Morton’s neuroma is thickening of the tissue around the nerve between the bases of the toes (usually between the third and fourth toes). Foot pain, odd sensations, or numbness over the ball of the foot are the usual symptoms. It is more common in women and can be a result of wearing high heels or tight shoes. Morton’s neuroma will not disappear on its own. The symptoms can be managed, depending on what type of shoes you wear, how much time you spend on your feet, and whether you wear a cushioning insole, such as those from VoxxLife.
Community News
70 is The New 50
Working into retirement, postponing having kids, living longer – the lifecycle of Canadians is changing. New research suggests that old age now starts at 74, with middle age lasting at least nine years longer than current estimates. What we think of as old has changed over time and it will need to continue changing in the future as people live longer, healthier lives. In terms of health, longevity, and view of life, “baby boomers” in their sixties and seventies will be more like their parents and grandparents were at 50. For many people, 70 is the new 50 and signifies the quiet revolution that has taken place in longevity.
Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth
Pets need to be slowly introduced to the process of brushing their teeth, just like you’d introduce hygiene to your child, which can be challenging as well. Try getting your pet to lick toothpaste off of your finger. As they become comfortable with that, rub the paste on their gums. Again, when your pet accepts this, start introducing a toothbrush. As with any training process, it’s important to reward your pet for good behaviour. Some pets enjoy affection or rewards and praise, and other pets want the food reward. Being proactive about dental health can help save your pet from unnecessary pain and more serious complications.
Tinnitus
Described as ear or head noises, tinnitus can take the form of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or similar sounds, and it can be constant or intermittent. In some cases, tinnitus can result from medical conditions such as wax buildup or ear infection, which can be treated, often resulting in total relief of symptoms. In many cases, tinnitus is the first sign of hearing loss. The first step in managing any type of tinnitus is to undergo a complete hearing assessment by a hearing professional. If hearing loss is found and medical intervention is not the answer, your hearing health professional will go over additional treatment solutions with you, such as tinnitus maskers or hearing aids.
Rethink Your Drink
Just because it isn’t soda doesn’t mean it’s not packed full of sugar! These drinks aren’t as healthy as they seem: 1. Fruit Juice – If you’re trying to cut your sugar intake, try adding pieces of fruit into your water for a subtle flavour instead of drinking fruit juice. 2. Energy Drinks – An 8-ounce serving can run you more than 25 grams of sugar. If you need a boost, stick to coffee with a natural sweetener. 3. Tonic Water – Twelve ounces of tonic water adds a whopping 32 grams of sugar to your glass (that’s eight teaspoons). Try soda water instead!
Community Profile: Kelburn Estates
Kelburn Estates Mental Health & Addictions Recovery Centre is a private residential wellness centre on 45 beautiful acres along the red river, here in Manitoba. We pride ourselves in providing confidential and multi-disciplinary expertise for our guests to reclaim, develop, and sustain a meaningful life. A life free from the destructive mental health disease and related substance abuse. Our mission is to create and maintain a lasting relationship with our guests, families, and community service providers. At Kelburn Estates, we will walk with you on your journey to recovery.
Surgery for ACL Injuries
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is commonly seen in sports such as soccer, rugby, and skiing. Although many individuals initially recover well, the ongoing instability often prevents return to sports and leads to further knee injury, and the risk of developing future osteoarthritis becomes increased. Bracing is rarely sufficient. Surgical reconstruction performed early, within 3-6 weeks, helps to minimize the risk of further injury. ACL surgery should be treated as an urgent matter: assessment, diagnosis, and surgery can usually be completed within a few weeks. The athlete, elite, or weekend-warrior can then start early rehabilitation to maximize the benefits of the knee reconstruction.
Practice What You Preach
This is exactly what we do at The Counselling Group. In our cooperative practice, we support one another to be healthy so that you, the client, receive the benefits. “Every good therapist should have a good therapist, or you have no business being a therapist!” is our motto. We all go through transitions and losses — family issues, car accidents, deaths of loved ones, job changes, house moves, growing children — the list goes on. These changes are worthy of examination, for you and for us.
Non-Verbal Learning Difficulties
When students with non-verbal learning difficulties move into their teenage years, social dynamics amongst their peers can sometimes become more challenging. It can be harder for these students to be able to read body language, understand the relationships between others, and pick up on subtleties in the language other students use, and this often leads to frustration. Getting to the root of a student’s non-verbal learning difficulties and creating a plan to help grow their brain’s capacity to understand the world around them can help close the gap between the student and their peers, and ultimately reduce anxiety and frustration.
Dealing with Ankle Sprains
Q: I sprained my ankle. Now what?
A: Ankle sprains result in pain and swelling due to stretching or tearing of some of the ligaments surrounding the ankle. As these tears heal, they form scar tissue, which sticks to normal tissue and causes inflammation and continued pain. To treat a sprained ankle, follow the R.I.C.E. protocol (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) and avoid weight-bearing activities. Then see your family doctor or podiatrist. To help prevent sprains in the future, avoid rocky or uneven terrains, wear a firmer or more supportive shoe for better stability, and do ankle-strengthening exercises often.
Worried About Diabetes?
Q: I take daily medication for my diabetes. However, the medication does not decrease my blood sugar levels. Can acupuncture treat this? A: Yes, acupuncture can supplement diabetes medication. In Chinese medical views, diabetes is a result of a weakened digestive system. Upon proper diagnosis, practitioners can use acupuncture to balance out the meridians, and the blood sugar levels will naturally drop, sometimes from one treatment alone. Acupuncturists use thin, short needles of ~1.3 cm that are painless, yet effective. Regular follow-up appointments can result in a better maintained morning fasting blood glucose.
