I am always encouraging my patients to add more exercise to their lives; but 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 large 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 bottles.
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
Thursday, June 9, 2011
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.
Grand Prize: Complete Yoga Kit
Throughout the month of June, enjoy:
- BBQ & Open House
- Nutritious Snacks
- Class Demonstrations
- Draws & Prizes
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.
Grand Prize: Complete Yoga Kit
Throughout the month of June, enjoy:
- BBQ & Open House
- Nutritious Snacks
- Class Demonstrations
- Draws & Prizes
Support Sarah in her Cancer Prevention Challenge!
Hey folks, it’s that time of year again. Sarah is raising funds for the Cancer Prevention Challenge. The details of the challenge are the same as last year and can be found on her blog, if you would like to follow along, or even join in. (http://sarahdobec.blogspot.com/p/my-cancer-prevention-challenge.html)
Preventative medicine refers to measures taken to prevent diseases. We often make the assumption that disease is inevitable. Imagine instead if our lifestyles, diets and habits were actually preventative in nature. Here are some simple ways for you to easily get started:
- Increase your vegetable intake
(they are full of anti-cancer phyto-nutrients)
- Reduce your sugar consumption
(sugar suppresses the immune system)
- Sweat, either through exercise or a sauna
(aids the body’s detoxification process)
- Slow down, breathe (maybe even meditate)
(in order to reduce stress)
This year Sarah is raising funds for FoodShare, this wonderful non-profit community organization’s vision is Good Healthy Food for All. There are so many amazing programs at FoodShare we couldn't list them all in this article but we love them for their commitment to teaching kids the importance of healthy food. They promote student gardens, lunch programs and classroom education. Here is the link to Sarah’s fund raising page - every penny counts! www.gifttool.com/athon/MyFundraisingPage?ID=1865&AID=1589&PID=209417
Hey folks, it’s that time of year again. Sarah is raising funds for the Cancer Prevention Challenge. The details of the challenge are the same as last year and can be found on her blog, if you would like to follow along, or even join in. (http://sarahdobec.blogspot.com/p/my-cancer-prevention-challenge.html)
Preventative medicine refers to measures taken to prevent diseases. We often make the assumption that disease is inevitable. Imagine instead if our lifestyles, diets and habits were actually preventative in nature. Here are some simple ways for you to easily get started:
- Increase your vegetable intake
(they are full of anti-cancer phyto-nutrients)
- Reduce your sugar consumption
(sugar suppresses the immune system)
- Sweat, either through exercise or a sauna
(aids the body’s detoxification process)
- Slow down, breathe (maybe even meditate)
(in order to reduce stress)
This year Sarah is raising funds for FoodShare, this wonderful non-profit community organization’s vision is Good Healthy Food for All. There are so many amazing programs at FoodShare we couldn't list them all in this article but we love them for their commitment to teaching kids the importance of healthy food. They promote student gardens, lunch programs and classroom education. Here is the link to Sarah’s fund raising page - every penny counts! www.gifttool.com/athon/MyFundraisingPage?ID=1865&AID=1589&PID=209417
Spring Panzanella Recipe
(Makes about 6 - 8 servings)
Sarah Dobec, Holistic Nutritionist
- 1 lb loaf of hearty, day-old, whole wheat bread into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme - just pluck leaves from the sprig
- a couple pinches of salt
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 bunch asparagus, cut into segments
- 2 cups peas, fresh or frozen
- 4 handfuls spinach
- 1/4 cup small basil leaves
In a large bowl toss the bread with the garlic, shallot, thyme, salt and olive oil. Turn the bread out onto a baking sheet and toast in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes - or until they are nice and golden and crunchy.
In a cold skillet pour in a splash of olive oil, a splash of water, and a couple pinches of salt. Dial up the heat and when the water starts to bubble stir in the asparagus.
Cover, wait about twenty seconds; add the peas. Cover, wait a few seconds, add the spinach. Cover and cook just a few more seconds until the spinach starts to collapse just a bit.
Put the bread crumbs in a large bowl. Pour the asparagus and peas and all the juice over the top of the bread. Toss well; add the basil leaves and toss again. Serve the salad family-style on a big platter.
Thyme has a long history of use in natural medicine in connection with chest and respiratory problems including coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion. Thymol - named after the herb itself - is the primary volatile oil constituent of thyme, and its health-supporting effects are well documented. In studies on aging in rats, thymol has been found to protect and significantly increase the percentage of healthy fats found in cell membranes and other cell structures. In particular, the amount of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid) in brain, kidney, and heart cell membranes was increased after dietary supplementation with thyme.
Asparagus contains a special kind of carbohydrate called inulin that we don't digest, but the health-promoting friendly bacteria in our large intestine, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, do. When our diet contains good amounts of inulin, the growth and activity of these friendly bacteria increase. And when populations of health-promoting bacteria are large, it is much more difficult for unfriendly bacteria to gain a foothold in our intestinal tract.
