CHRG Summer 2013

Summer IN THE VALLEY 2013

Relief from Knee Pain

Page 4

Slow Food is Good Food Page 6 Getting Past Your Past

Page 11

Heather’s Holistic Hints Page 26

ion New Sect

Matters of Aging

Page 16

www.ComoxValleyHealthAndRecGuide.com

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CV Health & Recreation Guide

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Table of Contents Relief from Knee Pain with Laser Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

by Dr. Deidre Macdonald Slow Food is Good Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

by Christina Willard-Stepan Feet: Owner’s Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

by Trevor Pritoula Living with an Ostomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

by Ken Osmond EMDR: Getting Past Your Past. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

by Lorin Medly Health and Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

by Patti J. Doyle A Debate as Ancient as Greece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

by Dr. Dawn Armstrong Which is Best for You? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

by Kathy Seymour Don’t Wait for a Crisis, Start Now!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

by Wendy Johnstone Balanced Paws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

by Heather Matheson Have You Fallen Off the Fitness Wagon?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

by Raegan Spence Summer Holiday Planning with Your Pet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

by Van Isle Vet Thursday Night Trail Runs - The Origin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

by Extreme Runners Heather’s Holistic Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

by Heather Saunders A Practical Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

by Phyllis Chub Too Blessed to be Stressed? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

by Lisa Lundy

Front cover photograph provided by Richard Varela, Park Director, Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park.

PUBLISHER : TELEPHONE : FACSIMILE : EMAIL : EDITOR & GRAPHICS :

Allan Gear 250.339.0252 250.339.2210 alg1@telus.net Lenore Lowe

Comox Valley Health & Recreation Guide is published 4 times a year. All rights are reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for, and does not endorse, the contents of any advertisement herein, and all representations or warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not the publisher. The publisher is not liable to any advertiser for any misprint(s) in or about the advertisement that is not the direct fault of the publisher. And, in such an event, the limit of the liability shall not exceed the amount of the publishers charges for such advertising. Articles published in Comox Valley Health & Recreation Guide are not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

YEARLY SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE ~ $10.00 postage paid

Publisher’s Note Greeting to you all! I’m back after a short hiatus.

First, I would like to thank Mary Ruth Harris for her work in helping me produce the Comox Health and Rec Guide for the last three issues.

I wish her well and success with her new endeavors.

Second, I would also like to welcome Lenore Lowe to the team. Lenore has been a graphic artist and writer in the Valley for the past twenty years. She enjoys biking, dance and martial arts.

Finally, I want to thank all of you, my faithful readers and those of you who may have picked up this magazine for the first time, for allowing me to bring you a wealth of information and services available right here where we live.

In this issue, you will see an interesting addition; I’ve added a new section that will be in each issue: “Matters of Aging.” It will be dedicated to the joys, concerns and anything of interest about the process of aging. I hope that you will enjoy this new section in this issue and in future issues. If you have any suggestions, feel free to contact me with ideas for these pages.

I have been thinking about doing this for awhile… and now I’m turning 65 shortly after this is released. I’m not sure if this is too self-focused. Age has it ways of playing tricks on us. Talking about age, both my parents are turning 88 shortly, and I’m on my way to celebrate this milestone with them. Maybe they have some secrets they might share with us all…. I’m guessing to just enjoy your life and be true to yourself.

I hope that you enjoy this issue and this summer season that is upon us. Every year summer seems to get more important, and my job is not to take life so serious.

Some of the great article in this issue are ”Living with an Ostomy“, “Thursday Night Trail Runs“ and “Summer Holiday Planning with Your Pet.” Enjoy!

~ 2013 AUTUMN ISSUE ~

Article submissions on Health & Recreation in the Comox Valley are required by August 1st, 2013 & Ad submissions are required by August 15 th, 2013.

Submission Guidelines can be found on our web site. www.comoxhealthandrecguide.com

CV Health & Recreation Guide

3

Relief from Knee Pain with Laser Therapy

by Dr. Deidre Macdonald, ND

One of the most common injuries that people experience as they get older is knee pain. You depend on your knees to stay active. Knee pain can significantly affect quality of life when it limits the enjoyment of your favorite activities, especially if it interferes with your sleep.

Years ago in my naturopathic medical practice, I was struck by the lack of good options for helping people with knee pain and set out to find a treatment that would provide real and lasting pain reduction for my patients. I too had an old knee injury that was becoming arthritic. I was impressed by the research on laser therapy and have been delighted to find that it has helped me and many of my patients to enjoy life without knee pain. Laser therapy has helped patients with knee problems to enjoy reduced pain, increased mobility and a return to the activities they enjoy.

Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) has been used successfully as a treatment for an extensive range of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. This painless procedure speeds the healing of tissues, including cartilage, ligaments, muscles, bursa, nerves, tendons and skin. It enhances DNA synthesis, cell replication, cellular nutrition, circulation and has both anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects. The

effectiveness of treating knee pain with laser therapy has been well established in human and animal placebo-controlled, double-blind studies.

The majority of the knee pain is due to osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear on the knee joint and affects 80% of people by the age of 65.

When cartilage begins to wear down in the knee joint, the bone begins to get exposed and irritated, sometimes causing bone spurs to form. This breakdown can lead to sharp medial knee pain. It is often worse first thing in the morning, after sitting or driving for a while, and going down stairs. Swelling may be present, especially in the inner side of the knee.

Baker’s cysts in the back of the knee may also contribute to pain and swelling. With recent studies showing little benefit from arthroscopic surgery for arthritic knees, and the side effects of pain medications making them an undesirable long-term treatment option, patients are left with either pain and limitation or the long wait for knee replacement.

Laser therapy is an excellent treatment choice for arthritis that has been proven to work in many well designed studies. In animal studies, laser therapy has been shown to decelerate the arthritic process, regenerate worn cartilage, and increase the thickness of cartilage. In humans, a meta-analysis of 36 randomized placebo-controlled trials found that 2-4 weeks of laser therapy offered significant pain relief compared to placebo controls. Another more recent clinical trial measured a significant decrease in pain, reduction of knee swelling, increased range of motion and circulation compared to a placebo group that was

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treated with a sham laser. to have superior absorption and effectiveness. In a In my naturopathic medical practice, I use a state large, 9 month, placebo controlled study of Meriva’s of the art Low Level Laser Therapy machine called effect on osteoarthritis of the knee, the Mireva group the Meditech Bioflex that utilizes 3” x 5” pads of showed a significant decrease in pain and increase in light that can be wrapped around the knee. Meditech range of motion versus the placebo group, so don’t let practitioners tracked 98 patients with knee problems, knee pain slow you down. With natural medicines and 63% of whom were diagnosed with osteoarthritis. On laser therapy, safe, painless and effective treatment is average, 11 treatments, each about 40 minutes long, available. were administered. Ninety-two percent of the patients To book a free 15 minute consultation with Courtenay reported significant improvement in knee pain. naturopathic physician Dr. Deidre Macdonald, to see if Other knee conditions that can be successfully laser therapy is right for you, please call 250 897-0235 or treated by low level laser therapy include chondromalacia patella (often seen in runners), visit www.getwellhere.com. meniscus tears (pain in the inner and outer knee), rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and ligament strains and tears (often acute sports injuries).

