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.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Lifewise Health & Wellness June Bulletin
As the temperature starts to rise, and the weather entices us to get outside and become more active, it is more important than ever to drink enough water. We lose huge amounts of fluid and electrolytes through our bodies’ cooling mechanism of perspiration. So, drink up! A nice alternative to those high-calorie sports drinks is to add a tiny pinch of natural sea-salt and a shot of lemon juice to our water bottle.
In our continued efforts to improve our services to you we have started to collect your feedback through regular online surveys. Visit our website www.lifewisehw.com
for links – you just might win something!
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
June is Patient Appreciation Month!
All of us at Lifewise would like express our gratitude to our loyal patients and students for their
continued support.
Be sure to enter our draw for some fantastic prizes.
You could win a pair of Orthotics!
Throughout the month of June, enjoy:
Open houses with all of your practitioners
Nutritious Snacks
Draws & Prizes
Class Demonstrations
In our continued efforts to improve our services to you we have started to collect your feedback through regular online surveys. Visit our website www.lifewisehw.com
for links – you just might win something!
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
June is Patient Appreciation Month!
All of us at Lifewise would like express our gratitude to our loyal patients and students for their
continued support.
Be sure to enter our draw for some fantastic prizes.
You could win a pair of Orthotics!
Throughout the month of June, enjoy:
Open houses with all of your practitioners
Nutritious Snacks
Draws & Prizes
Class Demonstrations
Lifewise Walking Club - Starting in June!!!
Julia Pilliar (Certified Kinesiologist)
The human body was designed to walk. Increased sitting time at work, in the car, and at home has reduced the amount of time we spend on our feet, causing muscular imbalances and weaknesses which, if not rectified, may lead to chronic pain and injury, not to mention excess weight and obesity. The Lifewise Walking Club is a social and informative way to improve your cardiovascular efficiency and increase your caloric expenditure (i.e. weight loss!) in an environment where you will have fun learning about your body and other aspects of fitness.
Weekly topics include foot care and proper biomechanics, assessing your cardiovascular efficiency, the importance of stretching and strength training, nutrition and hydration, common injuries, and others.
The instructor will provide handouts each week about the topic of focus as well as maps of various routes and distances within the neighbourhood so that you may go the distance outside of group walks towards greater wellness.
If you are thinking about becoming more active for the summer, the Walking Club is a great place to start. If you are already active and want to add a different dimension to your weekly routine while learning more about health and meeting new people, the Walking Club is for you.
Registrants who sign up with a friend will receive a FREE PEDOMETER, and at the low cost of $25 for a 5-walk punch card that you can use at any of the 3 sessions during the week, this club is a great value.
Check the Lifewise Health & Wellness website for Walking Club walk times and drop in to sign up and receive your complimentary T-shirt.
The human body was designed to walk. Increased sitting time at work, in the car, and at home has reduced the amount of time we spend on our feet, causing muscular imbalances and weaknesses which, if not rectified, may lead to chronic pain and injury, not to mention excess weight and obesity. The Lifewise Walking Club is a social and informative way to improve your cardiovascular efficiency and increase your caloric expenditure (i.e. weight loss!) in an environment where you will have fun learning about your body and other aspects of fitness.
Weekly topics include foot care and proper biomechanics, assessing your cardiovascular efficiency, the importance of stretching and strength training, nutrition and hydration, common injuries, and others.
The instructor will provide handouts each week about the topic of focus as well as maps of various routes and distances within the neighbourhood so that you may go the distance outside of group walks towards greater wellness.
If you are thinking about becoming more active for the summer, the Walking Club is a great place to start. If you are already active and want to add a different dimension to your weekly routine while learning more about health and meeting new people, the Walking Club is for you.
Registrants who sign up with a friend will receive a FREE PEDOMETER, and at the low cost of $25 for a 5-walk punch card that you can use at any of the 3 sessions during the week, this club is a great value.
Check the Lifewise Health & Wellness website for Walking Club walk times and drop in to sign up and receive your complimentary T-shirt.
Warm Welcome to Dr. Joy Simon!
Since graduating from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 2004, Dr. Simon has gained valuable experience and insight in treating a variety of conditions and patients in several practices around Toronto. She is certified in acupuncture, through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute – bringing another dimension to her practice.
