"The only real education comes from what goes counter to you."

Andre Gide

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December 2005

Happy Holidays from Dr. Stacy, Carol and Brad!

Contents

1. The Power of Routines
2. Question of the Month
3. Fitness Corner
4. Health News
5. Office Happenings

The Power of Routines

My family and I recently moved. Not far. About eight blocks in fact. But it was enough of a move to completely disrupt any habits that had been established in our daily way of life. It brought home the importance of routines and how they can have a positive or negative impact on our lives.

The first morning as I got ready for work, nothing was where it normally was. Things like finding my toothbrush and toothpaste took minutes rather than seconds. Shaving was another ordeal. Where did I put my briefcase? My car keys? Everything took twice as long as it normally did. 

After a few days in the new house, I began to realize how important routines and habits were. By having all the “little things” in place, the larger issues of the day could be handled with greater ease. You have more time and energy to spend on solving problems because you’re not distracted by looking for which cupboard you put the kid’s lunch bags in. 

Imagine the power of routines when it comes to healthy things in life. What power there could be when you reach for a glass of water instead a second cup of coffee? What about exercising first thing in the morning so that you miss it when you don’t? Or going to the chiropractor on a regular basis so you keep yourself at your best rather than just not “hurting”?

Examine your daily routines to see where you could insert a healthy habit or two. The power lies in making them a part of your life so that you notice them only when they are not there. Each routine builds on the other and before you know it, you are healthier than you have ever been. 

Question of the Month

What is your opinion of the kid’s shoes known as “Heelies”?

I think that while they may be fun for kids to roll around on them, they are dangerous from a couple of perspectives. The speed that the kids can reach on them can cause problems when stopping quickly or if they fall. The design of the shoe places stress on the calf muscles, hips and low back not unlike wearing a high-heeled shoe. In a developing spine and nervous system, that is stress that isn’t needed. 

P.S. In a follow up to last month’s question about water, I would recommend one to two glasses after an adjustment and overall eight to ten glasses a day.

Fitness Corner

Scott McDermott’s newsletter is full of helpful hints around the holidays. This month’s topics include:

-Cold and flu season arrives, what are your plans to deal with it?
-Natural fluctuations in body fat (winter heavier, summer thinner)!
-Working out on the weekend is better than nothing!
-Magazine watch: Articles from current magazines reviewed.

Send an email to mybestbody@shaw.ca to receive your free copy today!

Health News

Workouts can lighten heavy hearts

“The millions of Americans who are stricken each year with debilitating depression may want to consider running away from their problem – or walking, swimming or dancing it away.” So stated a recent study. Read more:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsDetail&ap=1&id=528348

“What the studies are showing is that exercise, at least when performed in a group setting, seems to be at least as effective as standard antidepressant medication in reducing symptoms in patients with major depression,” said researcher James Blumenthal, a professor of medical psychology at Duke University in Durham, N.C. 

Antidepressant use for kids doubled before FDA warnings

To follow on the previous article, here is one on how the psychotherapy portion of treating depression in children was skipped and antidepressants were administered right away. This was happening while concerns about teen suicide and antidepressants were being raised. To read more:
http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/529144/main.html

It is a sad statement that we jump right to medications when dealing with mental health issues in our youth. I would hope that there are other ways to reach them so that we are not setting them up for years of antidepressant use. Let’s invest more in our youth and their futures.

Office Happenings

1. Thank Goodness for Prosperity Event. Thank you to all of those who donated towards sponsoring a family for the Holiday season. We will be buying presents and food vouchers for a single dad with three kids. Thanks for helping making Christmas a little more special for someone in our community.

2. Referral Month Contest Winners. Congratulations to Bev Radcliffe, Lionel Lappin, Dale Black and Brad MacLeod as they are the winners in the Referral Month Contest. They won a DVD player, models from Choo Choo Willies and a gift certificate from the Runners Den. Look for the contest next year.

3. Office Closings. The office will be closed on Monday December 26 and Tuesday December 27 for the Christmas Holiday. We will re-open Wednesday December 28 at 8 a.m. The office will also be closed Monday January 2 and re-open Tuesday January 3 at 8 a.m. Happy Holidays!

4. Brad Available. Brad MacLeod is available for massage therapy throughout the Christmas break. Please call 396.3169 to schedule a time.

5. Survey Thank You. Thank you for everyone who took the time to fill out the patient survey. We will be receiving the results in mid-December and begin using them to serve you better.

6. Wellness Orientation Workshops. Do you want to give you and your loved one an early Christmas gift? Attend one of our Wellness Orientation Workshops so you can take a more active role in your health and well being. The dates are Wednesday December 7 and Monday December 12. They start at 5:30 pm and are here in the office. See you there!