Study shows better posture helps manage stress, increase self-esteem, and improve mood

As performing artists and others have long suspected, it turns out that good posture impacts on more than just the way you look. According to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, “posture tends to be associated with more positive mood, more resilience to stress and better self-esteem.” The results of the study correspond to what people have reported for years as a result of their Alexander lessons: not only does posture tend to improve, but also mood, overall fitness, and resilience to stress.

Super foods to keep us looking young

We all wish there was a magical secret to make our skin look younger. What if I told there is a secret to younger looking skin that isn’t so magical? In fact, it’s actually quite simple. It’s super foods and by eating these super foods on a regular basis, you can slow the aging process in your skin.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders

The temporomandibular joint acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. There is one joint on each side of your jaw. It is a small joint that is localized in front of your ear. Many people have headaches or pain and tenderness around that region and don’t realize that it might be related to a jaw issue.

Ten tips for keeping your back healthy

Here are 10 tips to think about to keep your back healthy.

Thank you for supporting Jayden’s run!

(October 1)

Thank you for supporting YOUR HEALTH during Inside Out for Autism!

Dr. Carole and the YOUR HEALTH therapists would like to thank everyone who offered support during April’s Inside Out for Autism event. With your help, we were able to raise $150 to help raise awareness and acceptance for Autism Spectrum Disorders!

The Alexander Technique and Injury

People seek out the Alexander Technique for a wide range of reasons, including managing stress, addressing postural issues, and skill enhancement. However, prevention and recovery from injury is probably one of the most common motivators. Two recent articles detail how the Alexander Technique can help address some of the risk of injury associated with certain types of work.

The benefits of infant massage

Massage therapy benefits people of all ages – even the littlest among us! And its never too early to start infant massage. Find out more about how infant massage can help infants and caregivers.

The link between your back health and backpacks

With back-to-school well under way, student’s backpacks are only going to become heavier as they get filled with homework and assignments. It’s important to consider how the weight of a backpack can affect the overall health of your back! Here are some helpful tips to consider when packing and carrying a backpack.

Tips for helping to keep your back healthy while working in the garden

Now that it is gardening season again, here is a reminder of some important things to keep in mind to keep your back healthy.

Tips for picking a backpack

With back-to-school on the minds of kids and teens everywhere, little thought is given to the backpack – beyond maybe what it looks like! Read on for a little lesson on proper backpack wearing that might save you and your kids a real pain in the neck … and back!

Tips for preventing back pain and stress during the holidays

Preparing and shopping for the holidays can not only be stressful, but it can also be a big a strain on your back and neck.  Preparing for the holidays can be like an athletic event and you should treat it that way. Here are a few tips on how to make sure that your holiday shopping and gift wrapping stays pain-free.

Tips for staying active during the holidays

Don’t let the cold weather stop you from staying active during the holidays! It is challenging to remain healthy and stay active during the holidays with snow on the ground, eggnog in the punch bowl, work parties, and family gatherings. Stay active and include your family!

W-sitting and your toddler’s health

You may have noticed your toddler sitting in the W position and have wondered if it is okay for them to do so. The answer is absolutely not! Here are a few reasons why your toddler should not be W-sitting during playtime.

Weight loss acupuncture: does it work?

Are you struggling to lose weight even after trying diet and exercise plans? Weight loss acupuncture might benefit you! There are several reasons for weight gain that you might not be able to address through diet and exercise alone. Acupuncture can help address the underlying causes so that you can get your weight loss back on track.

What is a trigger point?

Carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tendinitis, angina pectoris, and sciatic symptoms, along with many other pain problems, are often misdiagnosed and are, in fact, trigger point referral pain.

What is hypnosis and how can it help me?

Hypnosis is a trained technique of conversation that creates a highly relaxed state of deep concentration. There are many misconceptions surrounding hypnosis. Many people believe that people who are hypnotized are asleep or unconscious. In fact, hypnosis creates a mind state where the client is even more focused than ever before! Hypnosis can help clients do something they currently cannot do (such as reduce their stress) or to stop doing something that they currently do (such as smoking).

