What’s Stopping You?
DAILY HABITS THAT IMPEDE YOUR HEALING
Snuff Your Habit Smoking comes with a long list of health risks, and “inability to heal from an injury” is on that list. Nicotine, the powerful chemical that makes tobacco so addictive, keeps your immune system from doing its job. Smoking also makes exercise more difficult because of the toll it takes on your cardiovascular system. Painkillers can also inhibit the healing process because they mask pain without treating the source. Use them when necessary, but don’t rely on them for a long- term solution if you can avoid it.
SPEAK! Too Much Yet Not Enough Rest is necessary for healing, but when you rest too much, you do more harm than good. Nursing an injury by using crutches for too long or favoring a limb encourages unhealthy movement and keeps your body from healing normally. On the other hand, not resting enough can be harmful. So be active but take it easy, and avoid spending hours on the couch or the treadmill. Physical therapy can help your body harness its healing power, but without a lifestyle change, you may actually be hurting your body. Add these three tips to your PT regimen to help your body heal as well — and as quickly — as possible.
eat can also affect your quality of life. Ingredients that cause inflammation — such as saturated fats, alcohol, and sugars — can increase pain in your joints and put extra strain on them. Instead, stick to a healthy diet of lean proteins, leafy greens, low-sugar fruits, and complex carbohydrates to give your body the boost it needs to heal. Making or breaking a habit can take weeks, so take it slow, understand that change is a process, and ask your physical therapist for advice. It may make your healing process more challenging, but it’ll be worth it in the long run.
Eat for Your Joints You already know that food is fuel for your body, but what you
HOW DOGS SAY ‘I LOVE YOU’
Being a dog can be rough. There are only so many hours in the day to play with a ball, you know? Plus, our humans don’t seem to understand what we’re saying half the time. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve trained Jim and Mary Ann pretty well, but it would certainly be easier if they could understand us! This month, we want to bridge the gap between canine-human communication and show you a few ways dogs say “I love you.” or a challenge. You shouldn’t make eye contact with a dog you don’t know. But when a dog looks into the eyes of a human they trust, it’s a sign of affection! When dogs look at their favorite humans, their brains release oxytocin, a hormone that helps new mothers bond with their babies. Looking our humans in the eye actually makes us love them even more! Dog Piles Dogs are pack animals. We like to be in physical contact with the members of our pack, and this includes you! Leaning against Eye Contact For dogs, direct eye contact can be a threat
your legs and cuddling are some ways dogs like to bond with their humans. Another sign of a dog’s love is at bedtime. If your dog wants to sleep up on the bed with you, it means they trust you and are comfortable enough to let their guard down completely.
Content Sighs A sigh can mean a lot of things. For
example, if you hear your partner sighing a lot, you better check the calendar and make sure you didn’t forget Valentine’s Day! Dogs can sigh for different reasons too. But if your dog settles in your lap or stretches out beside you and lets out a long, soft sigh, it’s a sign of contentment that means they really love you. Now you may be wondering how you can show your dog that you love them. That’s easy! With treats, walks, belly scratches, and ear rubs, of course!
– Mookie & Brice
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