A cookbook author and arthritis sufferer has created a guide to help people with the condition use their kitchens more effectively.Melinda Winner, 48, who has had limited use of one arm since birth and has suffered from five types of crippling arthritis since she was in her 20s, told the Ottawa Citizen that arthritis can make it difficult for people to perform simple tasks like turning on a kitchen tap, opening a jar or reaching into a cupboard.Ms Winner said that her desire to create recipes and cook for her family had prompted her to explore different ways for arthritis sufferers to continue using their kitchens.For example, she advised storing everyday items like flour, sugar, coffee and tea in glass containers with lightweight lift-off lids on the countertop.She also noted that people with arthritis can often struggle to open vacuum-sealed refrigerator doors. At home I have pretty ribbons tied to the door of my refrigerator, so when I cant open it I just hook my arm through it and use my whole body weight, she said.Meanwhile, it was reported last week that a touchless kitchen tap has been invented by product designer Jasper Dekker which responds to hand gestures alone.