Never Ignore Your Doctor's Advice About Your Blood Pressure

I have always been in pretty good health, so I was surprised one day when my doctor told me my blood pressure was a bit high. She told me to begin watching my salt intake, start exercising, and to try to relax. Well, I intended to follow her advice when I left her office, but the next day I was back to my same habits. I kept using the salt shaker and didn't begin an exercise routine like I had planned. When I went for my next check-up, she told me that my blood pressure was even higher and approaching a dangerous level. I had to begin a blood pressure medication to manage it. I wanted to create a blog to share my story and remind people to listen to their doctors' advice. If a few lifestyle changes can improve your health, then you should make them.

Tips For Managing Back Pain From The End-Of-Season Garden Harvest

Health & Medical Articles

Gardening is a labor-intensive process, especially when you're harvesting everything for the end of the season. If you suffer from chronic back pain, it can make it even worse. If you love tending your garden but struggle with intense pain for days afterward, you'll want to be proactive about easing the strain on your back during your end-of-year produce harvest. In addition to stretching before you work, here are a few different ways that you can ease the muscle strain on your back while you're gathering your garden's bounty.

Stand Straight

You might find that standing is the easiest way to weed your garden, especially if it's an elevated bed. If this is the case, use your legs to solidly anchor yourself beside the garden, then put an elbow against your leg when you have to lean forward. This keeps your back straight, reducing muscle pain from poor posture. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart for the best stability.

If you do choose to work your garden while standing upright, make sure that your body is stable enough to easily shift from one direction to the other. When your heels are planted securely in the ground and you support your body weight, you'll be able to move without worrying about falling.

Keep your shoulders and your hips square at all times when you work this way. If you have to bend, squat or bend at your waist. This way, you don't inadvertently pinch a nerve or strain an already-sensitive muscle in your back.

Work on Your Hands and Knees

Depending on the injury to your back, you might be more stable and comfortable if you work on your hands and knees. Working your garden this way can help you keep your body square and keep your back straight. This helps you to support your body at the shoulders, keeping the weight off your spine.

When you pull weeds and vegetables from your garden this way, shift your body weight from the pelvis. This way, you ease the strain on your core body muscles, letting them support your spine instead. The benefit of pulling backward from your pelvis is that it puts all of your body weight behind that pull.

Use a Bucket

Whether you're weeding or pulling ripe produce, sitting somewhat elevated will ease the strain on your back. Plant yourself squarely on the bucket so that your bones support your body weight. To do this, sit with your legs placed shoulder-width apart with your feet flat. Place one elbow against the inside of your knee when you lean forward to help add support.

The arm against your knee will help provide extra leverage when you lean forward. This can help to ease the muscle strain on your back, because it shifts the anchor point of your weight to your arm, not your back muscles.

Sit on the Ground

If you don't have a bucket available, there are ways to sit on the ground without inflicting further pain on yourself, too. The key is to sit firm on the ground with your legs bent at your knees. One leg should be behind you, while the other is in front. Sitting flat is important, though. It will keep you square and reduce the stress on your back. Keep your back straight when you lean forward, because that will help to avoid binding your muscles or causing strains.

Dealing with chronic back pain shouldn't mean that you have to give up your favorite hobbies. With these tips and the help of a pain management clinic, you can get out there and harvest your seasonal produce without worry of struggling with severe pain afterward. Visit a site like http://www.pottershouserx.com for more information on pain management.

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17 September 2015