Over the counter and prescription anti- ACUPUNCTURE, inflammatory medications, while providing good pain NATURAL & CHINESE MEDICINE relief, come at a cost. Sustained use of ibuprofen (Advil) 19 years successfully treating: increases the risk of bleeding ulcers and other gastroPLEASE, CAREFULLY CHECK OVER THIS Osteo-Arthritic Joints, Hips, Knees, Shoulders, & intestinal side effects. Patients looking for safer antiBack, Fatigue & Immune, Digestive, Respiratory, inflammatories have several options. For those who are Circulation, Facial Rejuvenation, Stroke, Paralysis, currently dependent on anti-inflammatory medications Spinal Stenosis, Depression, Anxiety & Insomnia. like ibuprofen, I will often write a prescription for a 250.941.8777 1842B Comox Avenue topical anti-inflammatory medicine called Diclofenac.

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CV Health & Recreation Guide

5

Slow Food is Good Food

by Christina Willard-Stepan, BEd., Certified Personal and Small Business Coach

Founded in Italy in 1986 to protest the opening of a MacDonald’s in Rome, the Slow Food movement has become somewhat of an International phenomenon.

Although it is not regulated by any single institution, its formal manifesto was created and signed by 15 countries in Paris in 1989.

To date, 1300 chapters in over 150 countries (including Canada) now exist. So what’s it all about?

SLOWING DOWN. The food part of this has even spawned a subculture in other areas. A ‘World Institute of Slownesss’ has emerged, developing a vision for a ‘Slow Planet’, teaching the ‘Way of Slow’. Professor Guttorm Fløistad from the Institute summarizes their philosophy by saying: “The only thing for certain is that everything changes. The rate of change increases. If you want to

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CV Health & Recreation Guide

hang on, you better speed up. That is the message of today. It could however be useful to remind everyone that our basic needs never change. The need to be seen and appreciated! It is the need to belong. The need for nearness, care, and for a little love! This is given only through slowness in human relations. In order to master changes, we have to recover slowness, reflection and togetherness. There we will find real renewal.”

I recently had the privilege of visiting the region of the world where the Slow Food movement began and was amazed. Shops close for two hour lunches, in order to really take in their meal. Much of the food on the menu is local - no need to go to a special restaurant to access local meat and vegetables – that is just what they serve, local and seasonal. Wild boar stew is served in the mountains and mussels near the ocean.

And here we are – half way around the world – fortunate enough to enjoy this same atmosphere.

What I realized upon my return from Europe is that the Comox Valley very much embodies many of the Slow Food movement principles, which are things like: seed banks to preserve heirloom varieties, developing outlets for local food to be celebrated, small-scale food processing, promoting “taste education”, lobbying for organic farming, teaching gardening skills to students, and encouraging ethical buying in local marketplaces.

How do we do this here? We have Slow Food Cycle Tours, the Seeds Savers Society, the greatest Farmers Market around, and many restaurants and small markets

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that focus on local fare – both for food security reasons and for the appreciation for the finer things. We have a Compost Education Centre, Shellfish Festival, Transition Town Group, School Community Gardens, LUSH Valley and more. We are fortunate enough to be on an Island, where lifestyle is important to people, where meeting the local farmer feels like it should be a part of the process, and where we all want to slow down a little. How lucky are we?

Tina Willard-Stepan is a certified personal coach and the owner of Seeds Food Market at 2733A Dunsmuir Ave in Cumberland. She can be reached at 250-336-0129 or visit the market website www.seedsfoodmarket.ca to learn more.

Wholesome, affordable food in the heart of historic Cumberland.

- Fresh produce - Local meat, poultry and fish - Pantry items - Baked goods Open 7 days on the corner of 3rd and Dunsmuir (250)336-0129 www.seedsfoodmarket.ca or follow us on Facebook or Twitter

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www.getwellhere.com CV Health & Recreation Guide

7

Feet: Owner’s Manual

by Trevor Pritoula, owner of SOS Orthotics

Each foot is an important, complex area consisting of 26 bones, 33 joints, 112 ligaments, 20 muscles, and a complex network of connective tissue, veins, arteries, and nerves.

As a primary weight-bearing structure the foot is subject to more deforming forces than any other parts of the body. It is estimated that the average person takes eight to ten thousand steps a day and covers about 115,000 miles in a lifetime. (That’s the equivalent of 4 times around the earth…. get that kind of warranty from your car manufacturer!)

Foot problems in general have no gender, age or activity level bias; however, the aging process affects all areas of the foot with accumulative miles, changes in tissue and general wear and tear. Therefore, there is a high correlation between age and foot problems. With the added insult of normal and abnormal stresses (i.e. shoes, weight-bearing occupations, increased activity, injuries, etc.), several foot problems commonly develop.

Here is a list and brief description of the most common foot complaints: • Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis / Arch Pain / Heel Spur) – Most commonly a soft tissue injury to the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that runs under your foot from your heel to the toes. The plantar fascia acts as a rubber band to support the foot structure and absorb shock as you weight-bear. Excessive tension or stretching can result in a tear in the soft tissue, most often at the

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CV Health & Recreation Guide

heel. Pain is often greatest in the morning or after periods of rest. It is common in those with a flattened arch, as the stretching on the plantar fascia is more significant, but it can occur in any foot type. Heel spurs involve the growth of bone on the bottom of the heel, usually in response to stress on the plantar fascia. It can be painful with direct pressure/weight-bearing.

• Bunions (Hallux Abducto Valgus) - Bunions refer to the deviation of the great toe towards the outside of the foot. This deviation occurs from the great toe joint and causes the foot to become broader, and the great toe does not function properly. Discomfort often occurs secondary to footwear pressure on the bunion prominence or due to degenerative changes in the great toe joint itself. Causes of bunions include genetic predisposition, poor footwear and hypermobile, flattened feet.

• Forefoot Pain (Metatarsalgia / Capsulitis/ bruised metatarsals / stress fractures / Neuroma) – Symptoms often include localized, sharp shooting pain in the balls of the feet. Pain is often greatest when walking barefoot or on hard surfaces. The region can be swollen, warm to touch, and pain is worse during and after activity. Symptoms occur when the outer layer of bone becomes inflamed and damaged when exposed to excessive, repetitive stress. This may occur when the metatarsals lengths are uneven or are too prominent, when damaged areas may be made more prominent due to footwear choices (high-heeled shoes increase stress on the metatarsals), the forefoot is too flexible and does not adequately absorb weight-bearing pressures or the fat padding in the forefoot is atrophied or inadequate to protect bones. A metatarsal stress fracture is a micro/ hairline fracture as a result of excessive, repetitive stress on the bone. A Neuroma is an inflamed nerve within the forefoot, related to excessive compression/shearing

Mental Adjustment stresses.

