Healthy  RVing 

While on the road, and at home, we have found many natural solutions to enhance our health and well being.  Our purpose at Alaska RV Tours is to share this information with you to help you “enjoy the ride”.  Some of the topics we will now cover are “Stretching Away the Stresses of the Road”, “Aromatherapy and Essential Oils a Must In Your First Aid Kit”, “NingXia Red Juice, a Naturally Delicious Powerful Antioxidant Juice Drink” and  “Simple Massage To Relieve Water Retention in the Lower Legs and Feet”

Stretching Away the Stresses of the Road

We have observed many problems with joints and muscles from long term RV driving and sitting.  There are three major stretches you need to do to address these issues. Most everyone is acquainted with several types of stretches.  We have found, over years of RV caravanning, that these address those joints and muscles that have the most challenges from long distance driving.

First is the neck stretch: bend your head forward, letting it hang until the muscles feel relaxed, then slowly rotate it to the left and then the right 4-6 times. Next, raise both hands over your head straight up, reaching for the sky, stretching those neck and back muscles. (This can be done sitting or standing.  If standing bend your knees slightly). Alternate your left and right arms reaching upwards, creating a gentle stretching motion.  Do this 4-6 times. I like to do this combination of neck stretching exercises, every time I get gas or am stopped at a traffic light. 

 To stretch your back, stand up legs spread shoulder distance apart, and bend forward, knees slightly bent, as you attempt to touch your toes.  Gently bounce and sway your body as you feel your muscles begin to relax and let go. Then slowly roll back up to your standing position.  Repeat 2-3 times.

Finally, for the legs, stand up and hold on to the back of a chair. Place the right leg approximately 18 inches behind you, pressing the ball of the right foot on the ground.  Gently lower the heel of the right foot toward the ground, feeling the stretch in the back of the right leg. Do this 4-6 times and then repeat with the left leg.

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils – A Must in Your First Aid Kit

I never leave home without the following three essential oils Peppermint, Purification and RC.   All of these oils are the highest quality, pure therapeutic grade oils by Young Living.  My wife Lindy, is a Clinical Aromatherapist, who has been working with essential oils in her practice for over twenty-five years. Young Living oils are the ONLY oils she uses on family, friends, clients and animals. (For more information you can visit her website: www.Essentials4health.net or give me a call.)

Peppermint – I carry this in my pocket everywhere I go. I use this as a breath fresher, and to relieve any upper respiratory congestion.  Lindy also suggests that I rub some on the back of my neck or scalp as a “quick picker-upper” when I am feeling drowsy.   It has a wonderful tingling sensation and I do feel more alert.

RC- This is a MUST for my medicine box.  I travel constantly and encounter many allergies and musty smells.  A few drops of RC on a tissue, stuffed in my neckline, keep my sinuses open and clear.  If I am challenged with a cold, or such, I rub RC on my chest at bedtime and I have found it to be twice as effective as my old vapor rub.

Purification- During the tours I also keep this oil in my pocket.  I have seen it reduce a bug bite welt to nothing, in less than one minute.  I had a golf ball size, swollen and infected mosquito bite and Purification reduced the swelling and took the itch out almost immediately.  Most of my customers come to me for a drop on their bug bite or a small scratch or scrap and have experienced immediate relief and healing.  This oil, like RC, is a blend of several essential oils that are known for their healing and antiseptic properties.

There are a lot of essential oils available on the market today, however we recommend Young Living essential oils because we trust them and their quality and have been using them with terrific results for several years.  If you would like to purchase the oils I have talked about, you can call me at  1-800-842-7764.  If you would like to go directly to the  Young Living website www.youngliving.com,  or call them directly at 1-800-371-2928, use my member number #457221 to get in and set up your own account.

NingXia Red, a Naturally Delicious Juice Drink with Many Health Benefits

This is a delicious juice drink supplement that Lindy and I take every morning and more frequently when challenged with health issues.  We have found it to have the highest percentage of anti-oxidant over any other nutritional drink supplement on the market and it tastes great.  Some of the benefits we have experienced are more energy and stamina, and a boosted immune system that has resulted in fewer, if any, sick days.

We take 2-4 ounces a day.  If you would like to purchase NingXia Red juice and experience its benefits first hand, it is also available through Young Living.  Use the same contact information above for the Young Living Essential Oils.

Simple Massage to Relieve Water Retention in the Lower Legs and Ankles

As everyone knows, whether you are flying or driving for a long time there is moderate fluid build-up in your lower extremities.  In the past, we were told to sit down and prop our feet up.  Now, we have as new technique for solving this common problem.  Several years ago, I was instructed by a family friend and physician cardiologist, on how to “knead” the fluid from the foot, ankle and lower leg.  You can do this technique by yourself.  However, it is recommended that your spouse or partner assist you.

Sit in a chair with one foot propped up in your partners lap. Have them slowly massage, starting at your toes with a kneading action, pushing and gently pressing the skin in an upward direction toward the knee. This will flush most of the fluid out of your ankle, up your leg and into your torso, where it will be eliminated naturally.  I have seen my feet go from a fat fluid filled swollen ankle and foot, to a skinny bony natural state within 5 minutes of massaging the fluid up the foot, leg and into the torso.  Use a firm sliding and stroking motion from the tip of the toes up past the Knee.  Usually 3-4 times flushes out all the fluid that has settled in your lower legs.

We have been RV caravan wagon masters for years and find these simple stretches, oils and massages to be a benefit as we travel the roads to Alaska, the last frontier.

Testimonials: 

PLEASE NOTE: the information here is for educational use only and is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or substitute for professional medical assistance.  It is provided as information only for your better understanding of holistic health. Consult with the health authorities of your choice. (Put at the end of the article).