Community News
To Ice or Not to Ice 

Recently there’s been some controversy with regards to icing when injury takes place. The question that raises this controversy is: Does the body do an effective job of self-regulation, or is it’s response to inflammation excessive, causing additional damage to surrounding tissues? According to several studies, ice in the first 48 hours is still appropriate when inflammation is present. There are five cardinal signs of inflammation including redness, heat, pain, swelling, and loss of function. The acronym P.O.L.I.C.E stands for Protection, Optimal loading, Ice, Compression and Elevation. It takes a knowledgeable professional to determine what optimal loading is, based upon the area of injury, degree of damage, activity to be resumed, and many other factors. So the next time you sustain such an injury, slap on the ice and slip into your local physiotherapy clinic so that we can help optimize your recovery!

Susanne Robson BMR(PT)
www.prairietrailphysio.ca

5 Ways to Reduce Inflamed Arteries 

1. Stop smoking. Smoking hardens the arteries and increases inflammation. Research shows you can reverse all the damaging effects to your arteries within 10 years of quitting.

2. Think olive oil, fish, and nuts. People who stick with a Mediterranean-style diet based on fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil can lower their levels of inflammation. It works by increasing omega-3 fats to fight inflammation.

3. Get active. Exercise is a great way to lower inflammation without any of the side effects. Shrink your waist size. If you’re a woman with a waist of over 35” or a man with a waist of over 40”, you probably have high inflammation.

4. Get enough sleep. A new study shows that elderly people with high blood pressure who sleep less than 7.5 hours a night have dramatically elevated chances of having a stroke or heart attack.

5. Reduce stress. High levels of stress hormones can lead to the release of excess inflammatory chemicals.

www.scoopandsave.com

Ditch the Detox Diet

Cleansing is often promoted to improve health by ‘cleansing’ the bowel and removing toxins from the body. It has been claimed that it can boost energy and immunity, promote healthy intestinal bacteria and start weight loss. The truth is, there is no scientific evidence to show that cleansing maintains or improves bowel health, prevents colon cancer or achieves lasting weight loss. Your intestine, lungs, liver and kidneys already effectively remove waste from your body every day. These diets can be harmful and cause unpleasant side effects such as cramping, nausea, vomiting, headaches, lack of energy; or more serious side effects, such as dehydration, low/high blood pressure, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and many more. Instead look for effective and trusted ways to improve your health, boost your energy and maybe lose some pounds along the way by seeking professional help from a registered dietitian.

Rochelle Tinumpit
www.actionphysio.net

Winter Wellness for Cats & Dogs 

With cooling temperatures, it can be hard to get your animals to stay outside to get enough exercise to maintain their health. Even with fur coats, temperatures that feel chilly to us do feel unpleasant for them. Due to more sedentary lifestyles in the winter months, companion animals are prone to weight gain, lethargy and aching joints. Some easy suggestions to combat these conditions include: Feed your animals smaller food portions. They may seem extra hungry at first but will surely adjust. If they are not burning calories with exercise, the calories can add up! There are also fun indoor methods of exercise that can be fun. Any exercise, even indoors, will burn calories, increase circulation and increase the morale of your animals.  Remember- your animal’s quality of life and longevity are important! Overweight animals are targets for early organ failure and arthritis. For a happy, healthy animal, make fitness and nutrition a priority!

Jill Saifer
www.soulsticespirithealing.wordpress.com

Clean Eating: Spicy Cabbage Soup 

Ingredients:

1 Onion sliced
3 Garlic cloves minced
2 diced Jalapeno
2 tsp Coriander
5 C Vegetable broth
1 15oz can diced Tomatoes
3 C thinly sliced Cabbage
2 diced Bell Peppers
8 Stalks of chopped Celery
2 Tbsp. Basil
2 Tbsp. Oregano
Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions: 
1. Combine onion, garlic, salt and pepper, japaleno, peppers, celery and herbs and sauté until tender.
2. Add the tomatoes, cabbage and broth and bring to a simmer.
3. Cook for 45 minutes on low heat until cabbage is tender.
4. Serve and enjoy!

