Our dog loves to carry a stick – more like a log, actually – when we’re at the off-leash park.

She’s not alone, though. I like to pick up a stick, or two, and do a variety of arm exercises as we walk along the trails. That way, my upper body gets a bit of a workout, as well.

Filed under: Exercise Tagged: arm exercises, upper body workout, walk ]]> http://rheumfuloftips.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/stick-it/feed/ 0 auntiestress Hollylogdog http://rheumfuloftips.wordpress.com/2012/02/22/mugging-it/ http://rheumfuloftips.wordpress.com/2012/02/22/mugging-it/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000 Marianna http://rheumfuloftips.wordpress.com/?p=1592 ]]> Travel mugs come in a wide variety of styles and shapes.

When these mugs are filled with your beverage of choice, care is needed when gripping and sipping.

You’ve heard about surround-sound … how about surround-grip? I prefer the mugs which are handle-less. My fingers aren’t torqued, plus I am able to stabilize my wrist before taking a drink  - to go.

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Filed under: Out and About Tagged: hand strain, handles, travel mugs, wrist strain ]]> http://rheumfuloftips.wordpress.com/2012/02/22/mugging-it/feed/ 0 auntiestress travelmugs http://rheumfuloftips.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/change-it-back/ http://rheumfuloftips.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/change-it-back/#comments Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:00:52 +0000 Marianna http://rheumfuloftips.wordpress.com/?p=2864 ]]> If you’re of a certain age, you’ll remember the coin tray that occupied space beside the cash register in your favourite corner store or café.

Often, after struggling to pick coins up from the counter – difficult, even for the nimble-fingered – I would wistfully long for this handy device.

I was quite pleasantly surprised when I found one still in operation at a local diner.

For those who aren’t familiar with this piece of memorabilia, the tray has a rolled edge, somewhat like a botoxed lip. When you want to pick up your change, you just slide it along the tray, over the edge and into your other hand. Easy and quick. No fumbling, grasping (gasping) or dropping.

Why is something that is so useful, no longer used? If you wish to make your business more accessible, I’d like to suggest that you place one of these beside your cash register. It’s another example of a small change that has a big impact of the customers you serve.

Would you like to see these coin trays put back into circulation?

Does anyone know what they are called, by the way?

Carrying a basket, regardless how full, can be hard on my hands. Instead, I use the bigger muscles (that’s questionable ) of my arms to do the work.

By hugging the basket in towards me, I sneak in some isometric exercises.

Friendly Reminder!  Please visit From Chopin and Beyond – Part 1 Draw for a book giveaway! Deadline is tonight at midnight, P.S.T.  

Chopin and Beyond is published by Wiley and Sons and is graciously being offered by Authors on the Web.

It’s been my experience that the first week post-surgery is the toughest to get through.

Then, like the incremental increase in daylight that we’re observing in the Northern Hemisphere, each successive week brings a noticeable improvement in healing.

There’s less pain and more gain, as you see an increase in energy, strength and interest in resuming normal activities.

Always be sure to get the all-clear from your doctor before you wholeheartedly step into those activities!

Image courtesy of  Linnéa Pipping.