Date: Wed. August 26th
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: Lifewise H&W
(2034 Yonge St)
Come join us for some food & beverages. Try a demo. Take a tour of the office or ask us your health questions
Monday, August 10, 2009
7 DAY YOGA WORKSHOP
August 10th – 16th
Join Dennis for a guided practice each morning at 7am for 7 days.
In this daily morning workshop, experience a guided, seven-day practice that will exercise all the body’s systems.
The week will begin with standing postures, building our way to backbends by the end of the week. The final day is a quite, restorative practice for complete rejuvenation.
Join Dennis for a guided practice each morning at 7am for 7 days.
In this daily morning workshop, experience a guided, seven-day practice that will exercise all the body’s systems.
The week will begin with standing postures, building our way to backbends by the end of the week. The final day is a quite, restorative practice for complete rejuvenation.
Backpack Safety Tips
Dr. Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Believe it or not, kids get back pain! It’s more common every year. Kids (university students too) carry large, heavy backpacks. Between lunch, textbooks, jackets and binders, backpacks can weigh up to 15 – 20 pounds or more.
Lugging around these heavy bags can result in poor posture and put undue strain on the spine, especially if the heavy load is unevenly or improperly distributed. This can cause muscle strain, headaches, back, neck and arm pain, and even nerve damage.
The Ontario Chiropractic Association provides the following recommendations for backpack safety:
Choose the right backpack. Leather is too heavy; choose vinyl or canvas which are much lighter. Pick a bag with wide, padded straps, a hip or waist strap, and a padded back with plenty of pockets. Make sure it fits.
Pack it properly. Pack sparingly, and distribute the weight evenly. The total weight of the pack should be no more than 10 – 15 percent of the wearer’s own body weight. Pack heaviest objects closest to the body and odd-shaped items away from the back.
Putting the backpack on. Teach young children to lift their bags with the arms and legs, bending with the knees and to put it on a waist-level surface first, not swing it around the shoulders.
The right way to wear a backpack. Use both straps on both shoulders - always! Adjust straps so that the pack fits snugly. Use the waist strap for added stability.
Believe it or not, kids get back pain! It’s more common every year. Kids (university students too) carry large, heavy backpacks. Between lunch, textbooks, jackets and binders, backpacks can weigh up to 15 – 20 pounds or more.
Lugging around these heavy bags can result in poor posture and put undue strain on the spine, especially if the heavy load is unevenly or improperly distributed. This can cause muscle strain, headaches, back, neck and arm pain, and even nerve damage.
The Ontario Chiropractic Association provides the following recommendations for backpack safety:
Choose the right backpack. Leather is too heavy; choose vinyl or canvas which are much lighter. Pick a bag with wide, padded straps, a hip or waist strap, and a padded back with plenty of pockets. Make sure it fits.
Pack it properly. Pack sparingly, and distribute the weight evenly. The total weight of the pack should be no more than 10 – 15 percent of the wearer’s own body weight. Pack heaviest objects closest to the body and odd-shaped items away from the back.
Putting the backpack on. Teach young children to lift their bags with the arms and legs, bending with the knees and to put it on a waist-level surface first, not swing it around the shoulders.
The right way to wear a backpack. Use both straps on both shoulders - always! Adjust straps so that the pack fits snugly. Use the waist strap for added stability.
TCM’s Role in Repetitive Strain Injuries
JoAnn Alafriz, BSc, Dipl ST, Dipl Ac
One out of every ten Canadian adults has a repetitive strain injury (RSI) serious enough to limit his or her normal activities. A study published in Health Reports, shows that RSI’s are affecting a growing number of adults. - Statistics Canada, The Daily, August, 2003
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) are a group of disorders caused by repeated movements that affect the muscles, tendons and nerves; of these, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is probably the most well known.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) repetitive strain injury is considered Qi (Energy) Stagnation. In this circumstance, the energy in the affected area is not flowing properly and becomes “stuck”. When Qi is stuck - pain arises. By stimulating channels (meridians) that run through the body carrying Qi (as well as blood) facilitating the smooth flow of this energy, TCM treatments effectively help to reduced pain, numbness, and tingling, and ultimately calm the nervous system allowing the body to innately heal itself.
WARNING SIGNS of RSI’s: Recurring pain or discomfort in neck, shoulders, upper back, wrists or hands; tingling and/or numbness; loss of grip strength; lack of endurance and/or weakness. Muscles in the arms and shoulders feel hard and ropey. Pain or numbness often occurs while lying in bed.
