Fall is my favourite time of year, I know many of you feel the same way. It’s a season both of reflection and of action, as the change of season often brings a change of activities. It’s also a time of ‘getting back to business’ for many and a good time to turn ones attention to financial planning matters. Given the state of global affairs, it would also be a good time to do a detailed review of your investments. This year has (until recently) seen spectacular returns across many asset classes, what comes next is never certain.

While setbacks are discouraging, they are a normal part of every healing process. Remember that ‘bad days’ are temporary, and with time and effort, you will take steps forward again. In the meantime, use ‘bad days’ as an opportunity to reflect on how far you’ve come. This used to be your everyday state. The fact that you no longer feel this way all the time proves your body is capable of improving! Similarly, use the ‘good days’ as inspiration and hope for what’s to come. Eventually, that good day will be your new normal.

Getting back to school can be an exciting time for kids and parents, but it can also bring about additional stressors that can impact your health. Emotions like frustration, anxiety, and sadness can affect everything from sleep quantity and quality, to our ability to cope with change. These emotions can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, and dizziness due to the disrupted circulation of blood and qi (vital energy). Acupuncture can get the flow of blood and qi moving again throughout the body to help the body and mind become balanced during this often-stressful time.

Aromatherapy can help: To a tissue add 10-15 drops of Grapefruit essential oil and place this tissue in the bottom of the school backpack – relieves stress and mental fatigue while bringing peace and relaxation. Add 5 drops of Spearmint essential oil into each gym shoe to keep them fresh – and help with nausea and digestive problems. Keep a few drops of Rosemary essential oil on a tissue in your pocket and pull out when needed – Rosemary can help with respiratory problems and is considered a brain stimulant. Send your children to school with the tools they need to succeed!

In addition to helping you stay lean and strong, a whole-body workout that includes resistance training will help strengthen your bones. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center reports that regular exercise is essential for treating and preventing osteoporosis. Bone is living tissue that can be strengthened with weight-bearing and weight training exercises. Exercising also helps us maintain muscle strength, coordination, and balance, which in turn helps to prevent falls and related fractures.

“I see Dr. Johnson at Ocean Chiropractic for regular chiropractic treatments and asked him one day about my sore feet. I have advanced bunions and he suggested I try custom rehabilitative orthotics to keep my bunions from progressing. He took the time to explain how they worked and what I needed to do to help strengthen my feet! I would highly recommend talking to Dr. Pat about how orthotics could help you.” – Marilyn O.

Bike fitting is the art and science of harmonizing a rider with their bike to improve comfort, reduce pain, and improve efficiency and performance. The process involves a thorough analysis of the side view, where adjustments can be made to the seat, handlebars, and stem, as well as a front view assessment, where the focus is on foot position on the pedal and lower limb alignment. When a bike fit is performed by a physiotherapist there is also the added benefit of the integration of injury assessment and a treatment plan. Bike fitting can be appropriate for the commuter to the elite cyclist.

Talking about any difficult issue, such as a problem with gambling can be difficult. Here are a few strategies that can be helpful: Try not to judge them or use judgmental language; this will only make the person defensive. Problem gamblers feel vulnerable already. Offer support, caring, and information about the help that is available. Tell the person specifically how their actions are affecting you and your family. Let them know you will support them in their efforts to regain control. If your finances are linked, you may need to take immediate action to protect yourself and your family. Karen Hlady, Prevention Service Provider,