I came here with my nieces and nephews, as a way of doing things together when time is short. I stayed in Whyville because I think it's a great place to learn and have fun at the same time. For example, I had no idea how to use a paint program before I came to Whyville, and now I do some graphic design work once in a while outside of our town. Everything you learn will at some time apply to you IN your lifetime.

You know all those health warnings that are out there? You know, the ones that say "Danger: ...whatever." You've learned to block them out so completely that they are invisible, or worse, laughable. They're the ones for "old" people -- heh heh. You don't pay attention because it doesn't apply to you. Well, they do. Here's a real life example:

I had never had a single back problem before. This New Year's morning, however, I woke up and couldn't sit up sideways because my back hurt sooo much! I just flopped back down.

Long boring story short.... So far, it has been two months, and it turns out the pain in my back is caused by a compressed disk in my spine. Explanation: Your spine is made up of two basic alternating parts, the vertebrae -- the bones -- and the disks -- cushions that lend flexibility. When a disk gets 'compressed', it is squished skinnier than before, so you can't bend as well, and it becomes less of a shock absorber because the vertebrae are closer together. If the disk gets too skinny, nerves get pinched or the vertebrae rub against each other. This is so painful that it is all you can do to not cry.

What causes this? What can do you avoid this?

Well, here's some things you should do NOW to avoid the same thing happening to you.

1. Stand up straight.
2. Lift using the strength of your knees and legs, not your back.
3. Eat moderately. Being overweight, even for just a while, will only speed this process. I know.
4. Exercise. You can never catch up once you get badly out of shape, not really.
5. Sleep on your back for part of each night, and prop your knees with a pillow to make your spine go flat against the mattress.
6. If you hurt your back, see a doctor!

These are all simple things that you can make habits now to avoid A LOT of aggravation later. Wish I had.

wench
improvise & overcome