Community News
Mediterranean Diet for Health

Over the last 60 years, the Mediterranean Diet (a traditional dietary pattern) has become one of the most-studied diets in the world. Research shows time and time again the benefits in preventing heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other chronic health conditions such as Alzheimer’s and depression. It’s focus is on eating whole foods, limiting processed foods, incorporating more plant based proteins, vegetables and fruit, along with eating less meat, more fish and seafood. Drizzling with olive oil and using nuts/seeds and avocados are the predominant source of oils, while limiting saturated fat. A simple yet healthy way of eating for a long and healthy life.

Seniors and Stress

Chronic stress is harmful to people of all ages, but its impact on older adults can be particularly severe, increasing the risk of age-related diseases, hastening cognitive decline, and even triggering falls. Stressors that are common amongst the elderly include loss of control, personal loss, declining health, financial worries, personal safety, and loss of independence. To reduce stress, get regular exercise, eat balanced meals to ensure the mind and body are properly fueled, and ask for help. Talking with a trusted family member, friend, or healthcare professional, at the very least, releases pent-up stress and may even lead to a solution.

Are dental implants a risky treatment?

Implant therapy is not an experimental approach; rather it is a well-proven, state-of-the-art medical dental technique that has been scientifically tested and used for decades by surgeons worldwide. Depending on the condition of each patient, potential risk factors may vary. Bad oral hygiene or limited healing of the wound due to pre-existing medical conditions (for example diabetes and osteoporosis medications i.e. Bisphosphonates) may reduce the odds of the implant remaining in place. Since every surgical procedure carries potential risks, your surgeon will evaluate whether dental implants are the option for you.

Avoid the Winter Blues

The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines suggest adults should perform at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, as well as two sessions of muscle and bone strengthening activities, to achieve physical AND mental health benefits. With winter coming, and the challenges of leaving home, this can seem daunting! Your physiotherapist can tailor an exercise program designed specifically for you to do inside with minimal space (to help avoid the cold weather!), and with equipment everyone has around their home. At 30 minutes per day, the benefits of exercise are countless, while the side effects are minimal.

Knee Replacements Outside of Hospitals

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.

Setting Healthy Boundaries at Work

Occupational burnout has been defined as a recognizable syndrome by the World Health Organization. Burnout results in physical and mental fatigue, poor productivity and overall health. Employers and employees need to set healthy boundaries to create healthy, high performing workplaces. Here are some great ways to prevent burnout: Nourish a safe culture making it ok to admit if the workload is too high. Compromise and negotiate workload. Delegate. Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. Create a ‘not-to-do’ list. Take breaks. Practice mindfulness. Practice saying no. Offer flexibility or telecommuting options Find more workplace wellness tips at WellnessWorksCanada.ca.

Want to be Financially Independent?

Here are some tips to help you become financially independent: 1) Spend less than you earn. 2) Have a plan and stick to it. 3) Buy a house and pay off the mortgage as soon as you can. 4) Get rid of any credit card or consumer loan debt. 5) Set up pre-authorized transfers to move 10% of your monthly income into savings. 6) Work with an advisor to choose an investment plan that works for your goals. 7) Don’t put all of your money into one investment option. 8) Save and invest any extra income (bonuses, etc.).

Let Kids Play

There are more and more references to the term ‘Free Play’ on social media, in newspapers and magazines. Play is important and is the work our children and youth need to do. In our structured and scheduled world, the need of free play for children is increasingly important. Free play is play that is unstructured, organized without adult involvement, and electronics-free, which gives children and youth the opportunity to develop their creativity, imagination and confidence. In addition to these benefits, young people will develop their motor, social, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Our young people need this opportunity to develop!

Time for Hand Rejuvenation?

Do your hands look older than you feel? Sunspots, crepey skin, unsightly veins and tendons can all make your hands look ancient. A combination of lasers and injectable dermal fillers can rejuvenate your hands by quickly restoring them to a more youthful appearance. Lasers erase sun damage to return a smooth and even appearance to hands. Dermal fillers give back the tissue volume that hands lose over time, allowing them to have a full and elegant profile. Don’t hide your hands any longer; consider seeking hand rejuvenation treatment to take years off the appearance of your hands. Great skin at any age – Let us show you how!

What is Vital Longevity?

Vital longevity is a strategy to extend lifespan while preserving function, or healthspan. As a result, patients find themselves enjoying more “good” years and delaying age-related frailty so they can continue to be active and engaged. Lifestyle medicine plays a key role in vital longevity by using evidence gathered from studying centenarians (people who live to be over 100) and applying the findings to everyday behaviours. Vital longevity also takes into account individual risk factors and supports patients in adopting proven strategies to live a healthy lifestyle now, so they can avoid many age-related diseases in the future.

The Truth About Stem Cells

Stem cells are a hot topic in regenerative medicine. In fact, Health Canada has put a halt on stem cell procedures and now requires providers to submit a Clinical Trial Application and obtain formal approval. Despite this, some clinics are still advertising the use of stem cells sourced from amniotic fluid, placenta, Wharton’s Jelly and umbilical cords. The truth is that these products are heavily processed and contain no living stem cells. It is “ BUYER BEWARE”! To be sure you are asking the right questions and for updates on our clinical trial application please visit www.pagdinhealth.com