Are you experiencing pain down the buttocks, or even the leg and foot; with numbness, tingling, or abnormal sensation in those same areas? It is very common, especially in Downtown Winnipeg, where nearly everyone ‘sits-for-a-living’. Research says ‘flossing’ may not help our teeth, but flossing or dynamically stretching the nervous tissue is another way to prevent, and lessen this back pain. Almost everyone has seen that ‘camel or cat back’ exercise; on all fours, rolling the back upwards, and downwards, we move the nervous tissue associated with sciatic pain. Reaching, with back extension exercises will help strengthen the muscle supports around the spine.
Community News
Ginseng for Weight Loss
Ginseng does many things to help human health, but many people do not realize that ginseng is good for weight loss. It gives an energy boost and can help fight fatigue. Because of this, it allows for you to be more active. One of the big things that it does in the weight loss battle is by regulating blood sugar. It does this by reducing the amount of carbohydrate that is converted into fat. Also, it is important to point out that ginseng alone will not help lose weight if you engage in poor dietary choices. It is vital that a well-balanced diet is followed and that you are active. Otherwise, like the old English proverb says, “Don’t dig your grave with your own knife and fork.” One of the active ingredients in SlimROAST weight loss coffee from Valentus – The Healthiest Coffee on the Planet!
Relax Your Brain – Enhance Learning
Your ability to learn is directly related to how clear your brain pathways are between sensory (intake) and execution (performance). Over two‐thirds of your brain is based on sensing or input; one‐third is based on execution. If you have trouble focusing or concentrating, it is simply because the pathways between the sensory and execution network areas are not clear. Integration of the feeling, emotional, or “gut” senses is necessary for even abstract forms of knowledge. You make the greatest use of your capacities when you have free and intelligent access to your feelings and imagination. Brainwave Optimization, a computer-guided relaxation technology, works to balance and harmonize your brain, helping it move beyond stuck patterns into healthy patterns. Once your brain is balanced and harmonized, you can overcome previous challenges; achieve more, laugh more, enjoy life more completely and engage in a healthier social life with self‐awareness and confidence.
Achilles Tendinitis
Are you suffering from heel pain? Whether there was one event that caused it, or the pain has come on over time, there are many factors that could contribute to your discomfort. Being physically active or sedentary can cause Achilles Tendinitis. Running, jumping, and landing, can all put an excess of stress on our Achilles tendon. As we land on our feet, there is an eccentric force placed on the tendon. After repetitive movements, this can cause microtearing within the tendon and inflammation will lead to pain. Even if we aren’t active, our calves can tighten up, and without regular stretching, just everyday walking can put stress on our tendons. Ice will help calm down the pain, but you should begin some mild stretching of your calves. Other treatment options include rest, massage, or even adding a heel lift in your shoe to decrease the amount of force on the Achilles tendon.
More Than Just Words
There’s a lot of talk out there about positive affirmations, but do they really do anything? Research has revealed that negative words and thoughts have a damaging neurochemical effect. The brain interprets negative words and thoughts as a threat and it goes into survival “fight, flight, or freeze” mode, which in turn releases stress hormones and interrupts rational thinking and decision making. The good news is that positive words and thoughts can counteract the negativity. The bad news is that positivity isn’t perceived as a threat and, thus, the brain does not respond as swiftly or dramatically to positive words as it does to negative ones. Researchers say that we must repeat positive thoughts or words a minimum of three times for every negative one. This engages the motivational center of the brain and reduces stress. So yes, science tells us we should keep saying those daily affirmations.
Do You Foam Roll?
Foam rolling is a method of self-myofascial release performed with a piece of cylindrical foam of various sizes and densities. The technique can also be implemented with a tennis or lacrosse ball. It is done by rolling the foam roller or ball under the muscle group of choice, with the goal of massaging ‘trigger points’, which can help relax overactive muscles. An overactive muscle can lead to strength imbalances, which may lead to pain and dysfunction. Your physiotherapist can guide it’s use as a tool to help treat a multitude of injuries including shoulder or back pain and muscle strains. It has become more popular recently as it has been found to decrease post exercise soreness when performed pre and post exercise, as well as on days of rest. Foam rollers can be purchased for a relatively low price, making it a cost effective way of managing aches and pains.
Dan Girardin, Physiotherapist MPT, BESS,
www.prairietrailphysio.ca
Hair for Healthy Water?
Imagine a day, in the near future, when you and your family have to drink water filled with a cocktail of heavy metals, toxins and chemicals. This scary reality is steadily becoming true; every single year we’re dumping more plastics, pollutants and garbage into our waterways, destroying lakes, oceans, and rivers across the country. With a problem so big, it seems impossible that there’s anything we can do about it, right? No, there IS something that we can do about it! At Slash Hairdo, you can help everyone have a better tomorrow, all the while getting an amazing hairstyle. You see, the clippings from your haircut go towards fighting the destruction of our water supply, helping to protect ocean life and humankind. Your old hair clippings are saved and are actually used to help soak up oil spills in the oceans. Imagine that!
Ginseng for Weight Loss
Ginseng does many things to help human health, but many people do not realize that ginseng is good for weight loss. It gives an energy boost and can help fight fatigue. Because of this, it allows for you to be more active. One of the big things that it does in the weight loss battle is by regulating blood sugar. It does this by reducing the amount of carbohydrate that is converted into fat. Also, it is important to point out that ginseng alone will not help lose weight if you engage in poor dietary choices. It is vital that a well-balanced diet is followed and that you are active. Otherwise, like the old English proverb says, “Don’t dig your grave with your own knife and fork.” One of the active ingredients in SlimROAST weight loss coffee from Valentus – The Healthiest Coffee on the Planet!
To be Fully Present is a Gesture of Kindness & Love
Watching someone you care for and love struggle with pain, dis-ease, or hurt is often always hard to watch. We tend to want to do something to help alleviate their pain, hurt and troubles but often we feel helpless. When there is nothing tangible to do in those moments, the biggest gift we can give is to be fully present with them in whatever state they are in. When a person feels fully heard, seen and acknowledged in their darkest moments, it’s a loving gesture just to “be there”. To acknowledge their pain without having an agenda or judgement is a powerful healing gesture of love. To be received unconditionally with kindness allows for compassion and feeling less alone in the world.
Benefits of Huna Kane
Huna Kane is a restorative body massage with a rocking action.”Pain is information” is the premise which applies to Huna Kane. Negative thoughts and emotional trauma, when repressed, cause body pain, burnout, and disease which can be resolved and healed. The tight masses of constricted tissue are actually the body’s way of telling its owner what is emotionally out of balance so the person can make the necessary changes. Huna Kane incorporates all types of massage, many forms of polarity, and shiatsu. It clears the auras and chakras. It is a passive way to release the body of old baggage. The massage relaxes painful spots in the body as the person breathes deeply. Love for self and others is reinforced, thereby releasing the fears that constrict life, detoxifying the body, activating the body’s immune system and increasing the life force (mana) available.
Timing of Medications
It is important to understand clearly when to take medications and how to take them. Some prescription drugs have to be taken on an empty stomach while others are taken with food – check with your pharmacist to ensure you know what that means – (how long before or after a meal do you wait)? This helps with the appropriate absorption of the drug. Some medications should not be taken with other drugs as this can lead to reduced effectiveness. The timing of medications is also important regarding when to take them – morning vs. evening – to alleviate side effects. As well, it is key to follow the instructions on the number of times per day to take the medication. When you are prescribed new medications, ask your pharmacist to fully explain these medications so you have a good understanding of them. A full medication review of all your prescription drugs and over the counter products can further help you to see how they work together.