• Sports & Activity Injuries - Many sport and physical activity related injuries are caused by the overuse and repetitive strain to the feet and lower limbs. Trauma related injuries—for example a severe ankle sprain—can cause permanent damage to internal foot structures. This can negatively impact foot function and promote negative changes to occur over time.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS – Safe Operation & Use Don’t ignore foot pain. Foot discomfort is typically an indication of an injury or problem with a component or variety of structures within the feet. Delaying a diagnosis or appropriate treatment may cause the condition to worsen or promote other symptoms.

Inspect feet regularly. An observation of changes within a foot structure can sometimes precede pain or more advanced problems. It is recommended for Diabetics to inspect their feet daily, to ensure no cuts, abrasions or infections go unnoticed.

Clean and moisturize feet regularly. Clean, healthy skin is less prone to developing lesions such as calluses, cracked heels and a variety of infections (athletes foot, warts). Cut nails straight across with free edge of nail above level of skin to avoid in-grown toenails. Ensure footwear fits properly and is appropriate to foot type and activity. Ill-fitting shoes can cause pressure points or permanent changes in foot structure. Wearing improper footwear for certain activities (i.e. flip flops on a long walk or hike) can promote increased strain or injury to foot structures.

Warning: One pair of feet need to last a lifetime…. there are no exchanges or returns available.

by Esther Kane, MSW, RSW

During a long and gruelling process last year, I underwent weekly chiropractic adjustments for my wonky back which had been bothering me for years. According to my dear sweet chiropractor for whom I feel a great amount of gratitude for my new-and-improved health (I didn’t always feel so positive towards this man), the root cause of my pain was a very old injury which he thinks dates back to my childhood.

As I went to my weekly chiropractic appointments and got adjusted, I noticed an incredible thing happening- the pain was no longer localized in one spot in my back, but began to move from one place to another all along my spine, until it moved in a steadily upward direction completely away from my spine, into my shoulders, and then – poof! It completely disappeared!

As this process was occurring, I had many moments of panic and unrest because I didn’t know what was happening in my body or why. When I went in to see my chiropractor each week, I’d tell him what I was experiencing, all the while emotionally freaking out in front of him (poor man), and then he’d soothe me instantly by saying the same thing over and over again: “That’s good news. You’re healing.

Continued on Page 23...

Trevor Pritoula, owner of SOS Orthotics, can be reached at 250-339-5892.

546 Duncan Ave, Downtown Courtenay

CV Health & Recreation Guide

9

Living with an Ostomy

by Ken Osmond Every person who is told they need an ostomy is fearful.

That may be because there are many misconceptions regarding life with an ostomy. There is a fear of chronic lifelong weakness, loss of social acceptability, dependence on others, and loss of potential for leading a normal, productive life.

Many young people express hopelessness over the prospects of ever attracting a mate or entering into future marriage.

However, in practice, the vast majority of ostomates make an excellent adjustment to life with an ostomy and, in most instances, are returned to a normal productive life. In many instances, quality of life is far better than that experienced prior to surgery.

Common causes for ostomy surgery are: colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. People who have an ostomy must wear a pouch or bag on their abdomen to collect body waste. There are three types of ostomies: colostomies, ileostomies and urostomies.

Caring for an ostomy is not instinctive. Proper patient education, both pre-operatively and post-operatively, is a vital part of good medical care and requires a team

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approach, which includes an Enterostomal Therapy Nurse. An ET nurse is an RN with additional training in ostomy care, wound care and continence.

Currently the Comox Valley does not have a local practicing Enterostomal Therapy (ET) Nurse, leaving a huge health care gap for potential and existing ostomates.

Fortunately, Kim Mayenburg, local RN, BScn, IIWCC, is pursuing ET training with the full encouragement of the Comox Valley Ostomy Support Group.

Guided by the principles of the United Ostomy Association of Canada, and operating as a satellite of the Central Vancouver Island Chapter in Nanaimo, the Comox Valley Ostomy Support group tries to reach out and support ostomates and their caregivers. With close to 60 members, all with a common bond of ostomy surgery, the group holds meetings, coffee gatherings and socials to support ostomates (sort of a ‘Chicken Soup’ for the local ostomy world).

For information on the Comox Valley Ostomy Support Group, contact Betty 250-871-4778, Ken 250339-3791 or Susan 250-339-6528. You can also email to cvostomygroup@hotmail.ca.

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EMDR: Getting Past Your Past

by Lorin Medley, MTC, RPC

NO. No, no, no, no, no.

Say these words out loud and notice how your body responds. What happens to your breathing? Do your chest, arms, and facial muscles feel tight or relaxed? What about your legs and feet—are you more or less aware of them? How is your heartbeat, the temperature of your skin? Notice any emotion that arises.

Now try this: Take a deep breath, then breathe out.

YES. Yes, yes, yes. Yes. How does your body respond to this?

I came across this exercise in a recent book by Francine Shapiro, founder of the EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) approach to overcoming trauma and negative past experiences. In Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy, Shapiro uses the exercise to demonstrate that we all have automatic physical and emotional responses to what goes on in our minds. Some will respond differently to “No” than they will to “Yes,” while others will have learned to ignore their bodies and emotions and may not feel a response.

“Whether or not you’re in touch with your body sensations or emotions, the unconscious connections of your memory system are still affecting your reactions in the present,” says Shapiro.

Many of these patterns begin as normal responses to adverse life events, but get stuck in “trauma time”

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until more resources become available. A survivor of sexual abuse, for example, may feel hypersexual with a new partner, but numb with a relationship that endures. He or she may have trouble connecting love and sexuality, particularly if the abuse occurred in a trusted relationship. Sexuality may be experienced with feelings of defectiveness and shame.

Learning to name your body sensations, thoughts and emotions without judging them is an important tool in many therapeutic approaches, including EMDR. It can help you become aware of unconscious connections and help distinguish the past from the present. It can also help you gain a sense of control over triggers.

Those who struggle with serious anxiety, mood, impulse control, or dissociative symptoms require additional time and more stabilization techniques before beginning the desensitization phase of EMDR, which involves some form of bilateral stimulation-eye movements, tapping on the knees or the backs of hands, or listening to music specially recorded so that the sound bounces from the right ear to the left ear.

Like rapid eye movement sleep, bilateral stimulation seems to nudge the brain’s innate ability to move adverse life experiences from their temporary storage in the right hemisphere to long-term storage in the left side of the brain where we can remember rather than re-experience difficult events.