(Makes about 6 - 8 servings)
Sarah Dobec, Holistic Nutritionist
- 1 lb loaf of hearty, day-old, whole wheat bread into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme - just pluck leaves from the sprig
- a couple pinches of salt
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 bunch asparagus, cut into segments
- 2 cups peas, fresh or frozen
- 4 handfuls spinach
- 1/4 cup small basil leaves
In a large bowl toss the bread with the garlic, shallot, thyme, salt and olive oil. Turn the bread out onto a baking sheet and toast in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes - or until they are nice and golden and crunchy.
In a cold skillet pour in a splash of olive oil, a splash of water, and a couple pinches of salt. Dial up the heat and when the water starts to bubble stir in the asparagus.
Cover, wait about twenty seconds; add the peas. Cover, wait a few seconds, add the spinach. Cover and cook just a few more seconds until the spinach starts to collapse just a bit.
Put the bread crumbs in a large bowl. Pour the asparagus and peas and all the juice over the top of the bread. Toss well; add the basil leaves and toss again. Serve the salad family-style on a big platter.
Thyme has a long history of use in natural medicine in connection with chest and respiratory problems including coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion. Thymol - named after the herb itself - is the primary volatile oil constituent of thyme, and its health-supporting effects are well documented. In studies on aging in rats, thymol has been found to protect and significantly increase the percentage of healthy fats found in cell membranes and other cell structures. In particular, the amount of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid) in brain, kidney, and heart cell membranes was increased after dietary supplementation with thyme.
Asparagus contains a special kind of carbohydrate called inulin that we don't digest, but the health-promoting friendly bacteria in our large intestine, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, do. When our diet contains good amounts of inulin, the growth and activity of these friendly bacteria increase. And when populations of health-promoting bacteria are large, it is much more difficult for unfriendly bacteria to gain a foothold in our intestinal tract.
Beyond the Reiki Table
Paul Lara, Reiki Master
Most of us are familiar with Reiki as a form of therapy even if you haven’t had a treatment. But not many of us are aware that the therapeutic aspects make up only about 10% of Reiki as an actual discipline.
As a discipline, it is part of daily life and not just a compartmentalized concept that is accessed when you aren’t feeling so well. Beyond the treatment room, Reiki is practical and something that can be used while doing just about anything else. Having the ability to remain calm and centered in the present moment is the discipline we practice. The use of our hands makes sense for treatments but in the streets it is all about intent, internal awareness and environmental adaptability.
In the everyday, even a cup of tea should be given our full attention. Our training teaches us to see value in a larger perspective that has its root in the now.
Paul Lara, Reiki Master
Most of us are familiar with Reiki as a form of therapy even if you haven’t had a treatment. But not many of us are aware that the therapeutic aspects make up only about 10% of Reiki as an actual discipline.
As a discipline, it is part of daily life and not just a compartmentalized concept that is accessed when you aren’t feeling so well. Beyond the treatment room, Reiki is practical and something that can be used while doing just about anything else. Having the ability to remain calm and centered in the present moment is the discipline we practice. The use of our hands makes sense for treatments but in the streets it is all about intent, internal awareness and environmental adaptability.
In the everyday, even a cup of tea should be given our full attention. Our training teaches us to see value in a larger perspective that has its root in the now.
IDEAL PROTEIN WEIGHT LOSS SYSTEM
Dr. Jordanna Clarfield-Henry, BSc, DC
Like many women, I was looking to lose a few pounds before my wedding, last year. I was introduced to a new weight loss system and decided to give it a try – I ended up losing 35 pounds and have kept if off! I found the program really easy to do, and never felt deprived because the food is gourmet tasting. I also had a great coach all the way through the process, and most importantly, I received continued support even after I lost the weight.
As a chiropractor, I believe many of my patient’s major complaints would be alleviated by losing the excess weight and reducing the stress on their joints. AND they would get healthier, happier and have more energy.
I was so happy with my results and impressed with the system that I became involved in the company and am now offering the IDEAL PROTEIN WEIGHT LOSS SYSTEM at Lifewise.
If you are interested in learning more about this program, I am holding the next info session on Wednesday, June 22nd at 7:00pm. Or sign up for a complimentary consultation by calling the front desk.
Dr. Jordanna Clarfield-Henry, BSc, DC
Like many women, I was looking to lose a few pounds before my wedding, last year. I was introduced to a new weight loss system and decided to give it a try – I ended up losing 35 pounds and have kept if off! I found the program really easy to do, and never felt deprived because the food is gourmet tasting. I also had a great coach all the way through the process, and most importantly, I received continued support even after I lost the weight.
