March 2003

Contents

1. Wellness: A lifelong pursuit!
2. Question of the Month
3. Fitness Corner
4. Health News
5. Office Happenings – We have a new Massage Therapist

Wellness: A lifelong pursuit!

Wellness is a catch phrase we hear a lot about these days. The media uses the term frequently and our Alberta “Health” Care system has been re-named Alberta Health and Wellness. Let’s explore what wellness means and how we can work towards it.

Most people think of wellness as feeling good or having no symptoms. It’s the quiet time between bouts of sickness. Prevention and early detection of disease is sometimes thought of as wellness. These definitions focus on symptoms and how to avoid disease rather than taking direct steps towards wellness.

Wellness is the process of being more alive in each day. Having a full life experience, being fully aware of your surroundings and being able to respond appropriately to them is the essence of wellness. Symptoms are a part of this and so is what we think of as sickness. Let me explain.

Most people think that you are sick when you have cold symptoms. But let’s consider the aspects of a cold and the purpose of them. The three main parts of a cold are a fever, runny nose and coughing. The purpose of the fever is to raise body temperature so the immune system can kill off the offending viruses and bacteria. The runny nose and cough is a way the body gets rid of viruses and bacteria. If our bodies did not perform these functions, what would happen? A simple cold could develop into pneumonia or something more serious. From this perspective, symptoms of a cold are a healthy response to a situation that exists in your body.

So how do we work towards wellness? Wellness is not something you have one day and lose the next. It is a process. It requires daily attention for the rest of your life. It is not a diet or a quick fix. You can start right now whether you have symptoms or not.

A sound nervous system is the foundation for wellness. You live your life through your nervous system. The perception of your surroundings and the response to them takes place through your nervous system. The nervous system is also the bridge between your mind and body. Over it travels the living energy and intelligent messages that make you human. When the mind and body are well connected, you are creative, alive and aware. You have the ability to perform at a higher level. Your efforts towards wellness are maximized.

Take the next step to wellness. Get your nervous system and spine checked by a chiropractor. What you do today determines your health for tomorrow. Act now to start the process of wellness, it’s a lifelong pursuit.

Question of the Month

I have heard that chiropractic care can improve overall health. How is that possible?

Chiropractic care plays an unheralded role in health and wellness. Primarily it is pigeonholed as a form of natural back pain relief. While it has helped millions of people in this way, it has much greater potential. The essence of what makes you alive is the living energy and intelligent messages that travel over your nervous system. These messages keep your mind and body working together, ultimately producing health. The spine can interfere with the nervous system and the messages when it’s misaligned. Regular chiropractic care maintains the lines of communication so the living energy and intelligence can pass clearly. This gives you the opportunity to live a fuller life.

Fitness Corner

Welcome again to our latest feature. Here is a great opportunity to learn more about wellness. This months issue of Scott McDermott’s Health and Fitness newsletter will include articles on: Machines vs. Free Weights - which is best and why for Beginners? And Give yourself an Oil Change - Bad fats vs. Essential Fatty Acids: what are they and why you need to know. Scott, the owner of BodyFit Fitness Centre in Sylvan Lake, has years of experience and training in the field and his newsletter reflects that. To receive a free copy, send an email to mybestbody@shaw.ca.

Health News

Winter Weather Calls for Joints Care

“When participating in winter activities, think water, water, water. Not to swim in, of course, but to drink. Dehydration on top of cold winter temperatures can worsen blood circulation, which can cause your joints to ache when the snow falls.” To read more, go the following link: http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=509579

Considering we have had some winter weather this year, this is a good thing to keep in mind. A good rule of thumb is to drink the same amount of water during the winter as you would in the summer. We may not notice our thirst as much in the winter but we still need to keep drinking.

Routine Pregnancy Ultrasounds: Are they Safe and Effective?

This well-written and researched article is by a medical doctor who chose not to have routine ultrasounds performed while she was pregnant. She gives a lot of good information on such topics as: ultrasound past and present, what is ultrasound? information gained from ultrasound and biological effects of ultrasound. More: http://www.redflagsweekly.com/features/2003_feb03.html

She brings up good points to consider about a procedure that is part of pregnancy today.

Office Happenings

1. Massage Therapy Announcement: We are pleased to announce that Rayana Bragg, RMT, will practice from our office on Mondays and Thursdays during our regular office hours. Rayana uses a deep tissue approach to massage therapy and is certified in Active Release Techniques (ART). Please call or email the office to schedule an appointment. Her hours will be:

Mondays: 8:00 to 12:30 and 2:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

2. We’re having a party! Our patient appreciation event will be a pool and pizza party at Michener Centre on Sunday March 23. The fun starts with a swim from 4 to 5:00 p.m. follow by pizza and other goodies. Come out for an afternoon of fun, bring your whole family or just yourself, everyone is invited. Please call or e-mail to register and if you want further information.

3. 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

4. Wellness Orientation Workshops (W.O.W.'s). Do you want to maximize your results from us? Attend one of our W.O.W.’s! Here are the dates for upcoming classes: Monday March 3, Wednesday March 12, Monday March 17 and Monday March 24. They all start at 5:30 pm in the office. Bring a friend!