Learn at Lunch  -  Free Lunchtime Seminar on the benefits of strong posture

Date:             Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 12:00 – 1:00
Location:      Large Boardroom
Register:      At clinic reception – space is limited so sign up today

Lose 5 pounds in 5 minutes with 5 simple exercises.  Join Dr. Jennifer Teasdale for an interactive seminar on how to improve your posture at work, in the gym and in your everyday activities.  These 5 exercises are guaranteed to beat the bulge, prevent injuries, add years to your life and life to your years.

CLEAN YOUR MACHINE – 3 week supervised wellness detox program

When your car looks a little dirty you probably take it for a thorough cleaning. We give our homes a full cleaning when they get a little messy. But we do not often give the same consideration to our bodies.

The same style spring-cleaning concept is very helpful for the human body and especially for our digestive health. We often call this kind of total-body cleansing, detoxification.  There are many benefits that can be experienced from detoxification which many include some or all of the following:

• Improves Energy level
• Improves your ability to deal with stress
• Improves Recovery Time after strenuous exercise or other traumas
• Improves Physical Performance and stamina especially in athletes
• Removes Impurities from the body for improved Health and better absorption of nutrients
• Improves Immune System to help prevent many degenerative diseases and aging
• Improves Bone Strength with the proper calcium supplement
• Improves the Production of collagen for joints and ligaments
• Improves Memory, Concentration and Focus
• Improves Weight Loss more rapidly

Cleansing is for Anyone who wishes to Look, Feel Young and Healthy

3 WEEK SUPERVISED WELLNESS DETOX:  Cost $250

First appointment (30 minutes):  An initial consultations with Dr. Trudy Strasser to assess your overall health and suitability for the detoxification process.  The consultation along with your questionnaire will be used to design a customized program based upon your unique needs.  You will receive the information and products necessary to begin your personalized wellness detox.

Second appointment (45 minutes):  This appointment will begin with a 30 minute therapeutic massage focusing on lumphatic drainage and muscle tension, followed by a 15 minute follow-up consultation with Dr. Strasser including a discussion of your progress.

Third appointment (30 minutes):  Your final appointment will include a 30 minute therapeutic massage to complete the detoxification process.

You will receive receipts for your treatment that can be claimed under your naturopathic and massage therapy benefits.

RESOLVE TO EVOLVE 2012

There are numerous reasons why people decide to try yoga for the first time.  Some are seeking relaxation from their hectic lives, some are rehabilitating old injuries and others are seeking to increase their flexibility.  Whatever brings you onto the mat doesn’t matter.   What is important is what you will find there.  Yoga focuses on the connection between your mind and body and that makes it different from any other workout you have tried before.

Yoga has been around for over 5000 years.  It has always had a small but faithful following however recently it has been gaining popularity due to an increased awareness that celebrities such as Madonna, Jennifer Aniston and Chelsea Handler, as well as, athletes like Lebron James, Tim Thomas and The Philadelphia Eagles all incorporate yoga into their every day routine.

Here are a few of the benefits of incorporating a yoga practice into your routine:

●      Reduce anxiety & stress

●      Enhance memory, focus and concentration

●      Improve posture

●      Decrease fatigue

●      Strengthen and tone muscles

●      Increase energy and feelings of wellbeing

It isn’t just famous people reporting the benefits of yoga.   The research community is finally substantiating what yogis have been telling us for years and that is that we need to move often and to tolerance.  Did you know that nearly 80 % of us will experience low back pain at least once in our lifetime and that yoga has been proven to be the best form of movement to decrease the symptoms of low back pain when compared to other exercise programs.

NO PAIN NO GAIN is a thing of the past.  It is all about connecting your mind and body in a way people aren’t presently doing on a regular basis.  By removing the external stimuli from our environment and syncing breath with movement we change how our central nervous system operates within our bodies.  We can reduce the stress hormones that accumulate in our bodies from a long hard day and decrease tension in our muscles.

2012 doesn’t have to be a repeat of 2011.  Resolve to enter 2012 calm, cool and collected and evolve your body into a healthier more authentic version of yourself.

Namaste
DUE TO AN OVERWHELMING RESPONSE WE HAVE OPENED UP A NEW CLASS ON WEDNESDAYS.
Join Dr. Jenn Teasdale Wednesdays at lunch hour starting January 11, 2012 – February 15, 2012.

