Community News
The Foot and Back Connection

It has been stated that lower back pain will occur in 80% of the population, sooner or later. An increase or a loss of the normal lumbar curve causes a loss of normal vertebral function and pain. This phenomenon is generally linked to a loss of normal foot function. Simply put, what your feet are doing, your lower back and pelvis will repeat. Collapse of the arches and ankle pronation causes lumbar spinal misalignment, leading to altered spinal curves and disc degeneration. This is addressed by the use of corrective orthotics to give the body a proper foundation, and with chiropractic care, to restore normal function.

Many Forms of Elder Abuse

The definition of elder abuse encompasses many different forms of behaviour, including:
• Psychological abuse in the form of threats, insults, or humiliation.
• Financial abuse, in which a trusted individual steals or misuses an elderly person’s money, forges their signature, or pressures them to make or change legal documents.
• Physical abuse such as hitting, pushing, or restraining an elderly person.
• Sexual abuse, including sexual harassment and non-consensual sexual activity.
• Neglect of an elderly person who requires care.
Speak to your loved ones about elder abuse and learn more about the resources available to help victims in your community.

Know Your Food Labels

We can all relate to having a hectic schedule, and sometimes (or often) making food choices based on options that are quick and easy to prepare. However, in many cases, these convenient foods are packed full of unhealthy additives, GMOs and chemicals. To make shopping even more confusing, sometimes foods labeled as “organic” are not the healthiest option, as they can be full of excess sugar, fat or fillers. Fortunately, with a little extra mindfulness, learning to look at labels can pay off big rewards for healthier eating. Here are some tips: 1. Fill up on fibre, not fillers. 2. Opt for good fats whenever possible. 3. Don’t choose foods with long ingredient labels.

Aloe As Nature Intended

Aloe has been celebrated for thousands of years for its natural soothing, cooling, and moisturizing properties. Here are just a few reasons you will love using aloe:
1. Healthy digestion
2. Rapid soothing
3. Immune support and function
4. Dental health and hygiene
5. Collagen and elastin support
Use aloe vera drinks, skin care, and nutritional products to bring the remarkable properties of aloe to your entire body and help you look great.

Finding Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the new buzzword, and for good reason. Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhist meditation and it has been adapted and incorporated into our mainstream world. Mindfulness defined is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally. Simple concept, complicated practice and amazing benefits. In mental health, we have been talking about insight and awareness for decades; mindfulness now gives us the steps to achieve those things. It’s a new way of knowing and living. Whether an individual is happy, anxious, sad, fearful, joyful, or overwhelmed, mindfulness creates a platform for deeper understanding, acceptance, and choices.

Need a Fast Recharge?

The thymus gland is a specialized organ of the human immune system. It is also one of the most important glands in the human body. Unfortunately, it starts to shrink and become less active after puberty. This can result in a weaker immune system, opening doors for infections and allergies, and contributing to fatigue. One way to activate the thymus, strengthen the immune system, and gain more energy is to tap the area where your thymus is located, which is the upper chest, directly behind your sternum and between your lungs. Continue tapping (light touch), until the area is a bit tender. Don’t forget to breathe!

Caregiver Burnout is Real!

The never-ending tasks that are involved in caring for a loved one can play havoc on the caregiver’s personal life, as well as their health. Many caregivers will die before the person with dementia that they are caring for does. It is vital that caregivers take care of their own health by attending their own doctor appointments, eating well, exercising, and spending quality time doing things that bring them joy. Caregivers should also reach out to other family members and professionals with experience caring for a person living with dementia for support, guidance, and help caring for their loved one.

Pilates—How it Works

These exercises are usually done in a specific order at various levels of difficulty. The moves may look simple but take a lot of precision and control. You can do Pilates on a mat in class, at home, or individually with an instructor. Areas that Pilates targets are core areas and legs with focus on stabilizing and strengthening your abdominals and back. It generates flexibility and strength using your own body weight but it is not a cardio workout.

N.E.A.T. Ways of Being Healthy

While you may be enjoying the summer weather by exercising outside (running, cycling, or playing sports), it is also important to consider a concept called N.E.A.T. (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis). N.E.A.T. focuses on any physical activity that does not necessarily have to be planned exercise. This may include gardening or mowing the lawn, going out for an evening stroll, or playing outdoors with your kids or grandchildren. Ultimately, the main goal is to be active and to continue moving, which will burn extra calories, and in turn, contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Avoiding Heat Injury and Dehydration

Heat injury can happen with strenuous exercise and excessive sweating, ranging from heat cramps to heat stroke. Dehydration occurs when an individual does not take in enough water, resulting in signs such as dry mouth, dizziness, weakness, headaches, and less/darker urine. A great hydration guideline for exercise: 500ml of water 30 minutes to 2 hours before exercise, 250ml every 15 minutes during exercise, and 500ml after exercise for every pound lost in body weight. Remember to add an electrolyte/carbohydrate concentration of 6-8% during exercise and 10-12% after exercise. Adding 1/2 – 1 tsp of salt to your water is one way to replace electrolytes.

Product Review: Silver Lining

Why do we need Silver Lining™ Pre & Probiotics + Digestive Enzymes? In today’s fast-paced society, most diets are unbalanced. Adding Silver Lining™ Pre & Probiotics + Digestive Enzymes to your daily routine will help properly digest your food, and break down and eliminate waste, while at the same time build up the healthy microorganisms needed to maintain, fortify and protect your overall health and wellbeing. Regardless of your age, weight, or health condition, Silver Lining™ Pre & Probiotics + Digestive Enzymes gives your digestive tract the support it needs to keep you healthy.