The EMDR International website defines EMDR as: “an evidence-based psychotherapy for post traumatic stress disorder. In addition, successful outcomes are well-documented in the literature for EMDR treatment of other psychiatric disorders, mental health problems and somatic symptoms.”

There are many ways we can move from the constrictions of NO to the expansion of YES. With EMDR those old, unconscious connections from trauma time get updated to here and now reality. It’s over, you’re safe now, and you can make new choices.

See www.emdria.org for a description of an actual session. Recommended reading: Getting Past Your Past, Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy, by Francine Shapiro (Rodale, 2012).

Lorin Medley is a Registered Professional Counsellor in Courtenay, BC, and a member of EMDR International Association. For more information, call 250 897-0254.

CV Health & Recreation Guide

11

Health and Wellness

by Patti J. Doyle, Physiotherapist Health is a very precious gift we should guard with the utmost of diligence. There are many things in life we do not have control of, such as trauma from accidents or the effects of genetics.

The good news is that we DO have control of many more things that can and do positively influence our health.

It is important to make sure that our diet has enough nutrients vitamins and minerals to allow the body to function optimally. Sleep is an essential part of good health and wellness. Children under the age of 16 require between 9 to 12 hours of rest per night while a grown adult functions best on 7 to 9 hours of quality rest.

Deep sleep is the time when the body repairs the many micro traumas that have occurred during the

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wakeful hours. If the body does not have enough time in deep REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the injuries sustained in the tissues for that day cannot be repaired completely.

If this inadequate sleep continues over multiple nights, the repair process falls behind and conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyaglia may develop.

Emotional stress can elevate the hormone cortisol in the body. Poor copying mechanisms for stress coupled with poor sleep will render people more susceptible to disease as the immune system is depressed with high cortisol levels.

As a physiotherapist I often see people who struggle with chronic pain and/or fatigue from their physical pain. Part of my treatment plan is to help the individual recognize what factors are contributing to their ill health.

Many people are surprised to realize that there is often an emotional component to their chronic or recurrent symptoms.

I believe that half the battle is recognizing that there is an emotional trigger to physical symptoms and more often than not it is a familiar coping strategy learned from those who raised them. Discovering this has been very enlightening for many of my chronic pain patients. They not only feel hopeful but very empowered that they can change their health and fitness level by addressing their emotional self.

It is very unprofessional (in my opinion) to tell someone that they will feel better if they would just exercise more when in fact the opposite is true.

I often hear patients say they have horrible posture (or so they have been told by a medical professional). They say

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that they have tried to sit straighter or stand taller and all it does is make them tired or hurt more. They experience more soreness when they try to be more active. Therefore, they tend to give up on an exercise program and their health continues to decline. It becomes a vicious circle.

Physical therapists need to accurately determine what is holding a person out of proper alignment and what to mobilize to gain better posture with little muscular effort.

Once the structure has been balanced, then and only then does increasing activity levels have positive and long lasting results!

Your health is something you should take very seriously, as it will be what determines your quality of life in the years to come.

If you would like some help determining what would be the best treatment approach feel free to come for an assessment.

Good luck in your journey!

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13

A Debate As Ancient As Greece

by Dr. Dawn Armstrong, B.Sc.,D.C

What is the best approach to caring for your health?

Modern?

Traditional?

Conventional? Alternative?

Complimentary?

From life’s very beginning all manner of disease and suffering have challenged humanity and to this day we continue to struggle with how best to care for ourselves and others. Different perspectives on health care is nothing new. Since the time of Ancient Greece people have been debating the ideas and methods employed by our healers.

Over time, many different approaches have emerged but the philosophical discussion boils down to two distinctive schools of thought.

One side believes that good health is our birthright, that we are well designed and possess a tremendous capacity for healing. If we are suffering, it is because

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something is wrong. We need to figure out what’s amiss and fix it. Symptoms are the clues to what ails us and, if we pay attention to correcting their causes, our good health can be restored.

The contrasting view is that we are born flawed and bad things happen to us. Suffering is an inevitable part of the package of life. They say we shouldn’t spend too much time worrying about the whys – there’s a medicine or an operation, which can take care of those nasty symptoms and relieve our suffering.

Now if you have just been injured in a car accident, it really doesn’t matter why – your suffering can most certainly be eased by modern medicine. However, for so many other situations – for insidious, chronic, nagging complaints – it is vital to investigate.

Barring bad luck and bad genes, practitioners of alternative approaches such as acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopathy and massage therapy believe that good health is the norm and that it is important to use symptoms as the motivation to guide us as we reestablish balance and good function to our bodies and our lives. Dr. Dawn Armstrong can be reached at (250) 465-8482.

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Which Is Best For You?

by Kathy Seymour

When the body is out of balance it will tell us in no uncertain terms. It may be that we repeat the same old patterns over and over again, or that we end up with that back or neck issue again – thinking that we have resolved past issues when we have not. In order for the body to be balanced, all four aspects of the individual – the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual – need to be taken into account.

Energy medicine can deal with all these issues because that is what we are ENERGY. When this energy is disrupted by our parents, siblings, friends or strangers we go against our own innate sense of what feels right for us and start changing how we react and respond to issues that may arise, rather than responding intuitively.

What we need to do is to take the time to reconnect to that awareness or intuitiveness that we had when we were children. That is where energy medicine treatments can become very useful. Once the individual is open to change and takes the time to develop that awareness, the body will innately adapt and change to start the healing process.

Some individuals may respond better to variety of therapies such as reflexology, massage, crystal therapy, musical toning or perhaps energy balancing. This is because each client is unique. We all have our own way of approaching and responding to different stimuli. For this reason, one therapy may be better suited than another.

Whatever therapy is chosen, there will be one from which the individual will receive the most benefit.

Treatments may vary on how many and how often they are needed depending on the severity of the issue and the willingness of the individual to change their previous patterns.

Kathy Seymour from Getting In Touch specializes in Reiki, Quantum Touch and Shaluha Ka. She may be contacted at (250) 898-3330 or for further information visit www.gettingintouch.ca.

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15

Matters of Aging Don’t Wait for a Crisis, Start Now!

by Wendy Johnstone, Gerontologist

My mom is turning 70 years old next year. As a daughter, I see my mom as an active and vibrant senior, who still works and continues to play a huge role in the lives of her four children and eight grandchildren. As a gerontologist, however, this upcoming milestone actually alarms me for the very reason I cause alarm in my friends and clients when I spout off, “If your parents are 70 years and over, you need to start talking about future care options.”

Don’t wait for a crisis, start now!

If you think this seems premature or a little dramatic, you aren’t alone. Over two-thirds of the Sandwich Generation haven’t given a moment’s thought about their aging parents and eldercare needs let alone broach the topic in conversation. Looking back, I wish I had.

At 34 years old, I was caught completely off guard when my 69-year-old father had a massive stroke. The month that followed was filled with difficult decisions and

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uncertainty about his recovery. Being 36 weeks pregnant and living across the country, my three siblings and mom handled all of my dad’s eldercare responsibilities, while juggling their own family and work commitments. Then the worst happened: Dad suffered a massive seizure.

