My father used to wash up the pots and pans, plates (dishes), and cutlery everyday all through my upbringing at home with my family. Coming from a large family meant a lot of washing up!
The thought of washing up for some people causes grief (unhappiness) which encourages take away (ordering out) as part of the usual routine. In fact, many of my professional students say it makes life easier. However, in their cases, not having to wash up is often the incentive. Washing up takes time, women with long fingernails do whatever it takes to avoid it, and those who are able don’t like it.
While washing up with your hands remains crucial, as it is a necessary evil (undesirable but must be done), and can deplete natural oils from the skin. This may cause an itchy, flaky skin condition known as hand eczema or hand dermatitis which in the old days was known as “dishpan hands.” When the weather is colder, the hot running water together with washing up liquid makes the condition worse.
More common in Europe is the use of hand creams to keep hands hydrated, so as to reduce irritation. Wintertime’s lower temperatures usually causes a depletion of natural oils and dryness of the skin which can become unbearably (intolerably) painful. I’m talking from personal experience, as washing up is part of my obligation when I’m over at my mum’s place. She suffers from arthritis!
Washing up is another reason to work out to stay healthy. Examples of joint-friendly activities include walking, biking and swimming. Being physically active can also delay the onset of arthritis-related disability and help people with arthritis manage other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Exercise and diet play a major role in aging, so if you aren’t already then getting on a fitness program ASAP will help!
All the best!
Prof. Carl Boniface
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