It’s not surprising that many of us don’t think too much about periodontal disease in our pets…at least not until something starts to look…or smell…bad! Often, there are no obvious signs, but just as with humans, our pets’ overall well-being is very dependent on the state of their teeth and gums. Infections, gingivitis, and broken teeth all can have very adverse effects on their systemic health, as well as being just as painful to them as it is for us. Your veterinarian can help with tutorials on dental home care and prevention. Treatment may include diet, oral rinses, brushing, and of course, professional cleaning done by your veterinary team.
Community News
Community Event
Thurs., Nov. 23, 7-9 p.m. Night on the Rocks! New Japanese ganban-yoku thermal spa is hosting a wellness night (1.5 hours). Ganban-yoku session includes 15 min. scalp and facial massage on a therapeutic rock bed. (204) 488-1314, 3-840 Waverley St., PoccaPocaSpa.com
Treatment-Based Massage Therapy
Although massage therapy is an art form and each massage therapist has a different style, the intent of treating someone with a specific pain should be to find its source.
When you see a therapist for a specific pain, you shouldn’t expect a massage for the entire appointment. The therapist should start with tests to rule out conditions that might be more serious or need to be referred to someone else. Then there should be some assessments to determine where the pain is coming from: misaligned joints, reduced range of motions, fatigued muscles, or referred pain. After that, the best part, massage!
Finally, the therapist should discuss with you how often you should be back, based on your individual needs. Crossroads Rehabilitative Massage, CRMassageBrandon.ca
Orthopaedic Manual Therapy
Orthopaedic manual therapy is a branch of physiotherapy or physical therapy that is used in the management of nerves, muscles, and bones of the body (i.e., neuro-musculoskeletal conditions). It uses specific treatment approaches such as manual or manipulative techniques and therapeutic exercises. Scientific and clinical evidence and detailed physical examination of patients are used to arrive at a diagnosis and to develop a management plan to restore and improve the movement and function of these individuals. Orthopaedic manual therapists, in addition to their physiotherapy/physical therapy degree, also have extensive post-graduate education and training in this specific area.
Paula Moreira, B.Sc., BMR.PT., MCISc., FCAMPT, Physio 4 U, Physio4U.net
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Injuries to the rotator cuff (muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder) are often related to overuse, especially in activities that take place above head height. Occasionally, these can be related to specific trauma. Injuries can be as simple as a strain to the muscle(s) and tendon(s), while in more extreme injuries, the tendon(s) may become partially or completely torn. The prevalence of rotator cuff disease increases with age, with four percent occurring in individuals 40 years of age and older. Fifty-four percent of rotator cuff injuries affecting those 60 years and older are usually more severe, resulting in partial or complete tendon tears. Symptoms of a rotator cuff strain or tear may include pain and swelling in the front or side of the shoulder, pain when raising or lowering the arm, pain when reaching back (putting on a jacket). Treatment involves avoiding activities that cause pain, and gentle stretching exercises as prescribed by your physiotherapist. Doug Treloar (BMR, PT, Acupuncture Certified) PhysioFirstClinic.ca
Improve Digestion with Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a trendy little superfood that can do amazing things for your digestion. They have a special type of soluble fibre called mucilage and act as a prebiotic to feed the good bacteria in your gut, as well as improve your digestive transit time (how often you go). Introduce fibre into your diet slowly to avoid any adverse reactions.
Chia Seed Pudding Recipe:
• 2 cups kefir
• 1/8 cup + 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
• 1/2 Tbsp. vanilla extract
• Combine and let set over night.
Ally Potrebka, RHN, RYT, Health and Happiness, HealthAndHappiness.ca
New to Yoga?
The first step is to determine your heath goals through a yoga consultation, and then decide if therapeutic yoga is right for you.
Since the practice of therapeutic yoga is modified to suit the individual, the person does not need to meet any requirements of fitness, age, or health to start practicing.
Common benefits experienced by many students include improvement in quality of sleep, elimination of pain, and reduction in stress. As teachers, we are instructing our students on how to support the functioning of their parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn supports healing.
Wendy Anderson, RYT-200, Yoga 10 Studio, Yoga10Studio.com, CourtenayMassageTherapy.com
Invite Nature Spirits into Your Life
Nature spirits ensure your plants and trees are healthy and robust. To attract elementals, stop using chemicals, plant flowers, create a safe space for them to dwell, and communicate with them. Sit quietly, turn off your left brain analyzer, bring your consciousness in, and ask a plant what they would like you to do for them. A plant or elemental will answer you. Do this short meditation daily, and eventually you will receive their messages and be able to see them. The elemental kingdom is here to protect the earth, work with us, and give us benefits too numerous to detail here. Gord Weber, Spirit Gardens, SpiritGardens.ca
Knee Pain Spoiling Your Fun?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and a major cause of joint pain and disability. OA is a degenerative disease affecting the cartilage and bone surfaces of a joint. With age, injury, or just wear-and-tear, joint cartilage will become thinner, allowing more pressure between bones. This causes pain, which could stop you from doing the things you enjoy most. In the early stages of OA pain, a knee brace has been found to be very successful in pain management and improved mobility. Having your bracing needs assessed and fit by a certified orthotist will ensure your best chance of success. B.D. Mitchell Posthetics & Orthotics, MitchellPAndO.com
The Cancer Journey
When patients with cancer are treated in an integrative approach with Chinese and conventional medicine, several factors are taken in account such as the patient’s conditional environment and lifestyle factors that played a role in the evolution of the cancer. The treatment interventions from the conventional medicine view are generally cytotoxic and carry predictable side effects, depending on the specific intervention. There are several treatment principles that Chinese medicine uses to interact with conventional medicine cancer treatments: Fu zheng Qu xie, to strengthen the constitution, improve the immune system, and eliminate pathogenic factors to allow the body to heal from within; Huo xue Qu Yu, which refers to the activation of blood circulation, which may prevents metastasis; Qing Re Jie Du, to describe the clearing of heat, and toxins; and Ruan Jian san Jie, which refers to the softening and dissolving of cancer masses. Dr. Ross Ralph, Dr. TCM, R.Ac., DOMP., Courtenay Healing Centre, CourtenayHealing.ca
Achieving Long-Term Weight Loss
The road to successfully losing weight is not an easy one. There are many challenges and choices that await the individual who wishes to embark on such a journey. Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method focuses on education, improving health, and lifestyle change. The key component that Ideal Protein provides to clients is personal weight loss coaching, along with education. Providing clients with one-to-one support and encouragement helps the individual implement lifelong changes that enhance well-being during their weight loss journey.
Losing weight is not just about dieting and looking good, it’s about making permanent lifestyle changes that result in healthy and long-lasting results. Alma Naranjo, SuccessWeightLoss.ca
