Summer is in full swing! Have you been protecting yourself against sun exposure? When selecting a sunscreen, go for the “broad spectrum” protection. Sunscreens with this label protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against harmful rays. Higher SPF numbers do mean more protection, but the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. Secondly, look at the ingredients. Physical blockers (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) provide the best protection and cause less skin irritation than chemical sunscreens.
In Your Community
At Ocean Chiropractic, Dr. Patrick Johnson and his team specialize in Chiropractic care using the Koren Specific and Torque Release Techniques. Along with Chiropractic care, Ocean Chiropractic is proud to offer a unique approach to custom orthotics and foot rehabilitation to the residents of the Comox Valley. As a chiropractor, Dr. Pat is trained to assess whether orthotics are right for you. “Our mission is to empower our practice members to make healthy and informed decisions and we will work collaboratively with you to develop a treatment plan to restore your health. We also strive to serve, love, heal and transform you beyond your greatest expectations.”
Key Terms to Know About Senior Home Care
If you’re starting to research home care options, you may hear terms and phrases you’ve never heard before. Here are a few common terms and what they mean:
-Aging in place describes the act of staying at home through one’s senior years.
-Home care includes many different types of care such as personal care, housekeeping, respite care, nursing, therapy, and hospital transition assistance.
-Respite care is the introduction of a professional caregiver to provide a family caregiver with a break, or respite, from their caregiving responsibilities.
Yoga is for Everyone
Are concerns about how you look or that you’ll be expected to do advanced poses keeping you from attending a yoga class? Yoga is a great experience for every body size and type, at any age. A few simple stretches of the hands, feet, legs, arms, torso, and neck done regularly can help you regain and maintain flexibility. Seek out experienced and empathetic instructors, who specialize in providing a relaxed and supportive environment where these stretches are complemented with safe, accessible balancing postures. With this support, a path to greater physical comfort and security becomes available and you experience only joy when fear and pain are gone!
New to Acupuncture? What to Expect..
During your first exam, your acupuncturist will spend time getting to know you and your health concerns. You may be asked a wide range of questions about your symptoms, eating, exercise, sleep habits, emotional state and anything that may offer insight into your health.
Your practitioner will also employ diagnostic tools that are unique to acupuncture and TCM such as tongue and pulse diagnosis.
You will receive a comprehensive diagnosis and a treatment plan that will explain your underlying imbalance, your time line of care and what types of treatment you will receive. Possible treatments may include using pins, using lasers, using AcuGraph, cupping, moxibustion, and ointments.
What is “Runner’s Knee”?
“Runner’s knee” is commonly used to describe two types of injuries of the knee, iliotibial band syndrome and patellofemoral pain syndrome. Both fall into the category of overuse or repetitive strain type injuries. They can occur in isolation or in combination, but both have been shown to be related to poor running mechanics and improper training volumes. What’s the solution? First step is a proper diagnosis by your healthcare practitioner. This should be followed by strength and mobility exercises to improve biomechanics, adjustment of training volumes as needed, and possibly gait analysis and footwear adjustments if it is deemed necessary.
Body Temperature Regulation – Not Just Seasonal
By age 70, the body’s thermoregulatory control diminishes. Sweat glands decrease function, less body fat insulates less, circulation decreases, and the brain has a tougher time responding. Older people, therefore, need to be aware of other symptoms when considering health conditions. Hot or cold skin temperature, dehydration, altered mental status, low blood pressure, fast pulse, and rapid breathing rates are all telltale signs of illness or injury. With subtle symptoms, it’s recommended you call or visit your doctor. More pronounced symptoms are cause for calling 911.
The Benefits of Stretching
Stretching can improve your joint range of motion, balance, flexibility and decrease your risk of injury. Here are some tips to help you stretch:
Warm up your muscles before stretching with 10 minutes of gentle exercise like walking. Hold a sustained stretch for 10 to 30 seconds and don’t bounce when stretching. Only stretch to the point of mild discomfort. If it hurts you’re pushing too hard. Breathe normally when stretching and balance your routine by working opposing muscle groups each time you stretch.
Remember to check with a health professional before stretching if you have or have had an injury, or are unsure how to stretch properly.
Wellness in the Workplace
A clean workplace provides employees with a more pleasant environment, one which encourages staff and customers to be respectful and tidy. Some benefits of having your workplace professionally cleaned would be improved attendance, increased productivity, taking pride in the appearance of the workplace; it shows the company cares about employees and their surroundings. Janitorial companies can offer “Green” cleaning for workplaces without using harsh chemicals. First Impressions are Lasting Impressions. Make a good impression daily with a clean work environment.
The Magic of Magnesium
Have you tried Floatation Therapy yet? Did you know that each tub is filled with over 1000 lbs. of Epsom salt? Floating in this solution allows the body to topically absorb this mineral. Magnesium is responsible for over 300 different cellular functions in your body. It’s ability to help balance the parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve system calms your body. It supports your nervous system, regulates nutrients and even eases constipation. This mineral helps relax the smooth muscle in your heart reducing blood pressure, it can also help with insomnia, muscle aches and migraine headaches. Floating is a natural, safe and healthy way, to absorb magnesium topically.
Natural Product Review
Prairie Naturals® Aqua Greens is the perfect Superfood duo! It is an equal-ratio blend of organic chlorella and organic spirulina powders. Rich in natural antioxidant phytonutrients, chlorophyll, carotenes, protein and essential fats. Aqua Greens support the body’s daily detoxifying process while controlling inflammation, cholesterol, blood sugar and appetite. A natural source of Vitamin B12, prebiotic fibre and disease preventing antioxidants. Made without fillers, binders, excipients or carriers. Perfect for adding to smoothies. Aqua Greens are grown sustainably and organically outside. This product contains NO soy, dairy, eggs, gluten, flavours, colours, preservatives, artificial sweeteners or hidden sugars, GMO ingredients. 100% Vegan. Gluten-free.


