CVHRG Autumn 2013 by Logistica Web Design

Autumn IN THE VALLEY 2013

Pain Relief

Page 4

Weekday Meals

Page 6

The Emotion Code

Page 11

Exercise to Live

Page 18

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

Publisher’s Note

A Doctor’s Quest for Pain Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 by Dr. Deidre Macdonald Weekday Meals - Fall Sanity-Saving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 by Christina Willard-Stepan Dance! Add 10 Years to Your Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 by Karen Sorger Love or Happiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Julie Edwards Hypnotherapy - Safe and Effective . . . . . . . . . by Deborah Braun The Emotion Code: Clearing Your Emotional by Ted Yells Carpal Tunnel... Do I need Surgery? . . . . . . . . by Patti J. Doyle You are Younger than You Think . . . . . . . . . . . by Dr. Dawn Armstrong Have You ‘Had the Talk?’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Terri Odeneal Fair to Middling: Planning Assessment . . . . . . by Wendy Johnstone Exercise to Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Liz White

. . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . . . . . . . . 10 Baggage. . 11 . . . . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . . . . . . 14 . . . . . . . . . . 15 . . . . . . . . . . 16 . . . . . . . . . . 18

Meditation for Everyone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 by Cheryl Levine Is Your Job Killing Your Feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 by Trevor Pritoula Preparing your Pet for Back to School Blues . . . . . . . . . . . 22 by Van Isle Veterinary Hospital Numinosum in Trager Somatic Body Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . 24 by Chris Bruels Different Shading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 by Phyllis Chub What is Veterinary Chiropractic Medicine? . . . . . . . . . . 28 by Dr. Heather Matheson Which Is Best for You?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 by Kathy Seymour

Front cover photograph provided by Ed Brooks, Stotan Falls, Courtenay.

Happy Fall! I hope that the front cover brings a smile to your face as it did mine. When I first saw this picture that Ed Brooks took, I knew it was perfect for this issue. As we get older we can forget the joys of being young, so it’s nice to be reminded to allow those feelings to arise again.

I have been camping out at Kitty Coleman. One evening while many campers were around their fires, a lightning and thunderstorm on the mainland began. Three young boys (8 to 13-years-old) were standing on a log, with the storm, ocean, campfires and evening sunset setting the scene around them. Every time there was a bolt of lightning they would scream in glee and jump off the log, over and over again. I couldn’t help but laugh and smile in joy with them.

Moments like these, especially with the natural beauty of the Valley, remind us to be thankful. I’m thankful for your readership and the loyalty of the ad and article submissions that keep this magazine going. In this issue Scott Stanfield joins us as editor. Scott is a soccer enthusiast and local writer, and he can often be seen biking, running, hiking and swimming around the Valley. The natural beauty we are surrounded by is one reason I haven’t moved to a gloss magazine. Technology has made gloss paper more earth friendly, but newsprint is still the better option. As always, I invite your feedback about the magazine, on this topic or others.

I jumped into the publishing business 16 years ago, and have enjoyed it immensely. This is especially true when I get feedback like this recent comment from long time contributor Dr. Deidre Macdonald: “I’m amazed by the constant, positive inquiries I get from my ads and articles.” PUBLISHER : Allan Gear PHONE : 250.339.0252 FAX : 250.339.2210 EMAIL : alg1@telus.net EDITOR: Scott Stanfield GRAPHICS : 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

With that, I would like to say I hope you enjoy this autumn issue and continue to remember the joy of letting go and jumping in.

~ 2013 Winter ISSUE ~

Article submissions on Health & Recreation in the Comox Valley are required by November 1st, 2013 & Ad submissions are required by November 15 th, 2013. Submission Guidelines can be found on our web site. www.comoxhealthandrecguide.com

CV Health & Recreation Guide

A Doctor’s Quest for Pain Relief by Dr. Deidre Macdonald, ND

The long, sunny days of summer may be beginning to fade, but the Comox Valley is an excellent place to get outdoors and stay active year-round. This year, I’ve already been biking, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, swimming, waterskiing and kayaking. I’ve even added stand-up paddle boarding to my fitness regime. It doesn’t get much better than paddling on the still waters of the Comox harbour at sunset. Six years ago, I couldn’t have done much of what I do now due to chronic back pain. With the help of laser light therapy I’m able to stay active and live pain free. In my naturopathic medical clinic I’ve helped hundreds of patients achieve similar results with this painless and scientifically proven effective treatment.

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CV Health & Recreation Guide

About 10 years ago, X-rays showed that my spine was twisted like an old tree, putting pressure on the small joints and structures of the spine. Early arthritis was setting in, which made me feel discouraged about my future and ability to maintain my activity level. Eager to stay off chronic pain medications, I tried massage, chiropractic, physiotherapy, acupuncture... 13 practitioners in all. While I have great respect for each of these fields, in my case the core problem was beyond their reach. The challenge with my back issue was that the core of the problem was deep in my spine. I needed a treatment that could penetrate the spine and promote deep healing of the tissue within the vertebra, such as the ligaments inside the spinal cord that hold the vertebra together, the facet joints of the spine, the disc between the vertebra and more. Laser therapy was the first treatment to give me consistent relief from my back pain after six years of experimentation. I was so impressed with the results I achieved with laser therapy that I began researching the science behind it and was quite impressed by the hundreds of placebo-controlled human clinical trials that showed its effectiveness. It has kept my crooked old spine pain free for five years, at a much higher level of physical activity that I had been able to handle before. Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to create changes on a cellular level that result in the rapid healing of tissues. Scientific studies have shown that in the presence of laser light therapy the mitochondria of the cells produce more ATP, which is fuel for cellular processes. Cell replication rates increase, inflammation is reduced, circulation is enhanced, all resulting in rapid tissue healing and significant pain reduction.

a little booster We began to offer laser therapy to patients atCAREFULLY my knee PLEASE, CHECK OVER THIS shot of laser light after a day of skiing naturopathic medical clinic five years ago and it has been bumps on a sweet day up the mountain... ah, something a great source of fulfillment to me to be able to help so to look forward to as the chill of autumn sets in. many people live with less pain and stay active for life. For more information or to discuss whether laser therapy is We have helped many people cancel joint replacement right for you at a complimentary 15 minute consultation with naturopathic physician Dr. Macdonald, please contact her surgeries for arthritis, get off pain medications for sciatic NOW IN OUR SIXTHclinic YEAR! medical in downtown Courtenay at 250 897-0235 or via nerve pain, quickly recover from sports injuries, heal www.getwellhere.com. COMOX VALLEY gum disease and chronic wounds and much more. Like me, many of my patients have “tried everything” by the time they come to me, and overall, we help about 80 per Foot Care Services cent of them to have significantly lessYOUR pain.APPROVAL IS REQUESTED THANK YOU! Sheila Cameron, RN Signature A few years ago, that old ski injury that required changes or 339-2210 or Your “Pampering extensive reconstruction in my 20s becameYour painful inapproval to FAX phone 339-0252 - ALLAN GEAR Ones my 40s. Like many people who had old sports in if you wishLoved “I will stop by injuries and see you personally to discuss your advertisement.” their teens and 20s, I began to experience arthritis later with Happy Feet!” on. Determined not to be slowed down by one joint, I did a series of laser therapy treatments and got my knee to 250.897.2153 a place of being pain free with even more activity than before. Animal studies have demonstrated the ability of laser light therapy to encourage the re-growth of the chondrocytes (cartilage cells) in knees damaged by arthritis. Thirty six placebo-controlled human clinical trials have demonstrated that laser light therapy is an effective treatment for arthritis of the knee. The pain reduction achieved by laser therapy is generally longlasting, since true healing must take place for pain relief Foot Care Nurse to happen with this treatment. That said, I do give the old

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Weekday Meals - Fall Sanity-Saving Tips by Christina Willard-Stepan, BEd., Certified Personal and Small Business Coach It’s mid-week. You’ve had a busy day and need dinner — fast. Rather than calling for takeout, develop a repertoire of quick and easy meals that need minimum thought, planning or preparation, but are still healthy and taste great. Here are a few tips that have streamlined weekday meals for the family.

