The theme for the 2019 Gambling Awareness Week is “Find Your Balance”, in support of maintaining a balanced outlook of the role gambling may play in our lives. In early May, be on the lookout for BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program community events in your area; ranging from sponsored swims, pop up community awareness booths and contests at community centers and other locations. Finding Our Balance in life can be challenging. Striking that balance is easier when we have a diverse array of activities in which to engage.
Community News
Abdominal Acupuncture
Abdominal acupuncture is a revolutionary new acupuncture technique that has been rapidly accepted and has gained huge recognition because of its astonishing therapeutic results. Abdominal acupuncture is very gentle as there is little needle sensation in the abdominal region. It is powerful in its action and can be used to treat any condition that is indicated in traditional acupuncture. The body responds faster to abdominal acupuncture and the curative effect is impressive. Results tend to be powerful and long lasting and are often felt instantaneously.
Final Resting Place
When you die, where would you like your final resting place to be? With your partner? With your parents or children? Your answer may change based on your age and life stage. If you are like most, you have not yet made up your mind. This is a conversation that should take place sooner rather than later. If your plans have been made, you want to ensure that they are up-to-date. These days, many Canadians are moving farther away, living longer and changing family traditions. This reinforces the need to review and update your end-of-life plans every five-to-ten years or so, or when major life events happen.
Natural Allergy Relief
Allergies are a symptom of a bigger picture. In the small intestine, friendly bacteria (probiotics) activate our mucus membranes. These are our first line of defense against invasion; the cells within trigger the Inflammation, runny nose, tearing eyes and congestion. When the activated cells respond normally, we don’t have a problem with seasonal allergies. The natural medicine cupboard can support normal function. * Delete grains from your diet * Increase your probiotic intake. * Add digestive enzymes * Digesting a blend of lemon, lavender and peppermint doTerra CPTG essential oils in a small glass of water can help clear your allergy symptoms.
Stretch to Help Prevent Pain
With the arrival of spring many of us are back out in our yards and gardens, fertilizing the grass and planting flowers and veggies in anticipation of summer. With this increase in activity after a long winter comes an increase in neck and low back pain. Doing some stretching before going outside and then again after you come back in can help prevent muscle strains and sprains. Regular daily stretching can help prevent a lot of pains that could otherwise appear. Make morning and evening stretches part of your daily routine to stay healthy and happy.
World Hypertension Day
World Hypertension Day is Friday, May 17. It is an initiative of the World Hypertension League, an affiliate of the International Society of Hypertension. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of hypertension and to prevent and control this silent killer. The theme for this this year is Know Your Numbers. Do you know yours? The “textbook” normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. Optimal blood pressure can vary and is based on several factors including your cardiovascular risk and age. Speak to your health care professional to learn about your optimal blood pressure numbers.
Ask The Expert
Q: My husband insists he has good vision because of all the carrots he is fond of eating. Is there any truth to this?
A: Yes, but probably not in the way he thinks. People truly deficient in Vitamin A or beta-carotene (as found in carrots) can suffer from poor night vision, but this is a real rarity in our community. Beta-carotene supplements were, up to recently, recommended to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Unfortunately, increased beta-carotene supplement consumption can increase the risk of cancer in smokers. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are related, but safer, supplements.
The First Step to Lasting Change
The hardest part of journey is that first step. Motivating yourself to taking that evening walk or that early morning run when the bed or couch is calling is one of the most important things you can do for yourself (and for those you love). Why you ask? Well, inertia, yup inertia! Getting that body moving, taking a few more steps a day will pay off immensely. In fact, the benefits of 30 mins of walking pays off in decreasing the likelihood of getting a chronic illness by an average of 30%! So it really is small steps to sustainable change!
Physiotherapy and the Golf Swing
Golfers today place a greater emphasis on physical fitness than their predecessors. This has been reflected in sport performance but also plays a role in injury prevention. The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) is an organization that studies the relationship between the human body and the golf swing. A golf specific movement screen is used by TPI certified professionals to assess body movements as they relate to the golf swing. A TPI physiotherapist takes the findings from a screen to develop an individualized treatment and exercise program which will help maximize efficiency and decrease stress on the body during the swing.
Kids in the Kitchen
Worried that your little ones don’t have enough variety in their diet? Here are some helpful tips to make meal times more enjoyable for everyone. Having children involved in the cooking process can be a good way to get your kids excited about foods, they are more likely to try a food that they had a hand in preparing. Children may need to be exposed to a new food up to fifteen times before they try it, give them time! Children also learn from watching others, sitting down and eating meals and snacks with them shows them that a variety of foods can be enjoyed.
New to Acupuncture? What to Expect..
During your first exam, your acupuncturist will spend time getting to know you and your health concerns. You may be asked a wide range of questions about your symptoms, eating, exercise, sleep habits, emotional state and anything that may offer insight into your health.
Your practitioner will also employ diagnostic tools that are unique to acupuncture and TCM such as tongue and pulse diagnosis.
You will receive a comprehensive diagnosis and a treatment plan that will explain your underlying imbalance, your time line of care and what types of treatment you will receive. Possible treatments may include using pins, using lasers, using AcuGraph, cupping, moxibustion, and ointments.
