Flea and tick season is here. Lyme disease is rare in our area, but we still want to protect against tick bites anytime the temperature is over 4°C for outside pets. Fleas can be a year-round problem here. We have raccoons and outside cats that keep the cycle going, and pests in crawlspaces and attics potentially bring fleas. There are many options for flea control, from topical products that are absorbed into the body, to oral products that kill the fleas and ticks for 90 days. Some of the options also give heartworm protection, which is important if your dog travels to the Eastern US or Canada.

For scholastic performance, social skills, attention deficit, or hyperactivity, neurofeedback can help your child become their best by addressing the foundations of learning “Is Brain Functions”. A balanced and organized brain can process and remember information more easily. Improved mental performance and ability to pay attention equals better learning; reducing stress develops better test results; and calming emotional and behavioural issues improves social interactions and self-esteem. Remarkable benefits can be seen when working with young and flexible brains, before habits mature and become traits in adulthood. Starting life on a clear footing makes the whole journey much easier and a lot more fun.

Dr. Robin Randhawa, DC, was born and raised in the Greater Vancouver Area and received her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology at Simon Fraser University, then went on to graduate from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland. She later moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and worked in chiropractic offices that focused on wellness and pediatrics. Dr. Robin is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and is certified in the Webster Technique. She is passionate and excited to help others realize their potential in expressing their best health at an early age. Dr. Robin looks forward to meeting you soon!

Robo-advisors are online services that use algorithms to make portfolio recommendations. These algorithms are based on the information an investor provides by answering a questionnaire, which helps the software create a generic investor profile. While robo-advisors sometimes offer a faster and cheaper alternative to human advisors, their value is limited. The profiles that robo-advisors create tend to be formulaic, which means they are simplified and often don’t account for variables like risk tolerances. Human advisors are able to consider the complexities of financial situations and assist with ‘big picture’ planning, as well as take the guesswork out of investing.

I hope you enjoy the ‘soft launch’ edition of the Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® in White Rock | South Surrey! Healthy living means making positive daily choices and taking personal ownership to enrich our lives in areas such as our physical, emotional, social, occupational, financial, and spiritual wellbeing. Fortunately, our wellness can always be enriched through education, awareness, and practice. We strive to be the community resource that showcases health tips, local opportunities, and resources; plus, the variety of health practitioners and businesses that can help you achieve your goal of optimal health and wellness. When we are healthy, our entire community benefits!

The physiotherapists at Diane Lee & Associates are experts in the physical diagnosis of movement impairments and have taken several post-graduate courses in their specialty. They work to address the cause of your pain as opposed to merely treating your painful structures; by understanding how the whole body functions and how certain problems can impact other regions of the body. By not only treating you for your pain, but also empowering you with the knowledge to make the right changes in your own body, we are simply guides in your own healing process as you transform to live with a healthier, more active body.

Recent studies have shown that exercise can potentially help increase your brain’s capacity for learning, by creating new and larger neurons, as well as increased neuron connections, that can improve thinking and recalling (memories). The studies suggest that exercise seems to stimulate neurogenesis, which is the process of creating new neurons. Students who struggle with learning difficulties can experience stress and anxiety that may alter their learning capacity. Regular aerobic exercise can be part of a long-term solution to deal with stress and anxiety, and in turn boost the brain’s capacity to process and retain information.

Many find it hard to stay active during the long winter days. Once spring arrives, aches and pains can stand in the way of carrying on as you remember. Joints, muscles, and tendons decondition rapidly. Often, a little bit of concerted effort can get you back on track. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan will outline realistic options. Non-surgical interventions are often sufficient. Recalcitrant problems may respond to precisely administered injections; ultrasound imaging and careful local anaesthesia make this well tolerated by virtually everyone. This smooth and effective treatment brings early and reliable improvement in pain, often allowing return to activity within days.

Q: I sprained my ankle. Now what?
A: Ankle sprains result in pain and swelling due to stretching or tearing of some of the ligaments surrounding the ankle. As these tears heal, they form scar tissue, which sticks to normal tissue and causes inflammation and continued pain. To treat a sprained ankle, follow the R.I.C.E. protocol (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) and avoid weight-bearing activities. Then see your family doctor or podiatrist. To help prevent sprains in the future, avoid rocky or uneven terrains, wear a firmer or more supportive shoe for better stability, and do ankle-strengthening exercises often.