Spring is in the air and most people are eager to get out in the sunshine to clean up the yard and get active after a winter’s slumber. NOT SO FAST! A combination of a sedentary winter (which can cause deconditioning of the spine) and the physical demand of gardening and increased activity can cause spinal misalignment. Low back pain is the number one cause of disability. Don’t let your back keep you from the active lifestyle that we often take for granted. Consult your chiropractor before you increase your activity levels to ask about how you can prevent injury.

Restoration Chiropractic, RestoChiro.com

Research consistently shows that self-compassion leads to a healthier, happier life. Simply put, it means being kind with yourself. However, it’s important to distinguish self-compassion from self-esteem. Self-esteem refers to the degree in which we evaluate ourselves in a positive light. Self-compassion, on the other hand, says, “I am human and therefore worthy of love, and that includes my flaws.” To practice self-compassion, begin by identifying your feelings. Name them as best you can. Then, offer those feelings some kind words – words that validate your experience. Notice how you feel when you give yourself some love!

Robert Phillips, RCC., The Counselling Group, CounsellingGroup.co

This winter has been long and cold. Pets have been inside a lot over the last two months or have ventured out onto the ice and snow. A few have suffered injuries from slips and falls, and more could injure themselves with the heightened activity of spring. Veterinarians can perform repair surgeries on lameness mishaps to get your pet moving comfortably again. Vets are also experienced with splinting techniques and interpreting the vague signs of neck and back injury. If your pet seems sore, or is getting older and less mobile, allow your veterinarian to help both of you!

All Creatures Animal Hospital, MorganCrossingVet.ca

When pain is present in many areas, how can we know what’s causing it? The Integrated Systems Model approach helps physiotherapists determine the primary cause when there are multiple sites of pain or impairment. The approach helps physiotherapists not only understand a patient’s pain, but also understand them as a person. The model considers the interaction and contribution of multiple systems, such as articular, myofascial, neural, visceral, hormonal, and neuroendocrine, and how these can contribute not only to pain, but also to overall health. A physiotherapist using this model can not only determine how to provide pain relief but can also offer steps for pain prevention.

Diane Lee & Associates, DianeLee.ca

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.

Dr. Arno Smit, MD, FRCSC, Orthopaedic Surgeon, White Rock Orthopaedic Surgery Centre, Wrosc.com

Excess weight can be due to a variety of underlying causes, such as hormonal imbalance, emotional eating, liver dysfunction, and malabsorption. Weight management programs require a tailored approach to help clients successfully lose weight. Laser acupuncture uses a non-invasive cold laser to stimulate various acupressure points on your body. Stimulating these points causes your body to release endorphins, which can help with suppressing your appetite, controlling hunger cravings, speeding up your metabolism, and enhancing your current diet and exercise program, all of which can help lead to weight loss and successful weight management.

Imagine Laserworks, ImagineLaserworks.com

Spring and summer are typical times for allergies to trees, grasses, pollens, and dust to manifest increased symptoms. Simply rinsing nasal passages and eyes with a normal saline solution several times a day is a quick way to reduce symptoms before they become worse. Use of allergy medications (sprays and tablets) can help reduce symptoms further. There are many people who suffer from allergy-like symptoms who do not have the typical immunoglobulin response on testing. These sensitivities and intolerances still need to be identified and treated in order to obtain long-term symptom relief and allow the immune and detoxification systems to work properly.

Ocean Park Natural Therapies & BBRcnx, Neurofeedback Training. Janise O’Leandros, Certified Neurofeedback Tech. Dr. Timothy Brown N.D. WhiteRockNeurofeedback.com, OceanParkHealth.com