Home Doctor: Practical Medicine for Every Household
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM The muscles, bones, and ligaments form the musculoskeletal system, a complicated structure that gives the body mobility, stability, and elasticity. Each bone in the body is articulated with another, forming frames that guarantee the safety of the internal organs while providing stability and balance. The functions of bones are protection, stability, serving as an anchorage point for muscles and ligaments, and production of blood cells. The muscles and ligaments are responsible for locomotion and strength. Damage to any of these causes a disability in the patient to a lesser or greater degree depending on the injury. Regular exercise, such as walking for 40 minutes at a medium pace or intense exercise for 20–25 minutes, is important for keeping muscles toned and active, joints lubricated, and bones in good shape. Getting enough sun each day helps the body to synthesize vitamin D, which is specific to bone metabolism. I always recommend sunbathing before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. because at these times, the sun’s rays do not hit us directly. In addition, there are foods that improve and maintain the amount of calcium required by the bones and the proteins needed by the muscles and ligaments. Some of these foods are yogurt, milk, cheese, salmon, tuna, green vegetables like broccoli, and nut butter. I particularly like Greek yogurt because it provides more protein. I always mix one cup with some honey and nuts and have a super food. In Venezuela, when you have a joint problem, whether it is pain, a sprain, or a fracture, it is recommended to eat chicken feet soup. Chicken feet have a lot of collagen and, according to popular culture, also have almost miraculous properties for improving skin and hematological levels as well as eliminating discomfort and viruses in general. I know that in other Latin and Asian countries, the feet are prepared fried and in other forms, but in Venezuela, the favorite preparation is a soup made of this curious ingredient. Here is the recipe if you would like to try such a delicious and miraculous delicacy. Venezuelan Chicken Feet Soup Recipe Ingredients: • 250 g chicken feet • 3 carrots • 1 large potato cut into squares • ½ pumpkin • 2 onions
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4 cloves of garlic 1 liter of water 2 sweet peppers ½ teaspoon salt
Preparation: • • • • •
Wash the chicken feet; clean them and remove the nails. Cut the carrots, potato, and pumpkin into small to medium squares. Dice the onion, and crush the garlic. Soak the chicken feet in water for 5 minutes. Bring the water to a boil and add the garlic. Then leave to cook for 5 minutes. 207
