The next time you get a Charlie horse – don’t ignore it.

Charlie horse!

Those intense painful cramps don’t just happen for no reason. According to Jamison Starbuck, contributing editor to “The Alternative Advisor,” says we shouldn’t just be walking those off – we should be paying attention. Cramps and muscle spasms is our body trying to tell us something. She says they’re usually caused by one of three things: dehydration, muscle overuse or mineral deficiency. The next time one of your body parts cramps up – here’s how you can take some action to treat it:

• Up your fluid intake. If you’re not getting enough, your risk for muscle cramps goes way up. Plain water is the most effective treatment.

• Stretch. To avoid overusing our muscles, we really need to stretch before and after working them – and once more before going to bed.

• Check your minerals. If you’re low in magnesium, potassium and sodium – you’re much more likely to get cramps or muscle spasms. It’s best to get them naturally through your diet – but if the spasms continue, check with your doctor about supplements.