Three days later, with no signs of improvement or hope, our family had to make the excruciatingly painful decision to take Dad off life-support. With Mom as a widow, we discovered that our father didn’t have a will, had cancelled insurance policies, had more debt than we had realized, and his small business had no exit strategy.

The responsibility of caring for an aging parent often falls into the lap of an adult child. However, very few adult children are ready for being a caregiver to both their aging parents and their dependent children. I tell my clients and peers very candidly, “Make friends with reality. It’s not a matter of if you will be a caregiver, it’s a matter of when.”

According to Statistics Canada, in 2010, two thirds of family caregivers were aged between 18 and 54 years and 60%of these caregivers were are also employed.

Over 80% of family caregivers had another member in their household, typically a spouse or unmarried children. Almost half of Sandwich Generationers said they experienced increased stress as a result of this dual responsibility. Others had increased expenses related to the cost of care (37%), more debt to support both their children and aging parent (32%), an increase in absence from work (30%), a decrease in family time (30%) and cancellation of holiday plans (21%).

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least a third of adult children experience communication obstacles with their parents. Don’t be surprised if your parents still operate on the parent-child model rather than a peer-to-peer model, which of course makes having open conversations tricky at best. Here are a few tips to consider as you initiate those sensitive discussions with your aging parents: Start Now! The first conversation is always the hardest! Initiate the discussion now while they are still healthy and active. Trust me, do it before a crisis forces you and family to make decisions on the fly. Emergencies rarely allow families the opportunity for full participation.

Respect their decisions It’s important to treat your parents like the adults that they are. There is one thing most experts agree on — imposing your way of thinking or trying to control your parent’s decisions will yield undesirable results. The bottom line in any conversation you have with your loved ones should be one of concern, support and respect, even if you don’t agree with their choices.

Be patient and empathic More than likely, it won’t be easy for your parents to accept your involvement in their private affairs and life decisions. Aging loved ones are likely aware of some of the losses with aging, be it chronic illness or dementia, reduced mobility, dwindling peer group as siblings and friends die, a change in work or family role and sometimes the loss of a family home. Their biggest fears are probably loss of independence and control. It’s important the conversation aims at building trust and that you have a complete understanding of your parent’s preferences and needs.

Here are a few ideas or statements to get you started: • Will they want or expect a lot of involvement from their children?

• At what point will they ask for help?

• How do they feel about having a housekeeper or a private care provider coming into their home?

• How would they feel about you checking that bills are being paid?

• If at some point they are no longer able to live at home, what kind of living arrangements would they prefer? Living with you? Building a home or moving to be closer to you or other family? Move to an assisted living facility? Residential care?

• Have they made any long-term plans? If yes, could they share those plans with you?

• Have they taken steps in the area of health care and financial planning (e.g. long-term healthcare insurance, advanced health-care directive including a DNR [do not resuscitate], power of attorney, a will)?

Wendy Johnstone is a gerontologist and owner of Keystone Eldercare Solutions and can be reached at 250-650-2359 or visit www.keystoneeldercare.com.

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17

Matters of Aging Cont...

Balanced Paws

by Dr. Heather Matheson, Balanced Paws Veterinary Care Dr Matheson graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon in 1995, and has been practicing in the Comox Valley for the past 10 years. She is a fully trained Western Medicine Veterinarian who has incorporated Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Chiropractic care, Herbal Medicine and Homeopathy into her daily treatment regimes.

“One type of medicine just can not do it all,” says Matheson. “Western Medicine shines in emergency situations, for diagnostics and for ‘damage control’.

Eastern or integrated medicine shines in geriatric care, maintaining health and balance and in treating chronic issues such as skin allergies or inflammatory bowel disease. For example, antibiotics may be prescribed for a bladder infection but if repeated infections occur integrative medicine gets to the root of why and is able to change the underlying pattern or deficiency.”

A dog named ‘Tali-Banana’ is an example of integrating several different modalities to maintain good

quality of life. Tali, was born with three legs but being a typical border collie never slowed down long enough to notice the missing limb. At 11 years of age, Tali had her first stroke, had more issues with seasonal skin allergies, and was developing arthritis in her one front leg, as well as weakness in her hind end. Tali’s treatment regime looked something like this: Diet was changed to a homemade cooked and eliminating chicken. It was cooked because being an older dog she had difficulty digesting raw food. Eating real food instead of processed kibble improved nutrition.

Chicken was eliminated since it contributed to her skin allergies.

Chiropractic adjustments were recommended as needed because being a typical border collie ‘Tali’ did not realize her physical limitations and often zigged when she should have zagged. Correcting any spinal subluxations also helped decrease the progression of arthritis and improve muscle pain and sensitivity.

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Acupuncture treatments helped immensely with the arthritis in Tali’s one front leg and weakness in her hind end. When she had a stroke the symptoms dramatically improved with acupuncture treatments. “There were several occasions we thought she was ‘done for’ only to see her rally post it, with the help of acupuncture, and continue on her happy way,” says Matheson.

Herbs were prescribed to decrease pain and inflammation and the formula was altered to drain damp heat when her seasonal skin allergies flared up.

Western Medicine drugs were used intermittently.

Medicam (an anti-inflammatory) was used only if Tali really overdid it because if it was given on an ongoing basis it upset her stomach. Antibiotics were prescribed only if a secondary bacterial infection occurred.

Homeopathic medication was particularly helpful after any stroke to relieve Tali’s dizziness, instability and nausea.

‘Tali-Banana’, a dog that had been brought in at the age of 6 weeks to be euthanized because she had been born missing a front leg, passed away at the age of 14 having lived and extremely active and happy life. “Tali certainly needed more help in her geriatric years but, by integrating a treatment plan specifically designed for her and adjusting it as needed, we were able achieve and maintain the best quality of life for her,” says Matheson.

Our animal-family gives us so much it is nice to give a little back when they need it.

Dr. Heather Matheson is the owner of Balanced Paws Veterinary Care at 250-871-4355, 2785C Mansfield Drive (across from the Air Park). Visit info@balancedpawsvet. com or Facebook for more information.

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CV Health & Recreation Guide

19

Have You Fallen Off the Fitness Wagon?

by Raegan Spence / Recreation Coordinator – Courtenay Recreation

We’ve all been there. After being active regularly for a month….or even six months, we totally lose momentum and turn into couch potatoes. Take these mental steps to get back on track. The trick is to act fast and get back to it right away!

1. Don’t beat yourself up – Take Action: slipping now and then is normal, and the longer you fret about it the longer you’ll stay on the couch. Instead, take action and figure out exactly what caused you to relapse, then take steps to deal with that issue.

