Thank you to everyone who dropped by to say hello during the Mt. Pleasant Fall Fair! The beautiful weather seemed to draw out tonnes of people. It was fun to chat with neighbours and enjoy the festivities. All in all, I would say the day was a great success!
Starting this month, we have a new Registered Massage Therapist joining the Lifewise Team. Please give a warm welcome to Michelle Mohamed when you are in the office next. Michelle will be available for appointments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2-8pm. If you are interested booking an appointment, please give Mark or Neive a call at the front desk – they will be happy to help you set up a time.
Hope everyone is enjoying this lovely, mild autumn!
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
Friday, October 5, 2012
Enlightening Facts about Sleep!
Dr. Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Having trouble sleeping lately? The real problem could be light and your exposure to it at the proper times of day to ensure a full restful night’s sleep.
The body’s biological clock, which regulates our sleep-wake cycles, is strongly affected by light, especially bright light such as sunlight.
Many shift workers have problems sleeping because their work schedules conflict with their bodies’ natural sleep-wake cycle cues. Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, affects both our desire to sleep and the quality of our sleep. Darkness enhances melatonin production, while light inhibits it. Therefore, shift workers may experience extreme drowsiness at work and suffer from insomnia when they actually settle down to get some sleep during daylight hours.
The same is true for many elderly people who do not get outdoors much and therefore, lack an adequate amount of light each day. One of the major health complaints for the over 65 population is difficulty sleeping. Brightening the level of light in their homes during the day and early evening hours may alleviate the major cause of their sleep distress!
Because bright lights can disturb the normal production of melatonin, and interfere with your ability to get a good night’s sleep, make sure your bedroom is completely dark. Use light-blocking shades, lined curtains or even an eye mask to block out all light, including a night light and bright clock radio lights, because even a dime-sized area of light shining anywhere on the body can affect the production of melatonin and interfere with restful sleep!
Dr. Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Having trouble sleeping lately? The real problem could be light and your exposure to it at the proper times of day to ensure a full restful night’s sleep.
The body’s biological clock, which regulates our sleep-wake cycles, is strongly affected by light, especially bright light such as sunlight.
Many shift workers have problems sleeping because their work schedules conflict with their bodies’ natural sleep-wake cycle cues. Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, affects both our desire to sleep and the quality of our sleep. Darkness enhances melatonin production, while light inhibits it. Therefore, shift workers may experience extreme drowsiness at work and suffer from insomnia when they actually settle down to get some sleep during daylight hours.
The same is true for many elderly people who do not get outdoors much and therefore, lack an adequate amount of light each day. One of the major health complaints for the over 65 population is difficulty sleeping. Brightening the level of light in their homes during the day and early evening hours may alleviate the major cause of their sleep distress!
Because bright lights can disturb the normal production of melatonin, and interfere with your ability to get a good night’s sleep, make sure your bedroom is completely dark. Use light-blocking shades, lined curtains or even an eye mask to block out all light, including a night light and bright clock radio lights, because even a dime-sized area of light shining anywhere on the body can affect the production of melatonin and interfere with restful sleep!
Immune System Down? Try a Massage!
Dennis Newhook, RMT
Researchers from the Cedars-Sinai Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences in Los Angeles have recently published a study investigating the effects of massage therapy on the immune system - their findings were promising. Although the study size was small, results indicated that this area warrants further investigation.
In this study, subjects received 45 minutes of massage therapy; afterwards blood taken before and after the treatment was compared. This analysis showed reduced blood levels of cortisol and arginine vasopressin (a hormone linked to cortisol release) following treatment. Elevated cortisol plays a huge role in the stress response. It can also lead to elevated blood glucose levels (involved in diabetes), decreased bone formation (a factor in osteoporosis), and decreased immunity.
Study participants were also found to have decreased levels of cytokines following treatment. Cytokines are proteins released by white blood cells when the body is under stress or senses danger. Reduced levels of cytokines play a role in helping people manage inflammatory or autoimmune conditions in which the body's immune system overreacts, and the body begins attacking itself.