PREVENTION is Key! Good posture and ergonomic working conditions help to prevent or halt the progress of RSI. Rest, stretches and strengthening exercises, along with appropriate treatment, will reduce the symptoms associated to RSI. Listen to your body: BEFORE you begin to feel pain and fatigue – STOP. Pay attention to posture: the shoulders and head should not be hunched forward. Problems may be aggravated by other actions: carrying children, knitting, even using a knife on a cutting board can have an enormous impact. Be sure to take regular breaks, invest in a headset, and avoid tucking the telephone between your shoulder and ear. When typing, hold wrist straight rather than bent up, down, or to the side. Improve strength and blood flow in the affected muscles by regular aerobic exercise Get adequate sleep and drink plenty of water. Relax muscles by using muscle-relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or qigong to reduce pain.
One out of every ten Canadian adults has a repetitive strain injury (RSI) serious enough to limit his or her normal activities. A study published in Health Reports, shows that RSI’s are affecting a growing number of adults. - Statistics Canada, The Daily, August, 2003
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) are a group of disorders caused by repeated movements that affect the muscles, tendons and nerves; of these, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is probably the most well known.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) repetitive strain injury is considered Qi (Energy) Stagnation. In this circumstance, the energy in the affected area is not flowing properly and becomes “stuck”. When Qi is stuck - pain arises. By stimulating channels (meridians) that run through the body carrying Qi (as well as blood) facilitating the smooth flow of this energy, TCM treatments effectively help to reduced pain, numbness, and tingling, and ultimately calm the nervous system allowing the body to innately heal itself.
WARNING SIGNS of RSI’s: Recurring pain or discomfort in neck, shoulders, upper back, wrists or hands; tingling and/or numbness; loss of grip strength; lack of endurance and/or weakness. Muscles in the arms and shoulders feel hard and ropey. Pain or numbness often occurs while lying in bed.
PREVENTION is Key! Good posture and ergonomic working conditions help to prevent or halt the progress of RSI. Rest, stretches and strengthening exercises, along with appropriate treatment, will reduce the symptoms associated to RSI. Listen to your body: BEFORE you begin to feel pain and fatigue – STOP. Pay attention to posture: the shoulders and head should not be hunched forward. Problems may be aggravated by other actions: carrying children, knitting, even using a knife on a cutting board can have an enormous impact. Be sure to take regular breaks, invest in a headset, and avoid tucking the telephone between your shoulder and ear. When typing, hold wrist straight rather than bent up, down, or to the side. Improve strength and blood flow in the affected muscles by regular aerobic exercise Get adequate sleep and drink plenty of water. Relax muscles by using muscle-relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or qigong to reduce pain.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Headaches – a pain in the neck?
Dennis Newhook RMT, CYT
Headaches are among the most common complaints we see at Lifewise, affecting both men and women, young to old. While some headaches are the result of underlying medical conditions, the majority of headaches, known as tension headaches, result from our busy lifestyles. Muscle tension in the shoulders and neck contribute to most headaches. These factors can be easily treated by paying more attention to posture, stretching, and drinking enough water. Prolonged computer use leading to poor sitting posture and strained eyes is another major contributor to tension headaches. Beyond improving your posture and increasing exercise, improving your sleep and treating any jaw or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction can greatly relieve headache symptoms.
Some people suffer with migraine headaches - which are poorly understood and experts have yet to agree on one concrete definition or cause. Two theories include the vascular model (often treated with vasoconstricting drugs) and the neurogenic model (affecting pain-sensitive nerves from the trigeminal nerve and the upper neck). The neurogenic model is supported by studies that have shown chiropractic adjustments to be helpful in relieving migraine symptoms. Migraines are often accompanied by auras, light/scent sensitivities, nausea, vomiting, and irritability.
Some headaches accompany more serious conditions or result from medication errors or side-effects. If a headache follows an acute head trauma and is accompanied with confusion, fever, or changes in vision be sure to seek immediate medical advice.
Headaches are among the most common complaints we see at Lifewise, affecting both men and women, young to old. While some headaches are the result of underlying medical conditions, the majority of headaches, known as tension headaches, result from our busy lifestyles. Muscle tension in the shoulders and neck contribute to most headaches. These factors can be easily treated by paying more attention to posture, stretching, and drinking enough water. Prolonged computer use leading to poor sitting posture and strained eyes is another major contributor to tension headaches. Beyond improving your posture and increasing exercise, improving your sleep and treating any jaw or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction can greatly relieve headache symptoms.
