SNAP, CRACKLE AND POP!

It may be good in your cereal, but what about your joints?

SNAP: This is the result of friction between two structures (such as tendons) gliding past each other. If the snapping body part (usually the hop, ankle or shoulder blade) doesn’t hurt, don’t worry about it. But if the area also feels stiff or tight, the tendons are constricted and could benefit from regular stretching.

CRACKLE: Most cracking sounds are the result of a vacuum being created between two joint surfaces and then releasing (like the noise a wet glass makes when you lift it off a table). Contrary to popular lore, cracking your joints has not been proven to cause damage. In fact, it actually relaxes the muscles surrounding the joint, improving joint movement and reducing pain. Just don’t do it too often, or you’ll overstretch the joints, making them unstable and injury prone.

POP: In most cases, popping occurs when a joint dislocates and then pops back into place. The danger is that one day it may not go back where it belongs, and that very movement may also irritate tissue around the joint (especially in the shoulder socket).

GRIND: As our bodies wear down, the joint padding decreases and allows those surfaces to rub together. Normally, this is harmless. The exception is your knee. There, grinding can be a sign of damage. Stretching the outer sides of the thighs and strengthening your quads should help.

Information from Men’s Fitness Magazine, October 1, 2007

CULTIVATE A SUNNY OUTLOOK

Optimism means having faith that things will turn out well in a given situation. A positive disposition leads us to find the good in any difficult challenge. Joyful types are more likely to lead longer, healthier lives than those who expect the worst. Some ideas to help practice optimism:

Focus on the big picture. Look for what is good around you (clean water, food, etc.)
Connect. Make friends with happy people. Attitudes are catching.
Be generous. Give time, labor, resources, etc to others.
Go on a media fast. Stay away from the steady stream of bad news.
Immerse yourself in nature. Really look at what is around you and rejoice.
Cultivate spirituality. Connecting with the divine takes all forms – be open to God.

Information taken from 2007 Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. at www.webmd.com

WHY TELL STORIES?

Jesus replied, “You’ve been given insight into God’s Kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn’t been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understanding flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That’s why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight. In their present state they can stare till doomsday and not see it, listen till they’re blue in the face and not get it. I don’t want (that.)” Matthew 13:11-13 THE MESSAGE