Showing posts with label arthritis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arthritis. Show all posts

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Playfair Park ~ A quiet and serene walk in the Gardens ~ Arthritis Walking update

 


~ Playfair Park ~
A scenic oasis of beauty in our city.
Camas, azaleas and rhododendrons dot the landscape.
The Birdsong is heavenly.
This park is situated between two major streets and I didn't hear any traffic.
It a lovely spot to escape to and be in a lush green space.


A reader asked me to share any tips on my arthritis journey...

It's very early in my journey but I will attempt to share a few tidbits.
I am easing into this new phase taking baby steps
avoiding at all costs 
going down a rabbit hole of gloom and doom.


New beginnings...


Embracing Daily Delights
Snippets of beauty
Gorgeous Fawn Lilies.


Like the famous Nike slogan says...

Just Do It!

Walking with intention...
slowly and mindfully.

A gentle warm up helps prepare the hips.

Moving sideways and backwards first to get the hips to get ready
then moving forward, slowly at first and pace yourself in a comfortable speed.

Each day my hip feels different, some days there is more pain than other days?
I have no clue why?
All questions to ask my physiotherapist when I meet with her.

My goal is to halve my usual walk into two shorter ones.


These steps and km were accomplished by taking three shorter walks.

I am feeling weary now and have taken an Advil.
My doctor told me that I could take them during the day and the most important one
 is for nightime to help me with pain and allow for sleep.

It feels weird taking a pain pill as this is so not on my usual radar
but Needs Must...for now at least...in time who knows?
But hey let's check out the flowers...


Camas grows in large areas below the Garry Oak Trees.


Camas close up, 
the First Nations People used this as a food source.


A lovely rhododendron, one of many here in the park.


Pink, red, white, mauve and yellow dotted throughout the gardens.


Last week I walked in Playfair Park, along The Esplanade at Willows Beach
then I met up with a friend for a walk near her home in South Oak Bay.

I feel like I have accomplished something positive...
these are the most steps that I have recorded since my initial diagnosis.

One other thing that my doctor mentioned was to take extra vitamin D.
He indicated that there is a lot of scientific research to support its use.

I am enjoying lots of salads with fresh lettuce harvested from the Humble Bungalow Garden.
My lunches are focused completely on salad.
I am getting creative by adding nuts, feta and cooked quinoa to the lettuce and veggies.
I use a simple Kraft dressing that is oil based.
One type has Italian pesto and spices and the other one has Greek Feta.
Both are 35 calories per tablespoon and they add a LOT of flavour.

That's about all for now as I need to get up and move.

BTW
Thank you for your many supportive and encouraging emails

I am excited to be taking charge of my Health and continuing to explore new options.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~