Whisper Wednesday: How to Make an Ice Pack

For those loyal readers I have, I'm sure you remember my post about when to use ice vs heat on a muscular injury. For a recap go hither: HEAT or ICE??

Lately, my household has become overrun with ice packs. Why, you ask? Because one or more of the members in my household can't help but occasionally fall off a horse; pull a muscle lifting several pounds in pool supplies; have a aching lower back from standing on their feet for hours at a time; or, our favorite, getting bruised and battered from breaking aka bboying. With such a combination of fun, tedious and strenuous activities, we're sore, aching and limping quiet often.

The cost and size of our ice packs started increasing, so what idea did my crazy, fun and adventurous friend, Tammy come up with?? "Let's make our own ice packs!!" So off to the Dollar Store we went. It was easier than I realized. All you need are: plastic Ziploc bags of desired size and rubbing alcohol or dishwashing liquid containing alcohol. We purchased rubbing alcohol and dishwashing liquid. Both came out pretty well and stay cold for several hours.

Add dishwashing liquid to ziploc bag.
*If you're using the rubbing alcohol instead, the mixture is  1 part alcohol to 2 parts water.* 

Cool, right??!

Before sealing, leave at least 2 inches of space
so that the liquid has room to expand once it freezes. 

Finally, place in freezer, let freeze and Voilà!!

A VERY flattering picture of myself using one of the three ice packs Tammy made.
Shinsplints are no joke! 

And that's it!! Easy right??! I believe ice packs are an essential household item next to toilet paper and water. So have at it!! :D

Whisper Wednesday: Benefits of Epsom Salt

Had a long busy day at work?? Did you have a great workout at the gym?? Train extra hard to perfect that dance or power move?? Now you're sore from head to toe and just need to take a breather to soothe and relieve your aching body.

A solution to those needs: EPSOM SALT BATH. Soaking in this amazing chemical compound of Magnesium Sulfate can do your body wonders!

Epsom Salt is used by many athletes for its ability to reduce inflammation, soreness, fatigue and muscle cramps. However, it is just as beneficial for the non-athlete. Such as reducing headaches, improving circulation, relaxing nerves and muscles and reducing blood pressure. Magnesium alone is required for the function of over 300 enzymes in our body. This means nearly every system and organ of our body directly or indirectly requires the use of magnesium to function.

As a result of many foods, drugs and/or medical conditions, our digestive tract can't effectively absorb magnesium causing many of us to be/become magnesium deficient. Suffering from cerebral flatulence?? You're probably magnesium deficient. Just kidding....no, but seriously.

The amazingness of Espsom Salt is that it allows the magnesium sulfate to be readily available just by soaking in it! So get that bath ready! Just wade in a tub of warm/hot water, turn down the bathroom lights, maybe light a few candles, have your favorite music playing in the background and you've created a relaxing retreat while also increasing your bodily health and stimulating a few brain cells.


Happy Soaking!!

***This product is not intended to medically diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your health care provider before using any supplement.***

Sitting Is KILLING You!!!

I have several massage clients with jobs that require they sit for 5+ hours at a time and they all complain about the same exact aches and pains. Stress/tension/stiffness/aching in their neck, shoulders, lower back and hips. And the really bad ones have the added numbness/tingling down their arms and into their fingers. No bueno!!

Sitting slouched and crouched over a desk + staring at a computer + head tilted on the phone + hands writing or typing away for several hours without a break = Decreased blood circulation from prolonged sitting, sleeping legs and feet, stiff and tired neck, shoulder and back muscles. And then...we do it again 5-7 days a week!

I always regurgitate the same recommendations: "Try to get out of your seat every hour to walk and/or stretch to stimulate circulation and break out of the repetitiveness of your sustained working position."

Sometimes they hear me, often times they don't.  So from now on I'm going to direct them to this blog post in hopes that it will spark a fire for them to get of their chairs more often! haha

Thanks to a couple friends of mine, I came across a very informative and eye catching report about the dangers of sitting all day. I don't know if I agree with all of their stats (i.e. an 8% increase in sitting doubled our obesity rates), but the graphics definitely accomplish scaring someone straight! Next they should do a report on how some foods are just as at fault for killing us slowly as is prolonged sitting. I'd love to see the graphics on that! 

Share your comments and opinions on the stats and graphics!!

Via: Medical Billing And Coding