Snap, crunch, pop, and moan are just some of the sounds I make in the morning. It’s not every morning but after spending a weekend of working in the yard or in the woods along with a seasonal weather change and that’s pretty much my morning symphony. Some of these pains are old injuries coming back to haunt me and some are not. I do smile when I remember how I got some of these aches and pains. I’m not really complaining, there are folks in a lot worse shape than I. However I am getting older and some parts starting to fall below spec or so says the medical community.
Because my new year’s resolution for the last 20 years has been to stay out of the doctor’s office (I failed this year) and I hate taking medications, I have been combating this “getting old” trend myself. That doesn’t mean I don’t go to the sawbones if needed. I just try not to need it. So I fight by eating right (M&M’s), exercising (carrying ice cream), and getting enough sleep (tomorrow)! The reality is I try to eat right and exercise around my pains and since I stopped watching the news, the sleep thing is getting better.
When I do test the limits of my physical self, I look towards topical liniments that target muscle and joint soreness. Way back in my Martial Arts days I was very partial to DMSO. A friend of mine, who has been studying and teaching Judo for more than 45 years, is a fan of Two Old Goats. I have used the Absorbine products and I find the gel easier to use than the liquid. Absorbine Gel is the most popular one at the local gym, however, both work well. We also have Bigeloil, Corona Liniment, and Mineral Ice. I haven’t used the last three, but they have a dedicated following. Please read and follow the label directions for each of these products.