When students who have learning difficulties have access to specialty learning programs outside of school, their brain networks are often strengthened and they become more aware of how their actions affect others. During their time in specialty learning programs, these students experience increased networking in the brain, which helps them better develop areas in the brain that are related to the ability to feel empathy and understand others’ perspectives. Many students with learning difficulties have also experienced bullying in the past, and with their strengthened empathy and understanding, they are able to help others who are going through similar struggles.

What will your retirement look like? Will you say good-bye completely? Will you transition out gradually? Will you try something new? There are many choices and no right answer. The path you choose will be your own. This time of transition from career to more “me” time can bring with it many mixed emotions. The excitement of not having to answer to an alarm clock, the sadness of a loss of identity, or the fear of not having enough to do can be very real. Many activities are calling your name. What path will you take? What story will you write?

Botox® is a neuromodulator that relaxes expressive muscles by blocking the signal between nerve and muscle. When injected by a licensed medical professional, it safely relaxes overactive muscles that cause facial frown lines, worry lines, and crow’s feet. The result is a refreshed and less tired appearance. The improvement lasts three to four months and gradually wears off. Botox® can also be used to treat excessive sweating, chronic migraines, and other conditions caused by excessive neuromuscular activity. Choose an experienced provider by asking friends and family for a recommendation. You’ll be surprised how many of those you know are already benefitting from Botox®!

October tends to be the month of harvest festivals held to celebrate our farms and farmers for the food they provide. October is also the month where we give thanks and reflect on what we’re appreciative of in our lives. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. With all of the turmoil in the world, we have to be thankful that we live in this beautiful country called Canada. I am thankful for all of the wonderful people in my life, and that includes my clients!

Diabetes and pre-diabetes are on the rise in Canada. More than 9% of Canadians are diabetic and another 22% meet the diagnostic criteria for pre-diabetes. While medication may be necessary to manage blood sugar, increasing evidence supports lifestyle measures to treat and even reverse the disease. Wellness Garage offers an 8-week, evidence-based, diabetes reversal program aimed at changing the lifestyle behaviours that can reverse the process underlying diabetes. Our physician-led program will teach you a powerful model to understand diabetes and learn what concrete measures you can take to control diabetes and reverse its progression.

Did you know that the Canadian Mental Health Association has information online regarding different mental health issues? As well, your local Canadian Mental Health Association branch can answer any questions you may have and provide services to the public. Workshops and courses are another great way to learn about these issues. The Canadian Mental Health Association along with other organizations in your community offer this service. Research what organizations are around you and call them to find out times, dates and whether courses are available for free at a cost. Visit your local library to take advantage of free resources or head to a bookstore or shop online to purchase.

We have all experienced pain at some point during our life. But there are some people for whom pain is a daily burden that doesn’t seem to go away. For those people, it is important to find a practitioner who has extensive experience in assessing and treating acute and chronic pain conditions. It doesn’t matter if your pain is from joints, muscles, nerves, organs, emotional trauma, or even an unknown origin, there is almost always something that can be done to decrease or remove the pain. Get a thorough assessment that can uncover previously overlooked or misunderstood aspects contributing to your problem.

Modern life is filled with opportunities that cause misalignment in the joints of the spine. Sitting, bending, lifting, trauma, and poor posture while using computers and mobile phones can all cause strain on the neck and back. This strain can damage the soft tissues of the spine, including the delicate nervous system that is housed within. So, what happens when your spine becomes misaligned? Neck pain, back pain, headaches, sciatica, and more. But sometimes pain doesn’t occur until the damage accumulates. Chiropractic can help to gently re-align, reduce strain, and restore function to this delicate spinal system. When was the last time you had your spine examined by a doctor of chiropractic?