Ideal Protein is a medically designed weight loss program that was developed over 20 years ago by physician Dr. Tran Tien Chanh. It balances the body’s food intake for efficient fat-burning and helps to reverse the imbalance in insulin that occur with the typical Western diet that contributes to weight gain and metabolic syndrome. This expert-led, data-driven program coupled with turn-key coaching from healthcare professionals is designed to move patients toward an ideal weight, lipid profile, cholesterol and insulin balance. Ideal Protein’s medically developed weight loss method tackles the root cause of weight gain – the body’s overproduction of insulin – by limiting consumption of sugars in the form of fats and carbohydrates. Dieters receive one-on-one coaching and monitoring through the weight loss experience, as well as support with healthy recipes, daily coaching videos, and educational seminars.

Alma Naranjo, www.successweightloss.ca

Diaphragmatic Breathing is all about breathing more with the diaphragm and less with upper chest or accessory muscles. This can be achieved through simple breathing exercises focusing on inhaling through the lower torso and abdomen to break the habit of overusing the upper chest and neck. Overuse of these accessory muscles often leads to long-term discomfort, neck pain and frequent headaches making it even harder to break the pain tension cycle. Breathing patterns are habitual. It is very apparent when clients practice meditation or yoga by the way they take their first breath on the table. Those who know how to breath effectively are often more ready to release muscle tension in their body making the work of a therapist more effective. Changing habits involve a degree of discipline and guidance. Guidance could be through Soma Yoga, Meditation or frequent visits with a health care practitioner that works well for your individual needs.

Tim Rhodes, RMT, www.courtenaymassagetherapy.com

A properly fitted back brace, by a certified orthotist, can go a long way in keeping you active. A back brace, like a corset, increases support to the spine and has an unloading effect on the intervertebral discs. Many people are concerned with becoming weak or dependent on the brace, but there is little evidence to support that claim. What’s more, many are in fact inactive due to their back pain, and by wearing a brace, they are able to be more active and thus increase their strength and fitness. There are now many design options available to ensure that comfort and function are achieved. The proper back brace in conjunction with a regular stretching regimen can be very beneficial in easing chronic back pain. Aaron Amar BSc.

CO(c) Certified Orthotist, www.mitchellpando.com

Whiplash syndrome describes a traumatic event of the neck, secondary to abrupt flexion and extension of the neck. The most common causes are due to motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries. Whiplash can cause damage to various parts of the neck including ligaments, facet joints, cervical vertebrae, cervical disc, nerves, and muscles. It is one of the most common causes of pain in the general population. The usual imaging, such as x-rays, CT, or MRI is unlikely to show evidence of injury, giving little insight into what is responsible for ongoing pain. Whiplash symptoms can include: Neck pain, muscle tightness, decreased range of movement, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, fatigue, inability to focus. A relatively unknown but effective treatment for cervical spinal pain is Prolozone. Prolozone therapy works by addressing the cause of pain: ligament, tendon, and joint instability. Prolozone involves the injection of ozone to regenerate the ligaments and cartilage tissue in the areas that have become weak.

Dr. Ross Ralph Dr.TCM, R.Ac., DOMP, courtenayhealingcentre.ca

Did you know that nine in ten Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke? Those odds can be daunting but keeping our individual risks low can be simple. In addition to being active, recommended preventative measures include eating higher fiber and nutrient rich foods with healthy fats. Diet changes don’t always mean eliminating choices, though, just making better ones; such as switching whole-wheat bread with whole-grain and seeds. Whole grains are naturally higher in fiber, as they include all parts of the grain, and seeds (like flax) while adding to the fiber content, often contain omega 3 fatty acids. It’s so simple that it doesn’t seem like much, but it’s a great step in the right direction. Almost 80% of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented through healthy behaviors. What better time to get started, then during this month of the heart?

Cakebread Artisan Bakery, www.cakebread.ca