Did you know that the Canadian Mental Health Association has information online regarding different mental health issues? As well, your local Canadian Mental Health Association branch can answer any questions you may have and provide services to the public. Workshops and courses are another great way to learn about these issues. The Canadian Mental Health Association along with other organizations in your community offer this service. Research what organizations are around you and call them to find out times, dates and whether courses are available for free at a cost. Visit your local library to take advantage of free resources or head to a bookstore or shop online to purchase.

We have all experienced pain at some point during our life. But there are some people for whom pain is a daily burden that doesn’t seem to go away. For those people, it is important to find a practitioner who has extensive experience in assessing and treating acute and chronic pain conditions. It doesn’t matter if your pain is from joints, muscles, nerves, organs, emotional trauma, or even an unknown origin, there is almost always something that can be done to decrease or remove the pain. Get a thorough assessment that can uncover previously overlooked or misunderstood aspects contributing to your problem.

Total knee replacement is the most definitive treatment for advanced osteoarthritis. This procedure is typically done in a hospital setting, with 3-5 days of hospital stay. In recent years, it has become clear that healthy individuals can be discharged from the hospital on the day of their surgery, to safely and conveniently recover at home. Having surgery done at a medical centre provides a welcome alternative to hospitals. This can help reduce complications associated with hospitalization, and for many patients, the convenience and comfort of being at home with family is much preferred over the rustle and bustle of a busy surgical ward.

State-of-the-art cold laser therapy is a three-step process, each using a different wavelength of light. The first step uses a red light pad, which gets absorbed by the skin cells and underlying superficial layers of muscle. The second step uses an infrared light pad, reaching deeper into the muscle layers, as well as the tendons and ligaments. The third step includes an infrared laser wand that is placed specifically on the affected areas by a trained laser therapist. It’s very concentrated and targets the deepest affected structures, stimulating healing in and around affected ligaments, cartilage, joints, and even bone.

When students who have learning difficulties have access to specialty learning programs outside of school, their brain networks are often strengthened and they become more aware of how their actions affect others. During their time in specialty learning programs, these students experience increased networking in the brain, which helps them better develop areas in the brain that are related to the ability to feel empathy and understand others’ perspectives. Many students with learning difficulties have also experienced bullying in the past, and with their strengthened empathy and understanding, they are able to help others who are going through similar struggles.

What will your retirement look like? Will you say good-bye completely? Will you transition out gradually? Will you try something new? There are many choices and no right answer. The path you choose will be your own. This time of transition from career to more “me” time can bring with it many mixed emotions. The excitement of not having to answer to an alarm clock, the sadness of a loss of identity, or the fear of not having enough to do can be very real. Many activities are calling your name. What path will you take? What story will you write?

Botox® is a neuromodulator that relaxes expressive muscles by blocking the signal between nerve and muscle. When injected by a licensed medical professional, it safely relaxes overactive muscles that cause facial frown lines, worry lines, and crow’s feet. The result is a refreshed and less tired appearance. The improvement lasts three to four months and gradually wears off. Botox® can also be used to treat excessive sweating, chronic migraines, and other conditions caused by excessive neuromuscular activity. Choose an experienced provider by asking friends and family for a recommendation. You’ll be surprised how many of those you know are already benefitting from Botox®!

October tends to be the month of harvest festivals held to celebrate our farms and farmers for the food they provide. October is also the month where we give thanks and reflect on what we’re appreciative of in our lives. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. With all of the turmoil in the world, we have to be thankful that we live in this beautiful country called Canada. I am thankful for all of the wonderful people in my life, and that includes my clients!