The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines suggest adults should perform at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, as well as two sessions of muscle and bone strengthening activities, to achieve physical AND mental health benefits. With winter coming, and the challenges of leaving home, this can seem daunting! Your physiotherapist can tailor an exercise program designed specifically for you to do inside with minimal space (to help avoid the cold weather!), and with equipment everyone has around their home. At 30 minutes per day, the benefits of exercise are countless, while the side effects are minimal.
Community News
Safe for the Holidays
Keeping you or your loved ones safe this holiday season should be a top priority. One way to do that is to use a personal medical alarm. Personal medical alarms are recommended not just for seniors, but for anyone who has a disability or who suffers from a medical condition that could put them at risk for falling while at home. Statistics show that 60% of falls occur in the home, so a personal medical alarm can help provide independence and a sense of safety for anyone who could be at risk. An alarm can also make a thoughtful gift!
Choosing an Orthopedic Brace
Orthopedic braces are medical devices designed to address musculoskeletal issues that may arise from disease, a congenital condition, or an injury. They are used to properly align, correct the position, support, stabilize, and protect certain parts of the body (particularly the muscles, joints, and bones) as they heal from injury or trauma. Orthopedic braces are available for many parts of the body, including knees, shoulders, back, hands, and feet. A qualified medical professional can determine what type of orthopedic brace is ideal for you, as well as the fit, type of support, function, and level of stability or protection.
Effectively Managing Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition and requires specific, lifelong management. It’s estimated that more than 6 million Canadians are at risk of developing diabetes. Prediabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not enough to be type 2 diabetes. Managing your health is critical to helping delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Your pharmacist can support you in managing your diabetes effectively by reviewing any current medications, educating you about diabetes symptoms to be aware of, supporting you with healthy lifestyle changes, and offering products and tools to monitor your blood glucose.
Physiotherapy for Headaches
Most of the people who read this will have suffered a headache. The most common type of headache and one that generally responds well to physiotherapy treatment is called a cervicogenic headache. Physiotherapists can help address some of the key causes of cervicogenic headaches. The major contributing factors include poor posture, stiffness of the joints in the neck and upper back, muscle imbalances (muscle tightness and weakness), and previous neck trauma (whiplash, sports injury). Treatment methods include neck mobilizations, modalities, soft tissue/trigger point release, acupuncture, and home exercises. So, if you suffer from headaches, see a physiotherapist!
Urinary Tract Infection Prevention!
The Powerful Little Black Seed!
Black Seed is quickly becoming the herbal oil to watch with its anti-inflammatory compounds to reduce symptoms of asthma, hay fever and eczema. This unique oil even has a medical patent for its asthma benefits. Enerex Black Seed Oil with Vitamin E offers an easy way to take the herbal remedy that has been shown in research to reduce symptoms of allergic reactions that are shown on the skin or in the respiratory system. Go to Enerex.ca to learn more and see a Bath Bomb recipe using Black Seed Oil on our community blog. Enerex Botanicals.
This Season, Don’t Shop ‘Til You Drop
There are ways to avoid holiday shopping strains. Many shoppers are not accustomed to long hours of walking malls Wear comfortable and supportive footwear. Perhaps even take a pair of walking shoes with you. Take care when loading and unloading your shopping cart(s). Take care with heavy items as not to strain your back. Have an employee take your heavy item directly to the till for you. Take frequent breaks. Take your water bottle and stay hydrated. Care when loading and unloading vehicle, avoid twisting if possible. Place heavy objects on a seat versus deep in the trunk. Have a safe and healthy holiday season.
When a Loved One Has Dementia
Loving someone with dementia can be a challenging task, one that puts a lot of pressure on a caregiver. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind: 1. Be realistic when it comes to expectations for yourself and for your loved one. 2. Develop a routine. Those with dementia can struggle with confusion and frustration. Especially as the disease progresses, it is important to create a solid routine and schedule to provide some predictability and help keep some peace of mind. 3. Focus on nutrition. There is a strong connection between lifestyle choices such as diet and memory diseases.
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are nurses with an advanced degree or doctorate who can perform most of the same skills that a physician can. NPs cannot bill for services, but the client has to cover the necessary costs. NP skills include conducting assessments, diagnosing, writing prescriptions for all medications, and performing procedures like draining abscesses, inserting IUDs, performing PAP tests, casting, reading x-rays, suturing, and performing some surgeries. NPs can also make referrals to other physicians or services, complete required government forms, admit and discharge patients to and from the hospital, prescribe medicinal marijuana, and perform medical assistance in dying (MAID).
Gifting Yourself this Christmas
It’s that time of year again! Where Christmas is magical and festive for some, while for others, it is a depressing, stress-filled, overwhelming experience. Give yourself a gift this year by taking care of YOU in the midst of the chaos! Here’s how you can work on surviving the Christmas blues and overwhelm. 1. Limit your spending to what you can actually afford. 2. Eat nutritious meals and get your sleep. 3. It’s OK to say NO to invites, parties, and situations that leave you stressed. 4. Make your Christmas your own, and gift yourself some peace this year.
Surviving the Holidays with Hearing Loss
If you have a hearing loss, attending family gatherings with many people can be stressful. Here are three tips to ensure a sound-filled holiday season.
1. Spend time with family members one-on-one.
2. Try to sit next to someone who will be willing to keep you in on the conversation if you miss anything that has been said.
3. Book a check of your hearing aids before the holiday season starts to ensure they are working their best.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the laughter of your kids, grand-kids or family members as they open presents or sit around the table. Happy Holidays!