We already knew that massage can help improve circulation, alleviate muscle tension and pain, and is a great relaxation technique; now, it looks as though the benefits are even more significant..
This study was published in the October issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Did you know CANADIAN researchers are also investigating the effects of massage and other complementary treatments? You can read more about the Holistic Health Research Foundation of Canada on their website: www.holistichealthresearch.ca.
Dennis Newhook, RMT
Researchers from the Cedars-Sinai Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences in Los Angeles have recently published a study investigating the effects of massage therapy on the immune system - their findings were promising. Although the study size was small, results indicated that this area warrants further investigation.
In this study, subjects received 45 minutes of massage therapy; afterwards blood taken before and after the treatment was compared. This analysis showed reduced blood levels of cortisol and arginine vasopressin (a hormone linked to cortisol release) following treatment. Elevated cortisol plays a huge role in the stress response. It can also lead to elevated blood glucose levels (involved in diabetes), decreased bone formation (a factor in osteoporosis), and decreased immunity.
Study participants were also found to have decreased levels of cytokines following treatment. Cytokines are proteins released by white blood cells when the body is under stress or senses danger. Reduced levels of cytokines play a role in helping people manage inflammatory or autoimmune conditions in which the body's immune system overreacts, and the body begins attacking itself.
We already knew that massage can help improve circulation, alleviate muscle tension and pain, and is a great relaxation technique; now, it looks as though the benefits are even more significant..
This study was published in the October issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Did you know CANADIAN researchers are also investigating the effects of massage and other complementary treatments? You can read more about the Holistic Health Research Foundation of Canada on their website: www.holistichealthresearch.ca.
Why Children Need Outdoor Playtime
Dr. Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Children and adolescents spend far fewer hours playing outside than they did in past decades. Free time, which was once filled with hours of unstructured play in the backyard or park, is now consumed by structured sports and inside sedentary activities such as TV, video games, computers and the Internet.
Think that unstructured outdoor play is just all fun and games or a waste of time? Think again! Scientists are discovering that outside free play offers immense benefits for a child’s growing mind and body. Benefits include decreased risks of cancer, heart disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obesity and depression.
Outdoor free time also appears to slash incidences of colds and flu.
Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Penn., stress the importance of encouraging young children, especially preschoolers, to engage in ‘active, unstructured, outdoor play.’
Parents and daycare providers should use language and words that engage children in physically active outdoor play involving movement. To this end, experts suggest using the word ‘play’ with preschoolers to encourage movement and exercise.
Outdoor play should be encouraged not only for its effects on physical health, but also for its benefit to a child’s well-being. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2005; 159:46).
Dr. Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Children and adolescents spend far fewer hours playing outside than they did in past decades. Free time, which was once filled with hours of unstructured play in the backyard or park, is now consumed by structured sports and inside sedentary activities such as TV, video games, computers and the Internet.
Think that unstructured outdoor play is just all fun and games or a waste of time? Think again! Scientists are discovering that outside free play offers immense benefits for a child’s growing mind and body. Benefits include decreased risks of cancer, heart disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obesity and depression.
Outdoor free time also appears to slash incidences of colds and flu.
Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Penn., stress the importance of encouraging young children, especially preschoolers, to engage in ‘active, unstructured, outdoor play.’
Parents and daycare providers should use language and words that engage children in physically active outdoor play involving movement. To this end, experts suggest using the word ‘play’ with preschoolers to encourage movement and exercise.
Outdoor play should be encouraged not only for its effects on physical health, but also for its benefit to a child’s well-being. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2005; 159:46).