6 x 50 minute sessions for just $40

Downtown Integrative Health Group

Foot Pain – Plantar Fasciitis

There are many types and many causes of foot pain.  One of the more common (and more frustrating) causes of foot pain is plantar fasciitis – up to 25% of all running injuries and 8% of sports injuries are plantar fasciitis and approximately 10% of the population will suffer from it at some point.

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone up to the toes, especially the big toe.  It is very important for the stability and support of the foot and the arches of the foot.  Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation of this tissue.  In simple terms, it is caused by repetitive micro-tears that overcome the body’s ability to heal.  As these tears build up there is more and more inflammation and pain.

The pain is usually at its worst first thing in the morning.  This is because the fascia in the bottom of the foot shortens throughout the night and when weight is applied to the foot the tissue will tear and become inflamed.  As the fascia stretches out during the day the pain will decrease – until it has the opportunity to shorten again (from sitting or sleeping) and the whole cycle repeats itself.

There are many factors that predispose someone to getting this injury such as increased time on feet, being overweight, running, tightness in the hamstrings and legs and altered leg alignment and biomechanics.  One of the most common predisposing factors is called ‘over pronation’.  This is when the ankle turns in and the foot flattens when someone is walking.  This causes the arches of the foot to collapse and the foot to lengthen, thus over-stretching (and tearing) the plantar fascia with every step.

To treat this common condition it takes dedication and perseverance as it is a persistent injury… just ask anybody who has had it.  Techniques like Active Release and Graston are utilized to breakdown the unhealthy fascia and stimulate the rebuilding of new and strong collagen (which makes up the fascia).  Adjustments to the joints of the foot, ankle, knee and hip are also used to create proper alignment and mobility throughout the lower body.  Laser therapy is also beneficial as it further stimulates the healing process.  As these treatments are occurring, it is vital that the patient becomes active in their own recovery by consistently (daily!) doing specific stretches and exercises that are designed to strengthen the foot arches and restore normal leg biomechanics.

If you have plantar fasciitis it is recommended to get it treated as soon as possible.  The longer it’s around for the longer it will take to heal and rehabilitate.  As mentioned above, make sure you are willing to commit to being a dedicated and active participant in your own recovery process and slowly but surely we can get you back on your feet, active and pain-free once again.

In Health,

Dr. Scott Fisher, DC

Twitter: @DrScottFisher

Winterize Your Body – Tammi Wigmore, RMT

As a massage therapist, I see first hand the effects of weather and seasonal transitions on the body.  The chief complaints at this time of year stems from a series of joint aches and pains, muscle stiffness and arthritic like symptoms.  Just like our automobiles, we can weather proof and winterize our bodies as well, helping them adjust and cope with the extreme or subtle climate change, flu/cold season, and altered moods.

The following is a list of things we can do to protect our bodies from the effects of the winter months.  They may be simple but they really do impact how we can feel at the end of a winter’s day!

-         Water – Lots of water intake (throw some lemon in it for flavor and toxin release).

-         Stretch – Always make sure your muscles and body are warmed up first, then stretch the major muscle groups that are being overused on a daily basis.  Hold the stretch for a minimum of 30 seconds per muscle.   Always go within your threshold; over time you will notice how flexible you body really is.  Check out different yoga classes; love the benefits of increased flexibility, circulation, relaxation and injury prevention.

-         Food – A balanced diet is so important.  Give your body the fuel it needs to run successfully.

-         Exercise – Even if it’s only 15-30 mins/day.  It is proven that a 15 min walk outside lowers feelings of depression and can reduce the onset of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).  Or….how about cranking some tunes and dancing like no one’s watching?

-         Laugh – Entertain or be entertained with friends and loved ones.   Put yourself out there and make new friends.  Check out local comedy shows or board games.  They truly say that laughter is the best medicine.

-         Meditate – Even if it’s just 5-10 mins/day.  Let your thoughts and body be still, challenge yourself.  Pick up an audio CD on meditation from the library.  Find a quiet place!

-         Immune Boost – Get your daily intake of necessary vitamins to suit your needs.  Some to consider: Vitamins A & D, probiotics and oil of oregano.  Consult your chiropractor or massage therapist for current evidence based insight.