Make a roast on the weekend — I’m convinced that this Sunday tradition was really about making the following week easier. Chicken, beef or pork — be sure there are plenty of leftovers. My family often gets three to four extra meals from one large roast: burritos, soup and a stir fry. Wrap it up — Keep wraps on hand in the fridge or freezer. It’s easy to add a protein, some dressing or sauce and veggies for a well-rounded, fast meal. Our favourite

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CV Health & Recreation Guide

is whole grain wraps with leftover chicken, some raw veggies and store-bought Caesar salad dressing.

Put it on a pizza — keep balls of frozen whole grain pizza dough on hand. Move it to the refrigerator in the morning to thaw. Some good quality canned sauce or pesto, pre-grated cheese and any other variety of toppings can be prepped and baked in a matter of minutes. Who doesn’t like homemade pizza? Keep your pantry stocked with canned beans and tomatoes and an assortment of pasta and grains — especially quick cook ones like quinoa and couscous — that way you’ll always have a solid base to build upon. Frozen vegetables can turn pastas and grains into a quick, healthy meal in a pinch. Never be too proud to serve frozen veggies when you are up to your eyeballs in weekday responsibilities. Freeze meat such as chicken breasts in marinade in zip lock bags. Transfer to the refrigerator in the morning for thawing. They marinate as they defrost and a healthy meal is ready in 15 minutes. Pan-fry or grill your protein while you steam some greens or throw together a salad, steam potatoes, or cook rice or other grains. Keep long-lasting fridge staples such as feta, parmesan, pancetta or dry chorizo. They are great for adding lots of flavour and a little protein to cupboard standbys for a tasty meal. Other great basics to have on hand include good quality pre-made pasta sauces and pesto, and plenty of herbs and spices. Finally, the most important tip — Don’t forget to find joy in eating together amidst the rushing around of midweek. Family meals are a critical part of quality family time. The beneficial impact has been demonstrated for people of all ages. Better grades, healthier eating habits,

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closer relationships to parents and siblings, ability to resist negative peer pressure, resilience in the face of challenges — all this from simply sharing your dinner together as a family. 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.

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Drop by Roxanne’s Fashions where you will find new arrivals for fall from over 45 brand names including French Dressing, Simon Chang, Bianca Nygard, Alia, Picadilly, Ezze Wear, Maggie Plus and Tan Jay. Sizes range from 4 to 24 in petite, regular & plus.

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CV Health & Recreation Guide

Dance! Add 10 Years to Your Life by Karen Sorger

In groups of eight – up and down the Island – people are linking arms, sashaying and dancing their way to longer, healthier and happier lives. They are also lowering their risk of heart disease, diabetes, age-related memory loss and depression – and they’re having a blast. Often called ‘friendship set to music,’ West Coast dancing is one of the best activities you can be involved in. With all the moving, twisting and turning square dancing provides more than the daily dose of heart and bonehealthy physical activity. Listening and concentrating on the calls, executing the moves and interacting with other dancers is an antidote to depression and loneliness. And it’s more fun than going to the gym. Dancers walk between four and eight kilometers in a typical evening of dancing, burning calories with every step. Dancing continuously for 10 – 15 minutes at a time improves cardiovascular conditioning. And then there’s the fun part, hugs, laughter, sharing and companionship with others in a positive setting. Breaks between dances allow dancers to socialize and share with others from diverse backgrounds, but with a common interest. This gives an opportunity to meet new people and develop social ties which contribute to self-esteem and a positive outlook. The energy put into dancing has an effect on heart rate, blood pressure, rate of calorie burn and cholesterol profile.

Fall

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CV Health & Recreation Guide

In a relaxed setting with popular music, West Coast square dancing has been called the perfect exercise. It combines all the positive aspects of intense physical activity with none of the negative elements. It’s a good aerobic exercise without the treadmill. When not moving, you are clapping hands, tapping feet and concentrating on the callers directions. Never a dull moment – and more to come. The good news? If you can walk, you can probably learn to West Coast dance. It takes time and practice, but you will have fun even while learning the first basic moves. You will also be impressed with how quickly you learn the moves and the fact that whatever you were worrying about when you came to the dance has now left your mind. What’s this all about and when can you get involved? The Ocean Waves Club in Courtenay starts fall classes Monday, Sept. 16 from 7- 9 p.m. at the Anglican Church Hall on 5th Street. Caller couple Fran and Roger Archambault make it fun from the beginning night. Fran has a wide range of down east music that makes your feet want to start dancing. The first two Monday classes are free. Dress is casual. Everyone is welcome. Ocean Waves has regular dances on the first and third Saturday of the month. On alternate weeks there are dances at six other clubs from Campbell River to Nanaimo, Powell River and Saltspring Island. On the southern part of the Island, nine clubs encourage visitors to a variety of special dance nights and some weekend-long events in the summer. Come on out – you will be glad you did. For more details contact Karin k.g.sorger@shaw.ca or (250) 898-8949.

Sorger

Love or Happiness by Julie Edwards

Is it love or happiness I experience with riding anywhere? I’ve realized true fun with my stylish, colourful and intuitive-to-operate Pedago Comfort Cruiser. This bike is great before it’s even plugged in and accelerates the gift of ease when turned into the electric bike it loves to be. Delight becomes commitment as I sit high and comfortable with my right hand on the throttle. Hills are erased and I can travel so many more places in the great outdoors with ease. The combination of pedalling and electrics reminds me of choosing between floating and swimming. This enhanced dream state includes a smile from ear to ear even when I’m miles from home and know I can easily get back from anywhere I would care to go. I plug in the bike at the end of the day and four hours later it’s ready to go, costing about 10 cents and the charge lasts for days. My ability to run wild is literally at my fingertips. I’ve never been a long distance biker but like riding my bike more than driving a car. My legs feel great even travelling five kilometres with that sweet interaction of energy, exercise and electrically assisted power. I’m guided by choice to power up or down as I please and as my route dictates. I look forward to the expansion of the shoulders on all roads to gain safety for all travellers and note that Revelstoke, Ucluelet, Tofino, Banff and many towns and cities throughout B.C. are making biking more accessible. Send A/C Logic any information about your favourite bike ride and we will put it on our map of B.C. Please provide us with length, season, style recommended and pictures. Nothing like a ‘ride anywhere’ smile to brighten the day. Happy Trails! Love or happiness - it is all good! For more details contact A/C Logic at aclogic@ shaw.ca or (250) 871-0890.

