The first two sessions of physical therapy following the healing of my shoulder fracture consisted of a variety of stretches, but the next two sessions also featured some strength training. What a welcome activity! The muscles in my left arm and back had atrophied while the shoulder was immobilized and had hardly any power of […]
— A PERSONAL JOURNAL · KATHLEEN ALFORD · SINCE 2004
Osteoporosis Diet
Recipe – Turkey Ham & Veggies Skillet Supper
Here’s a quick and easy bone-healthy supper for busy days! In a large skillet, combine: 1 cup of turkey ham, cubed 1 cup of zucchini, sliced and quartered 1 cup of summer squash, sliced and quartered 2 cups of broccoli florets 1/4 cup water Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until broccoli […]
Toward a Better Experience of Physical Therapy
I started physical therapy last Thursday to improve my range of motion following the healing of my shoulder fracture. My therapist was knowledgeable, professional, and encouraging. I was expecting physical therapy to be painful since I had been through it years ago after a previous injury, but I knew it was absolutely necessary if I […]
The Daily Diet – July 31, 2008
Breakfast: Amy’s brand Cream of Tomato Soup, 1/2 tuna sandwich made from tuna with canola mayonnaise on a slice of Sesame Ezekiel Bread, water, supplements Lunch: Fruity Protein Shake, Greens+ High Protein Bar, water Snack: Carrot, water Dinner: Out to eat at the Outback Steakhouse: 3 ounces of steak (cut from my husband 12-oz. Outback […]
Progress Report – Shoulder Fracture Healed!
Today’s visit to the orthopedic specialist yielded terrific news: The x-ray of my shoulder revealed that the shoulder fractures have healed! The doctor said I no longer need the sling or the swath, and I am to begin physical therapy right away. My left arm has very little strength or range of motion after having […]
WARNING! Xylitol Is Deadly for Dogs! Shadow’s Story
According to Wikipedia, Xylitol “appears to have potential as a treatment for osteoporosis. A group of Finnish researchers has found that dietary xylitol prevents weakening of bones in laboratory rats, and actually improves bone density.” However, although Xylitol is wonderfully healthy for humans, I sadly learned firsthand yesterday that it is deadly for dogs. If […]
Recipe – Crystal Apples
Here’s a quick delight that’s good for your bones…and your tastebuds! You’ll need: Small microwave-safe dish Paper towel sheet 1 sliced apple 1 tsp Xylosweet 1/4 tsp ground cloves Layer sliced apples in microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle with Xylosweet and ground cloves. Cover dish with paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. Grab a fork and […]
Faith Reflection – Nourishment to the Bones
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Proverbs […]
Faith Reflection: Third Cross Down…and Goal to Go!
“I asked the Lord three times to take away my [thorn in the flesh]. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 My […]
Itch! Itch! Itch!
A new problem popped up this week as I began Week #3 of healing my shoulder fracture: itching! I started waking up in the middle of the night, itching incessantly on my back, chest, abdomen, and left arm and shoulder. No amount of scratching relieved the itch, so I tried soaking in a hot vinegar […]
Daily Diet – Thursday, July 10, 2008
My sleep schedule has been “off” since I fractured my arm. I usually wake up sometime during the night from either discomfort, thirst, or hunger, and I end up staying awake for an hour or two. Sometimes I have a snack. Sometimes I take a mild pain reliever, or put a heating pad or ice […]
Walk to be Happy
It is impossible to walk rapidly and be unhappy. —Mother Teresa I read this quote of Mother Teresa’s and decided to try it out on a day that I felt…well…less than happy. I had broken my left shoulder in a biking accident three weeks prior and, while I was grateful that I was on the […]