Acupuncture treatments are a safe, drug-free way to enhance the good development of your pregnancy. Acupuncture can help supplement, regulate and harmonize the processes that are taking place in the body, and supports recovery once baby arrives. Labour preparation acupuncture from week 36 on supports ripening of the cervix and the relaxing and softening of the pelvic ligaments and tendons so that the baby gate will open easily. It also strengthens the mother’s stamina to labour and ensures that internal conditions are optimal for baby to stay in good position to spin and descend.

Did you know that your unique genetic profile can determine how your body processes certain medications? For some people, they may metabolise drugs too quickly and as a result, get little or no benefit from a particular medication. For other people, they may metabolise medications too slowly and as a result, have an increased risk of side effects. Genetic testing can help to personalise your treatment by using genetic information to customise drug therapy and the doses that work best for you. As your DNA does not change, the testing only needs to be performed one time.

Climate change is real, and Nature is sending us a clear message through fires, drought, floods and more intense storms because of our disconnection from Nature. World strife, urban sprawl, less education in our schools about Nature and our own disregard of our surroundings have put us on notice. Reconnecting with Nature leads to unlimited health benefits, less war, more respect for people and animals and a higher regard for our environment.

A former alpine ski racer, physiotherapist Dustin Fraser has worked in sports therapy and orthopaedics for most of his career, most notably as the Canadian Men’s Alpine Ski Team physiotherapist from 2013-2016. His clinical interests include injury prevention and the assessment and treatment of knee injuries. Dustin is certified in IMS (dry needling), professional bike fitting and functional movement screening. As an avid mountain biker, skier and outdoorsy dad, Dustin and his wife Lissa felt that the Comox Valley was the perfect home for their family and business, Fresh Tracks Physiotherapy.

Q: My elderly father says he has macular degeneration but he’s still driving. Is that legal?

A: It’s certainly possible that he has plenty of functional vision; macular degeneration does not necessarily mean severe vision loss. In BC, vision requirements include good visual acuity, good peripheral vision, and no double vision. Perhaps he’ll allow you to be present during these tests – it would be re-assuring to talk to his examiner about these measurements.

No matter what style of yoga you choose to do, you will likely see improvements in many areas of your health. The benefits of yoga go far beyond improving flexibility. By practicing yoga regularly, you can: increase your flexibility, muscle tone and strength and improve your circulatory and cardio health. Practicing yoga renews your energy levels, improves athletic performance, reduces injuries, detoxifies your organs, increases your blood flow, drains your lymphatic system, improves your posture, helps with chronic pain, helps you sleep better, improves your mood and SO MUCH MORE! What’s holding you back from achieving your wellness goals?

Did you know there are three types of custom foot orthotics? Dynamic rehab orthotics work dynamically through gait and challenge target muscle groups in order to retrain the foot. They help achieve sustainable comfort and improve the body’s ability to balance. Accommodative orthotics are made from thermo-moldable foams and redistribute heavily pressurized plantar areas to reduce pain, which is helpful for the diabetic and high-arched arthritic foot. Rigid/semi-rigid orthotics have ¾ length stiffer thermo-plastic that supports the arches of the foot and corrects gait deficiencies. These are designed to compensate for muscle and joint dysfunctions.

World Hypertension Day is Friday, May 17. It is an initiative of the World Hypertension League, an affiliate of the International Society of Hypertension. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of hypertension and to prevent and control this silent killer. The theme for this this year is Know Your Numbers. Do you know yours? The “textbook” normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. Optimal blood pressure can vary and is based on several factors including your cardiovascular risk and age. Speak to your health care professional to learn about your optimal blood pressure numbers.

Q: My husband insists he has good vision because of all the carrots he is fond of eating. Is there any truth to this?

A: Yes, but probably not in the way he thinks. People truly deficient in Vitamin A or beta-carotene (as found in carrots) can suffer from poor night vision, but this is a real rarity in our community. Beta-carotene supplements were, up to recently, recommended to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Unfortunately, increased beta-carotene supplement consumption can increase the risk of cancer in smokers. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are related, but safer, supplements.