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

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#8-625 Cliffe Ave. Courtenay (angled parking just south, off Cliffe)

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250-871-0890

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CV Health & Recreation Guide

Hypnotherapy - Safe & Effective by Deborah Braun, BA, CCHt Does the thought of hypnosis conjure images of a mysterious hypnotist making people cluck like chickens on stage? If so, then you have bought into the myth that hypnosis is a form of mind control. In fact, it is not. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. It depends on your willingness and participation for it to be successful – especially when used in hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy is enjoying a resurgence as a respectable and safe therapeutic tool. Imagine being able to manage stress or control pain without drugs and their side-effects. For many, this is a reality. Hypnotherapy is used to relieve symptoms of a variety of diseases and conditions. It is an affordable alternative and natural companion to

Safe, natural techniques for optimal health and long-lasting change.

Deborah Braun, BA, CCHt, Reiki Master Mobile Service Available

deborah@lighthaustherapy.com

250.650.4101 • toll free: 1.855.650.4101 www.lighthaustherapy.com

many conventional treatments, and is endorsed by the American and British Medical Associations. In the U.S., the renowned National Institutes of Health approved hypnotherapy as an effective method for treating chronic pain. Pain is a powerful messenger that signals when something needs serious consideration. But once the source of pain is addressed it sometimes continues, and chronic pain can be debilitating. Over time it creates a pain cycle, with the anticipation of pain magnifying overall discomfort. Imagine being able to use the power of your own mind to overcome pain without expensive drugs or negative side-effects. This is possible through hypnotherapy. A skilled hypnotherapist can help lower your perception of pain using guided imagery, relaxation techniques and other natural methods. Using the power of your own imagination can often eliminate the source of distress by finding its roots embedded deep in your subconscious mind-body. As a hypnotherapist, I often teach clients selfhypnosis and other techniques to control pain and stress on their own. Why suffer or become a slave to drugs when you don’t have to? As more people seek out natural pain management methods, hypnotherapy is gaining momentum and believers. Why not give it a try the next time you feel overwhelmed by chronic stress or pain? Deborah Braun of Light Haus Therapy is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist with a mobile practice on Vancouver Island. For more information call: 250.650.4101 or toll-free: 1 855 650.4101. www. lighthaustherapy.com.

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10 CV Health & Recreation Guide

The Emotion Code: Clearing Your Emotional Baggage by Ted Yells, Energy In Harmony

There have been many energy-based healing techniques developed over time. Recently, those have been called ‘energy psychology’ techniques used to help clear old patterns and issues from the sub-conscious mind. Quantum physics has shown that everything, including us, is just a pattern of energy and information at a base level and what we see as physical is just energy that vibrates at a particular frequency and carries particular information. A unique, new process called the Emotion Code has been developed by Dr. Bradley Nelson, who discovered that some of the energy of strong emotions can be left behind or trapped in the body after an emotional event has passed. The Emotion Code is a method to easily release these physically trapped emotions from the body. Experience has shown that trapped emotions are in the form of a ball of energy about the size of an orange up to a cantaloupe, and they continue to vibrate at the frequency of the emotion which can upset the normal healthy energy pattern of the tissues and organs where they are stuck. These imbalances can result in or contribute to inflammation, pain, congestion, fatigue, lowered immune function and various diseases. Nelson has found them to often be an underlying cause of depression, anxiety, PTSD, phobias, panic attacks, self sabotage, mental illnesses and more. Another phenomenon he discovered is what Nelson calls a Heart Wall. This is a layered, energetic wall comprised of trapped emotional energy, the purpose of which is to protect the heart from any further emotional abuse. However, it means that expressions of love coming from someone or sent by the person have to go through all those layers and they filter out the desired effect. The

Gracious Bodytherapy Learn to Live More Comfortably

Chris Bruels Trager Practitioner

1671 Comox Avenue, Comox 250.339.7227 www.chrisbruels.ca

heart wall can be thick depending on events that created it, and this can have a major impact on relationships and how others experience the person. Dr. Nelson also found that we can inherit trapped emotions from a parent at conception. These can be tracked back through generations to find the source. When you clear yourself, it clears back to the start, and usually forward to offspring. The technique to find and release trapped emotions uses ‘muscle testing’ to: a) Identify the specific emotion from a table of possible emotions; b) Extract further information about the event, for example, when it happened; and c) When enough information has been revealed, release the trapped emotion by stroking down the ‘governing vessel’ meridian from the top of the head using a magnet. This meridian connects to all the others in the body and is also used in other healing techniques. In my experience we all have trapped emotions. They can be a source of minor discomfort or underlie major chronic illness. They are easy to clear and can make a major shift in health when released. The process can also be used on animals. Reference – The Emotion Code – How To Release Your Trapped Emotions For Abundant Love, Health and Happiness. Dr. Bradley Nelson For more information call (250) 339-2227 or visit www.energyinharmony.ca

Don’tMake Make Your Your Body Don’t BodySay SayNO! NO! Energy based based counseling Energy counseling

TAT(Tapas (Tapas Acupressure Acupressure Technique) TAT Technique) EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Matrix Energetics · Emotion Code · Quantum-Touch Matrix Energetics · Emotion Code · Quantum-Touch

www.EnergyInHarmony.ca · 250-339-2227 www.EnergyInHarmony.ca · 250-339-2227 CV Health & Recreation Guide

Carpal Tunnel ...Do I Need Surgery ? by Patti J. Doyle, Physiotherapist

Featuring Fine Italian Cuisine Wendy & Bill Meade (250) 890-7575 140 Port Augusta, Comox BC V9M 3N6

Dr. Lisa J. Lundy B.Sc., Dr. TCM

drlisajlundy@gmail.com *NEW Number & Website* 250.334.0655 www.drlisajlundy.com

12 CV Health & Recreation Guide

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Acupuncture, laser therapy, herbs, dietary therapy, massage, and cupping. “I’ve moved to Braidwood Naturopathic Clinic #2 ~ 202 North Island Hwy.”

The nerve that is affected is called the median nerve which originates high in the spinal cord in the cervical (neck) region. It is part of the entire nervous system that includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral and cranial nerves. Many times the median nerve is restricted in a location other than the wrist such as the shoulder, neck or head. When a person tries to move and use their arm the nerve needs to be able to elongate with the rest of the limb. When it cannot, it becomes repeatedly annoyed and inflames. The swollen nerve has more girth than normal so it suffers the pressure of the flexor retinaculum through which it must travel at the wrist to reach the hand. In carpal tunnel surgery the surgeon nicks the flexor hood at the wrist to allow decompression to the nerve traveling underneath. This provides immediate temporary relief as pressure on the inflamed nerve is lightened. Unfortunately, this does not alleviate the problem permanently when restriction on the nerve is somewhere other than the wrist. Finding where the nerve is restricted is the key to solving the problem. Techniques such as visceral and neural manipulation have been helpful in my practice to not only locate the tissue at fault but to mobilize it and resolve the symptoms completely. For lasting results when treating the body the best practice is to work on the tissue causing the problem and not the tissue that is symptomatic. In the case of many carpal tunnel patients the cause is higher up in the nervous system than at the wrist. Consider some conservative manual therapy techniques for your hand and wrist pain before having surgery. Surgery is always available for those who want

I can’t tell you as a physiotherapist how often I have heard the statement: ‘I had surgery for my carpal tunnel but the symptoms are back.’ Too many times in my opinion. I see people who have opted for surgery as their best chance at relieving pain from the diagnosis of carpal tunnel in one or both wrists. I encourage people to get as much information about their medical condition before choosing surgery as their best option. If you look at long-term studies of people who have had the procedure, symptoms return in greater than 50 per cent of them. This only reinforces the fact that more carpal tunnel symptoms are a result of nerve irritation at a different spot other than the wrist flexor mechanism.

