Health Masters PT - October 2017

within a day or two. But if neck pain persists for several days or more, or continues to return again and again, it may be a sign that something is wrong.

Nearly everyone experiences neck pain or stiffness during their life. In most cases, this pain is mild enough to be simply annoying, but sometimes it becomes so severe that it can completely incapacitate even the most pain-tolerant individuals.

Luckily, neck pain is almost always treatable, often without surgery. Following examination and diagnosis by a medical doctor to determine the exact source of the pain, a physical therapist can prescribe a set of exercises, stretches, and techniques to increase strength and flexibility in your neck, drastically reducing or eliminating pain altogether. An experienced physical therapist who’s dedicated to helping you live pain-free will determine the best treatment for you, ranging from electrotherapeutic modalities to posture training. You don’t have to resign yourself to living with chronic neck pain. Contact the experts at HealthMasters today and take the first step toward eliminating your pain for good!

As upright animals, our heads are somewhat precariously balanced on top of our spines, like a golf ball on a tee. The average head weighs about the same as a bowling ball, between 10 and 15 pounds. It’s easy to see how, if the muscles that support the head and neck are not kept strong and flexible, poor and prolonged posture can result in painful strains and sprains of the vital ligaments that keep your neck upright. Usually, you can chalk up neck pain to something you did: craning your neck to read a book for hours, sleeping in a weird position, or sitting in an awkwardly-shaped chair at work. In these situations, pain should leave

Have a LAUGH

Refried Bean Poblanos WITH CHEESE

INGREDIENTS

4 medium poblano chilies, halved and seeded 1 (16-ounce) can fat-free refried beans 1 (8.8-ounce) pouch microwaveable cooked long-grain rice

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½ cup picante sauce

1 cup (4 ounces) pre-shredded reduced- fat 4-cheese Mexican blend

Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Place chili halves, cut sides up, on a round microwave-safe plate. Cover with wax paper; microwave on high 3 minutes. 2. While chilies cook, combine beans, rice, and picante sauce in a medium bowl, stirring well. Spoon bean mixture into chili halves. Cover with wax paper; microwave on high 2 minutes. 3. Uncover chilies, sprinkle each half with 2 tablespoons cheese, and microwave on high 1–2 minutes or until cheese melts. Sprinkle with cilantro, if desired.

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