As weather temperature and systems have started shifting, becoming somewhat radical, especially in Johannesburg with such late rain in April, people may start wondering how the muscular skeletal system is affected. Arthritic sufferers are especially affected in the cooler conditions – they often know when rain is coming since they “feel it in their bones”! With skeletal pain and nerve conditions (i.e. Multiple Sclerosis), sufferers may have more relief in these different weather conditions.
My advice for this Winter (for everyone, but especially those that are active in the colder months) is to be very conscious to keep muscles warm, make good use of scarves and compression gear for athletes, maintain regular blood flow, stretch daily, and try your best to avoid trauma to the joints, muscles and tendons. Drinking warm fluids with raw ginger, honey, cayenne pepper and lemon juice is excellent for the immune system and arthritic inflammation. Let’s also make sure to embrace winter with some ” lovely tv series”, reading, fires, and a good glass of wine, which will definitely not be remiss… enjoy!