250-338-2440 4985 Cotton Road, Courtenay “Just Minutes From Downtown”

it so make an educated choice and get all your facts about what is really happening in your body. Good luck in your quest for resolution of your symptoms. I would love to help you figure out whether surgery is truly YOUR best choice.

Lewis Centre Expansion is now open!

Patti J. Doyle is a Physiotherapist and can be reached at 250-650-1350.

Supplying Dancers for 14 Years Brochures & Supplies

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• TRX • Spin • Bosu • Pole Fitness • Dance • Yoga and more!

Courtenay Recreation

Lewis Centre Filberg Centre 250-338-5371 250-338-1000 CV Health & Recreation Guide

You are Younger than You Think by Dr. Dawn Armstrong, B.Sc.,D.C

How old are your bones? If you believe they are the same age as you are, you’re wrong. No matter how many candles on your birthday cake, most of your body is many years younger. And here you thought we peaked at some point in our 20s and have been steadily degenerating ever since, our bodies wearing out and breaking down with each passing year. It is so very heartening to know that’s not true! How did this revolution in our understanding of aging come about? A stem cell biologist at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden named Jonas Frisen was attempting to answer a controversial question about the human brain, specifically, the cerebral cortex. Do the cells in that part of the brain endure from birth to death? Are new ones ever generated? In order to resolve this, he first needed to be able to determine the age of the cells in this part of the brain. The usual way of determining how old something is uses Carbon 14, a naturally occurring isotope. This method is not accurate for short time frames and because it is present in such small amounts it is best for dating things that lived in the distant past. In order to precisely estimate the age of living tissues,

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Frisen needed more Carbon 14 to work with and, thanks to modern warfare, he found it. The testing of nuclear weapons in the 1950’s and 60s generated a new batch of Carbon 14 and it entered the food chain worldwide, becoming incorporated into the DNA of all living things. Most of the molecules inside a cell are constantly being replaced but the genetic material is not. A cell’s DNA, with some of its carbon atoms being of the Carbon 14 type, is made when its parent cell splits into two. By measuring the activity of this marker, he could now know, very accurately, how long specific cells have been alive. Each type of tissue turns over at a different rate, depending on what its cells do. The surface of our skin is replaced every two weeks while the cells lining our digestive tract only live five days or so. Red blood cells live for 120 days and your liver a mere 18 months. How old are those bones of yours? Well, whether you are 40 or 80, your entire skeleton is replaced every 10 years as old bone cells are removed and new ones installed. Skeletal muscle cells have a longer run, sticking around for at least 15 years. It seems the only parts that last an entire lifetime are the cells inside the lens of the eye, the muscle of the heart and those neurons of the cerebral cortex which initially inspired Frisen’s investigation. It is this finding which could explain why we think we are as old as the calendar tells us. Because DNA inevitably decays over a lifetime, none of us will live forever, but it is good to know that you’re not entirely as old as your birth certificate says. Think of yourself not as a body that is degenerating but as a work in progress. Dr. Dawn Armstrong can be reached at (250) 465-8482.

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

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Included Included Included Included financial and legal professionals. It may also include Wheels 17” Alloy 16” Alloy 16” COMFORTLINE Alloy 6-speed auto Wheels trans. 6-speed auto Included17” Included Included Included 2.0L turbo diesel trans. 16V ✔ Alloy ✔ CRUZE CRUZE JETTA JETTA COMFORTLINE writing down your wishes and naming a designated 2.0TD TDI-AUTO TDI-AUTO Powertrain warrantywarranty 5✔ yrs./160,000 52.0TD yrs./160,000 km km 5✘ yrs./100,000 5 yrs./100,000 km 16”kmAlloy DOHC Powertrain Wheels Wheels 17” Alloy 17” Alloy 16” Alloy 2.0L 2.0Lturbo turbo diesel diesel16V 16V10148 ✔ ✔ ✔ hp6 /standard Airbags Airbags standard 10 standard 6 140 standard Horsepower/Max Torque hp✔ /km 280 lb./ft. 236 lb./ft.5km representative as someone you choose to be your Powertrain warranty Powertrain warranty 5 yrs./160,000 5 yrs./160,000 km 5 yrs./100,000 yrs./100,000 km DOHC DOHC ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ Rear vision Rear camera vision camera Included Included ✘Included ✘ 6-speed auto trans. Included Horsepower/Max Horsepower/Max Torque Torque 148 148 / /280 280lb./ft. lb./ft. 140 hp hp / /236 236lb./ft. lb./ft. 6 standard Airbags Airbags 10hphp standard 6140 standard NHTSA NHTSA rating10 standard ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ spokesperson in a time of need. This is some of what Wheelsrating 17” Alloy 16” Alloy 6-speed 6-speedauto trans. trans. Included Included Included Included Leather Leather seats seatsauto Included Included ✘5✘ ✘ Rear vision camera Rear vision camera Included Included Powertrain warranty 5 yrs./160,000 yrs./100,000 km✘ Wheels Wheels 17” 17”Alloy Alloy km 16” 16” Alloy Alloy advance care planning is all about. driver’s Power driver’s seat ★★★★★ seat Included ✘6★★★★ ✘ Airbags 10 standard NHTSA ratingPower NHTSA rating Powertrain Powertrain warranty warranty 5Included 5★★★★★ yrs./160,000 yrs./160,000km km 55standard yrs./100,000 yrs./100,000 km km ★★★★ Touch stereo screen stereo Included Included ✘✘ ✘ Rear screen vision camera Included Airbags Airbags 10 10 standard standard 66standard standard The Comox Valley Hospice Society is partnering Leather seatsTouch Leather seats IncludedIncluded Included ✘ ✘ Remote starter Included ✘★★★★ Rear Rearstarter vision visioncamera camera ★★★★★ Included Included ✘✘ ✘ NHTSARemote rating Power driver’s Power seat driver’s seat Included Included ✘ ✘ with individuals and organizations to help start the NHTSA NHTSArating rating ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ Onstar Onstar Included Included ✘✘ ✘ Leather seats Included Leather Leather seats seats Included Included ✘✘ Included Bluetooth Bluetooth Included Included Included Touch screen stereo Touch screen stereo Included Included ✘ ✘ Power driver’s seat Included ✘ conversation about advance care planning and, where Power Powerdriver’s driver’s seat seat IncludedIncluded Included ✘✘ ✘ Streaming audio audio Included ✘✘ Touch Streaming screen stereo Included Remote starter Remote starter Included Included ✘ ✘ Touch Touchscreen screen stereo stereo Included Included ✘✘ advance care plans already exist, to encourage individuals Remote starter Included ✘ (2014 (2013 (2013 $ ✘ Remote Remotestarter starter Included Included ✘✘ $ $ $ Onstar Onstar Included(2014 Included ✘ Onstar Onstar Included ✘ model) Included model) 26,595 26,595 model) 26,885 26,885 Onstar Included ✘✘ model) and families to review and further clarify their wishes. Bluetooth Bluetooth Included Included Included Included Included Bluetooth Bluetooth Included Bluetooth Included Included Included Included ESERVE ESERVE YOURS YOURS NOW , NOW FIRST , FIRST CARSCARS ARRIVING ARRIVING IN LATE IN LATE M✘AY.MAY. R R Streaming audio Streaming audio Included Included ✘ Streaming Streaming audio audio Included Included ✘ ✘ Streaming audio Included ✘ Conversations can provide a shared understanding of (2013 (2013 $$ (2014 $$ (2013 $ 26,595 (2014 $(2014 (2014 (2014 (2013 (2013 $ $ $ 26,595 model) model) what matters most to you and your loved ones. Having 26,885 model) model) $26,885 26,595 model) model) model) model) model) 26,885 model) ESERVE ESERVE YOURS YOURS NOW NOW , , FIRST FIRST CARS CARS ARRIVING ARRIVING IN IN LATE LATE M M AY AY.. R R one conversation can make all the difference. RESERVE YOURS NOW, FIRST CARS ARRIVING IN LATE MAY. ESERVE YOURS ESERVE NOW YOURS , FIRST NOW CARS , FIRST ARRIVING CARS ARRIVING IN LATE MINAYLATE . M R R We invite you to have ‘the talk’ with your loved ones by visiting www.advancecareplanningcv.ca to help you on your journey. New forms required as a result davewheatongm.com davewheatongm.com of legislative changes are available along with sample advance care plans. davewheatongm.com davewheatongm.com 2867 2867 Douglas Douglas Street Street 250-382-7121 250-382-7121 An advance care plan is a gift to you and your davewheatongm.com at Topaz at2867 Topaz 1-800-890-3338 1-800-890-3338 DL#5701 DL#5701 2867 Douglas Douglas Street Street 250-382-7121 250-382-7121 loved ones helping to guide them and your health care at at Topaz Topaz 1-800-890-3338 1-800-890-3338 DL#5701 DL#5701 providers when you need it most. The subject may be 2867 Douglas Street 250-382-7121 taboo, but the time has come for serious discussion at Topaz 1-800-890-3338 DL#5701 on this important issue to each and every one of us – 2867 Douglas 2867 Douglas Street Street 250-382-7121 250-38 whether for ourselves, or for our loved ones. at Topaz at Topaz 1-800-89 DL#5701 DL#5701 1-800-890-3338 You may never need your advance care plan but, if you do, you’ll be glad that it is there and that you have 2145 CLIFFE AVENUE had these conversations. Through your advance care plan you can ensure your voice is heard when you COURTENAY, BC cannot speak for yourself.