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education, and a Bachelor of Science from Queen’s University, and as a former elite level athlete and 2005 World Masters Games gold and silver medalist, Dr. Simon has a passion for all things health and fitness.
Through school she worked as a personal trainer, educating her clients about the benefits of an active lifestyle and the importance of proper technique while helping them achieve their fitness goals. She incorporates this philosophy into her practice; actively involving her patients in their own healthcare decisions and treatment through open dialogue and education.
Dr. Simon has also become a Registered Trigenics Physician. TRIGENICS is a neuro-kinetic assessment, treatment and training system which relieves pain and increases strength and movement. It is used by manual medicine physicians such as osteopathic and chiropractic doctors as well as physiotherapists integrating resisted exercise neurology, muscle nerve treatment, and bio-feedback breathing. The addition of Trigenics to her practice has helped Dr Simon effectively treat stubborn conditions in everyone from the arm chair athlete to serious athlete, aiding them to improve strength, flexibility and performance both on and off the athletic field. With all these tools Dr. Simon excels in treating a wide range of injuries, from stress and tension related headaches, repetitive strain disorders, chronic low back pain, arthritis and sports injuries.
Dr. Simon will be available for chiropractic appointments at Lifewise on Wednesdays and Fridays. She is scheduled to begin treating on June 30th. – please give her a warm welcome!
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education, and a Bachelor of Science from Queen’s University, and as a former elite level athlete and 2005 World Masters Games gold and silver medalist, Dr. Simon has a passion for all things health and fitness.
Through school she worked as a personal trainer, educating her clients about the benefits of an active lifestyle and the importance of proper technique while helping them achieve their fitness goals. She incorporates this philosophy into her practice; actively involving her patients in their own healthcare decisions and treatment through open dialogue and education.
Dr. Simon has also become a Registered Trigenics Physician. TRIGENICS is a neuro-kinetic assessment, treatment and training system which relieves pain and increases strength and movement. It is used by manual medicine physicians such as osteopathic and chiropractic doctors as well as physiotherapists integrating resisted exercise neurology, muscle nerve treatment, and bio-feedback breathing. The addition of Trigenics to her practice has helped Dr Simon effectively treat stubborn conditions in everyone from the arm chair athlete to serious athlete, aiding them to improve strength, flexibility and performance both on and off the athletic field. With all these tools Dr. Simon excels in treating a wide range of injuries, from stress and tension related headaches, repetitive strain disorders, chronic low back pain, arthritis and sports injuries.
Dr. Simon will be available for chiropractic appointments at Lifewise on Wednesdays and Fridays. She is scheduled to begin treating on June 30th. – please give her a warm welcome!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Lifewise Health & Wellness Bulletin
Spring has sprung (although it seems someone needs to remind Mother Nature!) and with the new season comes several new things at Lifewise. You will notice over the next few weeks some new faces at the front desk: Nancy, Mark, and Neive will be happy to help you book appointments and answer questions about our classes, workshops, and services. I am also excited to announce the addition of a new chiropractor to the team: Dr. Joy Simon will be joining us, starting the end of June. She will be available for treatments on Wednesdays and Fridays. (Finally, chiropractic appointments offered 6 days a week!) what's more, Julia Pilliar will
be starting up a Walking Club next month – stay tuned for details!
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
be starting up a Walking Club next month – stay tuned for details!
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
The Importance of Strength Training
The Importance of Strength Training
Julia Pilliar, BKin, CPT
Aerobic activities such as jogging, swimming, and cycling are often believed to be the most important forms of exercise. However, cardiovascular conditioning is only one of four components fitness, (cardiovascular conditioning, muscular conditioning, body composition, flexibility) all of which must be maintained for optimal health and well-being. Muscular conditioning includes ENDURANCE (the ability to contract a muscle repeatedly over a prolonged period of time (e.g. holding the plank, doing as many push-ups or squats as you can), and STRENGTH (a muscle’s ability to generate force in a short time period, as in doing a weighted squat, a bicep curl, or picking up a heavy object). Muscular endurance is critical to maintain good posture and prevent repetitive injuries, and muscular strength makes activities of daily living such as grocery shopping and gardening feel easier Muscle is more metabolically active (uses more calories per hour) than fat, thus increasing muscle mass can help to raise your metabolism contributing to a healthy body composition. Strength training also helps to maintain healthy bones and prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Any activity that challenges muscles more than daily activities do contributes to improvements in muscular conditioning. This may include a challenging yoga or pilates class, a body sculpting class, or working with weights, tubing, or doing calisthenics (body weight exercises).. The Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology recommends that healthy adults engage in strength training at least 1 time per week to maintain muscles, and 2 or 3 sessions per week to improve. Just remember, give yourself at least a day of rest in between exercise sessions as this time is needed for muscle repair and growth.
