The first priority in having new dentures made is to ensure that your gums are healthy and that there are no signs of problems throughout your mouth. Having dentures made on inflamed or infected gums is only going to make matters worse. You should also be examined periodically for any signs of oral cancer. For this screening it is important that you see a dentist. If you need partial dentures then the health of the remaining natural teeth is critical. Any cavities need to be addressed before new dentures are made. Your teeth need to be cleaned and their supporting gums and bone need to be healthy and viable. Dentists train for many years to be able to recognize and treat all problems with your mouth. If necessary they will refer you to board certified specialists. These are dentists who have taken extra years of training over and above their dental degree.

Dr. George Cadigan, Exclusively Dentures
www.exclusivelydentures.ca

Have you ever had pain after a long day of gardening? Gardening often involves sustained bent over postures that put a lot of strain through our backs and limbs. Here are a few tips to prevent this from happening this year. First, try to set realistic goals about the amount of work you can accomplish in one day. There is nothing wrong with spreading it out over a few days or weeks. This will minimize the amount of strain occurring in a single day. Second, find a cushion to put under your knees instead of bending over at the waist for longer periods of time. Your knees and back will thank you! And the last piece of advice is to switch up the task at hand frequently. If none of these tips work and you still wake up sore the next day, then talk to your physiotherapist!

Kristi Hunter MPT, BSc, Prairie Trail Physio
www.prairietrailphysio.ca

It happens too often: Runner begins training program, a twinge settles in. Runner stretches, takes painkillers, and keeps training. A few runs later, runner is on the couch, ice pack strapped on. Interchange knee pain, plantar fasciitis, ITB pain, etc. Now what to do about it? 3 simple changes can go a long way. 1 Buy proper footwear: checking length, width, toe box and arch support. Pavement vs. trail running should be considered. 2 A strong body is key to pain prevention. Strong muscles guard against impact, improve form and create a consistent running gait. Muscular balance ensures that one muscle group isn’t straining and working harder to make up for weak stabilizers. Talk to a professional for exercises tailored for runners. 3 Many beginners start out by doing too much, too fast, too soon. Joining a running class/club teaches proper scheduling, heart rate monitoring, hydration and nutrition. Happy Running and good luck Marathoners!

Stacey Bulat BKin-AT CAT(C) Certified Athletic Therapist, Vital Life
www.vitallifeclinic.com

I get the privilege each day in my office as a therapist of listening and hearing many different people share what matters most to them. They share their joys, disappointments, hurts, resentments and longings. Yes, we all need to find ways of covering our rent/mortgage, pay our bills, cook dinners and do the laundry, but what’s most important to most people is how well they feel heard, listened to, understood, and appreciated each day of their lives. In the end, what really matters most is how loved one feels on a daily basis. Appreciating and celebrating our friends, our partners, our children, our co-workers, our employees/boss goes a long way. Try highlighting and acknowledging the good in each person that comes across your path and see what comes back to you throughout the day, the week and the responses you get!

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

Hair loss is a major concern for all, irrespective of the gender. Reasons for hair loss can range from the simple and temporary—a vitamin deficiency—to the more complex, like an underlying health condition. Unhealthy diet, stress, hormone imbalances, and chemicals may be some of the reasons. Hairstyles that consistently use rubber bands, rollers or barrettes, or pull hair into tight styles such as cornrows, can inflame and scar hair follicles. So can incorrectly-used chemical products such as dyes, bleaches, straighteners or permanent wave solutions. People can look for help with hair creams to regenerate hair growth. Make sure to look for naturally based, safe, pure ingredients that include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, beta-carotene, omega-6 fatty acids, nutrients and amino acids, suitable for all skin and hair types. Ingredients that have been proven to mimic the body’s own natural oils to reduce hair thinning, prevent oxidative stress, and add volume and shine.

Jenna Wilcox, MONAT Global
www.JennaWilcox.MyMonat.com