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Terri Odenealcan be reached at (250) 339-5833.

mcleaninfo@shaw.ca // www.brianmclean.ca CV Health & Recreation Guide

Matters of Aging Fair to Middling: Planning Assessment by Wendy Johnstone, Gerontologist

Mr. Doclittle is an 83-year-old widower living in his own two-storey home. When asked, he’ll tell you he is doing ‘fair to middling.’ He’ll say his legs are tired and wobbly and he doesn’t get out as much as he used to. He likes the stairs in his home because they ‘force him to use the stairs when he needs to get to bed,’ and he’s put in railings on both sides.

He has a scooter, which gets him to town and back, but his vision is getting worse and he’s not sure how much longer he can safely use it. He likes listening to books on tape and watching sports. He has four children; two live in town but are both working full-time and have children. His other two live out of town and visit every year. He knows they worry about him. Mr. Doclittle has Lifeline, a housekeeper to clean every two weeks, regular meal delivery for his supper meals. He relies on family for some home-cooked meals, to help with grocery shopping,

household tasks and, at times, to accompany him to his appointments.

Mr. Doclittle knows that he will need more help to stay in his home and is a little worried about his future care needs but doesn’t know where to go to find information or what’s available in his community. His son, who lives locally and is around the most, doesn’t really know where to start. For him, caregiving has become a part-time job and a full-time worry.

Maybe one of your parents is like Mr. Doclittle. Or perhaps you feel a little like Mr. Doclittle. Either way, there comes a time when an aging loved one requires more support and care to keep them as independent as possible. Figuring out what an aging parent needs can be tricky. One caregiver summed it up nicely: “I don’t even know what I don’t know but I do know that I don’t know a lot about caregiving.” Another said to me: “They seem to have a DIY for everything – why don’t they have a DIY Eldercare Planning Kit?”

This article can all but cover a few key points for starting an eldercare planning assessment, whether you are a senior or caring for an aging loved one. At the very least, it should give you a better idea of doing your own personal assessment, for yourself or for a loved one. Find a Quarterback: It is typically best to have one point person or ‘quarterback’ to keep the process going and make sure everyone involved understands what’s being discussed and decided. Typically one person takes on this primary role and in a way becomes the ‘case manager.’ This might be because he or she lives close by, has a relationship with the loved one that lends itself to discussing difficult

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16 CV Health & Recreation Guide

topics, or simply because he or she is a take-charge person.

Think Worst Case Scenario: Yes, it’s morbid and at best uncomfortable. Wouldn’t you rather have had a discussion about an Advanced Health Care Directive with your parents than having to make the decision to take them off life support? Or what would your family do if the primary caregiver was no longer able to care for your aging loved one? Who would step in? Who would co-ordinate the care? Would dad want to live in his home, move to yours or go to a supported housing facility? Who would pay if private care was needed? Is there enough money to pay for additional services? Assess the Situation: Seniors and their families want to scan the overall picture and find out what’s working and what isn’t. This provides a benchmark to compare if health or mental abilities change. This includes:

• The ability to function independently and perform basic daily activities such as dressing, bathing, meal preparation and medication management. One way to assess the functional health of an aging loved one is to determine how well the individual can perform tasks independently. • Cognitive ability and emotional health including shortterm memory, decision-making and common sense? How easily confused is the individual? Safety level in their living environment? Are they easily confused? • What financial resources are available? What formal services they are accessing, if any? • What do private insurers cover? Are there other government programs available to support additional services? • Is social support high? Are neighbours, friends or parish members available to help?

Make a list of possible interventions or solutions: Once you’ve assessed the situation, families can prioritize the most important tasks or concerns. It’s impossible to anticipate every need. Make a table to identify possible solutions, how to access support and what resources, including financial, are needed. Determine which interventions to implement and assign someone to be responsible for each solution/intervention. The ‘quarterback’ should be responsible to follow up and monitor the extent to which this intervention has, or has not, addressed the problems identified, and modify accordingly or as needs change. The plan doesn’t have to be fancy but should give an idea of having a plan for immediate and longer term plans.

While we can’t predict the future, the bottom can fall out when least expected. A safety net can go a long way to cushion the fall. Wendy Johnstone is a gerontologist and owner of Keystone Eldercare Solutions and can be reached at 250-650-2359 or visit www.keystoneeldercare.com.

“I worry about my mother because I live far away, and I can’t get her the help she needs.” Sound familiar? We help families and their aging loved ones make informed choices through lifechanging situations.

250.650.2359 • www.KeyStoneEldercare.com

Liz White, MSc RYT-200

Yoga & Stott Pilates Instructor • Pilates Mat & Reformer Training • Post Natal Pilates • Small Classes/Privates/Duets

Phone: 250.871.1737 Email: eh-white@shaw.ca www.energysourcepilates.weebly.com CV Health & Recreation Guide

Matters of Aging Cont...