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Better Body: Inside & Out
4-week Holistic Nutrition Workshop w/ Elaine Brisebois
Wednesday Evenings ~ Sept 12th – Oct 3rd 7pm - 8:30pm ~ $197
Looking and feeling great begin with what you put in your body. Join Elaine this month to learn how to: Eat in a way that is deeply satisfying, delicious and nourishing to your body, mind and spirit; Avoid the 3pm crash that sends you running for coffee and sweets; Radiate youthful, glowing skin from the inside out; Lose those stubborn 10 pounds and maximize your digestion; Get rid of the bloat so you can fit into your “skinny jeans” without having to unbutton them after your eat; Kick cravings and sugar addiction to the curb for good; Lose the “on-a-diet” mentality so that you can love your life and your food.
Curriculum
Week 1: Say good-bye to dieting forever!
Eat REAL food to get real and lasting results, Food shopping with confidence, Avoiding “health-food” traps
Week 2: Good-bye bloated belly – hello sexy midriff!
How to implement the #1 tool for weight-loss and improved digestion; Keeping your gut happy and healthy; Detoxification & Cleansing
Week 3: Roadmap to glowing skin
Kicking the sugar habit to the curb; Combating food addictions and cravings; Avoiding the 3pm slump.
Week 4: Mindful eating and calming your inner life
Structuring your day for maximum results; Clearing self-sabotaging behavior; Lifestyle tips and practices that will set you up for success
Get the accountability you need to stay on track. Elaine will give you weekly feedback on how to make improvements in your diet. Food journals will be provided in the first session.
Space is limited - Call now to reserve you spot.
4-week Holistic Nutrition Workshop w/ Elaine Brisebois
Wednesday Evenings ~ Sept 12th – Oct 3rd 7pm - 8:30pm ~ $197
Looking and feeling great begin with what you put in your body. Join Elaine this month to learn how to: Eat in a way that is deeply satisfying, delicious and nourishing to your body, mind and spirit; Avoid the 3pm crash that sends you running for coffee and sweets; Radiate youthful, glowing skin from the inside out; Lose those stubborn 10 pounds and maximize your digestion; Get rid of the bloat so you can fit into your “skinny jeans” without having to unbutton them after your eat; Kick cravings and sugar addiction to the curb for good; Lose the “on-a-diet” mentality so that you can love your life and your food.
Curriculum
Week 1: Say good-bye to dieting forever!
Eat REAL food to get real and lasting results, Food shopping with confidence, Avoiding “health-food” traps
Week 2: Good-bye bloated belly – hello sexy midriff!
How to implement the #1 tool for weight-loss and improved digestion; Keeping your gut happy and healthy; Detoxification & Cleansing
Week 3: Roadmap to glowing skin
Kicking the sugar habit to the curb; Combating food addictions and cravings; Avoiding the 3pm slump.
Week 4: Mindful eating and calming your inner life
Structuring your day for maximum results; Clearing self-sabotaging behavior; Lifestyle tips and practices that will set you up for success
Get the accountability you need to stay on track. Elaine will give you weekly feedback on how to make improvements in your diet. Food journals will be provided in the first session.
Space is limited - Call now to reserve you spot.
Posture Perfection
Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Posture ranks at the top of the list when you are talking about good health. It is as important as eating right, exercising, getting proper rest and avoiding potentially harmful substances like alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. Without good posture, you cannot really be physically fit. Ideally, our bones stack on top of each other: the head rests directly on top of the spine, which sits directly over the pelvis, which sits directly over the knees and ankles. But if you spend hours every day sitting in a chair, if you hunch forward or balance your weight primarily on one leg, the muscles of your neck and back have to carry the weight of the body rather than it being supported by the spine. The resulting tension and joint pressure can affect you not only physically, but emotionally, too, -- from the predictable shoulder and back pain to headaches, short attention span, and depression.
Poor posture distorts the alignment of bones, chronically tenses muscles, and contributes to stressful conditions such as loss of vital lung capacity, increased fatigue, reduced blood and oxygen to the brain, limited range of motion, stiffness of joints, pain syndromes, reduced mental alertness, and decreased productivity at work. According to the Nobel Laureate, Dr. Roger Sperry, "the more mechanically distorted a person is, the less energy is available for thinking, metabolism, and healing."
