In today’s news, educational nonprofit helps thousands of Zambian children stay in school. UK study points to loneliness as public health issue, US scientists confirm effectiveness of radiation protection vests for astronauts, France pledges funds for wildfire recovery plan, US homeowners turn front yard into wildlife haven, Finnish research shows potential for mass producing mycelium leather, and Singaporean marine conservationists release hawksbill turtle hatchlings into ocean.
Today, I have a back care health tip. The “bird-dog” exercise, also known as the “opposite arm and leg raise”, can safely strengthen the muscles in your abdomen, back, pelvis, and hips, that help support and stabilize your spine. Start on your hands and knees, with your hands directly beneath your shoulders and your knees beneath your hips. Keep your head and spine in a neutral position, maintaining a straight line while preserving the spine’s natural curves. Slowly extend your left leg straight behind you while simultaneously reaching out in front of you with your right arm. Keep your shoulders and hips level and try to position that extended arm and leg so that they are parallel to the floor. Hold the position for 2–3 seconds and then go back to the starting position and repeat this with your right leg and left arm. Throughout the exercise, keep pulling your navel in toward your spine to activate the core muscles and protect the spine. Alternating sides completes one repetition. Perform 10 repetitions total. You can make it more challenging by moving the extended arm and leg out on a diagonal and coming back to the middle again before lowering, or by using light ankle and wrist weights.
You have just reached the hilarity hotline, so you’d better hear out the joke of the day, called “Plans Versus Comfort.”
Kolby made a long to-do list for the day, but when his friend stopped by that afternoon, he was still lying on the couch.
“What happened to your productive day?”
“I was ready to get started. Then my couch offered me emotional support.”
?!