2. Make a list of what you’re missing: a quick review of the benefits, and how good you felt when active, will help with motivation. If you have no fond memories, then change the intensity or type of activity so you enjoy yourself more.

3. Set New Goals: especially if the cause of your relapse is because the goals were either too easy or too difficult to maintain.

4. Reassure Yourself: Think about the other successes

you’ve had in your life, and transfer some of that positive attitude to your active lifestyle.

5. Ask for Help: your active buddies, family and friends can help motivate you and address some of the time barriers by helping with household/family obligations.

6. Avoid the “All or Nothing” Trap: any activity is better than none. Anticipate problems ahead of time (visitors, hectic times at work). On those days when your half hour or hour - long workout is not possible, schedule a few 10-minute activity breaks.

At this time of year, the reality is that time may become a major factor in fitting in fitness. The good news is that short periods of physical activity can add up.

10 minutes here, 10 minutes there. Take a look at your day and see how easy it is to squeeze in the following activities. Pick up the pace to moderate intensity to increase the benefits.

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator

• Park a 5 minute walk away from work, or your destination • Play actively with your kids when dinner is in the oven

• Schedule 10 minute walks in your day timer, on lunch and break times

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• If you live less than 5 km from work, it is just as quick to ride your bike as it is to drive (20 minutes) • Walk to the corner store instead of driving • Recruit family members to help out more with the chores to free up time for a quick walk (together or on your own) • Stuck for ideas – Don’t Do More, Do Different!

• Meet a friend for a walk instead of for coffee or a drink • Walk during brainstorming sessions at work • Make family time, active time – play in the park, go to the pool • Stretch while watching television • Go for a walk instead of watching television • Pick up the pace while vacuuming or gardening • Walk around the baseball/soccer field or hockey rink during kid’s practice or games (build fitness by climbing the stairs in the arena a few times) • If your child can ride a bicycle at a moderate pace, go jogging alongside • Plan active family outings such as canoeing, hiking and cross-country skiing

Don’t worry about the irregularity of your workouts, or you may get frustrated and give up altogether. Instead take the opportunities as they arise. One day you may be fast walking to the garage to pick up the car, the next one you will be playing baseball with your children. Physical activity needs to fit into your own schedule and your own style, but remember it’s all good for you and any amount of physical activity is much better than doing nothing at all!

Courtenay Recreation encourages you to be active every day! For information on recreation programs and activities, call Courtenay Recreation at (250) 338-5371 or (250) 338-1000.

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CV Health & Recreation Guide

21

Summer Holiday Planning With Your Pets

by Van Isle Veterinary Hospital

It’s almost that time! Only a few more weeks until the kids are out of school, the sun will be hot, and summer holidays are in full swing. The decision many pet owners face is whether or not to bring their companions along for a summer holiday. So how do you make that decision?

Your decision will depend on the nature of your trip and whether or not your pet likes to travel, which takes some training. Most dogs are more than happy to ride along in a vehicle. However, not all dogs like to travel, so begin by taking small, short trips to help them work up to longer adventures. Cats typically don’t like change, so travelling can prove to be stressful. Whether you decide to take your pet along, leave him behind with a pet sitter, or drop him off at a local boarding kennel, the decision can be made a lot easier with the following recommendations.

In the summertime, a lot of holidays may include accommodation such as staying with a friend, a family member, at a hotel or camping. If you decide to take your dog camping, have a stocked first aid kit available for your pet. Things to include for camping should be: bandaging supplies, tweezers, eye wash (saline in a squirt bottle), harness, antibacterial soap and ointment and an antihistamine such as Benadryl (in case your dog gets

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stung by a bee or has an allergic reaction while you’re far from help). Remember to bring plenty of fresh water if you go on lots of hikes and a spare leash.

Identification is very important whenever traveling with your pet. Make sure your pet has a way of finding her way back to you if you get separated. The best place to start is with a good collar and an ID tag. A tattoo is a reliable form of identification if you are travelling within your same province of residence but can be tricky to trace out of Country. Microchips are read worldwide and are the most efficient form of identification when travelling abroad.

If you’re planning to stay with a friend or family member, make sure they have a pet friendly home.

Get your veterinarian’s assistance to ensure your pet isn’t carrying fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, or other infectious diseases. You will not want to leave any of these unfriendly pests behind, which will only wear out your welcome. If staying at a hotel, plan your trip well ahead of time and reserve hotels that are pet friendly to ensure you have a place to stay.

If you decide to leave your companion home with a pet sitter, make sure they have developed a relationship prior to your departure. This will ensure that your pet sitter can competently care for your pet and that your pet likes and trusts your pet sitter. It is also recommended to make arrangements with your family veterinarian in case your companion requires medical attention while you’re away. Be clear about your wishes and which treatments you are comfortable with while you’re away.

Boarding kennels are a great option if the trip you’re taking is not pet appropriate. Check out a few local boarding kennels in your area to decide which kennel best suits your needs, and leave all your emergency contact information in case anything happens while you’re away. If you’re boarding your dog and have never used a kennel before, begin with short boarding visits to show your companion that you will always come back.

This will hopefully avoid anxiety issues from developing.

Remember to check up on your pet’s immunization status as many boarding facilities have requirements in place.

Remember that, whatever you choose to do with your pet while planning a summer holiday, being prepared will allow you and your pet to both enjoy yourselves!

Contact Van Isle Veterinary Clinic at 250-334-8400 or visit www.vanislevet.com.

Continued from “Mental Adjustment” on Page 9...

Your body is just adjusting to the changes. One day, those changes will stick and the pain will be gone.”

I couldn’t help but think how my feeling so scared, vulnerable, and unsure of what was happening in my body was analogous to how clients must often feel once they are fully engaged in the therapy process. As a therapist, I am helping them get to the root of problems they are experiencing in the present which have persisted for a very long time and caused them enormous suffering.

When things start to shift emotionally for them, they often freak out because they are experiencing new and different thoughts, feelings, and ways of looking at themselves and their lives.

And even if they are starting to notice a reduction in the problem they came to me in order to rid themselves of, they still don’t like being in the ‘healing zone’ where everything is new, different, and unfamiliar. They often need reminding from me that what they are now experiencing is good news – that they are indeed, healing emotionally.

But instead of telling them that their body is adjusting, I tell them that their psyche is adjusting to the psychological changes we have initiated. But just like my chiropractor, I tell them that one day, those changes will stick and the pain will be gone...and this is often a big relief.

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23

Thursday Night Trail Runs – The Origin

by Extreme Runners

Ever been out for a walk or run in the Comox Valley on a Thursday night and encountered dozens of runners and walkers assembled at the trail head? Every Thursday during the spring, summer and early fall we gather as a group and head out in the local trails for a run, some fast, some slower, but all having lots of FUN! TNT (Thursday Night Trails) began 7 years ago.