The most immediate problem with poor posture is that it creates a lot of chronic muscle tension as the weight of the head and upper body must be supported by the muscles instead of the bones. This effect becomes more pronounced the further your posture deviates from your body’s center of balance. If you carried a briefcase with your arms outstretched in front of you, it would not take long before the muscles of your shoulders would fatigue; carrying the briefcase far away from your center of balance places undue stress on your shoulder muscles. If you held the same briefcase down at your side, your muscles would not fatigue as quickly, because the briefcase is closer to your center of balance and you are using the structures of your skeleton more efficiently. In some parts of the world, women can carry large pots full of water long distances back to their homes. They are able to do this without significant effort because they balance them on the top of their heads, carrying them at their center of balance and allowing the strength of their skeleton to bear the weight, rather than their muscles.
Correcting bad posture and the physical problems that result can be accomplished by eliminating as much "bad" stress from your body as possible. Bad stress includes all the factors, habits, or stressors that cause your body to deviate from your structural center, such as from a poorly adjusted workstation, from not having your seat adjusted correctly in your car, or even from carrying too much weight around in a heavy purse or backpack. And by applying "good" stress on the body in an effort to move your posture back toward your center of balance. This is accomplished through a series of exercises, stretches, adjustments, and changes to your physical environment, all designed to help correct your posture. Getting your body back to its center of balance by improving your posture is critically important to improving how you feel
Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Posture ranks at the top of the list when you are talking about good health. It is as important as eating right, exercising, getting proper rest and avoiding potentially harmful substances like alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. Without good posture, you cannot really be physically fit. Ideally, our bones stack on top of each other: the head rests directly on top of the spine, which sits directly over the pelvis, which sits directly over the knees and ankles. But if you spend hours every day sitting in a chair, if you hunch forward or balance your weight primarily on one leg, the muscles of your neck and back have to carry the weight of the body rather than it being supported by the spine. The resulting tension and joint pressure can affect you not only physically, but emotionally, too, -- from the predictable shoulder and back pain to headaches, short attention span, and depression.
Poor posture distorts the alignment of bones, chronically tenses muscles, and contributes to stressful conditions such as loss of vital lung capacity, increased fatigue, reduced blood and oxygen to the brain, limited range of motion, stiffness of joints, pain syndromes, reduced mental alertness, and decreased productivity at work. According to the Nobel Laureate, Dr. Roger Sperry, "the more mechanically distorted a person is, the less energy is available for thinking, metabolism, and healing."
The most immediate problem with poor posture is that it creates a lot of chronic muscle tension as the weight of the head and upper body must be supported by the muscles instead of the bones. This effect becomes more pronounced the further your posture deviates from your body’s center of balance. If you carried a briefcase with your arms outstretched in front of you, it would not take long before the muscles of your shoulders would fatigue; carrying the briefcase far away from your center of balance places undue stress on your shoulder muscles. If you held the same briefcase down at your side, your muscles would not fatigue as quickly, because the briefcase is closer to your center of balance and you are using the structures of your skeleton more efficiently. In some parts of the world, women can carry large pots full of water long distances back to their homes. They are able to do this without significant effort because they balance them on the top of their heads, carrying them at their center of balance and allowing the strength of their skeleton to bear the weight, rather than their muscles.
