Golf Injuries - Prevention

Whenever I have watched golf tournaments on television I always wondered how anyone gained a lick of exercise from playing that game. The golf pros and media coverage make it look so easy. It wasn’t until a few years ago when someone gave me a couple of tickets to a tournament in Florida that I developed an appreciation for the amount of physical energy 18 holes of golf required.

This is what appears to the non-golfer on TV. The cameras show the golfers consulting the caddies, sizing up the fairway, addressing the ball, and then in one second with one smooth motion – whack – sending the ball whizzing out of sight. The hushed voices of the commentators make it seem like a quiet game. The TV screen jumps to the next player on the green, lining up the putt. That’s physical?

But what the cameras don’t show is that walking the course is sometimes six miles! They don’t show the physical training a golfer endures to maintain flexibility, stamina, and strength. They don’t show the practice swings and games.

Listen to the conversations in the clubhouse at the end of the day and you will understand the challenges the game presents. Watch out for the expletives. I think concentration along with physical conditioning is critical for a consistently good game. I am not a golfer, but I have listened to enough of the post-game discussions to have learned.

Can a golfer get injured? Yes, especially one who is not in good physical shape. For information on how to warm up and good golf posture go to the Mayo Clinic article on stretching exercises to help with flexibility before playing golf. Also see their section on golf injuries and what to do about them.

Consider using ice to reduce the swelling before using heat. Heat helps relax tight muscles, improve flexibility, and aids circulation after the swelling has gone down. Consult a doctor for acute pain.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads can be frozen and used as gentle ice packs to reduce swelling and pain. Check out their Back Warmers and Neck Warmers which can be used to wrap around an elbow or knee.

The Best Medicine

Spending time with a friend and sharing lots of laughter can lift the spirits and possibly help your heart. Good supportive friends are the best medicine and offer a positive outlook on life. All it takes is one friend to cheer you up when you are feeling down.

A walk in the park, a conversation over tea, a laugh over the phone is worth more than a whole bottle of medicine -- and possibly more effective. Health professionals say that laughing is good medicine. The University of Maryland Medical Center article explains. View the article.

Maine Warmers Comforting Creatures bring a smile with comfort. These unique microwave heating pads make wonderful get well gifts or to offer a friend who is having a difficult time. A Cozy Cat, Sheep, or Dog provide cozy companionship without the care or vet bills.

Taking Care of Yourself When You are a Caretaker

Caring for elderly parents is stressful. I have read horror stories of parents who were once loving but now suffer from debilitating conditions that changed their characters. Often, elderly parents need so much care and comfort that it can be emotionally draining on the caretaker – usually a son or daughter. It is much like taking care of a child and very demanding.

If you are the caretaker, keeping yourself healthy is vital. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercise routine, social activities, and emotional outlets can help keep you mentally fit to make the right decisions regarding your parents. Try to find someone you can talk with on a daily basis. That person should have a sense of humor and a healthy perspective to help you understand that the tasks in front of you are as important as they are stressful. If you are exhausted and ill then helping your parent will be more difficult.

An online support group, AGING PARENTS AND ELDER CARE for caretakers may help you see that you are not alone.

The Mayo Clinic has a section on Senior Health.

Maine Warmers may help provide comfort for elderly people who have had strokes and always feel cold. Traditional microwave Neck Warmers and Back Warmers that can be reused, are washable, and durable. Their line of unique Comforting Creatures offer soothing warmth and cozy companionship for elderly parents. They may help the caretaker relax during times of stress.