Lene Curts, owner of Extreme Runners, a trail runner herself, wanted to create a running group based on safety in the trails and fun. It began small with just a few locals meeting and enjoying the trails for an hour together on Thursdays.

As the trails attracted more interest, TNT began to morph into what it is today. Once the numbers grew a need for the trail run to accommodate more levels of fitness was recognized. Lene recruited a local runner Frank Graham to assist with this. He had always wanted to help out in promoting trail running, so it was an easy fit.

This is what Frank had to say when asked about the beginning of TNT with him as organizer: “There were 14 out for our first run, including me leading the fast group and John Ingram who led the

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medium-speed group. I added another, slower, group when we got up to 26 runners.”

How did you choose the trails you run?

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We also chose trails that provided a variety of trail running experiences. We started with the easiest and most popular --Seal Bay-- then moved on to technical trails like Twisternew andbalance finished with• the mountain trails • saucony asics • brooks • adidas of Tomato Creek.”

How has TNT changed over the years?

“There is a lot more teamwork in •running the• brooks trails• adid new balance saucony • asics now. Every Thursday night I need at least 7 leaders and 7 sweepers. There are at least two dozen TNT regular runners who really want the runs to be successful.

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We all love sharing with others the many trails of the Comox Valley.”

TNT is a great social running experience with some organized “socials” following the run on TBA nights.

Potlucks at the lake, pub gatherings, and post run Vancouver Island’s Wellness Centre & Spa dips in the lake are a few of the social opportunities.

The group is family friendly, although fido has to stay home…sorry… too many people. Trails and group 2013 Event Calendar leaders accommodate for hikers, walk/runners, and runners of different fitness. Carpooling from Extreme Retreat with Pamela Wilson, July 13th to 18th ~ A dynamic neural withofannie May 2 Runners is always encouraged. The season for the trailtraining gathering friends, Hopper where the sage in each of us is group is generally beginning of April until the daylight A new paradigm in healing as we discover the link between brain function and honoured: www.pamelasatsang.com runs out around the end of September. more information please visit www.dnrsystem.com.

Joy for Life: With Victoria Boutenko, August 4th to Extreme Runners is very proud to be able to offer ~ Nourish and rejuvenate your health: this trail experience to the community and appreciates an Invitation to a new10th Conversation: May 31 www.rawfamily.com/events or www.rawfamily.com all the help from those who make this happen as run Falling into Grace with Sebastian leaders. Check out extremerunners.com under Group Take Come your place the circle, open your palms and16th receive.

Allow the energy Panache Desai, August to 23rd ~ August 16th - to fl Runs for run locations and schedule. enjoyinthe The Awakening and August 17th Accelerated Receiving: restorewith you to a state of well-being and vibrational harmony. beautiful trails of the Comox Valley Extreme into the Infinite Flow of Life (The Westerly Hotel For more information see Tapping www.divinegrace.com.

Runners. and Convention Centre). August 18th to 23rd, 2013

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raW CHEF CErtIFICatIOn > 11:00 am Tuesday, June 18th – 1:30 pm Saturda Don McRae, M.L.A. Transitions: From Turmoil to Tranquility An Insightful For more information go to www.rawrose.com (Comox Valley)

Five day retreat

Yoga and Journal Writing Retreat with Angela Wiens, October 18th to 20th ~ Combine yoga and journal writing with toPamela embrace Wilson your deepest truth: www.yogainnerspirit.comJuly

Retreat with Pamela is a gathering of friends where everything and everyone is Phone: 250-703-2422 the Fax: sage in each of us is honoured. For more information see www.pamelasat 250-703-2425

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Drop In Meditation with Lucas Stiefvater ~ Drop in, This is a unique chance to rejuvenate your health while embracing the opportuni one hour meditation every Tuesday evening at 7pm. www.donmcraemla.bc.ca For more information visit Contact: www.rawfamily.com/events www.rawfamily.com info@oceanresort.ca for or more information

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CV Health & Recreation see Guide 25 fo reverse

Heather’s Holistic Hints

by Heather Saunders, Registered Massage Therapist Five things you may not difficult if not impossible to fill. This is why they have know about Registered cancellation policies and fees in place.

Massage Therapy 4. Your therapist may recommend two massages a 1. Massage therapy does not only entail lying on a table. It also involves assessment, stretching and joint mobilizations, which may occur before or after your on-table massage and while you’re dressed.

2. Your muscles may not want as much pressure as you do. Sometimes when soft tissues are irritated, deep pressure only triggers a guarding and inflammatory response. Your therapist should be able to feel this happening and back off on the pressure until the area can tolerate more.

3. Your massage therapist likely works for themselves, which means they only get paid when they give a massage. Last minute cancellations and no shows are

week while symptoms are acute. After treatment you will experience temporary relief, and it’s important to continue before your symptoms revert to square one. This may be pricey at first, but you’ll have better, long-term results sooner (especially if you’re compliant with home care). Eventually treatments can be reduced to once a month or two.

5. In the case of chronic symptoms, keep in mind that it was an issue before you were aware of it. Your body was quietly compensating for it until this compensation created it’s own symptoms. New compensations will arise from these symptoms, and eventually pain will be felt in a third area, etc. Your massage therapist has to peel back the layers and figure out what came first. Be patient with your body and your therapist.

For more of Heather’s written work, information about her massage therapy and contact info, visit www.HeatherSaundersRMT.com.

Don McRae, M.L.A. (Comox Valley)

437 Fifth Street Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7

Phone: 250-703-2422 Fax: 250-703-2425

Meet with Don McRae at his Courtenay Office!

Call or email for an appointment.

don.mcrae.mla@leg.bc.ca • www.donmcraemla.bc.ca

26 CV Health & Recreation Guide

A Practical Application

by Phyllis Chubb Attempting to understand a new way of seeing the old world, or different energies previously ignored, can best be stimulated by seeing practical applications. Once we see where knowledge can make our lives easier, we can be more willing to put some effort into trying to understand foreign concepts.

Jyotish is like that, it may be new to many of us but it is an ancient science focusing on human nature and potential. Can Jyotish make our lives perfect? Of course not, perfection of anything depends on our judgements.

However Jyotish can provide a perspective we may not have thought about on our own.

As an example, a man recently contacted me with a question about his marriage and the difficulty he is now experiencing with it. He wanted to know how such a sad situation could have happened after 18 years and what could be done about it, if anything?

In order to answer his questions the birth data (day, month, year, place and if possible the time of birth) of himself and his wife had to be supplied. Once calculated, this information provided the insight necessary to compare their individual values, beliefs and expectations.

The husband was born: Sept 22, 1965 at 12:57 pm. The wife was born: Dec 8, 1963 at 3:15 am.

Although the location of birth is very important that information will not be given here.

