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With
the onset of warmer weather
(at last) very often the first thing that we do is throw ourselves
into extra activity - long gardening sessions, cycling, even bouts
of mammoth spring cleaning. But all these activities use muscles
that have probably not been called into play for a while and doctors
surgeries are often full at this time of the year with aches, strains
and sprains. Whilst energetic cleaning and gardening are often good
for our morale it is important not to overdo it all at once. Try
to moderate any vigorous exercise with lighter duties in between
and take care of your posture whilst working. Here a few tips to
remember:-
• Don't forget to bend from the knees when lifting never bend
the back to lift heavy items. |
• Limit
any activity which uses repetitive motions eg clipping hedges. Small,
repetitive movements are particularly harmful to tendons and can lead
to painful tendonitus.
• Don't be tempted to 'finish the job' if you feel achy. Although
you may feel you can carry on, the strain on the body will catch up
with you later.
• Don't stretch beyond your reach, especially if using ladders
or when standing on a chair. Not only for safety reasons but stretching
excessively (when hanging curtains for instance) can strain the intercostal
muscles around the ribs and damage lower back muscles.
• Remember, when working in the heat it is easy to become dehydrated,
so take several breaks to relax the body and drink plenty of fluids
to replenish lost salts due to perspiration.
At
this time of year many
of us are suffering with hay fever symptoms. Hay fever is caused
by an allergic reaction to the pollen emitted by grass and flowers
and is at its height during the summer months. When pollen enters
the nose of a sufferer it sets off a reaction with the lining of
the nose which causes irritation and inflammation. The symptoms
can be mild, causing itchy eyes and a tickly throat but can also
be severe enough to resemble full blown full - with violent sneezing
attacks, hot flushes and very sore, red eyes. There are many preparations
available over the counter (and its worth trying more than one type
as their efficacy varies) but it your symptoms are severe particularly
if you are asthmatic it is worth discussing with your GP. In particular,
sufferers should always avoid mowing lawns and steer clear of rape
seed fields
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(a
bright yellow flowering crop) the two most common antagonists.
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TAKE
A LEG BREAK!
We have had several hot days lately and whilst this is good news
to most of us, for some, it can mean painful, achy legs and swollen
feet, especially if your work includes long hours of standing. |
Taking several 'leg
breaks' a day can alleviate the symptoms of aching legs. Try to elevate
the feet during tea breaks, remove shoes and massage feet very gently
to aid circulation. Keeping the feet cool will help so carry a foot spray
in your bag and apply at intervals when possible. If you get the opportunity
during the day, take five minutes to wash the feet in cool water and change
tights or socks. If you can grab some privacy, elevate legs to at least
table height for ten minutes twice a day. Any severe pain, water retention
or swelling should be checked out with your GP.
Did you know?....
that cinnamon not only tastes and smells good, it's an excellent
remedy for soothing upset digestive systems. A cinnamon infusion
(made like tea) can ease stomach ache, relieve indigestion and wind
and can settle mild diarrhoea. |
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