Research shows that validating our children’s emotions is a key player in fostering connection. We often miss the simplicity of validating their emotion because we want to provide a solution, or we miss the mark because we’re uncomfortable or afraid. The key to connecting is more in an openness to “be with” them in their emotions. Not so much about what solutions you’re able to provide or how swiftly you can move them through distress. Next time your child expresses an emotion, notice your reaction and challenge yourself to show them that they are truly heard. Connection is everything!

Q: What is Achilles tendonitis? A: The Achilles tendon runs down the back of the leg and connects the calf muscle to the back of the heel. It can become inflamed due to overuse or inflexibility. An inflamed Achilles may feel tender and stiff. To deal with the pain, stop doing any aggravating activities and take an anti-inflammatory two or three times a day. In some cases, a 1 to 2 cm heel lift will reduce the tension in the tendon. Stretching before and after activities can help prevent the problem from recurring. If the pain persists after 10 to 14 days, you should see your doctor, a sports-oriented physical therapist, or a podiatrist.

Many find it hard to stay active during the long winter days. Once spring arrives, aches and pains can stand in the way of carrying on as you remember. Joints, muscles, and tendons decondition rapidly. Often, a little bit of concerted effort can get you back on track. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan will outline realistic options. Non-surgical interventions are often enough. Recalcitrant problems may respond to precisely administered injections; ultrasound imaging and careful local anesthesia make this well tolerated by virtually everyone. This smooth and effective treatment brings early and reliable improvement in pain, often allowing return to activity within days.

As our pets age, their health naturally begins to decline and there is a higher risk of developing certain age-related conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Some senior pets develop arthritis in the joints, reducing mobility and, if they’re suffering in pain, quality of life. Like humans, pets need us to pay increased attention to their health in order to help them feel good for as long as possible. Preventative checkups become very important as pets get older as they allow you to catch emerging conditions early and implement nutrition and exercise plans that will benefit your pet. Please call 604-560-8344 to schedule your evaluation.

Underlying learning difficulties can often make it hard for children to process information properly and in a timely manner. This can lead to increased time needed to complete homework or understand instruction, and pieces may be missing when the child comes home to do their homework. Often, children with learning difficulties will develop various methods and skills to compensate for their struggles with schoolwork, but these sometimes only work for a short period of time and don’t really get to the root of what’s going on. Determining the cause of a child’s learning difficulties can provide insight into how to grow areas of the child’s brain to help them keep pace in school and decrease anxiety.

Q: What is a bunion? A: A bunion is a bony growth on the side of the base of your big toe. Both pressure from your shoes and motion in the big toe joint can cause pain. Bunions can be due to heredity, or a biomechanical problem (over-pronation). Wearing a pad over the bunion can help to reduce friction on the inside of your shoes. If you think over-pronation is the cause, try a custom orthotic and find shoes that fit properly. More painful bunions often require surgical correction.

Life is short, and February is even shorter. With Valentine’s Day looming, it’s not easy if one or both partners experience low libido. There are many reasons for a low libido, including hormonal fluctuations, medications, sleep problems, illness, depression, stresses of daily life, etc. Working with a naturopathic physician can help you identify the causes of a low libido using diagnostic measures such as hormone testing. You’ll receive simple, effective treatments like IV vitamin therapy, which infuses vitamins, minerals, and nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing your digestive system and allowing for maximum absorption for better overall health.

We have all experienced pain at some point during our life. But there are some people for whom pain is a daily burden that doesn’t seem to go away. For those people, it is important to find a practitioner who has extensive experience in assessing and treating acute and chronic pain conditions. It doesn’t matter if your pain is from joints, muscles, nerves, organs, emotional trauma, or even an unknown origin, there is almost always something that can be done to decrease or remove the pain. Get a thorough assessment that can uncover previously overlooked or misunderstood aspects contributing to your problem.

make sure your back is healthy! It’s very important to make sure your neck and back (your spine) are fit enough to handle the rigours of movement that a new exercise regime brings. At the centre of spinal health is movement, and alignment is key to proper health and movement. A misaligned spine cannot function well. So what happens when you embark on a new exercise regime with an unhealthy or dysfunctional spine? Potential damage to the joints, nerves, muscles, cartilage, and ligaments. A thorough chiropractic examination would be a safe and recommended starting point to any new exercise regime.

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.

All behaviour serves a purpose, and substance abuse is no exception. The calming effects of alcohol may provide feelings similar to those of love and connection. Cocaine use makes people feel elated and full of energy – attractive feelings for someone who feels “numb”. If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance abuse problem, remember: the opposite of addiction is connection. Do your best to build community around those who are suffering. Seek a counsellor who can identify healthier ways of coping and support those transitioning out of problematic use. Help is out there – please reach out!