces, place the tip of the knife onto the board over top of a small pile of cabbage or lettuce, using one hand on the handle and the other hand or forearm on the backside of the blade. Use the weight of your body to maneuver the knife. The first movement is to push the knife forward away from you as you apply pressure, then when pulling knife back toward you, slightly lift up on the handle. The tip should never leave the board, only the back of the blade closest to the handle.Continue this procedure until you have reached your desired size.

You will also use this same knife procedure to chop nuts, onions, carrots, peppers, celery, etc. When you are dicing or slicing celery, carrots, peppers, onions, cucumbers, or squash and are unable to hold the object in place with your hand, you can hold it in place with a dinner fork or carving fork. First, pierce the object you are dicing with the fork; then with the other hand, push the chef’s knife through by pushing forward and lifting the handle only and pull back. The tip never leaves the board. You may also use your forearm to hold the item in place.
The second option: if you are unable to bend your fingers but can use your hand to hold in place, lay your hand flat on the object, keeping the thumb tucked closely to the hand, and follow the same knife procedure. The key is not to be in a hurry. Take your time and learn the steps. Before you know it, it will become second nature.

Obviously, one cannot use a fork to pierce a nut. The third option is to use a mini food processor to chop nuts, garlic, parsley—all smaller items. Mini food processors are very inexpensive, easy to use, easy to clean, but most importantly, manageable for those of us who cannot lift heavy things and have problems holding little things in our hands. Place the nut in the processor and pulse until the desired size is reached.

GARLIC: The absolute best solution for people who have problems mincing small garlic cloves is buy it already minced in a jar. There is also garlic paste on the market that is wonderful and easy to use. Most of the recipes in this book call for jarred garlic. Of course, if you are able to mince garlic, by all means go fresh. I have found over the years that I cannot tell the difference between jarred, paste, and fresh. Today there are so many alternatives out there to make life in the kitchen quick and easy. Most are great products, but in some recipes there is just no substitute for fresh.

Preparation Method - Mixers

noreply@blogger.com (transmediacreative blog) — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:46:00 +0000

This is a fairly simple process. Let the mixer do all the work. If you are unable to whisk by hand, use a small, handheld drink mixer. This works wonderfully with no pain to you. The drink mixer has a

Substiuting a hand whisk
for an electric drink mixer
or immersion blender

thick top that makes for easy grasping for those sore hands that do not close. They are very affordable—under ten dollars. If you have a problem holding the drink mixer in you hands, place the mixer in the bend of your arm at the elbow and squeeze tightly to hold in place. This allows you full control with no use of the sore hands.

An immersion blender works pretty much the same way. However, there is a big difference in the power between this and the drink mixer. An immersion blender is very powerful. For instance, whipping one egg would not be practical using the immersion, but whipping many eggs would be a pleasure.

Also, a handheld drink mixer is relatively inexpensive, while immersion blends are a little more costly. For the recipes in this book, a drink mixer will work just fine. I realize we all like our toys. Me, I love the immersion blender. It is a handy gadget to have when I am preparing large meals. If you are always cooking for a crowd, by all means go immersion, but keep the little guy on hand for the smaller jobs.

When mixing batters for muffins, pancakes, or waffles in a stand mixer, always mix on low speed with the paddle attachment. When using a stand mixer for batter, be careful not over mix the batter. Over mixing will result in a tough finished product; mix just until blended. Always follow the recipes directions. The only difference will be replacing the mixing bowl for the standing mixer. I will go over more types of food that can be blended in the standing mixer in method numbers eleven and twelve.

Preparation Method - Zesting & Juicing

noreply@blogger.com (transmediacreative blog) — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:56:00 +0000

ZESTING is a method to remove the slightest bit of peel off of citrus. The peel or skin of citrus contains a great deal of natural oils, which carry bold flavor that will enhance any dish. Zesting can be a difficult task for people with arthritis and individuals who have limited use of their hands or arms.

To zest fresh citrus, fresh coconuts or
other food item, use a long micro
plane with a thick handle.

To zest fresh citrus, fresh coconuts or other food item, use a long micro plane with a thick handle.
A micro plane is a kitchen gadget used to remove just the very outer layer of skin from citrus. You can also use a cheese grater; be careful when zesting to only remove the colored skin from the citrus. You do not want to go into the white meat of the citrus—this will cause your dish to be bitter.

Prop the elbow and forearm of the hand you are holding the plane in on a few thick books. If able, you can also hold the elbow tightly against your side. This will allow you more leverage. Place the bottom of the plane in a cereal bowl that is held in place by a rubber jar opener. Lightly begin to run the citrus in a downward motion. The weight of your hand holding the plane will automatically apply pressure, which in turn offers stability.

To juice citrus fruit, use an electric juicer.
Using the weight of your body,
apply pressure. The juicer will do the rest.

For those of you who cannot hold smaller objects in your hands, push a dinner fork into the citrus or cheese to use as a handle, and then begin to zest. For those of you that cannot hold a fork, cut the citrus into halves and zest one piece at a time after it has been juiced.

JUICING and slicing in half before zesting allows you to put your fingers into the citrus, applying pressure by using the whole hand for stability. Be careful not to zest too deeply—you just want the outer skin, not the white meat. This will also help you to build strength in your fingers.

To juice, place the citrus on a flat, hard surface such as a cutting board, using your forearm to apply pressure to the citrus, and move your arm back and forth to get the juices flowing. You may also place the citrus in the microwave for ten seconds. To cut the citrus in half, first make a small slice in the citrus with a serrated knife. If you have weakness in your hands and have trouble applying pressure, hold the knife still in the starter slice.

Using the other hand or forearm, move the citrus in a back and forth motion while using your body weight to apply pressure to the knife in the citrus. Your knife is not moving, just the citrus. To juice citrus fruit, use an electric juicer. Place each half one at a time on the juicer. Using the weight of your body, apply pressure. The juicer will do the rest.

To slice or wedge citrus, pierce the citrus with a fork to hold into place and use a serrated knife to slice. Another method is to use a mandoline to slice the citrus. When using a mandoline, be very careful. The blade is extremely sharp. The mandoline comes with a pronged disk to hold food into place. This is a very helpful item. Simply place the prong disk into the item you are slicing and apply pressure using your hand or forearm.