Exercise to Live by Liz White

In Parts 1 and 2 of this series, I discussed the role of exercise in preventing and treating several chronic conditions associated with aging. The intention of this discussion is to show it is possible to treat these debilitating conditions through non-medical means and, by doing so, we can significantly curtail health care costs. It is important to bring this information into public consciousness as governments at all levels are dramatizing the potential rise in the demand for public health care due to the changing population demographic that is referred to as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;aging population.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; In this article I will discuss the effect of exercise on arthritis and cognitive functioning, along with some recommendations and guidelines. For anyone, exercise increases energy levels, helps develop a good sleep pattern, helps with weight control, maintains a healthy heart, increases bone and muscle strength, decreases depression and fatigue,

18 CV Health & Recreation Guide

and improves self confidence. However, if you have arthritis, exercise is essential. The Catch 22 is that patients with arthritis tend to be less fit than those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have this condition. Many with arthritis do not exercise because of joint or muscle pain, weakness, fatigue or joint swelling that characterizes this inflammatory disease. Without an intervention, these problems can escalate to increased loss of joint motion and strength. There is no hard evidence that exercise can prevent arthritis onset but it is well established that exercise decreases pain in arthritic joints and facilitates recovery from existing arthritic pain. Contrary to popular belief, high impact exercise such as running does not cause osteoarthritis in people with normal, uninjured knees. It is highly recommended that arthritis patients engage in full range-of-motion and strengthening exercises. Range-of-motion exercises move each

joint through its normal maximum range of motion. These exercises are important for arthritis patients who shy away from moving joints through their full range because of pain. They need to be done daily to keep joints fully mobile, and to prevent stiffness and deformity. Normal daily activities such as housework and gardening are not a substitute for range-of-motion exercises. All types of arthritis destroy articular cartilage, material that covers the ends of bones that form a joint. Low-impact exercise increases the action of synovial fluid, a healing balm the body produces naturally, that protects and restores articular cartilage. In addition, strengthening exercises increase muscle strength. Strong muscles are needed to support joints, particularly after the onset of arthritis. Therefore, strengthening exercises will stabilize joints and facilitate movement with less pain. Some exercises may be off-limits for the arthritis patient because of the potential for further joint damage. Exercises that work well for people with arthritis include walking, tai chi, yoga, pilates, warm water exercise and bicycling. My research on the relationship between exercise and cognitive functioning delivered a strong message for parents of small children. According to a study published in Psychological Medicine, exercising regularly as a child can result in improved cognitive functioning later in life. It is widely acknowledged that a healthy body equals a healthy mind. This study illustrates that lifelong exercise can significantly improve brain function. Exercise clears the mind, improves blood circulation and has positive effects on memory. Because exercise is the key to sleeping well, it helps our brains work more efficiently. Regular exercise helps one cope with stress. Long-term stress has a detrimental effect on cognitive performance. A study in the journal Neurology illustrates that exercise is more effective at protecting the aging brain from dementia than mental or leisure activity. So, only reading this article is not sufficient. Exercise represents a key component of lifestyle adjustments that will prevent or treat arthritis and cognitive decline. Public health interventions that promote lifelong exercise have the potential to reduce the personal and social burden associated with these conditions in later years. The recommended amount of physical activity is 150 minutes per week. Not

everyone is willing or able to meet this requirement. A good approach is to set a lower exercise target and gradually increase the frequency and/or intensity. I guarantee that, once you find an activity you love to do, you will naturally want to do more. I intended to include a discussion of research on physical activity and cancer; however, the quantity of literature on this subject warrants another article. Until then, stay active and live well. This article appears in its entirety on Liz White’s website at www.energysourcepilates.weebly.com.

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FUNERAL PLANNING Introducing Rosemarie Clark Certified Pre-arrangement Counselor

Rosemarie’s passionate, resultsdriven service attitude has been key in developing relationships with integrity and respect. With 10 years experience with First Memorial Funeral Services in Victoria, Rosemarie invites you to call her for your complimentary “Personal Planning Guide” and if you are a member of a group or service organization and are searching for a dynamic speaker for a 15-minute presentation on “Dying to know before you go” please call Rosemarie. A door prize and cake will be offered for participants.

250.334.4 464 A Part of the Comox Valley for Over 60 Years

PIERCY’S

FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM www.piercysmtwashingtonfuneral.com CV Health & Recreation Guide

Meditation for Everyone by Cheryl Levine

Does the thought of sitting still for an hour terrify you? Do you consider meditation a bunch of new age nonsense that involves the recitation of unfamiliar mantras, pictures of gurus on the wall or holding uncomfortable yoga poses for long periods of time? Meditation, simply put, is the practice of focusing your attention and awareness. This focus helps to see thinking in a new light. The average person will experience 70,000 thoughts per day, or nearly 50 thoughts per minute. Much of this thinking just happens and is not directed by you, nor is it questioned. We live our lives believing everything we think and what we think defines our experience. The act of focusing our awareness helps us to become conscious of our thoughts and ultimately take control of what we think. It is important to note that meditation is not about stopping the internal chatter. Most of those 70,000 thoughts are not stoppable. Meditation is about making conscious choices with your thinking. You can choose to follow your thoughts and believe what you think. You

can also question your thoughts in order to determine their validity. This gives you the power to believe only the thoughts you consider true. The other option is to allow the chatter to continue. The more you meditate, and the more you are able to maintain your focus, the easier it is to co-exist in the quiet with the chatter. Over time you begin to notice what Deepak Chopra refers to as ‘the gap between the thoughts.’ Instead of focusing on the chatter, you focus on the gap. This is the place where there is no thought, only quiet. Once you are the master of your thinking, you have control of your response to life. This has an enormous impact on your emotional well-being and your ability to manage stress. Flexing your focusing muscle also has a positive effect on your attention span and productivity. Dr. Erika Kneeland, a local naturopathic physician, regularly recommends meditation to her patients. She notes improvement in cognitive processing, stress management, energy and libido, beneficial cardiovascular effects, and an overall improvement in quality of life with a meditation practice. There are a variety of meditation classes and retreats available to support the new and experienced meditator. You can also start by taking as little as 10 minutes every day to simply watch your thoughts. Don’t worry about stopping the thinking. Just notice what you think about. Eventually, shift your focus to one thought or better yet to your breath or the rhythm of your heart. Maintain that focus, and when and if you shift back to your thinking, simply recognize it and bring yourself back to the breath. You may find it is easier to do this when moving, so go for a walk. The most important thing is to be gentle on yourself. Accept whatever your 10-minute meditation looks like. It is also important to stay committed to your practice. Over time your practice will naturally become longer. Then one day, when you least expect it, you will be in the gap and totally hooked. You will be a meditation junkie! I know I am! Cheryl and her partner Lucas Stiefvater own and operate Ocean Resort wellness centre and spa in Oyster Bay. Lucas offers drop-in meditation by donation Tuesdays from 7–8 p.m. All money is donated to the Campbell River and Comox Valley food banks. To date, more than $3,000 has been donated.

20 CV Health & Recreation Guide

Is Your Job Killing Your Feet? by Trevor Pritoula, owner of SOS Orthotics If your feet are killing you…maybe you’re killing your feet. It is a well-accepted fact that prolonged and excessive weight-bearing — especially on hard, unforgiving surfaces — can take its toll on one’s feet and may promote stress/ strain on specific structures to cause pain, discomfort and/or permanent changes within foot alignment.

According to Canada’s National Occupational Health and Safety Resource, two out of three workers suffer from some sort of foot problem during their career. In Canada, foot injuries account for approximately 10 per cent of all reported disabling injuries in the workplace.

Many people who are required to stand all day at work believe achy feet and tired legs are just part of the job. Sore feet should never be ignored as it may be an indication that there is an injury or problem present. I often tell people to consider a tooth ache or pain in another part of the body, which they do not ignore and seek help immediately. Long periods of standing on the job can cause muscle and ligament fatigue which increases the risk of injury to the feet. These risks are even higher if you wear ill-fitting or

unsupportive footwear, repeat the same action over-andover, or have improper foot alignment/mechanics. The resulting inflammation and abnormal wear and tear can lead to serious and painful foot and leg conditions, and reduced mobility.