Some people suffer with migraine headaches - which are poorly understood and experts have yet to agree on one concrete definition or cause. Two theories include the vascular model (often treated with vasoconstricting drugs) and the neurogenic model (affecting pain-sensitive nerves from the trigeminal nerve and the upper neck). The neurogenic model is supported by studies that have shown chiropractic adjustments to be helpful in relieving migraine symptoms. Migraines are often accompanied by auras, light/scent sensitivities, nausea, vomiting, and irritability.
Some headaches accompany more serious conditions or result from medication errors or side-effects. If a headache follows an acute head trauma and is accompanied with confusion, fever, or changes in vision be sure to seek immediate medical advice.
Facts about Acupuncture Needles
JoAnn Alafriz, BSc, Dipl ST, Dipl Ac
Acupuncture is defined as a healing modality whereby fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body. These needles can induce positive changes in your health and well-being. Your Acupuncturist should consider certain factors in choosing these needles.
The quality of the needles is of the utmost importance. Manufacturing facilities with strict quality control must ensure proper packaging and sterilization. All packages must come with a lot number and an expiry date. They must be stored in a cool, dry space and handled with proper Clean Needle Technique.
Needles are made with surgical stainless steel. They are strong yet thin, filiform and flexible. Needles with a low nickel content helps to reduce the reaction of those with metal allergies.
The gauge and thickness of the needle is also taken into consideration. With each insertion, the Acupuncturist senses “de Qi”, or the arrival of Qi. The client will feel it as a heaviness or dull ache. The smaller the gauge the more sensitive the therapist is at finding de Qi. A smaller gauge is also used for more sensitive people and points on the body.
Acupuncture needles should be used ONCE only. After the removal of each needle, it is placed in a bio-hazard container and disposed of properly. The safety of both client and therapist is always at the forefront.
Acupuncture is defined as a healing modality whereby fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body. These needles can induce positive changes in your health and well-being. Your Acupuncturist should consider certain factors in choosing these needles.
The quality of the needles is of the utmost importance. Manufacturing facilities with strict quality control must ensure proper packaging and sterilization. All packages must come with a lot number and an expiry date. They must be stored in a cool, dry space and handled with proper Clean Needle Technique.
Needles are made with surgical stainless steel. They are strong yet thin, filiform and flexible. Needles with a low nickel content helps to reduce the reaction of those with metal allergies.
The gauge and thickness of the needle is also taken into consideration. With each insertion, the Acupuncturist senses “de Qi”, or the arrival of Qi. The client will feel it as a heaviness or dull ache. The smaller the gauge the more sensitive the therapist is at finding de Qi. A smaller gauge is also used for more sensitive people and points on the body.
Acupuncture needles should be used ONCE only. After the removal of each needle, it is placed in a bio-hazard container and disposed of properly. The safety of both client and therapist is always at the forefront.
Missing Magnesium?
Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Magnesium is an extremely important mineral, whose value for good health is just starting to be recognized. This essential nutrient plays an important role in the generation of cellular energy as well as the repair and regeneration of skeletal muscle and nerve cells. It is necessary for healthy bones and teeth, for controlling blood pressure, regulating calcium channels in the heart, and promoting sleep.
Magnesium deficiency can affect virtually every organ system of the body, and has been linked to many symptoms including: muscle twitches and cramps, back aches, neck pain, tension headaches and TMJ dysfunction. Other symptoms include constipation, menstrual cramps, insomnia, anxiety, PMS, numbness, tingling, and chest tightness.
While the recommended daily intake (RDI) is 310 to 420mg per day, most people are only getting about 175 mg daily. Magnesium can be found in lentils, dark green vegetables, seafood, walnuts, peanuts and almonds. One easy way and proven way to increase magnesium levels in the body, is to take an Epsom Salt Bath (Magnesium Sulfate).
The consumption of alcohol, use of diuretics, diarrhea, presence of fluoride, and high levels of zinc and vitamin D increase the body’s need for magnesium.
Recent research is exploring the therapeutic effects of its use in treating Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Migraines, and Osteoporosis.
Magnesium is an extremely important mineral, whose value for good health is just starting to be recognized. This essential nutrient plays an important role in the generation of cellular energy as well as the repair and regeneration of skeletal muscle and nerve cells. It is necessary for healthy bones and teeth, for controlling blood pressure, regulating calcium channels in the heart, and promoting sleep.