As a chiropractor, I believe many of my patient’s major complaints would be alleviated by losing the excess weight and reducing the stress on their joints. AND they would get healthier, happier and have more energy.
I was so happy with my results and impressed with the system that I became involved in the company and am now offering the IDEAL PROTEIN WEIGHT LOSS SYSTEM at Lifewise.
If you are interested in learning more about this program, I am holding the next info session on Wednesday, June 22nd at 7:00pm. Or sign up for a complimentary consultation by calling the front desk.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Lifewise Health & Wellness Bulletin - April 2011
Spring has sprung (although it seems someone needs to remind Mother Nature!) and with the new season comes several new things at Lifewise. Our Spring Schedule is now set and classes start April 11th. Dennis, Paul and Julia are excited to have you join them for one of their classes – be it yoga, tai chi, or fit and healthy. I am also excited to announce the addition of a new chiropractor to the team: Dr. Suzanne Crix. She will be available for treatments on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to start, but is hoping to expand her hours as the practice grows. As always, Mark or Megan will be happy to help you book appointments and answer questions about our classes, workshops, and services.
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
Welcome! Dr. Suzanne Crix
We are excited to announce the arrival of a new member of the Lifewise team: Dr. Suzanne Crix who will be joining us April 1st, 2011. Wecome Dr. Crix!
Dr. Crix received her Doctorate of Chiropractic degree in 1996 from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College after completing a diploma in Athletic Therapy and an honours degree in Life Sciences from Queen’s University. She practiced chiropractic in Australia for 2 years before returning home to Leaside to start her own practice and raise a family.
She encourages her patients to ask questions because educated patients are the healthiest patients. She believes that good health comes from within through healthy lifestyle choices. Her philosophy on health drives everything she does from the services she provides her practice members to the continuing education she pursues. Dr. Suzanne has studied and trained with some of the world’s most advanced chiropractors, clinicians and authorities on spinal health and healing strategies.
We are excited to announce the arrival of a new member of the Lifewise team: Dr. Suzanne Crix who will be joining us April 1st, 2011. Wecome Dr. Crix!
Dr. Crix received her Doctorate of Chiropractic degree in 1996 from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College after completing a diploma in Athletic Therapy and an honours degree in Life Sciences from Queen’s University. She practiced chiropractic in Australia for 2 years before returning home to Leaside to start her own practice and raise a family.
She encourages her patients to ask questions because educated patients are the healthiest patients. She believes that good health comes from within through healthy lifestyle choices. Her philosophy on health drives everything she does from the services she provides her practice members to the continuing education she pursues. Dr. Suzanne has studied and trained with some of the world’s most advanced chiropractors, clinicians and authorities on spinal health and healing strategies.
Am I too stiff for yoga?
Dennis Newhook, Iyengar Yoga Teacher
One of the most common things people say to me when they hear I am a yoga teacher is "oh, I'm too stiff for yoga!"
As an Iyengar yoga teacher, such a statement sounds like a response based upon a misleading image of yoga often presented by Hollywood and the fitness industry (e.g. product advertisements featuring contortionists; celebrities seeking eternal youth and longer legs through yoga; scantily-clothed individuals sweating it out in mirror-lined rooms while instructors shout directions through a loudspeaker; instructional yoga DVDs promising everything from fewer wrinkles to buns of steel, many of which are made by last year's aerobics instructors turned yogis overnight still pushing their fitness mantra of "no pain, no gain”). It's an intimidating image indeed!
While yoga can certainly be integrated into a fitness program and applied within a variety of settings, Iyengar yoga classrooms will look nothing like the images of yoga presented in mainstream media.
Iyengar yoga teaches students in a systematic order, honouring bodily limitations or injuries. Postures are often modified to meet the needs of students. Props, such as chairs, blocks, or straps, enable students to work safely.
To address the question in the title of this article: NO, you aren't too stiff for yoga. On the contrary, the stiffer you are, the more you stand to benefit from a practice that teaches you to restore motion to stiff joints and length to shortened muscles.
While students definitely notice their stiffness during class, they also notice that yoga helps with increased co-ordination, awareness, balance, strength, and confidence. Flexibility will surely improve, but it really is a by-product of practice, not the goal, and in no way a barrier.
Dennis Newhook, Iyengar Yoga Teacher
One of the most common things people say to me when they hear I am a yoga teacher is "oh, I'm too stiff for yoga!"
As an Iyengar yoga teacher, such a statement sounds like a response based upon a misleading image of yoga often presented by Hollywood and the fitness industry (e.g. product advertisements featuring contortionists; celebrities seeking eternal youth and longer legs through yoga; scantily-clothed individuals sweating it out in mirror-lined rooms while instructors shout directions through a loudspeaker; instructional yoga DVDs promising everything from fewer wrinkles to buns of steel, many of which are made by last year's aerobics instructors turned yogis overnight still pushing their fitness mantra of "no pain, no gain”). It's an intimidating image indeed!
