Q: I sprained my ankle. Now what?
A: Ankle sprains result in pain and swelling due to stretching or tearing of some of the ligaments surrounding the ankle. As these tears heal, they form scar tissue, which sticks to normal tissue and causes inflammation and continued pain. To treat a sprained ankle, follow the R.I.C.E. protocol (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) and avoid weight-bearing activities. Then see your family doctor or podiatrist. To help prevent sprains in the future, avoid rocky or uneven terrains, wear a firmer or more supportive shoe for better stability, and do ankle-strengthening exercises often.

Q: I take daily medication for my diabetes. However, the medication does not decrease my blood sugar levels. Can acupuncture treat this? A: Yes, acupuncture can supplement diabetes medication. In Chinese medical views, diabetes is a result of a weakened digestive system. Upon proper diagnosis, practitioners can use acupuncture to balance out the meridians, and the blood sugar levels will naturally drop, sometimes from one treatment alone. Acupuncturists use thin, short needles of ~1.3 cm that are painless, yet effective. Regular follow-up appointments can result in a better maintained morning fasting blood glucose.

Flea and tick season is here. Lyme disease is rare in our area, but we still want to protect against tick bites anytime the temperature is over 4°C for outside pets. Fleas can be a year-round problem here. We have raccoons and outside cats that keep the cycle going, and pests in crawlspaces and attics potentially bring fleas. There are many options for flea control, from topical products that are absorbed into the body, to oral products that kill the fleas and ticks for 90 days. Some of the options also give heartworm protection, which is important if your dog travels to the Eastern US or Canada.

For scholastic performance, social skills, attention deficit, or hyperactivity, neurofeedback can help your child become their best by addressing the foundations of learning “Is Brain Functions”. A balanced and organized brain can process and remember information more easily. Improved mental performance and ability to pay attention equals better learning; reducing stress develops better test results; and calming emotional and behavioural issues improves social interactions and self-esteem. Remarkable benefits can be seen when working with young and flexible brains, before habits mature and become traits in adulthood. Starting life on a clear footing makes the whole journey much easier and a lot more fun.

Dr. Robin Randhawa, DC, was born and raised in the Greater Vancouver Area and received her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology at Simon Fraser University, then went on to graduate from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland. She later moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and worked in chiropractic offices that focused on wellness and pediatrics. Dr. Robin is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and is certified in the Webster Technique. She is passionate and excited to help others realize their potential in expressing their best health at an early age. Dr. Robin looks forward to meeting you soon!

Robo-advisors are online services that use algorithms to make portfolio recommendations. These algorithms are based on the information an investor provides by answering a questionnaire, which helps the software create a generic investor profile. While robo-advisors sometimes offer a faster and cheaper alternative to human advisors, their value is limited. The profiles that robo-advisors create tend to be formulaic, which means they are simplified and often don’t account for variables like risk tolerances. Human advisors are able to consider the complexities of financial situations and assist with ‘big picture’ planning, as well as take the guesswork out of investing.