The Root of the Maca Root Craze Why Are People Trying This Popular Supplement? The popularity of maca root has exploded in recent years, but many people in the U.S. are still unfamiliar with the supplement and its potential benefits. Whether you’ve heard of maca root before in passing or this is your first time, here’s what you need to know. WHAT IS MACA?
Maca root is considered safe and should not have noticeable side effects with moderate use. However, it has been shown to affect hormone levels, so it’s best to avoid maca if you have thyroid issues or are undergoing any type of hormone treatment. As with any new supplement, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctors before using. HOW DO YOU USE IT? The optimal dose for medicinal use has not been established, but most studies have tested doses ranging from 1.5–5 grams per day. If you want to incorporate maca into your diet, it’s easy to do through smoothies, oatmeals, and baked goods. You can try some today by picking up powdered maca root at health food stores, online retailers, and some supermarkets.
Maca is grown in the Andes Mountains in Peru and is sometimes referred to as Peruvian ginseng. Maca has an earthy or even nutty flavor and is a common ingredient in Peruvian cuisine. It’s a cruciferous vegetable — like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower — with an edible root but is most commonly dried and consumed in powder form. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND RISKS? Preliminary research shows a host of potential benefits. For starters, the plant is highly nutritious, providing high levels of vitamin C, copper, iron, and potassium. There are signs that maca can improve energy levels, mood, learning, and memory. Some reports state that maca can reduce menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, as well as reduce blood pressure. There’s even evidence that maca root can block harmful UV rays when applied directly to the skin.
THE EFFECTS OF SMARTPHONES ON OUR FINGERS AND HANDS PREVENTING ‘TEXT CLAW’
Smartphones have quickly become an integral part of our lives. They’ve given us the ability to stay in touch with nearly anyone at any time, play games to reduce boredom, and keep up to date with local and national news. According to eMarketer, the average U.S. adult spends three hours and 43 minutes per day on their mobile devices. That much screen time can damage your eyes, but it can also cause issues with your fingers, hands, and wrists. Many people have complained of finger, hand, and elbow pain stemming from their use of a smartphone. These conditions are now being referred to as “text claw” or “cell phone elbow.” A survey commissioned by O2 showed that in the last five years, 43% of smartphone users have experienced thumb pain, cell phone elbow, or text claw. Text claw is a non-medical term that describes finger cramping and aching muscles that come from gaming, scrolling, and texting on smartphones. Cell phone elbow is a similar sensation but occurs after the elbow is bent for an extended period of time. These terms are also known medically as cubital tunnel syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Luckily, a couple stretches can help reduce discomfort and improve flexibility.
• The prayer position stretch helps loosen up your wrists and forearms. Put your fingers and palms together with your fingers pointed upward and your elbows pointed outward like you’re praying. Hold this position for 30 seconds or more. • The reverse prayer position stretch will have you remain in the same position as the prayer position, but you will press the backs of your hands together with your fingers facing down instead. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds or more as well. You use your fingers and hands for almost every activity, so it’s essential to take care of them. By performing these stretches before extended cell phone or video game use, you can help prevent more serious conditions.
If you, a family member, or a friend is suffering from finger, hand, or elbow pain, Campus Commons Physical Therapy can help relieve it.
www.campuscommonsphysicaltherapy.com 2
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