Congratulations to all the winners of our Patient Appreciation Month Raffle! Thank you to everyone for participating. We hope that these small tokens express our gratitude for your ongoing support.
We hope you’re all taking advantage of the nice weather by going out for walks, cycling, playing tennis, golf, soccer, etc. Remember to do a good warm-up, stretch, put on some sunscreen (paraben free) and drink lots of good clean water. We hope you find this newsletter both informative and enjoyable. Please share it with friends and family. We always appreciate feedback, e-mail your comments to: info@lifewisehw.com.
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
Keys to an Injury-Free Summer
Julia Pilliar (Certified Kinesiologist)
1. Pre-condition and start gradually.
Begin doing the exact movements you will be doing during your sport at least a month before actually playing. Give your body a chance to gradually adapt early in the season, especially as the environment (temperature) changes.
2. Warm-up before each game. Stretch AFTER.
Every time take 3-5 minutes before beginning to get your muscles, tendons, and ligaments ready for action by performing full body movements such as squats, jogging on the spot, or easy skipping. Shoulder rolls and arm circles are great to warm-up the shoulders.
3. Listen to your body.
If something doesn‟t feel right, don‟t force it. If you feel that you have „tweaked‟ a muscle or joint, give it enough time to rest. Would you rather miss one game or the rest of the season?
4. Use proper, well-fitted equipment.
Paying less for something that doesn‟t quite fit can make all the difference when it comes to sports injuries. Ensure all of your equipment fits you to prevent muscle imbalances and unnecessary wear and tear on joints and soft tissues. Orthotics can ensure that your feet are taken care of, which will help to protect the rest of your joints, bones, and muscles.
5. Avoid being a „Weekend Warrior‟.
Continue training during your season, especially if you engage in sport only one or two days per week. Keep your body active by exercising regularly. This will help prevent injuries as your body will be used to activity.
LOCAL FOOD: Healthier You, Healthier Planet!
Sarah Dobec (Registered Holistic Nutritionist)
In our current food system, we spend 15 calories of energy to make 1 calorie worth of food energy. This is due to the amount of food we import around the world and the fossil fuels required to produce food, as well as pesticides. It seems unnecessary to import apples from New Zealand when we can grow them right here in Ontario!
We have become accustomed to having what we want, when we want it; and this has a huge impact on the health of the planet and the local economy. By supporting local growers you reduce „food miles‟, you eat healthier food and you boost your local economy. We could create 50 000 jobs in Ontario if we ate like we did in 1970.
If the LOCAL FOOD MOVEMENT interests you, come learn more at the July 30th Fiver Friday. Also, to visit a local farm, join us on a FIELD TRIP this summer.
Dates and details at www.fieldtriptoronto.ca
Allowing Yourself to Relax
Paul Lara (Reiki Master, Tai Chi Instructor)
Are you having difficulty relaxing? Is your mind overwhelmed with so many thoughts that you simply can‟t find the time to relax?
In today‟s fast-paced, “app” crazy environment, you are not alone. Most of us find that even when we are trying to relax; our mind is still running all over the place with possibilities that leave our bodies feeling tense and fidgety. Our inability to relax our bodies and our minds is a result of never taking the time to restore our energetic reservoir.
What we require is balance. Activity followed by inactivity, and vice versa. We can‟t be firing on all cylinders all the time. We need the time to reflect calmly and quietly. Our cell phones follow this principle - it‟s time we do as well.
Relieving the body of habitual tension and discomfort requires that we first relax the mind: A soft relaxed body is only achieved through a calm, quiet mind.
Reiki treatments are ideal for those looking to bring balance back to the mind and body. This gentle technique, utilizes acupressure techniques to help release energy blockages within the meridians.
Oftentimes, patients find that this style is also highly effective for relaxing tense muscles that have seized up due to injury or stress. Many (including, recently, Dr. Oz) have noted its usefulness in addressing a wide variety of stressors and illnesses, such as digestive difficulties, insomnia and restlessness, depression, physical injury/trauma, headaches and emotional discomfort, stress disorders, and neurological conditions.
By promoting effective circulation, Reiki will leave you feeling recharged, relaxed and calmly present.
FIVER FRIDAYS
Our instructors will be offering a variety of $5 drop-in classes and talks on Fridays at 5pm. Come and try something new!
(All proceeds will be donated to FoodShare)
JULY 9 – Intro Iyengar Yoga Class
JULY 16 – Injury Prevention Workshop
JULY 23 – Intro Tai Chi Class
JULY 30th – Local Food Movement Talk
LIFEWISE WALKING CLUB
The Lifewise Walking Club is now underway! Join us weekly to get some fresh air, work your muscles, reduce stress and enhance your mood! New moms (even dad’s) you’re invited too! Walking with your stroller is a great way to socialize and meet other parents in your neighbourhood (and the motion of the stroller is often a great way to calm your fussy newborn).
There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions about health and fitness and learn exercises to tone your whole body using nothing more than yourself and your stroller.
