Soft Tissue Massage to Re-hydrate

     The following 1-minute video from a 2015 Dr. Oz Show demonstrates a quick method to re-hydrate dry, connective tissue. Might this daily habit help alleviate back and joint pain, etc? It is simple to try. Sue Hitzmann's 4-step self-foot treatment (massaging feet with the help of a softer racquetball) disperses built-up fluids to other areas of the body:

Click link for a Dr. Oz segment Part I:  back pain:   Back pain

Click link for a Dr. Oz segment Part II: back pain:  Tissue Re-hydrate with racquetball

IT TAKES JUST A MOMENT Beauty / Health Tips

     As one enters middle-age, balance and bones might become compromised. A bit of paranoia and focus, at key times, can be a beautiful thing. After all, we take precious time for temporary beauty primps.

     The last three tips I was most grateful to glean from friends (by far, the wisest way to learn). And the best thing? With each of these 5 practical tips, what's the rush? IT TAKES JUST A MOMENT:

1. The nose knows.  For those who suffer with airborne allergies, where does dirty pollen go on high pollen days? Some enters into the nostrils. Gross. It's like sleeping with a dirty opossum! And all♫night♫long♫ your compromised sleeping body is more susceptible to that dirt. For lessened reaction to pollen and a more restful sleep, what's the rush? IT TAKES JUST A MOMENT for all-natural saline solution ($3 at Walmart). When sprayed gently into each nasal passage before bedtime, it gives dirty nostrils a cleansing shower.
2. The knee bone's connected to the foot bone.  Still want to wear those pretty, strappy sandals into your 60s? Too many years of power walking, with too little stretching, can lead to tight calves, which can lead to sore feet. What's the rush? IT TAKES JUST A MOMENT to release damaging lactic acid build-up... perform gentle leg stretches midway and after exercising. It really does feel sooo good.
3. It's all about that bag, 'bout that bag... no trouble.  Sore shoulder? Repetitive reaching to lift a heavy "bling" purse (or a grandchild's diaper bag) from a car's back seat can lead to soreness; which can lead to a damaged shoulder joint; and in some cases even contribute to a frozen shoulder. Slow down and determine a better posture to lift that purse or bag. What's the rush? IT TAKES JUST A MOMENT to think. There might even be a different creative nearby location in the car for that 30-pound weight. (Thanks, C.A.)
4. One step, two step; red step, blue step.  Rushing to the airport? Breaking an ankle just might delay your departure and certainly makes it challenging to wear designer shoes! Steps from the house into the garage, especially a two-step flight of stairs, can be an accident waiting to happen when one is distracted. Uncarpeted garage steps are difficult for the eye to separate and prime for accidents. Why? Because we are thinking about items we possibly forgot and where we are heading. I've recently heard of two women whose rushing actually led to falls and double-trouble for ankles (yes, both broke both ankles). They fell down a small flight of garage steps (yes, just two steps). What's the rush? IT TAKES JUST A MOMENT to think before descending that small flight of garage steps. (Thanks, 2 co-workers)
5. All that glitters is not gold, but might be slicker-than-snot ice.  Don't take for granted precious hip health. After all, we need hips to exercise! In the winter, if sidewalk-shine looks like water, BEWARE before stepping. It might be slicker-than-snot sidewalk/blacktop ice. Like slick roadway black ice, it is dangerous because of the unexpected-factor. What's the rush? at$all$cost$  IT TAKES JUST A MOMENT to somehow, someway (even if it means walking in snow) avoid walking on potentially deceiving sidewalk- or blacktop- shine. (Thanks, C.M.)

     One final tip is to not feel overwhelmed by 5 tips. Attempt to at least regularly practice just one of the tips listed above. It takes just 30 days to develop a habit or safety awareness. Healthy living!

Nose Breathing... I'm a Believer

Fascinating! Two links that justify the benefits of breathing through the nose:

1. Nasal breathing = humidified air  
2. Benefits of nasal breathing... 7 of them. Who knew?