-         Comfort Foods – They can be healthy soups, chilies or stews that you can freeze for convenience.  Cook with cayenne pepper, as it helps with circulation during winter.

-         Paraffin Wax Treatment – Discover what Paraffin wax treatments can do for arthritis, dry skin, achy muscles and joints (Paraffin is used in hospitals for rehabilitation).

-         Skin Brushings – Before your shower or bath in the morning, just a quick skin brushing of your body can do wonders for dry skin and encourage better circulation and lymph flow.

-         Moisturize – So many people forget or are too rushed to moisturize.  Best results occur a few seconds after a shower; this traps in the moisture for a longer period of time.  Don’t forget to use SPF lotions or lip balms in the winter months too!

-         Tea time – Cozy up with your favorite cup of tea:  Echinacea (good for colds), Green Tea, Chamomile, Rooibos, Yerba mate, all with immune boosting qualities.

-         Salt Soak – End your day by soaking your worries and aches away with an Epsom, or even better, Himalayan Salt Soak in the tub.  Add a few drops of an essential oil such Lavender for enhanced relaxation.

-         Layer up – Invest a little in more functional, warm, waterproof clothing including footwear.  Find a favorite scarf/toque that you won’t leave home without.  Wigwam socks from MEC are wonderful!

Be gentle to your body this season.  If you have any questions, be sure to bring them up at your next appointment.  Cheers to a happy winter!

Managing Menopause: 4 week protocol – Cost $500 including supplements

Naturopathic visit
1st week 1 hour visit to include history, injection therapy, urine testing
2nd, 3rd, 4th week 15 min injection therapy
Injection Therapy: Intradermal along bikini line with Pascofemin
Additional remedies may be added depending on hormone typing
Quassie for the liver function
Lymphadiaral for fluid retention
Pasconal for insomnia, fatigue or memory loss

Supplementation Included:
Calcium-d-glucurate 3 pills/day to be taken with food
Medibulk 1/2 scoop in 8 oz water per night and increase to 2 scoops if needed
Whole Body Cleanse 30 drops of all three in 1-liter water and sip through out the day
Pascofemin injectable ampoules or 30 drops in water with Whole body Cleanse

Lifestyle:
Stop smoking
Stop drinking Alcohol (my Hot flashes were triggered by Red Wine)
Exercise: aerobic, weight bearing, walking, jogging, yoga, swim (30+ min. 3X/week)
Hydrotherapy: End your shower with a 1 minute cool water spray.
Sunlight: 15 minutes, full intensity, at least 4X/week
Stress management: have fun, take time for yourself,
“Time to take your bearings and re-chart your course”

Diet:
Reduce protein: Free range or organic when possible (Wild fish is best)
Vegan diet if you are committed
Increase fiber (vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains)
Eat seeds Hemp, Ground Flax, pumpkin, sesame, sunflower
Avoid: coffee, black tea, soda pop, sugar substitutes, alcohol, sugar

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):
HRT increases your risk of cancer with extended use.
You have natural choices, even after a hysterectomy, and/or using HRT for years
Weaning off HRT to natural sources can take months for the transition
Tri-Est is a natural form of three estrogens bio-available to the body
Natural herbs containing phytoestrogens and phytoprogesterones can be added
Take the Hormonal Questionnaire to find your type.

Resources
www.info@medthermonline.com Breast Screening Thermograpy cost $250
www.pinkandgreenribbon.com  This is a grassroots movement started by three Mothers dedicated to fostering a BREAST HEALTH MOVEMENT.

www.deflame.com is a site for reliable information on nutrition and inflammation.

On www.bmi-calculator.net you can calculate your BMI (body mass index) and see if you are at risk for weight related illnesses.  A BMI lower than 27 is a goal.

Good Things Often Come In Combos:
The benefit of combining massage therapy and chiropractic health-care

Q. What do the following have in common?

• Hotdogs and baseball games
• A tent and a van (Westfalia)
• Sunshine and a beach
• Chiropractic and massage therapy

A. They are often better when they are combined together.

All too often people default to one course of treatment for their symptoms and conditions. Chiropractic and massage combine to make a powerful treatment duo for headaches, back pain muscle spasms and other health care concerns.