While yoga can certainly be integrated into a fitness program and applied within a variety of settings, Iyengar yoga classrooms will look nothing like the images of yoga presented in mainstream media.
Iyengar yoga teaches students in a systematic order, honouring bodily limitations or injuries. Postures are often modified to meet the needs of students. Props, such as chairs, blocks, or straps, enable students to work safely.
To address the question in the title of this article: NO, you aren't too stiff for yoga. On the contrary, the stiffer you are, the more you stand to benefit from a practice that teaches you to restore motion to stiff joints and length to shortened muscles.
While students definitely notice their stiffness during class, they also notice that yoga helps with increased co-ordination, awareness, balance, strength, and confidence. Flexibility will surely improve, but it really is a by-product of practice, not the goal, and in no way a barrier.
How green are your feet?
Dr Karen Baker, BSc, DC
According to a series of reports on climate change, published by WHO, the health risks of global warming are becoming a growing concern. Currently, these health risks are greatest in the poorest countries that contribute least to greenhouse gas emissions. Industrialized countries (Canada being one of the worst culprits) contribute most to the problems through their use of transport, energy, water, their dietary choices, and waste management.)
As climate patterns change, droughts and flooding will become more common; both interfere with growing seasons especially in countries already prone to such disasters. Disease such as malaria, diarrhoea and malnutrition already take 3 million lives annually. These diseases are highly sensitive to climatic changes making them important global health concerns.
Reducing the impact of human activities is essential to the health of our planet and its inhabitants. Although 55 % of our carbon footprint is related to services provided to us, or on our behalf, there is a lot we can do as individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. You will find that these actions can be beneficial to your health as well as your environment. Here are a few things you can do to offset your carbon footprint and reap some health benefits:
Go for a run instead of driving to the gym
Car pool to school or to work
Take the train instead of the plane
Walk, cycle or take public transport
By decreasing our dependence on motorized vehicles we will reduce road accidents and lower air pollution (implicated in heart and lung disease). The health benefits of increasing physical activity are many. By walking or cycling to our destination whenever we can we help ourselves avoid obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and others.
Decrease meat consumption - try one meat-free day / week.
Food production is major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing consumption of meat and dairy products will lower CO2 and methane emissions. Consuming only one food serving (75g) of meat daily can reduce your carbon footprint while giving you the nutrition you require. An imbalanced diet, too high in animal fats is a major player in many of Western Society’s current health problems.
Buy local & choose organic
On average the food in your supermarket travels 1,500 miles from the field to the store. Buying local produce would reduce your carbon footprint by reducing food miles. Organic products are not grown with petroleum based fertilizers and pesticides – the health implications of ingesting these chemicals is a growing concern.
Dr Karen Baker, BSc, DC
According to a series of reports on climate change, published by WHO, the health risks of global warming are becoming a growing concern. Currently, these health risks are greatest in the poorest countries that contribute least to greenhouse gas emissions. Industrialized countries (Canada being one of the worst culprits) contribute most to the problems through their use of transport, energy, water, their dietary choices, and waste management.)
As climate patterns change, droughts and flooding will become more common; both interfere with growing seasons especially in countries already prone to such disasters. Disease such as malaria, diarrhoea and malnutrition already take 3 million lives annually. These diseases are highly sensitive to climatic changes making them important global health concerns.
Reducing the impact of human activities is essential to the health of our planet and its inhabitants. Although 55 % of our carbon footprint is related to services provided to us, or on our behalf, there is a lot we can do as individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. You will find that these actions can be beneficial to your health as well as your environment. Here are a few things you can do to offset your carbon footprint and reap some health benefits:
Go for a run instead of driving to the gym
Car pool to school or to work
Take the train instead of the plane
Walk, cycle or take public transport
By decreasing our dependence on motorized vehicles we will reduce road accidents and lower air pollution (implicated in heart and lung disease). The health benefits of increasing physical activity are many. By walking or cycling to our destination whenever we can we help ourselves avoid obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and others.
Decrease meat consumption - try one meat-free day / week.
Food production is major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing consumption of meat and dairy products will lower CO2 and methane emissions. Consuming only one food serving (75g) of meat daily can reduce your carbon footprint while giving you the nutrition you require. An imbalanced diet, too high in animal fats is a major player in many of Western Society’s current health problems.
Buy local & choose organic
On average the food in your supermarket travels 1,500 miles from the field to the store. Buying local produce would reduce your carbon footprint by reducing food miles. Organic products are not grown with petroleum based fertilizers and pesticides – the health implications of ingesting these chemicals is a growing concern.
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