Summer is finally here! As we plant our gardens, get on the golf links, train for the upcoming marathon we should always include your core exercises as a warmup for activity. The classic plank – engage your abdominals, glutes and legs, then try with your palms flat on the ground. Include some ‘supermans’; on your stomach, extend to lift both arms and legs to work those back extensors. Instead of that traditional abdominal crunch; grab a small weight and include some slow rotations while in that crunch or even crunch with opposite arm and leg touching towards center. But proceed with caution, know your technique and visit your Physio to personalize a program for you.

Chris Bisignano, Concourse Physiotherapy
www.yourphysio.com

The first priority in having new dentures made is to ensure that your gums are healthy and that there are no signs of problems throughout your mouth. Having dentures made on inflamed or infected gums is only going to make matters worse. You should also be examined periodically for any signs of oral cancer. For this screening it is important that you see a dentist. If you need partial dentures then the health of the remaining natural teeth is critical. Any cavities need to be addressed before new dentures are made. Your teeth need to be cleaned and their supporting gums and bone need to be healthy and viable. Dentists train for many years to be able to recognize and treat all problems with your mouth. If necessary they will refer you to board certified specialists. These are dentists who have taken extra years of training over and above their dental degree.

Dr. George Cadigan, Exclusively Dentures
www.exclusivelydentures.ca

Cupping therapy is an ancient tradition in Chinese medicine. “Cupping” involves placing glass, bamboo or plastic suctions on the skin. The vacuum effect targets areas of deep tissue within the back, which is beneficial for dulling pain, breaking up deep scar tissue, and relaxing tender muscles or connective tissue. Cupping has numerous benefits — it can help remove toxins from the body and stimulate the flow of fresh blood, lymph, and Qi (life force). It often works wonders for patients with the flu, coughs, back and muscle pain, poor circulation, anxiety, red itchy skin conditions, allergies, fevers, aches and other pains. Cupping is one of the best deep-tissue therapies available. Toxins can be released, blockages can be cleared, and veins and arteries can be refreshed within these four inches of affected materials. It should be noted that cupping is not be used on patients who bleed easily and/or cannot stop bleeding, have skin ulcers, or edema.

Dr. Ling Zhao, Balancing Channels Acupuncture & Massage
www.winnipegacupuncture.com

If you are a caregiver of an older adult or a senior who finds the health care system inadequate and difficult to navigate you are not alone. Many caregivers and seniors are frustrated with unresolved health issues, insufficient time with practitioners to resolve matters and unsatisfactory quality of life. Another reason why many seniors fall through the cracks in the health care system is lack of timely review of health care needs as people get older. A Senior Care Practitioner is a medical professional, medication expert and health team coordinator who solves health problems and helps older adults and their families advance through the health care system and make optimal use of resources. She advocates for patients at their physician and coordinates activities between patients, families and health care providers to ensure continuity of care and desired outcomes. Visiting clients in the comfort of their homes adds more value to her service and reliefs caregiver burden.

Mathilda Prinsloo BPharm CGP CDE, Senior Care Pharmacy Practice
www.seniorcarepractice.com

This is a question many of us would answer with an overwhelming “NO!” Do you know what is preventing you from living your best life and having the best health possible? You might not realize it, but our thoughts, beliefs, judgments and perceptions about ourselves and our lives actually drastically affect our health and our relationships. For example – we all know that eating nutritious food and getting exercise are important for being healthy. But how many of us have a balanced eating and exercising lifestyle? Why don’t we all just automatically do what we know is good for us? The reason – we are not robots, we are people! People have subconscious beliefs that are created in early childhood about everything in life – but they are not known, they are hidden within us. Our BEST Life begins when we become aware of and remove these uncooperative subconscious beliefs.

Shannon Russell, BodyMind Freedom Solutions
www.bodymindfreedom.net

Bowen is a restorative therapy that allows the body to heal itself. It can provide a path for the body to heal from repetitive strain injuries or chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia or sensory neuropathy. Bowen is a very gentle hands-on therapy such that even if in constant pain, individuals find the treatment relaxing and calming for the body. If needed, Bowen can be performed over loose clothing or with the individual sitting in a chair or a walker. Studies have shown that in addition to restoring muscle and nervous system integrity, Bowen treatments can shift the central nervous system from the sympathetic (flight and fight) response to the parasympathetic (rest and restoration) response. As a result, it can positively affect physiological functions such as circulation, heart rate, digestion, sleep and the endocrine system. Help your body walk away from pain with Bowen therapy.

Julia Rempel
www.sagewaterhealth.com

Reiki is a form of hands-on healing that releases feelings of beneficial well-being and calm. The energy of Reiki encompasses the whole body, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. The practitioner holds their hands over the client. It is not a massage. Enjoy the following benefits: Reiki heals. Reiki can be preventative. It increases your mental, spiritual and emotional well-being. Reiki raises your level of perception and heightens your quality of life. Reiki taps into new-found talents and gifts. Reiki is a Japanese technique passed on through teachers and Reiki Masters. It dates back to the 1800’s and was ‘discovered’ by a Christian minister, Dr. Mikao Usui. Reiki also works in conjunction with other medical or therapeutic techniques, relieving side effects and promoting recovery. Many people find that their spiritual awareness opens and that their vibrational level increases after one or more sessions.

An incredibly efficient fat burning ingredient, Garcinia Cambogia has received much media attention for its effect on weight loss and food consumption control. This pure ingredient is 100% natural; it is sometimes referred to as Tamarind, and it grows primarily in the lush green mountains of India, Southeast Asia as well as in Central Africa. Its primary ingredient is the dietary super supplement known as HCA, which is proven in scientific studies to stop hunger in its tracks. The tamarind fruit has traditionally been used in soups as appetizers before meals, because of the smaller portion sizes due to limited amount of food. It’s appetite suppression qualities helped make villagers feel more full (satiety) and the fruit would increase the workers’ fat burning skills (thermogenesis) providing an increase in energy and productivity.

Christina Dueck, Valentus
www.valentusmovie.com/operationweighless

Hair loss is a major concern for all, irrespective of the gender. Reasons for hair loss can range from the simple and temporary—a vitamin deficiency—to the more complex, like an underlying health condition. Unhealthy diet, stress, hormone imbalances, and chemicals may be some of the reasons. Hairstyles that consistently use rubber bands, rollers or barrettes, or pull hair into tight styles such as cornrows, can inflame and scar hair follicles. So can incorrectly-used chemical products such as dyes, bleaches, straighteners or permanent wave solutions. People can look for help with hair creams to regenerate hair growth. Make sure to look for naturally based, safe, pure ingredients that include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, beta-carotene, omega-6 fatty acids, nutrients and amino acids, suitable for all skin and hair types. Ingredients that have been proven to mimic the body’s own natural oils to reduce hair thinning, prevent oxidative stress, and add volume and shine.

Jenna Wilcox, MONAT Global
www.JennaWilcox.MyMonat.com