Most of us, at some point, have worn a backpack. For some it was during school to carry dreaded textbooks to school. For others, they were worn for single- or multi-day hiking trips as we explored the outdoors and the world. How many of us were taught how to wear a backpack properly? Most of us know that we should wear a backpack on both shoulders but what about the waist belt? How much weight should we be carrying? Most school-aged kids are carrying more weight than they should. This can lead to spinal misalignment and bad posture, which can contribute to neck and back pain in the teenage and adult years. Younger kids should carry no more than 10% of their body weight while the rest of us should carry no more than 15% of our body weight. To keep your back healthy, watch your backpack weight!

Dr. Amber Kenmuir, D.C., Long Lake Chiropractic Centre, MySpine.ca

A holistic nutritionist interviews each person in depth and looks at them on a unique and individual basis to offer recommendations that will help them recover and re-establish optimal health. A foundational principle is that there is no one single diet for every person on the planet. A holistic nutritionist explores how diet, supplements, lifestyle choices, the health of the mind and spirituality all contribute to the onset or prevention of disease. Holistic nutrition practitioners aim to act as teachers and provide relevant, empirically based knowledge, support, and guidance so that their clients can make the best choices for their personal circumstances and goals.

Dona Bradley, R.H.N., Manager/CSNN Vancouver Island, csnn.ca/vancouverisland

Essential oils are amazing for enhancing relaxation. Simply smelling oils such as lavender, grapefruit, frankincense, neroli, cedarwood, or blends such as “Stress Away,” “Aromaease,” or “Deep Relief” can be enough to calm your nerves. You can add them to Epsom salts for a lovely bath, diffuse them, add your favorite to a spray bottle (plus water) and spray your linens. Try placing a drop on a cotton ball or clothes peg and placing it in your car vent. These are just a few ways to feel the beneficial effects of these pleasant aromas.

Denise MacKinnon, Young Living, Facebook.com/SimpleHealthIdeas

In the world around us we see patterns everywhere we turn. Although from a quick glance they may not be apparent to us, they are there. We also have patterns in our daily life and emotions that are generally not observed. It is what I refer to as the patterns of living. Patterns of living can develop as early as infancy and build from there. A pattern usually shows up in our lives when it wants to teach us something. We can figure out what we need to learn if we really search within us. We need to take a good look at our upbringing and also that of those closest to us. A Registered Therapeutic Counsellor is trained to help you determine what you need to heal. Once you know what that is, the healing can truly begin.

Jaclyn Younger, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, Inner-Care.com

The knee is one of the most common body parts to be injured.  We often hear about the career ending knee injuries of pro athletes but as we age, something as simple as a slip on an uneven surface can cause a life altering injury.  The main signs and symptoms of a knee injury are pain and swelling.  Medical assistance is required if initial RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression and elevation) does not alleviate the pain and bring down the swelling.  Depending on your doctor’s examination, you may need an X-ray to rule out any broken bones or an MRI scan to determine if the ligaments in the knee have been injured.  Obtaining a timely diagnosis is the key to effective treatment and recovery.

Nanaimo MRI Inc., NanaimoMRI.ca

I just listened to an interview with a very knowledgeable and dedicated retired dentist.  He believed that bacteria are the cause of bleeding gums and tooth decay. In my opinion, they are caused by an acidic pH level of the body fluids. The pH level in the mouth and stress affects the health of our teeth and gums. The more acidic our bodies are, the less effective our immune system is which allows bacteria to multiply.  Acidity causing foods are part of the problem. It is best to avoid sweets, carbs, alcohol and dairy. A body fluids pH level of 7 provides the right environment for the body to function. Only stomach fluids have to be acidic in order for proper digestion.  A peaceful life is beneficial for our immune system. To regain inner balance, walk in nature, meditate, avoid stressful news, go to an alternative health practitioner and have a WiFi free bedroom.

Anna Christine Doehring, RHFP, RCP, Energy-All-Around.com

Acupuncture is the treatment of choice for Sciatica; an excruciatingly painful condition. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body; it carries sensory and motor information down to the legs.  Most people present with a sharp pain running down the back of the upper thigh and in very severe cases, reaching the foot. It can also involve a pain which runs down the side of the leg or less often, a pain which runs down the front of the leg.  The exact position of the pain determines the choice of the acupuncture points to be used. The longer you put up with the pain (grin and bear it), the more muscles and structures are affected and more treatment is required to deal with the problem.

Elaine Murphy, Reg. Acupuncturist, MA, RAc

The pair of socks you are wearing can make a difference in how you feel during your day.  Have you ever had a pair that were too tight around the calf and left an ugly red welt?  Or the ones that fall down and work their way under your foot?  Traditional cotton socks hold water and keep feet clammy and wet and not smelling very nice.  To improve your day, wear socks that have a soft touch top and an ergonomic y-heel that keeps the heel from slipping.  Look for socks that guard against blisters with moisture resistance and anti-bacterial protection.  The right socks can also provide stability, support and increase balance.

I.Ostman, VOXX Life Socks, Facebook.com/GreatSocksForALL