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

Andre Gide

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November 2006

Contents

1. What Direction are You Going with Your Health?
2. Question of the Month
3. Fitness Corner
4. Health News
5. Office Happenings

What Direction are You Going with Your Health?

If you have ever been on a commercial airline flight and had to transfer from one flight to another, you have probably encountered moving walkways. If you haven’t, let me describe them. A moving walkway helps you get to where you are going faster. Basically it is a flat escalator with a belt that moves you along. They come in twos. One is going one way and one is going in the opposite direction. You have to choose which way you want to go. Once you make the choice, that is the direction you are heading whether you are standing still or moving.

When it comes to how we view our health, it is usually something static that doesn’t move unless we don’t have it. If symptoms show up in our lives, we take our health off the shelf; do a little work on it, then place in back on the shelf. We forget about it until something inconvenient starts interfering with our daily lives again. Unfortunately our health is always heading a direction, just like the moving walkways. It is towards wellness or away from it but always moving.

What direction is your health going? Do you do the little everyday things that keep you headed towards wellness and higher levels of functioning? Are you drinking enough water, eating a balanced diet, exercising, getting adjusted regularly and have a positive outlook on life? Or is your health on the shelf until you get “sick”? You only do something if it “hurts” or gets in the way of a busy day. Then you pay no attention to it until the next crisis arrives. 

Take an active role in your health. It is heading one of two ways right now. It is going towards wellness or away from. Just like how those moving walkways at the airport will take you to or away from your destination, what you do today influences your health in the future. Put in place all the habits that support you traveling in a helpful direction.

Question of the Month

What is the best position to sleep in?

Sleeping on your side or back are healthy ways to sleep. If you tend to sleep more on your back, a cervical pillow is helpful. A cervical pillow is one that has a curve at either end to fit into the natural curve of your neck. If you like sleeping more on your side, there are two things to remember. One is to use a pillow between your knees to prevent you from crossing one leg over the other, stressing your hips and low back. The second thing is to ensure that your pillow is thick enough to keep your head in line with the rest of your spine while on your side. You can check this with a mirror beside your bed or have a loved one do it. Sleeping on your stomach is not a healthy thing for your spine. It puts undo stress throughout the system and breaks down your spine over time.

Fitness Corner

Scott McDermott produces a monthly newsletter that is full of information to keep you heading in a healthy direction when it comes to your health. To subscribe to this free service, send an email to mybestbody@shaw.ca to keep you on track.

Health News

Drinking colas linked to weak bones in women

“Women who want to keep their bones strong may want to keep their cola consumption to a minimum a new study suggests.” This study found that women who drank cola daily had lower bone mineral density in their hips than women who drank less than one serving per month. It was the same if they drank regular, diet or caffeine free cola. To read more:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15223325/

Study: Drink more water, lose more weight

From the simple yet profound file, “Dieters who replace sugary drinks with water lose an extra 5 pounds a year, and those who drink a couple of more cups a day increase weight loss by 2 pounds a year.” While this has been suggested before, this study now backs up the advice. To read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-10-24-water-diet_x.htm

Report casts doubt on flu vaccines effectiveness

“A controversial editorial in the British Medical Journal is warning that the flu shots that many Canadians get every fall may not be as effective as we believe.” This study does a good job at bring up points worth thinking about if you are considering the flu vaccine. To read more: 

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20061026/flushot_report_061026/20061026?hub=TopStories

Ritalin for preschoolers? Study warns of risks

“The first long term government study of that age group warns of side effects with the stimulant drug, which isn’t recommended for children under the age of 6.” Preschoolers on Ritalin grew half an inch less and gained 2 pounds less than expected during the study. Even though the drug is not recommended for children under the age of 6, 1 in 100 preschoolers had been prescribed Ritalin. Scary, scary stuff. To read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15336510/

Office Happenings

1. Adopt-a-Family. This year we are again sponsoring a family through the Central Alberta Women’s Outreach Society who would not otherwise have the means to celebrate Christmas. From November 20 to December 6 we are asking patients to help us raise $600 to purchase gifts, food vouchers and decorations for the family. Join us in the spirit of the season and to make a difference in our community.

2. Found at the Office. We have a set of keys left in the office that would start a Ford vehicle. There are two remotes attached to the key. If you are missing something like this, give the office a call.

3. Office Closures. The office will be closed Monday November 13 in honour of Remembrance Day. The office will be closed Thursday November 23 while I celebrate American Thanksgiving with my family. The office will also be closed at 10:00 am Wednesday November 29, Thursday November 30 and Friday December 1. Carol and I will be away at a training seminar in New Jersey.

4. Wellness Orientation Workshops. Do you want to know the best tool to improve your health and wellness long term? Education. Join us for one of our W.O.W.’s in November to learn impactful ways to lead a healthier life. They are scheduled for Wednesday November 8 and Monday November 20 at 5:30 pm here in the office. Please join us!

5. Office Hours. There are no changes in them but here are our office hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 to 12:30 and 2:00 to 5:30, Tuesday 8:00 to 12:30 and Thursday 1:00 to 7:30 pm.