The most common complaints associated with prolonged standing are plantar fasciitis/heel pain (inflammation and pain associated with a repetitive stress injury to the connective tissue along the bottom of the foot), metatarsalgia (swelling and pain in the forefoot area associated with excessive pressure on the forefoot bones/ joints) and edema (fluid collecting in feet and the lower extremity, related to venous insufficiency/varicose veins and the effects of gravity). Although Canadians working in jobs that require lengthy periods of standing can rarely change the amount of time they spend on their feet, they can take precautions to reduce the likelihood of injury or problem developing. One of the best defences is purchasing professionally

Continued on Page 26...

The PorT TheaTre SPoTlighT evenTS Classical Coffee Concert with Sarah Hagen and friends Starts September 24th all shows @10:30am

International Guitar Night

November 1st @ 7:30pm (pre-show chat 6:45pm)

Alberta Ballet’s Fumbling Towards Ecstasy performed to the music of Sarah McLachlan November 6th @ 7:30pm (pre-show chat 6:45pm)

Come see us for help in living an active lifestyle! For tickets call 250.754.8550 or purchase online www.porttheatre.com 125 Front Street, Nanaimo, BC

250.339.5050

1782B Comox Avenue, Comox, BC

CV Health & Recreation Guide

Preparing your Pet for Back to School Blues by Van Isle Veterinary Hospital

The changes that occur in the family home as summer fades into fall can be the most dramatic of all the season changes. Kids are being forced to trade their swimsuits for backpacks, parents are putting away the barbecue tongs and pulling out the hockey gear and before you know it… BAM! The lazy days of summer have been replaced with busy, routine-filled work weeks and homework around the dinner table. This transition can affect every member in your family, including your pet. During the summer months when the kids are home from school, your family dog has had plenty of attention and companionship. Come September that all changes when they are left in an empty house. Since dogs are pack animals, it’s not surprising that a dog experiences anxiety at being left alone. At Van Isle Veterinary Hospital, we receive lots of calls from concerned or

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250.650.1350 22 CV Health & Recreation Guide

frustrated owners who have come home to a destroyed house and a stressed dog. The good news is most dogs can learn to remain home alone calmly for reasonable lengths of time. Conditioning your dog to be able to do this is a real kindness. Separation anxiety in dogs is the fear of isolation which results in undesirable behaviours such as inappropriate defecation/urination in the home, excessive barking, destructive chewing and even depression. Puppies having housetraining accidents or going through the normal stages of chewing while developing their teeth are not experiencing separation anxiety. It is important to know the differences during the training process. Getting your dog used to being left alone without anxiety ideally starts at puppyhood and one of the most useful tools can be a crate. Training your dog the skill of resting calmly in a crate will never again be as easy to learn as in puppyhood. Some people are hesitant to use the crate routinely, but it is a good idea during the early stages while conditioning your pup. You never know what might be ahead in your dog’s life that will make a crate an absolute necessity. Dogs that require routine grooming, travel by plane, need veterinary care, emergency evacuation during disasters, kennelling or staying as a guest in a home that has other animals are all situations where you could suddenly need a crate. All of these scenarios can be considered stressful for your dog and these are not the ideal times to start crate training. Crate training should be fun and should be taken slowly, never forced upon. The crate should not be used as a punishment tool but rather seen by your dog as a “safe place.” Most dogs who have been successfully trained look to their crate to relax in or to get away from stressful situations and disturbances in the home. While the crate can be an ideal tool for combating destructive anxiety behaviours such as chewing and house soiling, other ways your dog may express separation anxiety is vocally. This includes loud barking, whining and even all out screaming. Puppies come with a full set of instincts — that can grow stronger with maturity if not handled properly. After being separated from its mother and the humans that represented safety, calling out for someone to save them is just one of their many instincts. Running to your pup every time it screams after being left alone will only encourage this instinct. To avoid this problem, always wait until the pup is quiet before you go to it.

Along the Way Spa A great method for treating/preventing separation anxiety involves planned departures which gradually adjusts your dog to being left alone. This is good to do leading up to the kids going back to school. Start with small intervals. Stress responses can occur within the first 30 minutes of leaving your dog alone. By leaving your dog for just a couple minutes at a time you have ensured your return before the onset of anxiety. Once you are satisfied your dog was not stressed during your short time away, you can start to increase the intervals. Try creating a positive environment during your absence. Providing a treat or special toy only when leaving gives your dog something to look forward to. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to remove that special toy when you return home. If you are experiencing a dog with separation anxiety or getting a new puppy and want to learn how to avoid issues with separation anxiety, a good place to start is by asking your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for advice.

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Numinosum in Trager Somatic Body Therapy by Chris Bruels

Numinosum is a term used in neuroscience to describe the quality of mind engagement that best changes the brain. This learning enhancing quality has been discovered to be curiosity, wonder or awe. The soundbite is “Inspire to Rewire.” You can access numinosum by what you do, what you sense and what you imagine. Our body’s movement has the potential to create numinosum. Babies are fascinated by the movement of their hands. This deep focus helps them learn to develop dexterity. Observers of a skilled dancer or athlete can develop a sense of awe leaving an inspiring mental imprint of what is possible within the human form. Sometimes, we can get in touch with numinosum as we recover from an injury or surgery. Our body’s ability to heal is supported by a sense of curiosity about the process. Decades before neuroscience recognized numinosum, Milton Trager incorporated the attitude of focused attention and awe into his work.

I welcome the numinosum explanation for the effectiveness of Trager Somatic Body Therapy. When I, as the practitioner, demonstrate Trager movements with the client, the client’s brain is activated with fascination that they can feel themselves moving so much better. Clients realize, “Right now, this is possible for me! Look how smoothly my shoulders can move! Feel this easy flow throughout my body! Wow!” For those of you who do not notice your body until it hurts, the experience of Trager movements can show you how to start to feel better. Then, additional somatic techniques are taught to help you integrate this potential of greater well being. As the Trager practitioner, I activate numinosum through curiosity about the client’s concerns and exploration of how the client’s body is organized in motion. There is a palpable shift in the client’s experience if I slip into our cultural norm of “fixing” the client’s body. You may experience this shift when you stop ‘making something happen’ and begin ‘allowing something to unfold.’ Two clients report their diverse experiences of numinosum through Trager. Recently, Joan A. Wood, an octogenarian with severe scoliosis exclaimed, “Thank you so much for the last session. It enabled me to bend over for one hour and one-half and pick strawberries which I haven’t done for a number of years!”

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really responds to that. I have experienced a lot of release of the upper back and neck tension, and overall general relaxation each ongoing session.” Changing how your body functions is a learning process that Trager can help with. I am ‘inspiring’ you with what is possible in your body right now and helping you ‘rewire’ your movement patterns so that you can live more comfortably. And, next time you are wanting to learn anything new, before you start, figure out how you can become more curious about what you are leaning. As you are developing mastery, maintain a sense of awe at your ability to learn, and celebrate what you have learned. Engage Numinosum! Chris Bruels, who has specialized in Trager Somatic Body Therapy for over 25 years, helps people live more comfortably. For mor information: 250-339-7227, info@ chrisbruels.ca or www.chrisbruels.ca

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“Is Your Job Killing Your Feet”continued from page 21... fitted, supportive footwear. Whether the job requires safety boots or dress shoes, purchasing correct fitting footwear with maximum support will dramatically decrease the likelihood of an injury occurring. When selecting footwear, purchase stable shoes that have a sturdy heel counter (back of the shoe that controls heel motion) and midsoles that provide shock absorption. Lace-up shoes provide more support than Velcro or slip-on shoes. Be sure to replace workplace shoes and boots every six to 12

Sore Feet??

months, or as soon as they begin to show fatigue.

