Archive for October, 2005
This is an article by our Consulting Editor Eve Kennedy-Spaien, OTR/L. It originally ran in the Spaulding Network newsletter.
REDUCE THE ACHES AND PAINS OF WINTER
Winter brings many things; the joy of children preparing for the holidays, bright seasonal decorations, the beauty of snowfall, and a flurry of winter sports. For some, however, the winter months can also bring unwelcome aches and pains.
Many people experience an increase of muscle and joint pain as the temperature drops. This occurs for several reasons. When the body is cold, muscles involuntarily tighten. This can promote increased muscle spasm and strain on joints, which, coupled with frequent changes in barometric pressure and heavy winter clothing can lead to increase pain.
So what’s the answer?
So what’s the answer? Move to Arizona! Of course that is an option, but for many—myself included—the beauty of the seasons in New England (not to mention the stress and strain of moving) makes it worth finding other options. Here are some things you can try:
- Think Thermal - Thermal undershirts and pants (Long Johns) can help your body retain heat. When muscles are warm they are more relaxed. Wearing a layer of thermal underclothes will not only provide extra warmth, but the snug, uniform pressure of these garments can actually help reduce pain levels, particularly in hypersensitive parts of the body.
- Lighten Up - When choosing winterwear, try to pick lightweight, flexible garments such as ones made from “thinsulate-type” materials. They provide warmth but are not heavy and bulky. Also try to avoid overstuffing purses or pockets. Minimize what you carry to essentials. Having freedom of movement and less weight to carry can help reduce strain.
- Position for Success - When a person is cold, the temptation is to huddle up to keep warm. This forward posture causes increase stress and strain throughout the body. If you notice that your shoulders are hiked to your ears or your arms are crossed and you’re curling into a ball, get a blanket or put on an extra layer. Consciously take a few deep breaths then let your body relax.
- Heat or Ice Anyone? - Yes, believe it or not I am suggesting ice. Hot and cold packs can be useful for pain reduction. Discuss with your healthcare provider which choice is best for you. If the suggestion is ice, wrap the rest of your body up and apply ice where needed. Although there may be a temporary increase in your discomfort while you’re icing, the long-term benefit is worth it. There are many portable forms, such as self-adhesive hot wraps, hot water bottles, and Ziploc bags with ice. Using these techniques while you are out can allow you to be comfortable while on the go.
- Don’t Hibernate! - As much as you would like to stay inside under the covers, it is important to exercise and stay active. Inactivity will cause joints to stiffen and muscles to tighten. So exercise regularly and most of all, get out and enjoy your winter!
October 31st, 2005
We have seen a good bit of discussion around the intarweb on the topic of the so-called obesity virus, AD-36. Unfortunately, most of the information coming up in web searches is not exactly “scholarly”.
What is factual is that there is definitely a human transmissible virus called AD-36. Researchers do believe it has an impact on obesity in humans. It has been proven to cause obesity in other mammals such as rats.
Update (Jan, ‘06):
According to the GuardianUK, a recent US study involving 500 people has had these results: thirty percent of the obese people tested were found to have antibodies indicating that they had previous exposure to the virus, while only five percent of the “Normalweight” subjects displayed these antibodies. Further, when identical twins in the study had a notable difference in weight, signs of the virus were typically found only the heavier twin.
There is a group of four virii (aside from AD-36) that show precedence for “viral obesity”, some of which seem to have made a jump from poultry to humans, like the recent bird-flu outbreak. This has been corroborated by Doctor Nikhil Dhurundbar, of Wayne State University, Michigan, among others.
So What?
People suffering obesity should not simply assume that their condition is caused by a virus, however. If weight loss is achievable by diligently following an approved dietary and activity regimen, this is probably not the case. Even if it were, one should not allow the fact to prevent further attempts to reach a safe weight. Likewise, it is important not to settle in to a defeatist attitude, as this can lead to apathy and depression, potentially resulting in further weight gain.
