Blood tests in the winter are always a challenge.
Cold temperatures do wonders on the hands to make them not want to bleed when poked by a lancet.
This seasonal hindrance happens often during this time of year. And it's annoying. Because, really... If I need to stab my fingers, I'd like to only do it ONCE. Not multiple times. With each one creating a stinging sensation thanks to the cold.
We need Ninja Fingers to survive this D-Life, but even our finger-piercing endurance isn't enough to conquer the cold temperatures.
What works, when the hands are freezing cold? Here's a few tricks of the trade I've embraced through the years.
Gloves help. No, not the cool mitten-style finger-flap ones Kim discovered. Rather, my own black leather ones that match my leather jacket or work dress coat. Not the greatest, but they help a bit.
The warmth radiated by a hot cup of coffee. Kerri would appreciate this, I'm sure. Of course, it only works without the gloves on.
Fists. Clenching. Like all angry-like. Pretend you're a boxer, like Rocky.
Rub the hands together, like you're trying to start a fire.
Rub them on the back of my leg. Or sit on them.
Run them under hot water. Just be careful not to hold them immediately under boiling hot H20 without a little prep, because that doesn't feel good.
And, when jumping into the vehicle after being outside in the cold, boosting the heat and using that to defrost the fingertips before doing a blood test. Which is a necessity before hitting the road.
Those are the most helpful tricks I've found.
But even with those little tricks, which occasionally do work, sometimes you just can't prevent the repeated, stinging finger stabs.
I'd rather not experience the Cold Fingers in the first place. But, I guess there isn't much that can be done. It's not like I can be like a hermit and stay indoors all winter... No, that wouldn't work. Sadly.
Is it spring yet? My ninja-fingers can't wait.
Cold temperatures do wonders on the hands to make them not want to bleed when poked by a lancet.
This seasonal hindrance happens often during this time of year. And it's annoying. Because, really... If I need to stab my fingers, I'd like to only do it ONCE. Not multiple times. With each one creating a stinging sensation thanks to the cold.
We need Ninja Fingers to survive this D-Life, but even our finger-piercing endurance isn't enough to conquer the cold temperatures.
What works, when the hands are freezing cold? Here's a few tricks of the trade I've embraced through the years.
Gloves help. No, not the cool mitten-style finger-flap ones Kim discovered. Rather, my own black leather ones that match my leather jacket or work dress coat. Not the greatest, but they help a bit.
The warmth radiated by a hot cup of coffee. Kerri would appreciate this, I'm sure. Of course, it only works without the gloves on.
Fists. Clenching. Like all angry-like. Pretend you're a boxer, like Rocky.
Rub the hands together, like you're trying to start a fire.
Rub them on the back of my leg. Or sit on them.
Run them under hot water. Just be careful not to hold them immediately under boiling hot H20 without a little prep, because that doesn't feel good.
And, when jumping into the vehicle after being outside in the cold, boosting the heat and using that to defrost the fingertips before doing a blood test. Which is a necessity before hitting the road.
Those are the most helpful tricks I've found.
But even with those little tricks, which occasionally do work, sometimes you just can't prevent the repeated, stinging finger stabs.
I'd rather not experience the Cold Fingers in the first place. But, I guess there isn't much that can be done. It's not like I can be like a hermit and stay indoors all winter... No, that wouldn't work. Sadly.
Is it spring yet? My ninja-fingers can't wait.
Comments
Have you ever had a bloody injury (scraped knee or cut yourself while cooking or something) and thought, "DANG! All that wasted blood!"
I've contemplated testing from an injury before. :)