Women face financial issues that men do not, such as the gender wage gap and gender tax (paying more for the same services). For that reason, being in control of one’s finances is especially important for women to secure their future. It is important to make sure your will is up to date, have your own bank account and credit history, know where your important documents are kept, have long-term savings as well as short-term emergency savings, and have appropriate insurance coverage. These proactive steps will help insure there is less to worry about when it comes to your finances.

Q: What is a hammertoe? A: Hammertoes are toes that are bent or contracted. They usually are not painful; however, the friction of them rubbing against the inside of shoes can create a buildup of thick, hard skin (a corn), which can be very uncomfortable. Hammertoes are usually the result of foot misalignment. It is always best to try to catch this in the earlier stages, before the toe becomes fixed. Make sure your shoes are wide enough and deep enough to prevent rubbing or friction irritation and the formation of a corn. Motion-control shoes and/or orthotics can serve to reduce any over-pronation.

Is your pet prepared for the heat of late summer? Don’t forget how being overweight can be very stressful for some pets in the heat of summer – especially the short-nosed breeds that can’t breathe as easily as we’d like at the best of times. Any respiratory or heart conditions will exacerbate the stress of hot conditions for your pet. Keep your pet as lean as possible and avoid the summer heat. Make sure your pet drinks plenty of water and use fans or air conditioners to beat the heat. Never trust your pet’s condition in a warm car, as heat stroke can be fatal.

The opioid crisis is rapidly escalating, and not showing any signs of slowing down soon. We must protect our “kids” — which, by the way, our kids are always our kids, no matter their age or ours. Please listen and don’t react or preach. Make a safe space for drug use conversations. If they are going to use anyway, for example, encourage them not to use alone. Love them, support them, try and get them to help. A good listening ear from a non-judgmental counsellor may be just what they need.

Skin ages and becomes loose and less elastic as we grow older due to a reduction in fibroblast cells, which build the collagen proteins that keep our cells connected tightly. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a safe and chemical-free way to trigger new collagen production. A hand-controlled device with tiny, shallow needles punctures the outer layer of the skin at 1000 times per second to create mild damage that will stimulate your body to produce new collagen and elastin. This process can be used all over the body, not just on the face, to treat wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, and more!

Total knee replacement is the most definitive treatment for advanced osteoarthritis. This procedure is typically done in a hospital setting, with 3-5 days of hospital stay. In recent years, it has become clear that healthy individuals can be discharged from the hospital on the day of their surgery, to safely and conveniently recover at home. Having surgery done at a medical centre provides a welcome alternative to hospitals. This can help reduce complications associated with hospitalization, and for many patients, the convenience and comfort of being at home with family is much preferred over the rustle and bustle of a busy surgical ward.

Physiotherapists offer training for the deep muscles of your core. These muscles include: 1) Transversus abdominis – the deepest abdominal that wraps around the abdomen between the lower ribs and top of the pelvis. It stabilizes the low back and pelvis and protects the inner organs. 2) Multifidus – a deep muscle located along the back of the spine very close to the midline that works with other muscles to stabilize the low back and pelvis. 3) The pelvic floor – a hammock of muscles that connect the pubic bone at the front to the tailbone and “sitz” bones at the back. There are no recipes for training the deep muscles – speak to your physiotherapist about the right training for your core.

Q: I have issues with depression and anxiety. Can acupuncture help with this?

A: Stress can result in several symptoms, such as insomnia, constant worry, weakened digestive system, and others. Acupuncture treatment can adjust and balance our meridians to reduce emotional and physical stress. During treatment, the patient will feel more relaxed and joyful, and some will fall asleep. They will also sleep more soundly when they go home. After a few treatments, they will feel stronger and can better resist the stress.

Wedding season is at its peak, and with so many couples tying the knot, it’s important to address how to combine your finances successfully. When merging your finances, think about your money as being separately yours, but also jointly yours. Deal with debt as a couple to help with stress and debt management. Take a united approach to keeping spending in check, rather than resorting to blame. Work together to make investment decisions. Avoid keeping secrets from your spouse when it comes to money. Finally, agree to plan for emergencies and stick to that plan.