Every year we thing about our families, friends and loved ones with the spirit of giving and of holiday cheer, and of course there are people that are very easy to shop for (they wear their interests and likes on their sleeves) and there are others who are particularly difficult to choose gifts for. In some of these cases, many in fact, even too many of us fight such long term battles with chronic pain that other considerations seem secondary, interests and hobbies fade into the background or they are no longer able to participate. You wouldn’t buy a new set of golf clubs for someone with debilitating sciatica would you? Or a bowling ball for someone suffering advanced carpal tunnel? No. But there are a few things that you can give that absolutely have long-term beneficial impact on the lives of your loved ones and may even enable them to sink that birdie or bowl that strike.
First, did you imagine that a referral to a pain center could be a gift? It doesn’t even cost you anything. All you have to do is Find your nearest Summa Pain Care location in Peoria, Phoenix or North Scottsdale today and don’t put this off any longer. Unaddressed chronic or severely acute back, neck and joint pain generally don’t improve. Give them the information for our Phoenix location at 623.580.4357 , they can reach Peoria at 623.776.8686 or contact us in North Scottsdale at 480.786.1771. At any one of our locations our specialists can help them reduce or even possibly eliminate their pain, and that’s truly the greatest gift that someone can receive.
Second, how about a gym membership? Contact your local gym, in most cases you can purchase a gift certificate or even purchase the gym membership for them in full. If you’re not a member there, buy one for yourself as well so that you can work out together! Nothing says “I care about you and want you around for a few more years.” Like “Hey, let’s start working out, and this year is on me.” Workouts have varying degrees and intensities there are classes for all ages and levels of mobility, even hitting the swimming pool or the spa a few times a month can be LIFE CHANGING.
Third, Orthopedic manufacturer BrownMed made the amazingly thoughtful recommendation that for your relatives who battle chronic pain, a little help with the housework can be an incredibly thoughtful gift to help them reduce their pain and enjoy and overall greater quality of life. They wrote, “Regular exercise is beneficial, but too much physical activity or movement can be debilitating for someone living with arthritis. To ease the pain and show your appreciation, consider giving the person on your list a gift certificate for a cleaning service, as suggested by Healthline. This gives him or her the opportunity to sit back and relax while someone else takes care of the household chores.”
Fourth, Dinner is served. For most people who live with chronic or even acute pain, especially in the back, neck, hands and arms, cooking is an absolute case study in misery. The delicate hand motions, the standing upright for extended periods can just get to be too much. So how do they cope? The eat easily prepared, nutritionally poor options or fast food and takeout constantly. It’s expensive and its terrible for their long-term health and wellness. In 2021, dozens of extremely healthy solutions are available, subscriptions services that send either fully prepared or easily prepared delicious and healthy meals directly to their home. This is an easy, deeply touching and economic way that you can reduce someone’s chronic pain and increase their quality of life in one fell-swoop.
- As The Feel Good Lab wrote, “The simple act of preparing (or purchasing) a clean, healthy, tasty meal and bringing it over for dinner can literally make someone’s day. Thousands of restaurants have realized the importance of offering diners better food and now offer “clean eating” options. Check out this list of eateries — it’s just the beginning.”.
Most importantly, think outside of the box… literally. Sometimes the best gifts are experiential not physical. Instead of the golf clubs, help them swing again, rather than a bowling ball, get them out to socialize with friends again. Help them get in shape and show them how much they mean to you by taking the journey with them, but make it a journey away from the pain and back to living life. That’s a trip that Summa Pain Care would love to be a part of. Give us a call today.
Comments are closed.