Here are 5 things you should know.
1. Various tendon issues like RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) and CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) affect more and more people every year, and that there are easy methods to prevent or delay it.
Things like “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome” or “Repetitive Strain Injury” (RSI) are things many people face who use their hands actively day by day.
This affects people from many fields, e.g. music (guitarists, and co.), office jobs and gaming (typing, pressing, clicking all day), and even cooks (cutting, etc.). Considering how much “precision work” our hands do nowadays, it isn’t really uncommon for people to suffer from CTS or RSI anymore but it can ruin careers and extremely affect quality of life, even for really young people (there are many who are <18 years old and already suffer from RSI due to gaming).
The problem with injured tendons is that they don’t really regenerate much by themselves, and instead form scar tissue which is less elastic and lowers functionality. It may result in simple things becoming difficult to do. Gripping stuff, playing your favorite riff or bassline on a guitar or cutting onions.
Since it’s easy to prevent or at least delay it, I thought I’d share with you some of the things you can do. Many of these things don’t take long.
First, there are these stretching exercises (or “range of motion exercises” that many people do to alleviate present pain coming from strains. It’s also kind of like a “warm-up” for strains, so you can do these exercises before you engage in activities that heavily rely on your strains (even if it’s just typing a large text). They don’t take long to do and can be done pretty much everywhere. At work, at home, etc..
Secondly, symptoms of strain issues are easy to recognize for yourself. Pain is the easiest recognizable part of this. Knowing about where exactly your strains are will obviously help as well.
The pain may get worse when you use the tendon.
You may have more pain and stiffness during the night or when you get up in the morning.
The area may be tender, red, warm, or swollen if there is inflammation.
You may notice a crunchy sound or feeling when you use the tendon.
Pay attention to these things. If they happen, cool affected strains regularly and avoid putting them through more activities and alike (get rest for them).
Try changing your activities or how you do them. For example, if running caused the injury, try swimming some days. If the way you use a tool is the problem, try switching hands or changing your grip.
A good diet also influences it heavily. RSI can occur in legs and many other body parts as well, so make sure to stay fit to not unnecessarily put more strain on your leg tendons. And a bad diet can also increase inflammation risks.
If exercise caused the problem, take lessons or ask a trainer or pro to check your technique. To note, you might still have a correct technique, but your strains are used nonetheless.
If your job caused the tendon injury, ask your HR department if there are other ways to do your job or if you can take up other tasks.
Obviously, consult a doctor when you have issues. There are medical tools (splints, braces, casts, etc.) to help with this issue more effectively. The stuff above is just more of a “how to avoid it”. There also is physical therapy and surgeries to help but it’s usually better preventing the issue from occurring in the first place. There also are braces, etc. you can buy online, but they might not perfectly fit you and help the way they should (or even worsen it) so again, it’s usually better consulting your doctor for treatment and alike.
2. The chicken pox vaccine does not prevent shingles.
This human herpesvirus 3 (varicella-zoster virus or chicken pox) vaccine is a live virus. It acts in the same way as getting chicken pox. It will remain dormant in your body just as having the chicken pox does and can still reemerge later in life as shingles. The only preventative measures to shingles are the shingles vaccine which many of us know isn’t offered until later in life. Chickenpox is a “droplet precautions” virus meaning someone could spread it with a cough.
Do not skip your vaccines, but understand what they actually protect you from.
3. Amazon Prime prices aren’t always the cheapest. 50% of the time they add a couple of extra bucks to include “shipping and handling” costs. If it’s a big purchase, take 10 minutes and shop around on other online stores (eBay, b&h, etc). Most days the non-prime items will arrive faster than quoted.
Prime is convenient for fast shipping and things like prime video and free books. But it always helps save money to check your options.
4. If you are having something important mailed to you (Such as a degree, or vinyl record) then you need to make sure it is being shipped in appropriate packaging. “Do not bend” is NOT an official endorsement and will be ignored by your carrier.
5. If your life is being negatively affected by a spouse, partner, parent, sibling, or even a child’s alcoholism, there are many resources available to help you.
Al-Anon
A 12-step program for people affected by a spouse or partner who is struggling with alcoholism. For others, the problem drinker is a parent, child, or grandchild
Alateen
https://al-anon.org/newcomers/teen-corner-alateen/
An offshoot of Al-Anon, geared towards teens who are affected by their parent’s alcoholism. Lots of online resources.
Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families
A different 12 step program, geared towards adults who have been affected by their parents’ alcoholism their whole lives and have realized how negatively it has affected their own development.
As always, if you or an alcoholic family member are in immediate danger, please call 911.
