ASK KRS
By KRS Edstrom
Dear KRS,
I’m in a high-pressure job that requires my sitting at a computer most of the
day. I think I handle the stress pretty well but because of all the sitting my
neck and shoulders ache, especially in the afternoons. Aspirin helps but I
don’t want to take it every day. Any suggestions?
Computer Pains
Dear Computer Pains,
You may not be handling the pressure as well as you think. Unfortunately, your
body is paying the price by absorbing the overload. When the body is
stationary for a long period of time, muscles tend to tighten and when you add
stress, they tighten even more. Prolonged muscle contraction can limit
circulation and even “pull” vertebrae out of alignment, exacerbating the
headache, backache and exhaustion cycle.
The solution? Movement (for circulation) and stretching (to lengthen muscles before trouble has time to “set”). Don’t sit for more than 20-30 minutes without moving, if only to stand up, do a few shoulder rolls and sit down again. Establish built-in breaks, so it is part of your routine: get a glass of water, go to the restroom or how about walking or jogging the stairs to the next floor and down again (it only takes a minute or two).
The point is to keep circulation moving and keep the muscles somewhat warm and flexible. Also change the height of your chair and alternate using the mouse with right and left hands. This will offset the repetitive cycle that causes pain.
A wonderful de-stressing, posture-enhancing stretch for you: (standing or
sitting) clasp your hands palm to palm behind your back at hip level, keeping
your elbows straight. Then raise them up as your chest and shoulders open.
Hold for as long as it feels good. You might hear a little “crack” or two as
the vertebrae realign themselves. Another desk stretch: Sitting straight,
simply drop your head down, chin to chest. Breathe and let the muscles in your
neck and shoulders release. Stay in the stretch 10-30 seconds and don’t try to
force it.
KRS
Dear KRS,
I love your column and am so pleased to have discovered you. I am a health
professional and have finally realized how little I actually know. I have
taken myself in hand and started a good exercise and eating program. I am perimenopausal
and have trouble with PMS and taking chemically-produced progesterone. I
looked around the net and after reading lots of information, I have started
taking vitamins, as well as using a progesterone (natural) trans-dermal cream.
I’m feeling great and doing really well.
I am taking a calcium, magnesium, boron combination pill, a good
multi-vitamin, CoQ10 and have just recently added Black Cohort. I keep reading
about Primrose Oil and or Vitamin E. Is there a point of too much or where the
combination doesn’t make sense anymore? Thank you for some wonderful advice. I
shall be reading your column regularly.
Taking Control of Hormones
Dear Taking Control,
Congratulations on seeking alternative ways for dealing with changing
hormones. If you are feeling great, I would stop experimenting (adding more
supplements). More is not always better. Alternative medicines are powerful
and, used inappropriately can cause uncomfortable side effects. You can add
some soy products if you haven’t already — tofu, soybeans, etc. We learn new
things as life hands them to us. I’d say you’re doing a great job taking
control of your changing life. Good work.
KRS
Dear KRS,
What can you tell me about DHEA?
DHEA Curious
Dear DHEA Curious,
It’s good to be curious but also good to be cautious in regards to what you
put into your body.
For some reason DHEA has received a surge of good press lately (the press is
always looking to latch onto the latest miracle product to get people to
read/listen to their release). Everybody wants to know about DHEA and I’m not
surprised — it seems to promise everything, just short of doing your laundry
for you.
I hesitate listing the promises for fear of getting even more people chasing
after yet another “quick fix” — for weight reduction, boosting the immune
system, aging, osteoporosis, stress, and so on. This hormone, according to
reliable manufacturers themselves, should not be taken by consumers before
having their DHEA levels tested (blood and/or saliva test). If levels are
normal, there is no benefit to taking it but there could be risks.
KRS
Dear KRS,
I jog everyday, lift weights and watch what I eat. I am in good condition but
seem to be gaining weight instead of losing. However, I’ve notice my clothes
fit better and everyone says I look smaller. What’s going on?
Gaining Instead of Losing
Dear Gaining,
I’m so glad you wrote, as your letter represents so many people who are
similarly discouraged. The almighty scale doesn’t reflect everything that is
going on with your body. What has happened is that you have put on some muscle
which weighs more than fat. Your body is getting smaller (and healthier) but
don’t panic if you see the scale go up a bit in the beginning. It shows that
the mirror and the fit of our clothes can sometimes be a better scale than the
scale. Don’t worry about it and keep up the good work.
KRS
KRS Edstrom, M.S., is an author, lecturer and columnist. She is available for
private sessions (by phone or in person) and seminars on meditation,
motivation, stress, pain, weight loss and other personal growth issues. Her
books and audios offer solutions for healthful, conscious living. For free
soothing guided meditations and more, please visit KRS’ “Serenity and
Meditation Corner” at
www.AskKRS.com For more info call (323) 851-8623 or
e-mail: KRS@AskKRS.com
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