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease worldwide. For some patients, osteoarthritis can be very severe and disabling; surgery is the only resort and usually the last option. Considering that there are many risks and potential side effects to that kind of treatment, always try a trial of conservative care to see if that can help you.

What is Piriformis syndrome?

Piriformis syndrome is caused by the shortening or contraction of the piriformis muscle, which then compresses the sciatic nerve. When the sciatic nerve is compressed, you might feel pain down the back of one thigh into your calf, or even into the sole of your foot. You might also have numbness in your foot.

What is the deal with Thyroid Hormone?

The thyroid is the center of your energy and metabolism and is a very important gland in the body. An under functioning thyroid can cause many symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, constipation, low mood, hair loss, dry skin, and much more!

What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI?

Many family doctors give a requisition or recommendation for a CT scan or an MRI without explaining the differences between those tests. As a result, patients, friends, and family members often ask us what the difference is between the two. Let’s review some basic points about these types of imaging studies.

Why does my neck hurt when I sit at my desk?

Today’s use of computers, and days that are mostly spent crouched over a desk, can leave your neck and upper back tense and sore. The posture we sit in daily creates rounded shoulders and a head constantly stuck out staring at a computer screen. This results in soreness and tightness in the upper back,neck, and pectoral muscles, and a weakness in the mid back muscles and front neck muscles. This syndrome is referred to as Upper Cross Syndrome and is the result of chronic poor posture and not enough attention to the rest of our bodies.

Winter skin stress? Get your glow back!

Cold weather and artificial indoor heat can leave your skin feeling dry and chapped, so be especially kind to your skin during the winter months.

Yoga exercises

The Canadian Chiropractic Guideline Initiative (CCGI) have created the following series of videos demonstrating helpful yoga poses.

Yoga is a life style!

Yoga has become a part of our way of life here at YOUR HEALTH Wellness Centre. If you are wondering “What is yoga?,” that’s a very good question that I can answer for you. Yoga is an ancient physical and spiritual discipline and branch of philosophy that’s origin was in India more than 5,000 years ago. Yoga uses controlled breathing as a way to merge the mind, body, and spirit. The breathing techniques are called pranayamas.

YOUR HEALTH and backpacks

Back to school often means back to school shopping. Ensuring your child has the proper equipment to get them to and from school is just as important as their other school supplies. Making sure your child has a proper fitting backpack and knowing how to pack it can help them avoid injury.

YOUR HEALTH and breastfeeding issues

During my work as a chiropractor and a Doula, I am often called upon to help new moms with breastfeeding concerns. If the baby has a latching issue, we can work together to figure out the best way to fix the problem. It is often a simple issue of fixing the baby’s or mother’s position. Other times, chiropractic adjustments are the answer. Often, a gentle chiropractic adjustment of the baby can take the pressure off a joint in the baby’s neck and allow her to extend her head back into the position to breastfeed easily.

YOUR HEALTH and chakras

Chakras (energy centers) are part of your energy body. They receive, generate, store, and transmute energy throughout your body. There are seven major and several minor chakras. Each chakra influences the functions of various organs and body systems and contribute to your feelings of physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

YOUR HEALTH and corticosteroid injections

As health care providers who specialize in muscle and joint pain, chiropractors often have patients ask about receiving musculoskeletal injections to help with their pain. Injections are outside of the scope of practice for chiropractors; however, we encourage patients to get all the information before deciding on their course of care. As injections are offered as a front-line treatment in most medical offices, often before conservative therapies are recommended and despite consideration of the research in this area, we wanted to offer some information for our patients who might have questions.

YOUR HEALTH and delayed onset muscle soreness

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) occurs as a result of predominantly eccentric contractions which may be made worse, especially if you are performing a new exercise. DOMS may be associated with muscle damage but, in many cases, other physiological markers indicating tissue damage are not present. Therefore, any prophylactic or therapeutic interventions alleviating muscle damage or physical discomfort can be considered effective if the concern is DOMS.