[janet]

Tip: Fibromyalgia pain can be exacerbated by simply doing the normal daily activities of caring for your home. To protect yourself from hurting your back or causing additional body strain, remember to practice the following:

--When you attempt to pick up a heavy object, always bend from the knees, not the waist. As you lift, hold the item as close to your body as possible. Turn by stepping in the direction you want to go. This will protect you from twisting your body and straining your spine. Think about what you are doing to prevent quick, painful movements.

--While talking on the phone, do not cradle the phone between your ear and shoulder. Always hold the phone with your hand, or better yet, use the speaker phone or headset.

Relax your back by taking rest breaks when doing household chores. If you sit on a couch, do not prop yourself up by using the couch’s arm. This can cause your back to be put in an unnatural position and result in lack of circulation to your arms, shoulders, and back. Use smaller pillows at the small of your back or under your arms to provide you with support and good posture.

--When doing a chore that requires you to stand in one place for an extended period of time, use a footstool to prop up one foot. This takes the strain off your back and keeps you from locking your knees under you.

--Store pots, pans, and bowls in cabinets that are at waist level. This eliminates the need to bend and life these heavy objects.

--Eliminate reaching and bending by using long-handles dusters, mops, and cleaning brushes. Use a “grabber-device” to help pick up lightweight items or things out of your easy reach.

--Share the chores with your family. This allows you to perform the tasks that are less stressful on your back and body.

--When doing laundry, don’t overload a laundry basket and carry it through your house or down your stairs. Instead, place a few clothes in a dirty towel or sheet. Make the bundle light enough to carry or drag the bundle behind you. There is no need to carry laundry down a staircase when you can drop it over a railing.

Sore Feet, Bruises, and Stomach Upset

Tip: Using earthy solutions can relieve pain, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms.

Explanation: Earthy solutions include plants, herbs, and natural food products that can bring relief to health problems. Remember, however, that just because something is derived from a plant or is called natural does not mean that it is always safe. Use common sense and always tell your health care professional what you are taking.

Examples of earthy solutions include the following:

--Sore feet. Soak sore feet in peppermint and chamomile tea.

--Bruises. Rub in Arnica oil or cream. Arnica montana is a daisy-like mountain flower that seems to relieve bruising and swollen joints and muscles.

--Intestinal upset. Acidophilus changes that intestinal flora and reduces the chance of getting diarrhea, stomachaches, gas, and bloating.

--Fungus. Tea tree oil is helpful in eliminating fungal infections including athlete’s foot.

--Stomach upset. Chamomile tea (made from the chamomile flower) can help relieve nausea and menstrual cramps, and promote sleep.

--Cut or insect bite. Lemon oil can act as an antibacterial antiseptic for minor cuts and insect bites. Lemon juice is a digestive stimulant that helps with digestion and constipation. --Anxiety. Lavender tea possesses the ability to calm the nervous system and relax your mood. Even the smell of lavender can have a calming effect.