Their Version vs. My Version

I have some news you might find helpful, but first, a little swipe at housecleaning.

I hope all your holidays were joyful and I wish you a new year full of blessings. KSA and I had the pleasure of ringing in 2008 with Holly and Johnny—great to see them again, as always—and the phabulous Phlegm. She is a delight, has the most beautiful eyes, and I am looking forward to spending more time with her in the future. If you all could be so lucky!

Georgia’s service was very nice, complete with military honors. She was a special lady, and I thank you for your comments.

Now then. I received this email a while back:

Housework

Household chores can be a pain in the sacroiliac. Unless you’re careful, routine activities around the home – washing dishes, vacuuming, even talking on the phone – can strain your back, including the sacroiliac area near the tailbone, and result in debilitating discomfort.

But you can protect your back by knowing the right way to go about such activities, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

Consider lifting. It doesn’t matter whether you’re picking up your child or a heavy bucket of water; you need to do it the proper way to avoid injury.

How? Bend from the knees, not the waist. As you lift, hold the item as close to your body as possible. If you have to turn to place it, step in the direction of the turn. That way, you’re not twisting your body and straining your spine.

Back-Saving Tips

The ACA suggests the following do’s and don’ts for chores and relaxation:

- When you wash dishes, open the cabinet beneath the sink, bend one knee and put your foot on the shelf under the sink. Lean against the counter so some of your weight is supported in front.

- When ironing, raise one foot a bit. Place it on a small stool or a book to take some strain off your back.

- To vacuum, use a “fencer’s stance.” Put all your weight on one foot, then step forward and back with the other foot as you push the vacuum forward and back. Use the back foot as a pivot when you turn.

- While talking on the phone, don’t cradle the phone between your ear and shoulder. That can lock up the spinal joints in the neck and upper back, and cause pain, instead, hold the phone with your hand or use the speakerphone.

- While watching television or relaxing, don’t use the sofa arm as a pillow. The angle is much too sharp for your neck.

- Use a cold pack if your back begins to hurt. Wrap an ice pack in a towel moistened with warm water. The warmth gives way to gradual cold, which likely will alleviate the discomfort. (“No ice? Try frozen veggies instead.)

- If pain persists for more than a day or two or if you experience numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs, see a doctor of chiropractic.

Dr. Baker can help…

Although minor aches and pains can come and go, there are a few things to look for that may indicate a more serious problem. If you or a loved one experiences any of the following, please contact our office.

- pain that radiates into your arms or legs

- numbness or tingling

- stiffness lasting three or more days

- restricted motion in neck, back or any joint

- swelling in a joint

- repetitive pain

- nausea, dizziness, or headaches

- symptoms that affect your overall feeling of well being

Remember to Try Chiropractic and Acupuncture First!

That seemed a little wordy to me. I like my version MUCH better:

Housework

Household chores can be a pain in the sacroiliac. Unless you’re careful, routine activities around the home – washing dishes, vacuuming, even talking on the phone – can strain your back, including the sacroiliac area near the tailbone, and result in debilitating discomfort.

But you CAN protect your back—by just not doing housework.

See how simple that was?

Flo