Community Update (1/15/2023)

Wellness

COVID Booster shots and Flu Vaccine for Adults

Now is the time to get your COVID booster shot and flu vaccine. Opportunities to get COVID-19 vaccines and boosters and your flu shot are available in and around Arlington through pharmacies and other medical providers—visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you.

Pickleball?  What IS that anyway??

After hearing people (especially retirees) talk about Pickleball so much, I was curious to find out if it was suitable for older people, especially those with “replaced knees” such as myself.

Then I met a new ANV member who said she played Pickleball every morning (and she was, though seemingly fit, several years older than I). So, I asked a Pickling friend about it, and she offered me a lesson. We went to an outdoor court (tennis courts have now been marked up for alternate play of Pickleball), and she gave me some basics. She also highly recommended that I take the beginner Pickleball course of lessons, offered through Arlington County Parks and Recreation.

So, in early December I had my first (indoor) lesson. There were 10 of us newbies, and a very clear, helpful, and fun teacher, Alaric. He said he had been playing for only 6 years, but played very often. He explained the tools (a paddle, like a ping-pong paddle; a whiffle ball, hollow with holes that would not travel as hard or fast as a tennis ball; the court, ½ size of tennis court and usually you play doubles, (so less running around). He showed us that one must serve underhand, (so I thought less stress on the shoulder), and players are very cordial and considerate of each other. He stressed having the correct “court” shoes to avoid injury and taught how to be prepared for each ball and how to move to avoid injury (as well as hit the ball!)

The Washington Post of Nov. 15, 2022 published an article on “tips for avoiding slips, trips and injuries in pickleball,” which is a helpful reminder that all physical activity and sports present the possibility of injury, especially if done incorrectly. They say that pickleball is a “safe, all-ages sport” but that you need to warm up, build up gradually to longer play, and use the right equipment. Apparently over 50% of players are over 55.  For older players, they said that muscle sprains and strains from on-court slips and falls are common hazards. However, if one plays aggressively, bumps and bruises, sprained ankles, wrist fractures and tendonitis can be part of the game. So I repeat, you need to wear “court” shoes, not tennis shoes or sneakers; these court shoes help with the side to side movements (thus avoid knee, ankle injuries). And wearing a visor or hat plus sunscreen is very important. I also wear a knee brace, for support and protection of my 15 year old bionic knee!

Pickleball is a very social game, and many friends are made on the court. There is much laughter and joking and most people take silly errors with a grain of salt. I know this for a fact; I went to Walter Reed to sign up for drop-in games, and experienced players were very patient and helpful to me.

But, Pickleball is not for everyone, so if you have major joint difficulties, or problems falling or tripping, this is not for you. Other exercise such as tai chi or yoga would be more suitable and a healthy alternative. However, now you know about Pickleball, and since 4.8 million Americans are now playing it, it is bound to come up in some conversation soon!