Wedding season is at its peak, and with so many couples tying the knot, it’s important to address how to combine your finances successfully. When merging your finances, think about your money as being separately yours, but also jointly yours. Deal with debt as a couple to help with stress and debt management. Take a united approach to keeping spending in check, rather than resorting to blame. Work together to make investment decisions. Avoid keeping secrets from your spouse when it comes to money. Finally, agree to plan for emergencies and stick to that plan.

It’s hard to focus on serious things like learning and exercising your brain when there’s so much summer fun to be had, but it’s important for students with learning difficulties to keep up with training their brain. This can be done by participating in many fun, yet important, activities, such as playing board games, building things with Lego, socializing, and taking on new challenges that are just above a student’s capacity. Focusing on wellness can also keep the brain healthy, so exercising, getting enough sleep, finding quiet time, eating healthy foods, and drinking enough water are equally important.

During pregnancy, you need a nervous system that responds immediately and accurately to changing requirements in all parts of your body — you need a healthy spine! Adjusting women throughout pregnancy is one of the most rewarding parts of our work, because a healthier pregnancy means an easier labour and delivery, and a better transition for the baby into this life. But before you even get pregnant, chiropractic adjustments can help your body prepare for the amazing journey ahead. Chiropractic care prior to conception promotes a more regular menstrual cycle and optimal uterine function, preparing the body to be strong, supple, and as balanced as possible to carry the pregnancy. Restoring proper nerve supply to reproductive organs has helped many couples who thought they were infertile.

Q: What is a hammertoe? A: Hammertoes are toes that are bent or contracted. They usually are not painful; however, the friction of them rubbing against the inside of shoes can create a buildup of thick, hard skin (a corn), which can be very uncomfortable. Hammertoes are usually the result of foot misalignment. It is always best to try to catch this in the earlier stages, before the toe becomes fixed. Make sure your shoes are wide enough and deep enough to prevent rubbing or friction irritation and the formation of a corn. Motion-control shoes and/or orthotics can serve to reduce any over-pronation.

The opioid crisis is rapidly escalating, and not showing any signs of slowing down soon. We must protect our “kids” — which, by the way, our kids are always our kids, no matter their age or ours. Please listen and don’t react or preach. Make a safe space for drug use conversations. If they are going to use anyway, for example, encourage them not to use alone. Love them, support them, try and get them to help. A good listening ear from a non-judgmental counsellor may be just what they need.

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.