Community News
Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Many people assume that knee OA predominantly affects the elderly; however, 56% of Canadians with OA are younger than 65. Another common misconception is that exercise will damage joints. Studies have shown that range of motion exercises, combined with stretching, aerobics, and strength training, can help modulate pain, increase range of motion, and reduce soft tissue inflammation. Losing weight can also make a difference. For every 1 lb of weight lost, there is 4 lb less of force through the knee in every step you take. If you were to lose 10 lb, that would reduce 48,000 lb of load through the knee for every mile walked! Kristi Hunter, MPT, BSc, Certified in Acupuncture, Prairie Trail Physio, PrairieTrailPhysio.ca

Ayurveda and Winter Skin

Winter takes a toll on our skin. According to Ayurveda, the skin is governed by three subdoshas, or biological forces. Bhrajaka pitta allows beneficial molecules applied on the skin to penetrate deeper and protects the skin by keeping unwanted particles from entering the bloodstream. Shleshaka kapha maintains moisture levels in the skin and keeps it lubricated. Vyana vata maintains a balance of friendly bacteria and keeps nutrients well distributed. Avoid synthetic soaps and products that strip the skin and create an imbalance in the three subdoshas. Self-abhyanga (massage) with warm sesame oil (unrefined, cold pressed) keeps the skin moist and lubricated. Make it a daily habit!
Purnima Chaudhari
Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Reflexologist & Reiki Master
AyuReviveAyurveda.com

Natural Product Review: pureWash Pro

Are you still using detergent to wash your clothes? There’s a healthier, safer, and smarter way to do laundry. The secret is activated oxygen. PureWash Pro transforms ordinary water into a powerful cleaning agent by adding dissolved oxygen, giving you clean clothes while killing up to 99.9% of pathogens, mold, and bacteria. Used by hotels and hospitals for years, this amazing and affordable cleaning and disinfecting technology is now available for home use. Get your clothes clean without the need for soap or bleach, using only cold water. The oxidizing technology helps relax fabrics, so your clothes stay wrinkle-free without using fabric softener. Ideal for anyone with skin sensitivities, this is a product that everyone should use. Protect the environment, your clothes, and your washer. PureWash Pro pays for itself in months, saving you hundreds of dollars on hot water costs and laundry products. See the PureWash Pro at Aviva Natural Health Solutions, AvivaHealth.com

Where Is Love?

You’ve decided enough is enough. You have plenty going for yourself and you want to share your life with someone special but where on earth are you going to find them? Times have changed. We live in an electronic world but computers don’t have hearts and you don’t know if the person behind the screen is authentic. You have asked your friends and coworkers if they know anyone right for you and you have been insulted by who they have suggested! A matchmaker specializes in finding love for people who are looking for one special partner. An effective matchmaker meets with all potential clients in person and determines who the right person is for them. A criminal record check should be conducted on each client. When choosing a matchmaker it is important that you work with a service that has been in business for quite some time and has many success stories. Lianne Tregobov, Camelot Introductions, Camelot Introductions.com

Do Sit-Ups Cause Pain?

There has been recent discussion that sit-ups are harmful to your back. Sit-ups engage hip flexor muscles, which are attached to the lumbar spine and lumbar discs. In theory, this movement and contraction can potentially cause irritation. However, this is all based on biomechanical theory and not real scientific evidence. The sit-up is a core exercise designed to activate our rectus abdominus, which is the muscle that shows off a wonderful six-pack of abs. The sit-up alone will not achieve this, as what is required is a well-designed and well-rounded exercise program, along with a sound nutritional plan.
Dan Girardin, MPT, BESS Physiotherapist, PrairieTrailPhysio.ca

Break Free from Sadness

We know that sadness is appropriate when we face a loss of any kind. We also know that time has a way of bringing us back to enjoying those activities and relationships that are meaningful to us. In some cases, however, we feel stuck in sadness. With a decrease in sunlight, SAD (seasonal affective disorder) might even get a grip on us. If there’s often a sad undercurrent in your life that you sense doesn’t need to be there, it’s time to reach out for help. Brainwave Optimization is a technology that addresses issues through the brain itself, helping it reset itself so you can enjoy life again.
La Loba, LaLobaTraumaRelease.com

Alkalizing Your Body

Having an overly acidic diet can lead to a weakened immune system. Here are six ways to alkalize your body! 1. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day to keep your body systems regulated. For an extra boost in alkalinity – add lemon! 2. Trade coffee for green tea. 3. Use stevia, coconut sugar, or small amounts of honey in place of sugar. 4. Eat more greens. 5. Exercise to create more oxygen and qi flow in the body, and to avoid stagnation. 6. Reduce stress by meditating, practicing deep breathing, doing yoga, and getting plenty of sleep.
Care At Home Pharmacy, www.careathomepharmacy.ca

Acupuncture for Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a wonderful life-giving adventure, but it is not without its ups and downs. When it comes to banishing pregnancy woes, many moms-to-be are swearing by acupuncture. In fact, scientific research says acupuncture can help ease many of the common aches and discomforts of pregnancy, while avoiding the use of medications and their possible negative effects. Here are some of the pregnancy symptoms acupuncture can relieve:
• Morning sickness
• Lower back and pelvic pain
• Depression and anxiety
• Headaches/migraines
• Sleep problems
• Constipation
• Heartburn and acid reflux
• Poor circulation and swelling
Naomi Johnson, Hekla Acupuncture and Wellness, HeklaAcupuncture.com

Product Review: A.Vogel Echinaforce

Developed by the Nature Doctor, Dr. Vogel, Echinaforce is organically grown, standardized, and clinically proven. Echinaforce is made from the tincture of fresh Echinacea purpurea herb and root. Only fresh, organic herbs are used, with all herbs processed within 24 hours of harvesting. Using only fresh herbs helps ensure that a high level of active ingredients is preserved. Echinaforce helps the body fight the virus and therefore helps you feel better, quicker. Available in both fresh herb tincture and tincture tablet format, Echinaforce is easy to take at any time.
Nutrition Plus, NutritionPlus.com

What is Ghee?

Simply put, ghee is a variation of clarified butter that originated in India. The ghee-making process, which includes the extraction of the milk fats and water, intensifies the flavour of the butter. You’ll find that in cooking preparations, to get the taste of butter, you need significantly less to reach satisfaction. Ghee can help get your body back to a healthy state, while triumphing over heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, hormonal imbalances, and more. For people who are lactose or casein-sensitive, they can use ghee because the process has removed these allergens!
Purnima Chaudhari, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Reflexologist & Reiki Master, AyuReviveAyurveda.com