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

Andre Gide

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October 2001

Contents

1. Challenging Times
2. Question of the Month
3. Health News
4. Office Happenings

Challenging Times

With the tragic events of September 11 and what has followed, it is a challenge to find a place to begin this newsletter. I hope most of you read our Special Newsletter that was sent out. An important thing to remember is that each of us will go through the grieving process in one form or another. There are specific stages of this process that unfold in order: disbelief, sadness, anger, bargaining and acceptance. Be aware of these stages. It can help you understand where you are at as well as the actions of those around you. And remember that all processes take time.

Another important point to bring up is common sense. This is in light of the recent anthrax scares. This is a serious threat to our public health. But it must be remembered that although someone has died from the disease, others who have tested positive are still healthy. How strong and healthy the body is determines the effect of viruses and bacteria, from the flu to anthrax. It is a great time to keep your body as healthy as possible, especially the spine and nervous system. Keep your immune system running at its best.

It is also time to focus on what is important in life. That includes taking care of ourselves. Schedule time to take a walk, get a massage, meditate or be with loved ones. Get adjusted. The stress around us is sensed and responded to by our nervous system. The less interference there is on it, the healthier our response to stress will be.
Don't lose hope for tomorrow. Let's be positive about ourselves, each other and the world. And take one step at a time.

Question of the Month

I'm feeling really stressed right now trying to balance a busy life and what is going on in the world. It seems to be affecting my health. How is that possible?

Stress does have an impact on your health. Harmful stresses fall under three categories: physical, chemical and emotional stress. When any of these stresses become too great for the body to adapt to, it starts to break down. One of the first areas affected is the spine and nervous system. This leads to poor communication between your brain and body, called a vertebral subluxation, and your body becomes weaker. If stress is allowed to accumulate, unchecked over time, it leads to sickness. By getting your spine and nervous system checked regularly, you can offset the negative impact that stress has on your body.

Health News

Patient Expectations May Influence Recovery

Optimism may be good for your health, according to a review of scientific studies on the topic. Patients who had positive expectations about their recuperation had a good recovery, researchers reported. This is not surprising to some but brings up an important point. To view the article: http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010903/hl/patient_1.html

In the wake of the events of the last weeks, now is a time to be positive and focus on the good in the world. The same is true for ourselves. Know that you are completely capable of healing yourself and allow the life force inside of you to do just that. See yourself as a well-orchestrated symphony of trillions of cells beautifully conducted by your nervous system.

Popular Arthritis Drugs Linked to Heart Attacks

This information is being presented so you can make an educated decision about what you or your loved ones may be taking. The popular and heavily promoted new arthritis drugs Vioxx and Celebrex have been linked by researchers to a small but troubling increase in the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Two different articles are available: http://www.nationalpost.com/search/story.html?/stories/20011087/668579.html&qs=Brad% and http://msnbc.com/news/617196.asp 

Office Happenings

1. Stress Workshop. On Wednesday, November 21, starting at 7:00 pm, we will be offering our Stress Workshop. If you are looking for new strategies and perspective on stress in these challenging times, call or e-mail Carol for more details. Pre-registration is required to this complimentary workshop.

2. Calling All Artists - Fall art show in the office. Bring your (appropriate) art work of any medium and have it displayed in the office. The show will run through November so be sure to get your work in soon. Contact Carol for more details.

3. If you missed the previous newsletter or other announcements and were wondering who Carol was, she has taken over for Susan who has moved to Calgary to work for Westjet. Stop and introduce yourself so Carol can get to know you.

4. Wellness Orientation Workshops. These fun and informative sessions are scheduled weekly in the office on Mondays or Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. They are great for people who are unfamiliar with what we do in our office or for those wanting to get more out of their care. By changing how you approach your health care decisions, you can make a big difference in your life.