In this, my 55th year, I have made the decision to learn how to cook. I'm not aspiring to "Paris Cooking School" talent -- just enough recipes that people don't ask "who's cooking" before accepting a dinner invitation. Last Sunday, I invited my immediate and extended family to join me in learning how to make authentic Tamales.

Before leaving for the HighTideHealth.com offices, I spent the wee hours of Saturday morning watching YouTube videos on the tamale making process. I went into the office and as soon as all the orders were shipped (our customers always come first!), I met my daughter-in-law, Becky, to venture to the Mexican grocery to buy the supplies. Then a trip to Kroger's for the remainder of ingredients. Of course, I didn't feel like I had all the necessary equipment, so another trip to Bed, Bath and Beyond was in order.

Tamale Steaming Pots

By the time I arrived home, put all the groceries away, I noticed my right ankle was hurting. Did I fall off my shoes again? I do it so often, I couldn't remember, but I knew my ankle was sore. However, as my Mother would say, "carry on."

The video said I had to prepare the meat and corn husks the night before. Trying to ignore my ankle pain, I awkwardly trimmed the meat and set out to slow cook it. Bending, stooping, standing, etc., my back, shoulders AND ankle were now hurting!

I was ready to make reservations for a party of eight at Garcia's. But, alas, it was only day one. I prescribed a glass of Riesling, a shower, Sombra Warm Therapy Pain Reliever and bed.



Sunday morning, my first waking thought was of the excitement of our first day of tamale making. The "kids" were coming at 10:00 am to start the tamale production. As usual, my eyes opened and my feet hit the floor -- but what the heck? What's wrong with my ankle? The Sombra had done the trick on my shoulders, but I forgot to put it on my ankle. I knew I couldn't stand on that all day. For 34 years of marriage I've made every excuse for why I couldn't cook. Not today!

What would I tell someone who called HighTideHealth.com asking about a slight sprain of the ankle? I knew the answer immediately: A light compression ankle brace. The one I always recommend to our customers is the FLA 3D Compression Ankle Support .

FLA 3D Ankle Support

I know compression helps bring blood to the injured area which speeds up recovery. Plus, I know it feels great while adding extra support. Lucky for me, I have the keys to the HighTideHealth warehouse filled with thousands of medical supplies. A quick trip to the orthopedic brace section, measured for proper sizing*, and a note to our accounting department that I owe for one brace, and I'm wearing my cool new brace. *Like all compression supports and braces, proper sizing is the key to receiving the full benefits of the compression.



Back to the house in time for my assembly crew to arrive. We all stood for several hours making a mess and some FANTASTIC tamales. I never gave another thought to that ankle; the compression was doing its job. So much so, that while we drank margaritas and the crew experimented with rolling techniques, I felt spunky enough to to make my Mamacita's famous chili rellenos.

Is there anything better than a warm kitchen filled with the laughter of people you love? Thanks to everyone for supporting my year-long commitment of learning how to cook.  By the way, if I get to select my caretaker in my sunset years, I choose Sweet Becky.