If you have problems with your feet, you are reminded of your foot pain with every step. The foot is the foundation of the body, so pain at the ankle, knee, hip and lower back may be foot related. Foot disorders are among the most widespread and neglected health problems affecting people in BC. If you are living with diabetes, foot problems is one of the leading causes for hospitalization. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing, treating and preventing foot and ankle-related pain. Their extensive experience can often provide relief from pain on the first visit.
Community News
Muscle and Joint Pain?
Muscle and joint pain associated with sprains and strains can be very frustrating when striving to maintain an active lifestyle. Certain essential oils have been approved by Health Canada for use to help with relief of pain associated with sprains, strains and rheumatoid arthritis. Oils such as lavender, marjoram, clove, black pepper, eucalyptus globulus or peppermint, and blends such as Deep Relief and Aromaease are great mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut, and applied directly to the skin to help soothe muscle pain. The essential oils you choose should be pure and not topped up with synthetic additives and preservatives.
Risk Factors for Falls
In addition to mobility, there are other risk factors that can lead to falling. These include: Sensory Deficits; problems with sensation, whether it be with the eyes, ears or feeling in the feet can increase your risk of falling. Have your eyesight and hearing checked regularly and talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing numbness in your feet. Low Blood Pressure; when we quickly go from lying or sitting to standing, our blood pressure drops, this can interfere with balance, vision and coordination. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing, sit down until your head clears, stand up slowly and ensure you have good footing before taking a step.
Ease the Pain of Downsizing
Moving into a retirement home often involves downsizing and making tricky decisions. When assisting others it is important to realize the sentimental attachment individuals have to things. So, be patient and understanding. Remind the individuals that the memories are always there no matter what. When reviewing items, always ask what is of low to high importance and organize accordingly. Sometimes it helps with decisions if an alternate home can take the item where it can continue to be utilized or gives others the happiness that it brought the current owner. Other downsizing methods include advertising items for sale or having a yard sale.
Know the Risk Factors
In today’s stress-riddled world, maintaining a balanced lifestyle is quite challenging, including staving off addictive behaviours like gambling. Be aware of the risk factors, including having experienced a big win early in our gambling history, and/or recent loss or change, and/or financial difficulties. Gambling behaviour is concerning when used as an escapist activity, anxiety-relief and/or distracting us from our families and health. You have more control over your life than you realize. In fact, recognizing a problem is powerful and is the first step in healing. Reach out for help!
Healthy Individuality
The concept of Healthy-Individuality is based on the fact that each person has unique food and lifestyle needs. One person’s food is another person’s poison. That is why, in the long run, fad diets tend to fail. Health practitioners working on the principle of Healthy-Individuality, will support you to make positive changes that are based on your unique needs, lifestyle, preferences and ancestral background. A personalized, holistic approach ensures that you will have great success!
Choosing a Denturist
Your dentures do not last forever so it is important to choose a denturist with whom you feel comfortable! Dentures need to be checked and cleaned regularly so you will have an ongoing relationship with your denturist. Don’t make your decision based on price alone. You need to know more than the dollar value to make an informed and educated decision. Dentures are not all fabricated using the same materials or techniques. Ask your family doctor or dentist who they would recommend. Schedule a consultation to meet the denturist and ask questions. All dentures are not created equally and neither are denturists.
Sleep well and Recharge
A good night’s sleep is essential for feeling refreshed and re-energized. Not only will it boost your mood and leave you looking fresher, getting enough quality zee’s helps reset your body and its organs. Adequate sleep is a key component to a healthy lifestyle and benefits your weight, heart, mind and memory and so much more! A regular sleep schedule helps your immune system to quell inflammation and disease and also regulates hormones. If you are having trouble falling or staying asleep, and have already nixed the afternoon caffeine and shut off the pre-bedtime screens, come in for some natural herbal advice.
I Want to Ride My Bicycle!
Riding a bicycle has many health benefits. Getting outside, taking deep breaths of fresh air and feeling the rhythm of your legs are all so good for you. Bicycling on a regular basis has been shown to improve heart health, muscle and bone strength, joint flexibility and reduce stress. An electric bike makes all of these benefits more accessible. The power assistance eliminates stress on your knees and hips and allows you to use as much of your own energy as you like. Hills become easy-peasy and barriers to riding disappear. You get more exercise because it’s so much fun you’ll want to ride it everywhere.
Importance of Proper Hydration
Do you know that the bodies of adult men are about 60% water? Women’s bodies are only 55% water because fat makes up more of their bodies and holds less water than lean tissue. Water is a vital nutrient to the life of every cell. It regulates our internal body temperature by sweating and respiration. Carbohydrates and proteins used as food are metabolized and transported by water in the bloodstream. Water assists in flushing waste and acts as a shock absorber for your brain and spinal cord. It forms the saliva in our mouth and lubricates joints. Proper hydration is essential!
Sunglasses are the Best Protection for Your Eyes
Sunglasses protect your eyes due to the physical barrier, but also protect your eyes from harmful Ultra-Violet radiation from the sun which cause cataracts and macular degeneration. The lens inside our eyes becomes cloudy due to sun exposure over the years and wearing sunglasses with a UV400 blocker slows down this natural progression. The macula that we use to see faces and read documents breaks down with exposure to UV rays causing a loss of central vision. Prevention is the key to maintaining good vision – wear good quality sunglasses with good coverage to protect your precious eyes for a lifetime!
