make sure your back is healthy! It’s very important to make sure your neck and back (your spine) are fit enough to handle the rigours of movement that a new exercise regime brings. At the centre of spinal health is movement, and alignment is key to proper health and movement. A misaligned spine cannot function well. So what happens when you embark on a new exercise regime with an unhealthy or dysfunctional spine? Potential damage to the joints, nerves, muscles, cartilage, and ligaments. A thorough chiropractic examination would be a safe and recommended starting point to any new exercise regime.
Community News
Acupuncture for Mental Wellness
Q: I have issues with depression and anxiety. Can acupuncture help with this?
A: Stress can result in several symptoms, such as insomnia, constant worry, weakened digestive system, and others. Acupuncture treatment can adjust and balance our meridians to reduce emotional and physical stress. During treatment, the patient will feel more relaxed and joyful, and some will fall asleep. They will also sleep more soundly when they go home. After a few treatments, they will feel stronger and can better resist the stress.
Addictions Can be Beat!
All behaviour serves a purpose, and substance abuse is no exception. The calming effects of alcohol may provide feelings similar to those of love and connection. Cocaine use makes people feel elated and full of energy – attractive feelings for someone who feels “numb”. If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance abuse problem, remember: the opposite of addiction is connection. Do your best to build community around those who are suffering. Seek a counsellor who can identify healthier ways of coping and support those transitioning out of problematic use. Help is out there – please reach out!
Troublesome Turn-Out
A ballet dancer who has near perfect turn-out is the envy of the class. Turn-out is important not only for the esthetics of ballet, but also safety. Turn-out (or external rotation of the leg) should come solely from the hips. The trouble is many dancers wiggle their feet out further, squeeze their thighs, or drop their arches to make it look like they have more turn-out than they do. Unfortunately, this creates alignment problems and muscle tightness, which puts them at risk for injury, especially if they are working on jumps or pointe work. Working with a physiotherapist to do a full-body assessment can help you prevent injury and improve your form.
Tick Alert!
If it is over 4°C outside, ticks can attach to your pet. Not only do they feed on your pet’s blood, but they also carry diseases. Many of these manifest in immune mediated diseases, which as a group are difficult and expensive to manage. Prevention against tick bites is the current push in the veterinary community, but it must be done with care, as some of the drugs can have effects on the brain. It’s important to discuss the nuances of using tick-killing products or set up an appointment with one of our veterinarians: Dr. Andersen, Dr. Weetman or our new Mandarin-capable Dr. Lin.
Knee Replacements Outside of Hospitals
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.
Ask The Expert
Q: My older sister says she got an eye infection over the holidays, and that it’s actually shingles in the eye. Is there really such a thing?
A: Yes, the virus that causes shingles can sometimes affect the eye, and she probably deserves your sympathy – it can be painful and the treatment often involves a lot of eyedrops. It might be worthwhile assessing your own risk of developing shingles (factors include age or a compromised immune system) and asking your health care provider about vaccines to lessen the risk.
Tracking Multiple Income Streams
It’s important that we track multiple income streams properly to ensure we don’t end up with a large bill at tax time. Use a spreadsheet that includes these categories: Employer, Gross Income, Income Tax, CPP, EI, and Net Income (for each income stream). Total all streams so that you can calculate the total earnings, tax, CPP, and EI deducted so far. Then determine what the actual deductions should be, based on the combined income. The Canada Revenue Agency has an online calculator that is useful for this (http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/esrvc-srvce/tx/bsnss/pdoc-eng.html). A qualified accountant can also help with any questions you might have.
To the Heart of the Matter
Research shows that there are nerve fibres that directly link the heart to the brain. More specifically directly to the part of the brain called the amygdala (the part of the brain that is linked to our fight or flight emotions). The power of love is real, as is the power of love to heal yourself! When we open our hearts, free the past and forgive ourselves, we can create a new create a new life for ourselves. In this month where you’re surrounded by commercial symbols of love, why not start with loving yourself?
What Causes Flat Feet?
Flat feet or “fallen arches” are caused chiefly by weak flexor muscles. The major flexor muscles of the foot are meant to propel you forward by pushing against the earth behind you as you walk or run barefoot. However, lifelong use of shoes allows these muscles to atrophy and become weak. As these muscles weaken, they stretch out, allowing the ball of the foot to creep forward, resulting in the eventual collapse of the underside of the foot. Custom orthotics or dynamic rehabilitative orthotics are designed to recruit and strengthen the flexor muscles while you stand, walk, or run.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Health clinics worldwide are using hyperbaric oxygen to supplement cancer therapy. Recent studies have shown that HBOT in combination with the ketogenic diet increases mean survival time in mice models by up to 75%. This works by starving cancer cells of their main energy source, glucose, and introducing a high oxygen environment. When combined with current conventional treatments, results have been very promising. HBOT is also effective post radiation to prevent bone loss and small vessel damage. Prevention and a healthy lifestyle of consistent exercise, good nutrition, sleep, community involvement and HBOT contributes to improved health outcomes.