Massage Therapy is the manipulation of soft tissue (muscles, connecting tissue, tendons, ligaments) and results in physiological changes. Massage Therapy increases circulation, which increases the delivery of nutrients and oxygenated blood throughout the body. This can reduce the time it takes the body to heal from injuries. Massage is also known to detoxify the body, which aids in healing and provides the individual with a feeling of well-being.

Chiropractic health-care focuses is on evaluating the structure and function of the spinal column and correcting any misalignment through adjustments, and other techniques. Misalignments can be caused by a number of factors such as car accidents, physical/psychological stress and trauma.

How can these two treatments maximize your health?

Massage Therapy can assist in relaxing your muscles before your chiropractic visit. Relaxed muscles can lead to a more comfortable adjustment; it can also extend the benefits of the adjustment.

Massage therapists and chiropractors are partners in providing individuals with excellent health care to increase their overall wellness and levels of activity.

By Linda Belenczuk (RMT)

I just read this article in The Calgary Herald http://www.calgaryherald.com/health/Alberta+leads+country+obesity+study/4976646/story.html

This article is a step in right direction by highlighting that Alberta’s rates of obesity are too high and that we need to address it.  And while I do agree that encouraging people to be more active and eat more fruits and vegetables is a great message; I think it over-simplifies weight loss and what it takes for most people to lose a significant amount of weight.  To simply add more fruits and vegetables, without looking at your other diet and lifestyle factors is like telling a tired mother of a newborn baby to simply sleep more!  You need to look at all the factors that may be affecting your food choices and habits.  Are you an emotional eater?  Do you have the time/money to buy and prepare healthy meals?  Do you have access to healthy foods? Are your Portion sizes appropriate? (Unfortunately, you can get too much of a good thing – even fruits and vegetables!)

Registered Dietitian’s have the knowledge and skills to help people navigate their way through these and other nutrition-related issues and concerns and can therefore play a major role in tackling our rising obesity rates.  There is no “one-size-fits-all” weight loss approach that will work for everyone – that’s why diets don’t work! There are many factors that play a role in weight loss including: diet (portion sizes, timing, hunger, types of foods chosen), lifestyle (sleep, TV, work &/or family schedules), mood (stress, depression, anger, boredom) and physical health (hormones, injuries/physical limitations).

In my experience, when clients have personalized recommendations that fit their individual circumstances and preferences, they are much more likely to successfully lose weight (and keep it off!).  While 15 minutes of extra activity and more fruits and vegetables will have an impact on obesity levels, we also need to be taking a closer look at our society and our lifestyles, and how they may be negatively affecting our diet and activity levels and in the long-run, our health.

By Dawn Peacock, RD

“Oi” (hello) from Rio de Janerio where my wife and I just attended the World Federation of Chiropractic’s biannual Congress. Chiropractic leaders from all over the world gather every two years to discuss the state of chiropractic and spinal health around the world. These conferences are the best of the best.

The highlight for me this year was hearing about the advancement of the chiropractic profession in Brazil where the vocation has grown from 3 chiropractors in 1992 to around 800 this year. This doesn’t mean that Brazilians have more back pain. Rather, it is a reflection the right care being provided at the right time and at the right cost.

The scientific evidence reported at the congress made it clear that adjustments, exercise, acupuncture and the judicious use of anti-inflammatory medication are the best ways of treating back pain. I was very pleased to have confirmation that our clinic is providing the treatment protocols being recommended by the scientists. We’re doing what the research says works!

I also learned about an exciting new global initiative recently started by a chiropractor. The organization is called World Spine Care. Their mission is to bring quality, evidence-based, treatment and community education for health conditions related to the spine in under-serviced communities around the world. They have started two pilot projects, staffed by volunteer chiropractors, medical doctors and other specialists to bring musculoskeletal and spinal health care to Botswana and India. Endorsed by Bishop Desmond Tutu and Paypal co-founder Elon Mush, these health centres are vital in countries where physical spinal disabilities aren’t just painful; they stop people from being able to provide for their families. (Check out www.worldspinecare.com)

I am proud to be part of a profession that is positioned to become the world authority in spinal care. No other profession is as well equipped to take on that role.

The next Congress will be in Durban, South Africa in 2013. I’m planning on being there.

Dr. David Lawson