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.

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,

A fundamental principle of yoga is that your body and mind are one and connected. Stress in one domain will affect the other and vice versa. Yoga can help you cope with stress and improve overall health and satisfaction with life. While all exercise is good for stress, yoga is different because it powerfully combines both physical fitness with an underlying philosophy of self-compassion and awareness. We actually release emotional energy effectively throughout our yoga practice, even if you’re not aware of it!

Plantar fasciitis can happen to anyone, from an active runner or athlete to a worker who is on their feet all day. Your foot is made up of numerous complex tissues, muscles, and bones that can become damaged quite easily if the foot is not properly cared for. The foot has a thick, fibrous band of tissue called the fascia that reaches from the heel to the toes and provides support to the muscles and arch of the foot. When this tissue becomes overly stretched, tiny tears can occur on the surface, resulting in pain and inflammation. Persistent pain caused by plantar fasciitis can undermine your fitness and general health and drag on for years – but there are treatments available! Contact your trusted foot health expert for more info.

Time spent being passive on the massage table feels wonderful, and for those living with insomnia, anxiety, and stress, for example, it’s just the ticket. However, relief is only temporary for those living with a fear or lack of movement due to pain. Another side of treatment needs to happen through movement. Are you ready to take a more effective approach? Would you like to feel more in control of your wellness? Work with a registered massage therapist to explore a combination of movement and massage therapy, and watch your trust in your body’s abilities to heal grow!