SELF CARE: What to do when you are in pain

Pain is your body telling you it needs attention.

If your pain is concerning, always contact your physician for advice.

Achy muscular pain and tight tissues can be helped by following the steps below:

• Breathe! Getting still and inhaling through the nose to the count of 6, holding for the count of 2, releasing through your mouth to the count of 8. Hold again for the count of 2. Repeat and Repeat.

Don't try to "whistle" your breath out, relax your open mouth and let the air be pushed out by contracting your abdomen.

Set aside just five minutes several times a day and you will feel your tension and pain lessen.

• Hot baths with Epsom salts are wonderful.

Hot showers help, but Epsom salts can pull the tension causing chemicals from your tissues. It is best to do this right before bed.

• Topical pain relievers often help. Check with your physician or pharmacist for any possible drug interactions.

• Stretching. You don't have to do a 60 minute pretzel yoga session.

Commit 10-15 minutes to moving and stretching every major joint.

Be gentle. You want to find the tight tissues and gently encourage them to stretch and release.

Pushing to the point of pain will cause them to tighten further.

Again, work with your breath. When you find a tight spot, go into a stretch slowly and only until you have a good stretch - not to pain.

Inhale and let off the stretch. Exhale and go back into it.

All movements should be slow and controlled. Repeat several times.