Myles Fanjoy

Business Spotlight 

Life Assure Medical Alert is Canada’s foremost provider of medical alert devices for seniors. Our goal is simple, to keep seniors safe and allows them to live comfortably in their homes while remaining independent. Life Assure provide’s state of the art technology with each one of our extremely affordable and reliable units. With Life Assure Medical Alert Units, you can have peace of mind knowing that at any time, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, help is available at the push of a button. Whether you need to contact a family member, friend, or the local paramedics, our team of highly trained and dedicated staff is available whenever you need. Our simple and low monthly prices provide premium services with no hidden charges or extra costs. Additionally, our lifetime guarantee makes it easy for you to maintain the lifestyle you enjoy, while also staying safe. Remain independent and protect your life with Life Assure Medical Alert.

Life Assure
www.lifeassure.com

Book Club: Wheat Belly: 10-Day Grain Detox

Through the New York Times bestseller Wheat Belly, millions of people learned how to reverse years of chronic health problems by removing wheat from their daily diets. Now, Dr. William Davis has created an easy and accessible 10-day detox program. Wheat Belly 10-Day Grain Detox supplies you with carefully designed meal plans and delicious recipes to fully eliminate wheat and related grains in the shortest time possible. Perfect for those who may have fallen off the gluten-free wagon or for newcomers who need a jump-start to weight loss, this new addition to the Wheat Belly phenomenon guides you through the complete detox experience.

William Davis
www.wheatbelly.com

The Gift of Gratitude & Reflection

As we move into the darkest and shortest day of the year on December 21st,  we enter  a month of  reflection and appreciation for what we have and who we have in our lives. Creating a gratitude list, sending notes of thanks and appreciation, taking inventory of the significant moments of our past year in review. Taking the time to refect sets the stage and allows us to better figure out where we want to put our energy and move towards in the new year to come.

D’Arcy Bruning-Haid
www.souls-journey.com

 

Medication Reviews

When managing multiple or complex medications, it is key to have an awareness of all of the potential side effects and possible drug interactions.  This includes all over the counter medications.  A pharmacist will review all of these products and help to ensure that you are taking the right products at the right times.  Pharmacists conducting home visits can help to monitor the effects on a regular basis.  If there are any concerns, the pharmacist will contact the physician to discuss possible adjustments in doses.  The goal in all medication reviews is to prevent any issues before they happen. Medication reviews can often prevent falls, visit to hospitals or emergency rooms and help people stay in their own homes as long as possible.  This provides peace of mind to both patients and caregivers, allowing them to more fully enjoy their lives. Call our pharmacist for a medication review in the comfort of your home.

Care At Home Pharmacy
www.careathomepharmacy.ca

17 Benefits of Drinking Water

We all know that drinking water is vital for life. But what, exactly, is water’s function within our bodies?
Here are the top 17 Functions & Benefits of Drinking Water:

1) Water composes 75% of your brain.

2) Water regulates your body temperature.

3) Makes up 83% of your blood.

4) Makes up 75% of your muscles.

5) Composes 22% of your bones.

6) Helps convert food into energy.

7) Removes waste and toxins.

8) Enables your body to absorb nutrients.

9) Moistens oxygen for breathing.

10) Cushions your joints.

11) Helps carry nutrients and oxygen to your cells.

12) Improves your productivity at work.

13) Natural remedy for a headache.

14) Relieves fatigue and improves your mood.

15) Reduces your risk of getting cancer.

16) Improves your performance during exercise.

17) Makes you look younger and healthier.

The amount of water you consume every day plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy mind and body.

Jen McCarthy
www.newerawellness.ca

Holiday Wellness

We are nearing the Holiday season; which can bring very mixed feelings for some people. The speed of life can seem daunting this time of year; and it is easy to get caught up in the busyness, and the impact and pace of so much change. One very helpful thing in times of stress is to simply take some breaks in Nature. Go for a walk, do some yard work, breathe the clean and fresh air outside – raining or not. We tend to spend more time than we need to sitting in front of a computer. Even just getting up to get a glass of water, or stretch your legs for a moment or two brings good health dividends. There is nothing I know that is better for the brain than to listen to music you enjoy – or, even better, play some music, by yourself or with others.

Howard V. Dieno DO (UK)
www.dieno.ca