Christmas is coming and so are dangers for your pets. Cats like to climb Christmas trees and chew on garland and tinsel, and that can damage their intestines. Dogs like all of the foods we like – including leftovers and raw foods, and that can give them pancreatitis, diarrhea, and vomiting. Pets only want your love and attention as a present – GIVE it to them. And don’t forget, if you have been putting off a dental cleaning for your pet, book it now so that holiday company isn’t “blown away” by your pet’s bad breath.

Three common non-optimal strategies for transferring loads through the low back, pelvis, and hips are butt-gripping, back-gripping, and chest-gripping. Butt-grippers subconsciously tighten their butt, either on one or both sides of their pelvis, all day. Back-grippers subconsciously lift their chest to correct their posture all day. Chest-grippers subconsciously squeeze their chest or upper abdomen in an attempt to flatten their lower abdomen. All three of these non-optimal strategies can result in pain and discomfort. A physiotherapist can determine whether you fall into one of these three categories and can recommend exercises to counteract and prevent the use of such strategies.

Have you heard of tech neck or text neck? Posture is becoming a significant health concern in modern times. Seventy percent of people today have sitting-based jobs and the use of mobile devices is increasing every year. The net result is poor posture called anterior head carriage. This posture pushes the head forward (the equivalent weight of a bowling ball), causing strain on the soft tissues of the neck and upper back. Poor posture can damage muscles, ligaments, joints, and nerves, causing joint dysfunction and pain. Imagine what happens when you sit at a desk for eight hours a day, week after week!

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.

Q: What is planter fasciitis? A: This usually begins as a tenderness or mild discomfort on the sole of the foot, in the heel or arch area, and then becomes more severe. The plantar fascia is a tough ligament-like band of tissue that runs from your heel, through the arch area, and out to the ball of the foot. If you over-pronate (feet roll in), the plantar fascia becomes strained, with most of the stress occurring at the heel. Over-the-counter insoles may provide some relief, as can supportive taping, but custom orthotics is usually the best long-term solution.

Here are some tips to help you become financially independent: 1) Spend less than you earn. 2) Have a plan and stick to it. 3) Buy a house and pay off the mortgage as soon as you can. 4) Get rid of any credit card or consumer loan debt. 5) Set up pre-authorized transfers to move 10% of your monthly income into savings. 6) Work with an advisor to choose an investment plan that works for your goals. 7) Don’t put all of your money into one investment option. 8) Save and invest any extra income (bonuses, etc.).

Even in this age of computers and technology, it’s important for kids to be able to express themselves using their own hands. Many children with learning difficulties often deal with dysgraphia, which can be described as a disconnect between the brain and the hands. This can prevent children from being able to write down their own thoughts and ideas, a skill that is important for academic success. Getting to the root of a child’s dysgraphia can help them to better express themselves and can free up space they were using to grapple with the issue, so that they can focus on their creativity.

Joint injuries are common and, far too often, people who experience them have ongoing pain and mobility limitations. The question that many ask is, “Why is this taking so long to heal?” The nature of injury to connective tissues like ligaments and tendons makes it difficult for the body to repair the injury. There is very little blood flow through them, and nerve supply is disrupted, which means that repair happens slowly, or poorly, resulting in instability, recurring injury, or chronic pain. Prolotherapy and Neural therapy treatments target these sites specifically to bring about regeneration and repair for resolution of the recurring injury or pain in about 80% of well-diagnosed conditions.

Stress can bring on fatigue, mood changes, insomnia, low immune function, sugar craving, weight gain and more. The symptoms can develop when your brain and adrenal gland respond by regulating some of our stress hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenalin, and cortisol. A dysregulation (over or under secretion) can cause further problems in the thyroid gland, poor gut health, chronic fatigue, depression/anxiety, addictive behaviours, and more. Blood work and hormone tests, available through a Naturopath or MD, is a good place to start in stress management but also practicing good self-care with yoga, meditation and exercise are also very effective.

Christmas is supposed to be one of the happiest times of the year. Yet, many of us secretly dread it. To avoid feeling overwhelmed with everything, it may be helpful to set boundaries, such as an escape plan at your holiday events. Maybe tell your host you’re going to leave early? Or perhaps take your own car? When you limit your time, you may be able to enjoy your friends and family way more! Remember, when we’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s always for a good reason. Be gentle on yourself… And have a happy holiday season!