April 2003
Contents
1. Emerging Threats
2. Question of the Month
3. Fitness Corner
4. Health News
5. Office Happenings
Emerging Threats
It seems like everyday there is a new health threat reported in the news. The latest is the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Reports earlier this year warned us that West Nile Virus will be here this summer and to be on the lookout for it. The Norwalk Virus was another one. It is easy to get caught up in the fear and worry around the perils of these viruses ready to pounce on their next victim. What’s really important is to understand that you are not helpless and not get overwhelmed in the fear surrounding these events.
While viruses are more prominent at certain times of the year, what makes them most effective is a host with weakened natural resistance and immunity. Viruses and bacteria are opportunists. They can’t reap their havoc unless your defenses are down. If they were the sole cause of illness, why doesn’t everyone get sick at the same time with the same intensity? By taking care of yourself, you can minimize the effect of these microorganisms. Your immune system is more than capable of withstanding challenges that come your way when it’s
healthy.
The second point is the fear and hype around these issues. Fear is a form of negative stress. Over time, what happens to a person who is continually stressed? Their defenses get worn down and they become more susceptible to illness or whatever is “going around”. When you hear about the latest virus in the media, realize what makes news is usually bad news. Consider the number of people affected versus how many people there are in Canada or wherever the outbreak may be. Take into account what the victim’s immune systems were like when they encountered the virus.
Regular chiropractic care strengthens your immune system. It also helps your body deal more effectively with stress. The close relationship between the spine and nervous system make this possible. Have the confidence that a well taken care of immune system is an incredibly powerful thing. Know that your body is capable of dealing effectively with stress. Take care of yourself and let the body work like it is designed to work.
Question of the Month
Can being under regular chiropractic care help my golf game?
A healthy spine and nervous system go hand in hand to keep you at your best athletically. In a game such as golf, there are many skills and actions that have to be coordinated at precise times. From the fluidness of your swing to the touch on your putter, the part of your body that has the greatest influence on these is your nervous system. It is the relay system that keeps the mind and body connected. The spine can support the nervous system and you can perform these skills better or it can interfere with it and throw off your timing and touch. In fact, professional golfers such as Tiger Woods use regular chiropractic care to maximize their performance. Consult a chiropractor today to start this season on par!
Fitness Corner
“…And in the Fitness Corner!” This month in Scott McDermott’s newsletter learn more about Golf Season Training Tips and Margarine vs Butter along with two other topics. Take charge of your
health and fitness when you sign up (send an email to
mybestbody@shaw.ca) for his free newsletter. Your heart and lungs will thank you for it!
Health News
Eat your Breakfast
Here are two interesting articles about the importance of not skipping breakfast. The first discovered that early eaters have lower rates of obesity as well as insulin resistance and the second found out that a morning meal helps you eat better through the day. The two articles can be found at:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=512096
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=512277
This is important information because diabetes and obesity is becoming a much greater problem among people of all ages. Starting your day with breakfast is a simple yet profound way to improve your health. Get eating!
Smoking Linked to Impotence
Hey guys, need another reason to kick the habit? This study shows that a pack a day boosts risk by 60 percent. To read more, go to:
http://healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=512130
Researchers stated that most people know it’s bad for your heart and lungs but it is also bad for your sex life. I hope that provides motivation for those looking to quit.
Office Happenings
1. Massage Therapy Special!!! During the month of April, for each massage you book with our new therapist
Rayana Bragg, you will receive $5 off your next half hour or $10 off your next hour massage. Rayana is certified in
Active Release Techniques (ART) and does tremendous work. Call the office for an appointment and take advantage of this special offer.
2. Spring Training Week. During the week of April 21 to 25, we are offering existing patients the opportunity to get back into the swing of things with their health. Professional baseball players use spring training as a fresh start or to improve on past accomplishments. Why not use our Spring Training Week to get your spine and nervous system in shape for the summer season. The computer scans on the nervous system are a great place to start. Scans performed during this week will be $15 (rather than $30) and that money will be donated to a local charity. So if you want a fresh start with your path to wellness or haven't had a scan in a while, give the
office a call and schedule a time.
3. Our 24-Hour Relay Team. For the fourth year in a row, we are organizing a team to participate in the
Piper Creek Optimists 24 Hour Relay that raises funds for the youth of our community. We are looking for volunteers to walk, run or just move for one hour of the twenty-four and raise pledges for doing so. The event takes place on June 21 and 22. You can win prizes, have fun and be part of something good for the community.
Contact the office for more details.
4. Price Change. As of April 1, the following changes take effect:
Adult adjustment with Alberta Health Care: $15
Child adjustment with Alberta Health Care: $7
Adult adjustment without Alberta Health Care: $25
Child adjustment without Alberta Health Care: $20
New Patient evaluation with scans: $50
5. Wellness Orientation Workshops (W.O.W.'s). Do you want to learn simple ways to get better faster? Attend one of our W.O.W.’s! Here are the dates for upcoming classes: Monday April 7, Monday April 14, Wednesday April 23 and Monday April 28. They all start at 5:30 pm in the office. Bring a friend; it’s entertaining for everyone!
6. Office Closings. The office will be closed Wednesday April 9 and Friday April 18. Sorry for any inconvience.