The comparison of the two charts showed the woman to be quite shy and somewhat unable to speak up for herself, whereas her husband had no difficulty expressing himself. Sadly his wife readily took responsibility for anything that wasn’t to his liking and it seemed there were a lot of things he wasn’t pleased about. In reality he liked a lot of things, he just found it hard to praise before criticizing or remarking how any situation could be improved upon. He doesn’t do this because he is unhappy but rather because he felt he is offering helpful suggestions. The people hearing his continually negative comments eventually get worn down, give up and quit caring. This is what happened to his wife, the more she felt hurt, the quieter she became. The quieter she became the more he offered advice on how she should be or how she should be doing something.

Long standing hurts often turn into hard armour and

this is what has happened in this case.

Can this marriage be saved? It depends on the willingness of each person to put a hand out to the other.

There is no reason for her to live with his perpetual negativity. The emphasis will be on him learning to be supportive and accepting in daily life things just happen, without anyone being the cause. He wants support and expects it, he must learn to be prepared to give what he hopes to get. She will need to learn to speak up and discover what she can be responsible for, and what she can’t.

In this particular case, the underlying problem is more than just his negativity, although that is major, it is more about money and how money is to be dealt with.

They have totally different ideas about what is important, so give and take will be called for.

Do the charts look as if they have enough mutual understanding and commitment to stay together? Yes, there were good connections when they first started.

Unfortunately due to poor communication and the lack of really understanding the other person, tremendous pain has been inflicted on these two people. The question now is how willing are they to learn a new way of relating?

The choice is theirs and only theirs, although tremendous knowledge and guidance resides within their charts they are the ones who have to be willing to hear it and to act on it.

If you have a question, please send it along with your birth information to Phyllis@phyllischubb.com.

COPY COURTENAY

design / print / web = surecourteay.ca CV Health & Recreation Guide

27

Too Blessed to be Stressed

by Lisa Lundy B.Sc., Dr. TCM

Over that last 17 years of practice, I find I am often asked the following: Can acupuncture help me quit smoking? Can acupuncture help me lose weight?

Can acupuncture lower my blood pressure? Can acupuncture help me with insomnia? Can acupuncture bring back my sex drive?

The answer in most cases is yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes!

It is important that we look at one of the common threads that influence all of these challenges – stress and

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our adrenal response to it. And how exactly is stress a common thread to this assortment of health concerns?

Our adrenal glands are like our body’s shock absorbers.

They are two glands that sit on top of our kidneys and they produce hormones that help us function with daily life. A few of the more common hormones are adrenaline, cortisol, and DHEA. When our body is stressed (senses danger), adrenaline helps us with the physical part of our “fight or flight” response by increasing our heart rate, blood flow, breathing and alertness. Cortisol’s role in the stress response is to increase glucose in the blood to provide extra energy by quickly taking it from places like our muscles, and also to redirect certain immune cells from our system to the surface so that we can “heal from attack”.

Prolonged stimulation of our fight or flight response has become too common for so many of us. As a result, we are constantly rising to fight each day, and our bodies get worn out.

When our adrenal glands become weary from this, we will often turn to stimulants and energizers such as caffeine, cigarettes, sugar, or even excessive exercise to keep our body whipped and stimulated so that it will continue to show up for battle. Adrenal fatigue can result from unresolved emotions and the stress that accompanies them, and also from environmental or physical stressors such as illness, chronic pain, injury, trauma or overwork.

Common signs and symptoms that your adrenal system is needing attention include waking in the morning feeling exhausted, foggy thinking, sugar cravings, weight gain in the midsection, lowered immunity, inflammation of the skin or joints, heart palpitations, diminished sex drive, depression and/or anxiety, and of course difficulty with sleep. Sound familiar?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long acknowledged that there is a strong link between the emotions and the organs. In fact, all the organ and

meridian systems in TCM have an associated emotion and an interconnected relationship between each other.

Strong feelings can be hard on our organ system, and weakened or compromised organs can contribute to unbalanced emotional states. TCM actually considers the kidney system to be the center of all systems and the provider of energy to our being. In TCM, the adrenal glands are considered part of the kidney system and are constantly cared for in all treatments.

For thousands of years, the significance of this part or our body has been known and revered. What is fascinating is that acupuncture has been shown repeatedly through several studies to have a regulatory effect on the organs, which in turn helps to regulate the secretion of cortisol, serotonin, melatonin, endorphins, dopamine, and other Central Nervous System chemicals. For example, a healthy adrenal gland will only produce a certain level of cortisol, to stay within a range that will not cause tissue damage to the body.

Acupuncture helps address excess amounts of cortisol or adrenaline by focusing on restoring health and balance of the adrenal glands so they perform in the balanced regulatory way they are intended. Acupuncture has the ability to enhance the function of other organs such as the kidney or liver, which assist the body in the discharge of excess amounts of cortisol. So rather than attacking the “symptoms” of imbalance; TCM restores the “systems” of balance so that the body can function as it is intended to.

What is specifically unique about this approach is TCM’s assessment process with each individual. While 20 people can come in with complaints of insomnia, each of them may present with different sleeping or waking patterns, history, and pulse or tongue presentation (two of TCM’s diagnostic tools). How that translates in treatment is that while we could be dealing with 20 cases of insomnia, each person would be treated with different acupuncture points or herbal prescriptions to support their individual needs. This is truly customized healing.

There are many options to address the stress imbalance that plagues so many individuals and contributes to the health issues mentioned at the beginning of this article.

By far, the most important thing anyone can do is exercise

and consume a well balanced diet, with limited intake of sugar, and stimulants. Additional lifestyle changes that encourage a calmer state such as yoga, tai qi and meditation are also enormously helpful. Sometimes even when all these strategies are in place, a person can still struggle. This is an example of where the use of TCM can help to rebuild and strengthen the organ systems that have undergone strain from prolonged exposure to stress.

Through the use of specific point combinations and/or herbal prescriptions, TCM can provide fast and effective support to the body so that it can return to its natural state of balance. Essentially, TCM can help to reboot the system by adding strength to weakened systems, and calming overstimulation.

With the calming support that acupuncture offers, withdrawal from smoking is less strenuous on the nervous system and success can feel easier to come by. By helping with the regulation of cortisol and blood sugar, cravings and weight gain can be reduced and appetite and metabolisms evened out. When our body is no longer in a constant cycle of fight or flight, our chemistry can return to balance and issues like high blood pressure, lowered libido and insomnia will often improve or resolve. In some cases, the effects can be immediate, and in more chronic conditions, it can be a slow but steadily improving process.

Continued on the next page...

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Continued from “To Blessed to Be Stressed” on Page 29...

TCM can be a great consideration to help resolve mild to moderate states of stress and its symptoms, and can be a very safe and compatible adjunct to more severe cases that require an integrated medical approach. If you are struggling with a stressed life and a stressed system, consider making a few changes to offer your body some breathing room to heal and rebalance. You are too blessed to be stressed.

Lisa Lundy is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She can be reached at 250-650-0030 or drlisajlundy@gmail.com.

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