Correcting bad posture and the physical problems that result can be accomplished by eliminating as much "bad" stress from your body as possible. Bad stress includes all the factors, habits, or stressors that cause your body to deviate from your structural center, such as from a poorly adjusted workstation, from not having your seat adjusted correctly in your car, or even from carrying too much weight around in a heavy purse or backpack. And by applying "good" stress on the body in an effort to move your posture back toward your center of balance. This is accomplished through a series of exercises, stretches, adjustments, and changes to your physical environment, all designed to help correct your posture. Getting your body back to its center of balance by improving your posture is critically important to improving how you feel
Coming up... Energizing Morning Flow
Morning Yoga Workshop (Oct 1st – 5th)
Kick start your yoga practice by immersing yourself in a vitalizing flowing practice. This progressive hatha flow yoga workshop focuses on lines of energy, points of release and invigorating movement. The flow is designed to provide the student with energy for the day ahead. Suitable for beginner or intermediate practitioners and is gentle enough to practice on a daily basis. (Instructor: Stephanie Maxwell)
Morning Yoga Workshop (Oct 1st – 5th)
Kick start your yoga practice by immersing yourself in a vitalizing flowing practice. This progressive hatha flow yoga workshop focuses on lines of energy, points of release and invigorating movement. The flow is designed to provide the student with energy for the day ahead. Suitable for beginner or intermediate practitioners and is gentle enough to practice on a daily basis. (Instructor: Stephanie Maxwell)
CELEBRATE ORGANIC WEEK 2012: September 22-29th
Canada’s National Organic Week is the largest annual celebration of organic food, farming and products across the country. Hundreds of individual events showcase the benefits of organic agriculture and its positive impact on the environment. Organic represents a vibrant alternative food system and an alternative option for clothing, personal care and cleaning products. There is much to celebrate in Canada:
A growing sector. Organic farming is a rare success story for Canadian agriculture with lots of new farmers, fair prices and growing markets in Canada and abroad.
A transparent food source. Organic foods are the most regulated in Canada, offering Canadians a healthy source of food that isn’t just good for our health, but also good for the health of our environment.
A source of food that is sustainable in the future. Organic farmers work with nature, not against it to produce food that doesn’t degrade soil quality, ensuring future generations will have access to the rich farmland that exists in Canada.
For more information and events near you visit www.organicweek.ca. Organic Week is organized by Canadian Organic Growers (www.cog.ca) and the Canada Organic Trade Association (www.ota-canada.ca).
Canada’s National Organic Week is the largest annual celebration of organic food, farming and products across the country. Hundreds of individual events showcase the benefits of organic agriculture and its positive impact on the environment. Organic represents a vibrant alternative food system and an alternative option for clothing, personal care and cleaning products. There is much to celebrate in Canada:
A growing sector. Organic farming is a rare success story for Canadian agriculture with lots of new farmers, fair prices and growing markets in Canada and abroad.
A transparent food source. Organic foods are the most regulated in Canada, offering Canadians a healthy source of food that isn’t just good for our health, but also good for the health of our environment.
A source of food that is sustainable in the future. Organic farmers work with nature, not against it to produce food that doesn’t degrade soil quality, ensuring future generations will have access to the rich farmland that exists in Canada.
For more information and events near you visit www.organicweek.ca. Organic Week is organized by Canadian Organic Growers (www.cog.ca) and the Canada Organic Trade Association (www.ota-canada.ca).
Friday, August 3, 2012
Lifewise Health & Wellness Bulletin - August 2012
At Lifewise we strive to provide valuable service to our patients and the community. Our purpose is to help you achieve improved health and a well balanced lifestyle. We have put together this monthly newsletter to keep you up to date on all that’s happening at the office, and to share with you some helpful health related tips. We hope you will find it a worthwhile read.
I am excited to announce the addition of a new osteopath to the team: Rui Rosario. Rui
will be available for treatments on Tuesdays from 2 – 8 pm to start, evening and weekend times are available by appointment, and he is hoping to expand his hours as the practice grows. As always, Mark or Neive will be happy to help you book appointments and answer questions about our classes, workshops, and services.
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
At Lifewise we strive to provide valuable service to our patients and the community. Our purpose is to help you achieve improved health and a well balanced lifestyle. We have put together this monthly newsletter to keep you up to date on all that’s happening at the office, and to share with you some helpful health related tips. We hope you will find it a worthwhile read.
I am excited to announce the addition of a new osteopath to the team: Rui Rosario. Rui
will be available for treatments on Tuesdays from 2 – 8 pm to start, evening and weekend times are available by appointment, and he is hoping to expand his hours as the practice grows. As always, Mark or Neive will be happy to help you book appointments and answer questions about our classes, workshops, and services.
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
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