Shoulder pain is very common and can be caused by injury, repetitive motion, poor posture or underlying health problems. The shoulder joint has more mobility than stability which makes it more susceptible to dysfunction and pain.
Conditions related to shoulder pain are frozen shoulder, rotator cuff disorders (strains, tears), bursitis, tendonitis, joint instability and acromioclavicular joint disorders. Most shoulder injuries are 40-50% pain persistent for many months after the initial injury.
Treatment with Regenerative Injection Therapy (RIT) also known as Prolotherapy, Plasma Rich Platelet and Prolozone will encourage new cell growth to damaged and weak tissue. It is also recommended that RIT be integrated with Osteopathic manual therapy and Neurofunctional acupuncture to re-establish proper neuromuscular control.
Shoulder pain is the third most common, complex musculoskeletal complaint therefore an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan need to be established. Dr. Ross Ralph, Dr. TCM, R.Ac., DOMP., Courtenay Healing Centre, CourtenayHealing.ca

A fundamental principle of yoga is that your body and mind are one and connected. Stress in one domain will affect the other and vice versa. Yoga can help you cope with stress and improve overall health and satisfaction with life. While all exercise is good for stress, yoga is different because it powerfully combines both physical fitness with an underlying philosophy of self-compassion and awareness. We actually release emotional energy effectively throughout our yoga practice, even if you’re not aware of it!
Wendy Anderson, RYT-200, Yoga 10 Studio, Yoga10Studio.com, CourtenayMassageTherapy.com

Inappropriate footwear can increase an elderly person’s chance of a fall. Many people purchase the wrong footwear because they want to help their aging parent by finding something that is easy to put on, and they think that softer is better. Not true. As we age, our motor and sensory skills decline. Our loss of proprioception skills (one’s ability to sense where our limbs are in space) makes us feel less sure of our footing and therefore less balanced. Loose-fitting, soft-soled footwear does not provide appropriate signals to the feet to inform them of where they are in relation to the ground. Properly fitting, sturdy shoes with non-skid soles provide more direct contact between the ground and the foot, sending sharper signals to the brain. Choosing lace-up or velcro closure shoes instead of slip-ons ensures the best stabilization of the foot within the shoe. B.D. Mitchell Prosthetics & Orthotics, MitchellPandO.com

Research suggests people who follow a Mediterranean diet lose 52% more weight than the standard low-fat diet because it isn’t just a fad or limited list of foods. It’s a lifestyle based on a balanced approach to your meals, which focuses on produce, healthy fats, whole grains, legumes, fish, and even some red wine. Committing to losing weight for three months using the Mediterranean diet as a base, along with three booster products and three lifestyle changes, guarantees results. And there is no meal skipping! Look and feel great for all of your holiday parties and events!
Lisa – Modere, LiveClean.Market

Q: Any tips for driving in the rain? I sure find it difficult to see well at night when it’s raining.
A: You are not alone. Most of my patients complain about this, no matter how good their vision is. First, see your eye doctor to rule out any vision problems. Try to avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights. Get an expert to look at your vehicle in case of problems. Are the seats the right height for you? Are headlights and mirrors properly positioned? Is viewing the dashboard comfortable? Lastly, you might benefit from some extra training from a driving professional.
Dr. Alex Kennedy, Mosaic Vision Care, MosaicVisionCare.com

The typical North American diet delivers 90 to 150 grams per day of protein, yet we only require about 20 grams per day, with vegetable protein being recommended over animal protein. Our bodies have no mechanism for storing surplus dietary protein and consuming more than we require is detrimental over time. While the breakdown of cooked animal protein is especially taxing on our stomach and pancreas, it still cannot be converted into complete amino acids, which the liver needs. Excess protein consumption causes strong acid formation, depletes calcium, overworks and enlarges the pancreas, causes liver congestion and kidney/adrenal fatigue, etc. Nevertheless, vegetarians and vegans are often questioned regarding protein!
Optimum Wellness Factor, www.optimumwellnessfactor.ca

’Tis the season for family, festivity, and many temptations! Don’t let these temptations throw a wrench in your weight loss progress. Try these tips:
• Don’t skip meals to save up for a feast. You’re more likely to overeat.
• Eat plenty of protein, which will keep you fuller longer.
• Stay active, which will help make up for eating more than usual and will reduce stress.
• Practice mindful eating. People are often rushed and on the go throughout the holiday season, which frequently leads to multitasking during meals.
Alma Naranjo, Success Weight Loss, SuccessWeightLoss.ca