Community News
Treating Signs of Aging Skin

Skin ages and becomes loose and less elastic as we grow older due to a reduction in fibroblast cells, which build the collagen proteins that keep our cells connected tightly. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a safe and chemical-free way to trigger new collagen production. A hand-controlled device with tiny, shallow needles punctures the outer layer of the skin at 1000 times per second to create mild damage that will stimulate your body to produce new collagen and elastin. This process can be used all over the body, not just on the face, to treat wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, and more!

Knee Replacements Outside of Hospitals

Total knee replacement is the most definitive treatment for advanced osteoarthritis. This procedure is typically done in a hospital setting, with 3-5 days of hospital stay. In recent years, it has become clear that healthy individuals can be discharged from the hospital on the day of their surgery, to safely and conveniently recover at home. Having surgery done at a medical centre provides a welcome alternative to hospitals. This can help reduce complications associated with hospitalization, and for many patients, the convenience and comfort of being at home with family is much preferred over the rustle and bustle of a busy surgical ward.

Reducing Anxiety and Finding Balance

Anxiety and panic attacks can be detrimental to a person’s confidence, wellbeing, and overall sense of self, causing stress, worry, and sometimes long-term health issues. Anxiety often stems from thoughts – “what ifs” that can grow to severely impact one’s ability to cope with daily life. Those with anxiety may find that laser acupuncture is a welcome respite from their tension and fear. The use of a cold non-invasive laser to stimulate acupressure points on the body can affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress, therefore helping to reduce feelings of anxiety and panic.

Know Your Core Muscles

Physiotherapists offer training for the deep muscles of your core. These muscles include: 1) Transversus abdominis – the deepest abdominal that wraps around the abdomen between the lower ribs and top of the pelvis. It stabilizes the low back and pelvis and protects the inner organs. 2) Multifidus – a deep muscle located along the back of the spine very close to the midline that works with other muscles to stabilize the low back and pelvis. 3) The pelvic floor – a hammock of muscles that connect the pubic bone at the front to the tailbone and “sitz” bones at the back. There are no recipes for training the deep muscles – speak to your physiotherapist about the right training for your core.

Acupuncture for Mental Wellness

Q: I have issues with depression and anxiety. Can acupuncture help with this?

A: Stress can result in several symptoms, such as insomnia, constant worry, weakened digestive system, and others. Acupuncture treatment can adjust and balance our meridians to reduce emotional and physical stress. During treatment, the patient will feel more relaxed and joyful, and some will fall asleep. They will also sleep more soundly when they go home. After a few treatments, they will feel stronger and can better resist the stress.

Talking Finances as Newlyweds

Wedding season is at its peak, and with so many couples tying the knot, it’s important to address how to combine your finances successfully. When merging your finances, think about your money as being separately yours, but also jointly yours. Deal with debt as a couple to help with stress and debt management. Take a united approach to keeping spending in check, rather than resorting to blame. Work together to make investment decisions. Avoid keeping secrets from your spouse when it comes to money. Finally, agree to plan for emergencies and stick to that plan.

Book Club: Silly Cat Goes to the Zoo

Summer Kids Book Review – In this chilling Silly Cat adventure, Aubrey and Emi go with Boots and Aunty Pat to the Calgary Zoo. Poor Boots decides he wants to be a penguin and, of course, ends up in trouble. Luckily, his people friends are able to save the day – with a little unexpected help that arrives in the nick of time. Silly Cat Goes to the Zoo is the first of a series of Silly Cat Adventures featuring Boots and Aunty Pat.

Stress Fractures

Q: What is a stress fracture? A: Stress fractures are partial breaks, or cracks in a bone. Walking or running will be painful, whereas generally there will not be pain during rest periods. They are usually considered an overuse injury, which can result from overtraining, switching running surfaces (soft to hard), or wearing shoes that provide inadequate support. If you suspect a stress fracture, see your family doctor or a sports-oriented podiatrist. Do not run at all for six weeks. Often crutches, and sometimes casting, are needed. The good news is that stress fractures usually heal without complications, provided diagnosis and treatment are done early.

Rejuvenate Your Skin with Ease

Enhanced Microcurrent Facial Treatment acts like an electronic syringe, which enables the therapist to fill lines, reduce wrinkles, pigmentation, and stretch marks. It can provide the results offered by traditional mesotherapy and/or micro-needling, but without the painful injections, bruising, or downtime. The active compounds we use during the treatment have no unnecessary chemical ingredients, just effective, natural formulations to help improve the skin. The treatment time is short, at only 45 minutes, and there is no healing time needed or any risk of scarring. Six weekly sessions can provide optimal results for issues such as acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and signs of aging.

Golfing is Like Investing

It’s golfing season! Apply the same strategies to investing that you do to being out on the course. When golfing, you have to choose the right club for the stroke. It’s the same when choosing an appropriate investment for your portfolio, which should be based on your financial goals and risk profile. In golfing and in investing, success comes not from comparing yourself to others, but from focusing on your own game. Patience and practice are important when golfing, just like in investing – think about the long-term. Finally, rely on your advisor/partner for guidance, just like during a round!