Julia Pilliar, BKin, CPT
Aerobic activities such as jogging, swimming, and cycling are often believed to be the most important forms of exercise. However, cardiovascular conditioning is only one of four components fitness, (cardiovascular conditioning, muscular conditioning, body composition, flexibility) all of which must be maintained for optimal health and well-being. Muscular conditioning includes ENDURANCE (the ability to contract a muscle repeatedly over a prolonged period of time (e.g. holding the plank, doing as many push-ups or squats as you can), and STRENGTH (a muscle’s ability to generate force in a short time period, as in doing a weighted squat, a bicep curl, or picking up a heavy object). Muscular endurance is critical to maintain good posture and prevent repetitive injuries, and muscular strength makes activities of daily living such as grocery shopping and gardening feel easier Muscle is more metabolically active (uses more calories per hour) than fat, thus increasing muscle mass can help to raise your metabolism contributing to a healthy body composition. Strength training also helps to maintain healthy bones and prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Any activity that challenges muscles more than daily activities do contributes to improvements in muscular conditioning. This may include a challenging yoga or pilates class, a body sculpting class, or working with weights, tubing, or doing calisthenics (body weight exercises).. The Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology recommends that healthy adults engage in strength training at least 1 time per week to maintain muscles, and 2 or 3 sessions per week to improve. Just remember, give yourself at least a day of rest in between exercise sessions as this time is needed for muscle repair and growth.
In dedication of Mother's Day
In dedication of Mother's Day
Nicole Zingel, RMT
Most expectant mothers can feel very joyful and excited for the arrival of their soon to be child. At the same time they may also be experiencing the aches and pains associated with the ongoing muscle and skeletal changes of their body that naturally occur during pregnancy.
Some of the these physiological changes that happen are caused by the mother's centre of gravity shifting forward due to more weight being carried in their abdomen and breasts. This anterior weight can increase strain felt in the lower back, gluteal and hip area, and can cause the expectant mother a great deal of discomfort. To compensate for these changes, the mother may lean her upper ribcage back and tend to push their neck and head forward. This compensation can cause pain and discomfort in the neck muscles.
Prenatal massage can help alleviate some of this common discomfort and pain associated with pregnancy. Benefits of a prenatal massage treatment include:
alleviate or decrease common aches and pains
reduced edema (swelling) that is often present during pregnancy
the opportunity to experience a deep relaxed state which can help reduce stress hormones and improve mood
promote a more restful sleep
As a Registered Massage Therapist trained in prenatal massage, I have had the honour of providing prenatal treatments to a number of pregnant clients. Each expectant mother I treat has their own individual experiences throughout their pregnancy, and I can tailor my treatments to each one of them. I encourage any expectant mothers experiencing the aches and pains of pregnancy, to receive a prenatal massage treatment and experience first-hand the benefits it can provide.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Nicole Zingel, RMT
Most expectant mothers can feel very joyful and excited for the arrival of their soon to be child. At the same time they may also be experiencing the aches and pains associated with the ongoing muscle and skeletal changes of their body that naturally occur during pregnancy.
Some of the these physiological changes that happen are caused by the mother's centre of gravity shifting forward due to more weight being carried in their abdomen and breasts. This anterior weight can increase strain felt in the lower back, gluteal and hip area, and can cause the expectant mother a great deal of discomfort. To compensate for these changes, the mother may lean her upper ribcage back and tend to push their neck and head forward. This compensation can cause pain and discomfort in the neck muscles.
