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.

Is your pet prepared for the heat of late summer? Don’t forget how being overweight can be very stressful for some pets in the heat of summer – especially the short-nosed breeds that can’t breathe as easily as we’d like at the best of times. Any respiratory or heart conditions will exacerbate the stress of hot conditions for your pet. Keep your pet as lean as possible and avoid the summer heat. Make sure your pet drinks plenty of water and use fans or air conditioners to beat the heat. Never trust your pet’s condition in a warm car, as heat stroke can be fatal.

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!

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.

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.

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.

It’s hard to focus on serious things like learning and exercising your brain when there’s so much summer fun to be had, but it’s important for students with learning difficulties to keep up with training their brain. This can be done by participating in many fun, yet important, activities, such as playing board games, building things with Lego, socializing, and taking on new challenges that are just above a student’s capacity. Focusing on wellness can also keep the brain healthy, so exercising, getting enough sleep, finding quiet time, eating healthy foods, and drinking enough water are equally important.

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.

Insight scans allow a practitioner to see how your nervous system is adapting to daily stresses. State-of-the-art technology is available that will allow a non-invasive approach. Insight Subluxation Station is technology that was once used by NASA and now chiropractors have adopted it to measure the deeper tensions in the nervous system that one cannot feel. Since it is non-invasive, this is used frequently to measure how the adjustments are changing the stress patterns in your body. The Torque Release Technique is a very sophisticated, gentle, and specific adjustment that involves using an instrument on the area of concern. It’s great for children and the elderly, with no cracking sound involved. This technique is powerful in releasing deeper tensions and resetting your nervous system. Finally, the Webster Technique is a super gentle technique for pregnant women and allows room for baby to grow by keeping mom’s hips stable as she gets bigger.