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.
Community News
A Day of Self-Nurturing and Healing
Dedicating a day for the pursuit of wellness once a month relaxes, renews and allows you to get off the “treadmill of life “and replenish. Having time to unwind, listen, reflect, nurture and reclaim your inner flow and balance is essential in a world where demands never stop. Recalibrating your nervous system and inner compass, listening carefully to your body, heart and spirit’s desires helps guide you and allows messages to come through that can’t when we are always on the go. Start your healing day by shutting out worldly distractions and devices. Set an intention and dedicate the time to healing by asking questions you want clarity on, choose wisely the healing tools that will best nurture you and let your day unfold.
Loneliness May Lead to Bad Health
Several studies have shown social isolation can negatively affect your health. This National Institute on Aging primer notes that loneliness can lead to high blood pressure, depression, and put you at greater risk of illness. That could mean more doctor’s visits and higher health care costs. And what if you or your loved one takes a fall with no one around? Beyond the physical pain, the financial implications could be high. And then there’s the emotional toll of social isolation, which can be even more devastating. These are all things to consider when deciding whether you or your loved one spend the next chapter of life at home or in a senior living community.
Abs of Steel or Jelly Belly?
Your pelvis is a ring of bones held together by ligaments and muscles. These muscles engage every time you walk, sit, stand, run, or even breathe! Weak stabilizing muscles cause your pelvis to move too much and surrounding muscles contract to control the excess movement, leading to chronic muscle tightness. By strengthening the core, our bodies are able to withstand these forces without muscle spasms. Some of the best exercises for core involve maintaining a neutral spine position and resisting forces. Your physiotherapist can give you specific exercises to improve your strength, while relaxing other muscles through manual therapy techniques.
Words to Live By
Wish you and your family a joyful, bright, healthy, prosperous and happiest new year ahead! Happy New Year!
Physiotherapy for Headaches
Most of the people who read this will have suffered a headache. The most common type of headache and one that generally responds well to physiotherapy treatment is called a cervicogenic headache. Physiotherapists can help address some of the key causes of cervicogenic headaches. The major contributing factors include poor posture, stiffness of the joints in the neck and upper back, muscle imbalances (muscle tightness and weakness), and previous neck trauma (whiplash, sports injury). Treatment methods include neck mobilizations, modalities, soft tissue/trigger point release, acupuncture, and home exercises. So, if you suffer from headaches, see a physiotherapist!
Urinary Tract Infection Prevention!
The Powerful Little Black Seed!
Black Seed is quickly becoming the herbal oil to watch with its anti-inflammatory compounds to reduce symptoms of asthma, hay fever and eczema. This unique oil even has a medical patent for its asthma benefits. Enerex Black Seed Oil with Vitamin E offers an easy way to take the herbal remedy that has been shown in research to reduce symptoms of allergic reactions that are shown on the skin or in the respiratory system. Go to Enerex.ca to learn more and see a Bath Bomb recipe using Black Seed Oil on our community blog. Enerex Botanicals.
When a Loved One Has Dementia
Loving someone with dementia can be a challenging task, one that puts a lot of pressure on a caregiver. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind: 1. Be realistic when it comes to expectations for yourself and for your loved one. 2. Develop a routine. Those with dementia can struggle with confusion and frustration. Especially as the disease progresses, it is important to create a solid routine and schedule to provide some predictability and help keep some peace of mind. 3. Focus on nutrition. There is a strong connection between lifestyle choices such as diet and memory diseases.
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are nurses with an advanced degree or doctorate who can perform most of the same skills that a physician can. NPs cannot bill for services, but the client has to cover the necessary costs. NP skills include conducting assessments, diagnosing, writing prescriptions for all medications, and performing procedures like draining abscesses, inserting IUDs, performing PAP tests, casting, reading x-rays, suturing, and performing some surgeries. NPs can also make referrals to other physicians or services, complete required government forms, admit and discharge patients to and from the hospital, prescribe medicinal marijuana, and perform medical assistance in dying (MAID).
Surviving the Holidays with Hearing Loss
If you have a hearing loss, attending family gatherings with many people can be stressful. Here are three tips to ensure a sound-filled holiday season.
1. Spend time with family members one-on-one.
2. Try to sit next to someone who will be willing to keep you in on the conversation if you miss anything that has been said.
3. Book a check of your hearing aids before the holiday season starts to ensure they are working their best.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the laughter of your kids, grand-kids or family members as they open presents or sit around the table. Happy Holidays!
Local Love: Boreal Wildcraft Tea Company
The Boreal Wildcraft Tea Company, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, works cooperatively with local wildcrafters, hand picking and processing special herbs and berries from the nearby boreal forest in an ethical and sustainable manner to minimize our carbon footprint. Our exquisite, earth-conscious, custom-blended herbal infusions have a distinctly Canadian flavour – something you can drink and feel good about. Herbal teas provide a number of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to help provide many short-term and long-term health benefits, including boosting your immune system and increasing hydration. We are proud to share nature’s gifts through our unique, region-specific teas.