Read more:
Virus Might Contribute To Obesity [Mercola.com]
October 31st, 2005
Found this on Digg yesterday, but LifeHacker beat me to the punch by posting it this morning. (We love Gina and her newer compatriots, they have certainly helped us out in the past!)
Strangely enough, what they beat us to posting by mere hours is a breaking article from June 13, 2000. On that date, Everything2 poster ApoxyButt put up the article Geek’s Guide to Working Out.
This node was written while AB was still in college, but a few years later he came back to update the article to be more relevant to how we all live in the real word. A useful companion to the already-discussed Hacker’s Diet by John Walker.
October 28th, 2005
As of now, we have no official stance on this issue, but this is certainly worth reading. Research may suggest that repetitive work can cause illness and inflammation prior to the onset of any detectable RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).
Read More:
Slacker or sick? - [Medical News Today]
Hat Tip:
Repetitive Motion Injury Creates Slacker [LifeHack.org]
October 27th, 2005
Washington Post reporter Robin Wright got herself a fancy ergonomic chair for her office. It seemed to be causing arm pain.
The company nurse suggested adjusting the chair’s arm rest. Unfortunately, Ms. Wright is not an Occupational Therapist or an ergonomic specialist.
Whatever change she made did not rectify the problem (which actually turned out to be an aggravation of a pre-existing calcium deposit in her arm).
Wright now suffers a permanent injury to her shoulder as a result.
According to ErgoWeb,
Before denouncing her medical treatment at length, she blamed the chair. “Ergonomics pays little attention to office chair armrests, but they can trigger serious problems - and complications,” she concluded.
This idea demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of ergonomics.
Ergonomic chairs are ergonomic because they are designed to be adjustable to the fit the needs of the individual. If one is not able or qualified to make such an adjustment on her own, there are professionals out there who are glad to come and do it for you. It is unreasonable to expect that any chair is going to be set up correctly for any specific person by default.
Once again, I repeat our ergonomic mantra: “Ergonomics are not Universal“.
Read More:
Reporter’s Pain Makes a Case for Early Ergonomic Intervention [ErgoWeb]
October 26th, 2005
The Center For Science in the Public Interest has created this list of ten “Superfoods” recommended for better health. Most of these will work on most of the popular diets.
The List:
- Sweet Potatoes
- Grape Tomatoes
- Skim Milk
- Blueberries
- Wild Salmon
- CrispBread
- Instant Brown Rice
- Watermelon
- Diced Butternut Squash
- Ready-to-Eat Bagged Greens
Read More:
Ten Superfoods for Better Health! [cspinet.org]
October 24th, 2005
About.com has posted a list of 11 tips for preventing back pain. Covered:
- Exercise, posture and back pain
- Environment and back injury
- If you have long term back pain or spinal disorder
- Build up muscular strength and flexibility
- Regular exercises such as swimming…
- Avoid prolonged standing
- Seating and back problems
- Good bed mattresses for back problems
- Lifting load carrying and your back
- Weight gain and back problems
- Smoking and back problems
Read More:
11 Tips on How to Avoid Back Pain [About.com]
October 24th, 2005
Knight-Ridder reporter Howard Cohen has graced the world with a previously unknown Repetative Strain Disorder he has christened “iPod Finger”.
Read More:
iPod Finger. Blackberry Thumb. When the fingers get to workin’, the pain comes a-callin’ [Fort Wayne News-Sentinel]
October 24th, 2005
Alternative health personality Dr. Andrew Weil has recommended that people who wish to keep their mind in top cognitive condition should try learning a new OS or language (or do word puzzles or card games).
Read More:
Best Workouts for the Brain? [DrWeil.com]
October 21st, 2005
We so want to see someone cook up an awesome hack for this. Email us if you find one!
Smart sheets make your bed interactive [Engadget]
Difficulty: Must include a Star Wars duvet cover.
October 21st, 2005
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