Magnesium deficiency can affect virtually every organ system of the body, and has been linked to many symptoms including: muscle twitches and cramps, back aches, neck pain, tension headaches and TMJ dysfunction. Other symptoms include constipation, menstrual cramps, insomnia, anxiety, PMS, numbness, tingling, and chest tightness.
While the recommended daily intake (RDI) is 310 to 420mg per day, most people are only getting about 175 mg daily. Magnesium can be found in lentils, dark green vegetables, seafood, walnuts, peanuts and almonds. One easy way and proven way to increase magnesium levels in the body, is to take an Epsom Salt Bath (Magnesium Sulfate).
The consumption of alcohol, use of diuretics, diarrhea, presence of fluoride, and high levels of zinc and vitamin D increase the body’s need for magnesium.
Recent research is exploring the therapeutic effects of its use in treating Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Migraines, and Osteoporosis.
Friday, June 19, 2009
June is Patient Appreciation Month!
All of us at Lifewise would like to express our gratitude to our loyal patients and students for their continued support.
For the entire month of June enjoy:
- Discounts on All Products
- A Raffle for Great Prizes
- Refer A Friend Promotion
- & more...
For the entire month of June enjoy:
- Discounts on All Products
- A Raffle for Great Prizes
- Refer A Friend Promotion
- & more...
June 2009
If you have visited the office lately you will likely have noticed some new faces. I would like to extend a warm welcome to our two newest staff members at the front desk, Jessica Gregory & Neive Lenihan. The girls have been working hard to “learn the ropes”, and are eager to ensure your every visit to Lifewise is a positive experience, from beginning to end. Be sure to pop into the office, during the month of June - you might even win something!
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
Soak Your Stress Away
Dennis Newhook RMT, CYT
Stressed? Sore muscles? Try this simple treatment at home...
Epsom Salt, named after the South England town where the salt was first obtained, is comprised of magnesium and sulphate. It is widely prescribed to ease stress, reduce headaches, promote sleep, ease muscle tension, and aid detoxification. Adding the salts to your bath water following exercise or massage treatment can help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness and speed tissue repair. Epsom salts can be purchased from most pharmacies, department stores, or health food stores. Keep the following tips in mind to ensure your safety and enjoy your bath! 2-4 cups of salts for a full bath (do not add soaps, oils, or other bath products) Soak for a minimum of 10 min, up to 25 min Sip cool water while bathing (plastic cup is safest in case you drop it) and keep a cold facecloth on the back of your neck or forehead to avoid overheating Allow the water to drain from the tub before you stand up, and rinse yourself with cool to warm water afterwards If possible, do not bathe while you are home alone If you have a diagnosed heart condition or high blood pressure, it is recommended to bathe with your heart above the level of the water and with a cold towel around your neck Shorter durations and lower water temperatures can increase your tolerance to the treatment
If you have further questions or concerns, consult your healthcare professional.
*References: “Heat & Cold as Ty” by Laurel Fowlie; Epsom Salt Council (www.epsomsaltcouncil.org)
Stressed? Sore muscles? Try this simple treatment at home...
Epsom Salt, named after the South England town where the salt was first obtained, is comprised of magnesium and sulphate. It is widely prescribed to ease stress, reduce headaches, promote sleep, ease muscle tension, and aid detoxification. Adding the salts to your bath water following exercise or massage treatment can help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness and speed tissue repair. Epsom salts can be purchased from most pharmacies, department stores, or health food stores. Keep the following tips in mind to ensure your safety and enjoy your bath! 2-4 cups of salts for a full bath (do not add soaps, oils, or other bath products) Soak for a minimum of 10 min, up to 25 min Sip cool water while bathing (plastic cup is safest in case you drop it) and keep a cold facecloth on the back of your neck or forehead to avoid overheating Allow the water to drain from the tub before you stand up, and rinse yourself with cool to warm water afterwards If possible, do not bathe while you are home alone If you have a diagnosed heart condition or high blood pressure, it is recommended to bathe with your heart above the level of the water and with a cold towel around your neck Shorter durations and lower water temperatures can increase your tolerance to the treatment
If you have further questions or concerns, consult your healthcare professional.
*References: “Heat & Cold as Ty” by Laurel Fowlie; Epsom Salt Council (www.epsomsaltcouncil.org)
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