What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a tunnel in your wrist with tendons and nerves running through. Repetitive motions, using your hand for a lot of fine motor tasks, working on the computer and keeping your wrist in a certain position (sleeping) all can cause compression on this tunnel. This can cause numbness, pain and eventually weakness in a person’s hands.
Taking breaks from repetitive and fine motor tasks, as well as stretching can help relieve symptoms and reduce compression on the carpal tunnel.
Stretching should be performed 2-3 times per day. Stretches should be strong but comfortable and be held for 45 seconds, with 3 repetitions.
Studies show that treating carpal tunnel syndrome with surgery can be DOUBLE the cost and recovery time than treating it alone.
Excersie & Stretch Wrists
Perform these stretches and exercises 2-3 times daily to relieve and prevent symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Nutrition Tip
What Does Water Do in My Body?
Water helps your body keep its normal temperature, lubricate and cushion your joints, protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues, and get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.
*Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - www.cdc.gov/nutrition - and U.S. National Library of Medicine & NIH
What is Bad About Poor Posture?
Poor posture can result from straining forward while working on your computer, leaning down while working on hobbies or tasks for work, or just sitting slouched forward. Staying in these positions for extended periods of time can put stress on the muscles in your neck and shoulders, which can cause headaches, neck pain and upper back pain.
Reduce the likelihood of experiencing pain by standing up straight, or taking a break from the position that is putting stress on your neck and upper back, every 30-60 minutes. Perfoming shoulder shrugs and retractions while standing or sitting up straight will also help take stress off of the muscles in the neck and upper back.
Stretch Often
Perform shoulder shrugs and retractions every hour when maintaining a prolonged position. Perform 20 repetitions of each motion at a time.
Nutrition Tip
Whole Grains, Bountiful Benefits
Consuming whole grains as part of a healthy diet may reduce the risk of heart disease, reduce constipation and help with weight management.
*Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - www.cdc.gov/nutrition - and U.S. National Library of Medicine & NIH
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel to your toes. This is a common cause of heel and arch pain. Many different things can trigger plantar fasciitis, including extending periods of standing, walking or running; having abnormal arches or wearing unsupportive footwear.
Symptoms are often worse after long periods of inactivity, such as when you first wake in the morning. Pain usually lessens after a few minutes of walking, and intensifies again after walking for an extended period of time.
Stretch To Relieve Pain
If you suffer from pain caused by plantar fasciitis, these basic stretches may help reduce or relieve your pain. Stretches should be strong but comfortable and be held for 45 seconds. Perform 3 repetitions, 2 times a day.
Nutrition Tip
Go Ahead, Spoil Your Dinner
We learned as children not to snack before a meal for fear of "spoiling our dinner". Well, it's time to forget that old rule. If you feel hungry between meals, eat a healthy snack, like a piece of fruit or small salad, to avoid overeating during your next meal.
*Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - www.cdc.gov/nutrition - and U.S. National Library of Medicine & NIH