Prenatal massage can help alleviate some of this common discomfort and pain associated with pregnancy. Benefits of a prenatal massage treatment include:
alleviate or decrease common aches and pains
reduced edema (swelling) that is often present during pregnancy
the opportunity to experience a deep relaxed state which can help reduce stress hormones and improve mood
promote a more restful sleep
As a Registered Massage Therapist trained in prenatal massage, I have had the honour of providing prenatal treatments to a number of pregnant clients. Each expectant mother I treat has their own individual experiences throughout their pregnancy, and I can tailor my treatments to each one of them. I encourage any expectant mothers experiencing the aches and pains of pregnancy, to receive a prenatal massage treatment and experience first-hand the benefits it can provide.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Eating Right for Cancer Prevention!
Eating Right for Cancer Prevention!
Beginning May 1st, our Nutritionist, Sarah Dobec, will be embarking on a CANCER PREVENTION DIET and LIFESTYLE program to raise funds for CANCER PREVENTION initiatives.
Follow Sarah`s progress and read about the program on her blog - sarahdobec.blogspot.com You can even join her if you like!
If you are interested in pledging her efforts and raising more awareness about a preventative approach to disease, visit the Women’s Healthy Environment Network website:
www.womenshealthyenvironments.ca/cpc/
Beginning May 1st, our Nutritionist, Sarah Dobec, will be embarking on a CANCER PREVENTION DIET and LIFESTYLE program to raise funds for CANCER PREVENTION initiatives.
Follow Sarah`s progress and read about the program on her blog - sarahdobec.blogspot.com You can even join her if you like!
If you are interested in pledging her efforts and raising more awareness about a preventative approach to disease, visit the Women’s Healthy Environment Network website:
www.womenshealthyenvironments.ca/cpc/
Monday, April 5, 2010
Lifewise Health & Wellness Bulletin - April 2010
Eating correctly, getting active and becoming healthy can seem daunting and like a lot of work to you. But really, it's no more work than managing a life of illness and fatigue. It’s not hard to be healthy, to be vital, to be proactive and to have a beautiful body, it’s a choice. Once you get started, you'll see it's not as hard as you thought to maintain healthy habits. Change is intimidating and can seem impossible, but you can change your mind, change your thinking and focus your energy on achieving what you want, not what you don’t want. You may not realize how your food choices are directly linked to your aches, pains and depleted vitality. Life is movement and movement is life!
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
The WHOLE Shebang
(Sarah Dobec)
As a Certified Holistic Nutritionist I am often asked what my number one piece of health advice is. It’s a tough question to answer because we are all so different and have different needs. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill. There are heaps of nourishing foods that we should integrate into our lives in balance. Moderation really is the key – gee, how boring is that?! I can, however, provide this small nugget of advice to everyone. Transition your pantry and fridge from PROCESSED foods to WHOLE foods. Start cooking for yourself and stop relying on “insert brand name here” to feed you.
Whole foods are foods that we recognize in their most natural form - an apple versus applesauce, for example. Once a food has been processed we have to start reading labels to see what has been added such as sugar, preservatives and fillers. Food processing also often removes many of the healthy vitamins and minerals that our bodies require. Excess sugar + nutrient depleted food = foundation for illness and disease.
Experiment by taking all the processed foods out of your cupboards and the fridge to see how much you actually rely on them. Then consider each one and how you could replace it with a whole food alternative. An example would be replacing instant oatmeal with bulk oatmeal, cinnamon and chopped fruit.
“Food that lacks life, cannot sustain life” (Dr Rowland)
As a Certified Holistic Nutritionist I am often asked what my number one piece of health advice is. It’s a tough question to answer because we are all so different and have different needs. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill. There are heaps of nourishing foods that we should integrate into our lives in balance. Moderation really is the key – gee, how boring is that?! I can, however, provide this small nugget of advice to everyone. Transition your pantry and fridge from PROCESSED foods to WHOLE foods. Start cooking for yourself and stop relying on “insert brand name here” to feed you.
Whole foods are foods that we recognize in their most natural form - an apple versus applesauce, for example. Once a food has been processed we have to start reading labels to see what has been added such as sugar, preservatives and fillers. Food processing also often removes many of the healthy vitamins and minerals that our bodies require. Excess sugar + nutrient depleted food = foundation for illness and disease.
Experiment by taking all the processed foods out of your cupboards and the fridge to see how much you actually rely on them. Then consider each one and how you could replace it with a whole food alternative. An example would be replacing instant oatmeal with bulk oatmeal, cinnamon and chopped fruit.
“Food that lacks life, cannot sustain life” (Dr Rowland)
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