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.

During pregnancy, you need a nervous system that responds immediately and accurately to changing requirements in all parts of your body — you need a healthy spine! Adjusting women throughout pregnancy is one of the most rewarding parts of our work, because a healthier pregnancy means an easier labour and delivery, and a better transition for the baby into this life. But before you even get pregnant, chiropractic adjustments can help your body prepare for the amazing journey ahead. Chiropractic care prior to conception promotes a more regular menstrual cycle and optimal uterine function, preparing the body to be strong, supple, and as balanced as possible to carry the pregnancy. Restoring proper nerve supply to reproductive organs has helped many couples who thought they were infertile.

Q: What is a hammertoe? A: Hammertoes are toes that are bent or contracted. They usually are not painful; however, the friction of them rubbing against the inside of shoes can create a buildup of thick, hard skin (a corn), which can be very uncomfortable. Hammertoes are usually the result of foot misalignment. It is always best to try to catch this in the earlier stages, before the toe becomes fixed. Make sure your shoes are wide enough and deep enough to prevent rubbing or friction irritation and the formation of a corn. Motion-control shoes and/or orthotics can serve to reduce any over-pronation.

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.

The opioid crisis is rapidly escalating, and not showing any signs of slowing down soon. We must protect our “kids” — which, by the way, our kids are always our kids, no matter their age or ours. Please listen and don’t react or preach. Make a safe space for drug use conversations. If they are going to use anyway, for example, encourage them not to use alone. Love them, support them, try and get them to help. A good listening ear from a non-judgmental counsellor may be just what they need.

Encouraging students to exercise their brain in the summer months can help keep them sharp and better prepare them for back to school time in the fall. Practicing brain exercises that target a student’s ability to reason and process information quickly can help with difficulties in making connections when it comes to reading comprehension, math problems, and social situations, all of which are important for academic performance. For students with learning difficulties, keeping their brain on track ensures they will be able to perform at a similar level as their peers, setting them up for success when the school year starts up again.