I have fantastic, FANCY LEGS! Hidden beneath my attire are two superstars. Yes!
These beloved legs have created admiration and respect for me as they are responsible for my transformation into an outstanding athlete at both primary and secondary school. Go ask my teachers and they will share those solid memories with you.
The Bowling Alley situated near the Cotton Tower in St Joseph can take credit for shaping my legs. As a little girl I traversed that hill on my way to and from primary school. You should have seen my legs then – numero uno!
Now that I am an adult, whenever I enter the gym to further refine, strengthen and tone my legs, I become even more cognizant of the importance of legs to the body.
This morning as I wish all schoolchildren and school personnel an excellent academic year, I also want us to focus on the importance of our legs, silent doctors and health challenges associated with legs.
The legs are often used for walking, jumping, swimming, skipping, riding and running. When I studied anatomy and physiology, I became familiar with their various functions and the names of bones and muscles in the legs. I adored learning about the femur, tibia, fibula, patella, quadriceps, rectus femoris and dorsi-flexion.
Some health challenges associated with legs are varicose veins, gout, cellulitis, spider veins, ulcers, corns, bunions, arthritis, and deep-vein thrombosis.
Let us focus on the challenge named gout. Gout is caused by increased amounts of uric acid in biological fluids.
Research shows that a common occurrence is intense tender pain, swelling in a joint and the big toe.
Silent doctors that will assist healing are celery, ginger, cayenne pepper, dandelion, nettle and flax seeds. Fruit rich in vitamin C, especially Bajan cherries, foods containing folic acid, most fruit, olives, spinach, carrots, turmeric and other foods high in potassium are highly recommended.
Exercise is also important, obesity must not be tolerated, the non-consumption of alcohol is a necessity, the lowering of fat and fluid intake are paramount and reflexology is also an excellent treatment.
As teachers, my colleagues and I are constantly on our legs journeying from class. This is excellent exercise for the legs.
If you neglect your legs, you are indeed neglecting half of your body. Just google images of Johnny Bravo.
Finally, when in the gym, pay attention to training not only the chest, back and arms, but focus on the legs.
• Annette Maynard-Watson, a teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted at [email protected] or call 250-6450.
Disclaimer: It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific health claims for any products. Any attempt to diagnose and treat real illness should come under the direction of your health care professional.