Compression socks or support stockings are a very effective means of reducing fluid which may accumulate in the feet and lower extremities by gently supporting the limb with graduated counter pressure from the feet, upward. Reducing the collection of the fluid in the lower limb will improve comfort and circulation, and lessen the risk of problems such as varicose veins. Pedorthists often create custom foot orthotics (corrective foot appliances to replace the factory shoe foot beds/insoles) for patients who experience problems due to the high demand their career has put on their feet and legs. Custom orthotics serve to properly align and cushion the patient’s feet and lower limbs in order to alleviate the cumulative stress and make their day-to-day activities more comfortable.

Employers are aware of an increased potential of foot problems with long periods of standing, not to mention potential sick days/reduced productivity associated with that. Many offer extended health plans which cover the cost of orthotics and different appliances to assist in the employees’ well-being. If your workplace demands are causing problems for your feet and legs, ask your doctor about a referral to a Canadian Certified Pedorthist to see how they can help you move through your working day with less pain. Trevor Pritoula is board certified with the Canadian College of Pedorthists and owner/operator of SOS Don McRae, M.L.A. Orthotics in Comox, (250) (Comox897-3922. Valley)

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26 CV Health & Recreation Guide

COPY COURTENAY

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A Practical Application by Phyllis Chubb Effective communication is a contributing factor to sustaining good physical and relationship health. Just because people live in the same country and speak the same language doesn’t mean they understand each other.

The same situation applies to being married. Two people can be totally committed to each other yet have serious difficulty understanding each other. Why do such situations arise? A dictionary definition provides the neutral meaning of any word. The spoken word is not neutral. The spoken word is shaded by beliefs, values and immediate moods. The problem of interpersonal communication is that the person speaking and the person hearing make use of different shading.

being true to themselves thinking their efforts were being appreciated by the other, when in fact what was happening was the widening of a gulf between them.

Having had their differences explained in ways they understand they have been able to talk so one could hear the other and have developed a new appreciation for the other. The discovery of their shared intent, although presented differently, has rekindled their shared commitment. Once again Jyotish has come to the rescue of a floundering relationship. In each issue of this magazine I will deal with one letter from a reader. This will involve a telephone conversation as well as a brief description of the situation being dealt with. Remember, anyone who emails must provide their day, month, year, place and if possible time of birth.

Phyllis Chubb MA is a clinical counsellor holding credentials in Western (C.A.P) & Vedic Astrology (Jyotish Kovid). Contact her at www.phyllis@phyllischubb.com.

The shading of each person depends on an individual’s values, innate attitudes and emotional cycle. This is where Jyotish can come to the rescue of individuals and especially partners by providing understanding of each other. Jyotish enables a person to have greater selfunderstanding about his or her own emotional needs and their natural response patterns. This ancient evaluation tool can readily provide relationship-saving information.

As an example let’s consider the two people discussed in the last issue. His world view and hence his method of communication is very practical. He rarely spoke of emotions believing his actions conveyed his feelings. His wife’s words were secondary to him as he judged her commitment to him by her actions. She worked hard, she looked after many factors in his life, therefore he felt content and emotionally satisfied.

His wife, on the other hand, isn’t as pragmatic. She sees his devotion to his work as something he enjoys doing and as being secondary to his feelings for her. She needs more emotional recognition as this is what motivates her. Here we have a situation where each person was

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What is Veterinary Chiropractic Medicine? by Dr. Heather Matheson, Balanced Paws Veterinary Care Veterinary chiropractic medicine is a therapeutic technique that focuses on restoring normal movement to the spinal column. It is a useful tool for addressing lameness due to neck and back pain, and medical issues typically not considered a chiropractic problem.

The premise behind chiropractic medicine is that the body has an ‘innate intelligence.’ Above all, the body has the means and wants to heal itself and maintain a state of health. Every joint in the body should move freely. This includes the spinal column. Every vertebra should move easily against the next. The term subluxation is applied to a joint or vertebra that is ‘stuck’ and unable to move freely. Subluxations (stuck vertebrae) then cause increased muscle tension locally, sensitivity to pressure, limited and painful motions, and changes in posture. Change in posture will eventually lead to a change in gait and muscle changes. Muscles and nerves have a memory. Over time, chronic subluxations will cause nerve impulses to fire with minimal stimulation. Basically, nerves and muscles become tight and hypersensitive. Keep in mind that nerves originating in the spinal cord go to the limbs and internal organs. There is a reciprocal effect between the organs and the spine. For example, a dog with chronic lower back subluxations, over time, may experience issues of incontinence or bladder problems. The opposite is also true. For

example, a dog with kidney stones will, over time, have subluxations and pain in the upper lumbar spine. Subluxation or lack of joint motion also has many effects on the joint itself. The cartilage (cushion) in the joint becomes thin and brittle. It will develop holes and eventually become calcified. Joint fluid (which nourishes the joint) will lose protective proteins and arthritis will occur. Snowball effect!

Veterinary chiropractors assess movement in each joint and vertebra, and establish the location of subluxations. The affected joint or vertebra is brought into ‘tension’ and a gentle thrust in the correct direction frees up joint mobility. This is called an adjustment. One of the things I love about chiropractic medicine is the immediate change the animal experiences. After the adjustment, your canine- or feline-friend will experience improved mobility, decreased muscle tenderness, decreased swelling and improved nerve function. The adjustment also causes a release of endorphins, which have pain relieving and relaxing properties. Needless to say it doesn’t take many visits before our fuzzy companions figure out chiropractic adjustments feel real good.

Possible indicators of subluxated joints or vertebrae: • An abnormal gait such as pacing. Pacing is using both legs on the same side at the same time in a trot. This is not a normal gait for a dog and can indicate lower back pain or sacral subluxation. • Frequent gait changes. • Short striding in the hind end may indicate pelvic subluxation. • Dog tracking on an abnormal tail set may indicate sacral subluxation or low back issues.

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• Head bob or front leg lameness may indicate cervical subluxation and a sore neck, or a subluxated shoulder or toe. • A head-tilt or head-shaking may indicate a rotated atlas, the first cervical vertebra. • Postural changes such as a low head carriage or hunched stance. • Urinary incontinence may occur with sacral subluxation. • Neurological deficits such as in-coordination or dragging the toes when walking. • Inability to jump or knocking jumps down. • Cats can groom excessively on their back, particularly around the tail base. • Cats can attack the hind end, feet or seizure due to muscle hypersensitivity in the lower back and sacrum. Dogs with neck or back pain may have a lower head carriage or front leg lameness, decreased range of motion in the neck or back and be unable to do the ‘whole body shake’ that dogs often do. You can see them try. They will start the shake and then stop short. Immediately after the adjustment the head is held at a more normal angle. They have less muscle reactivity in the neck and are able to shake from head to tail. Longer-term changes include reversal of arthritis, improved muscle function, improved health and organ function, and improved immune function. Chiropractic adjustments may be needed more frequently to start as muscles need to be retrained. If the problem is longstanding, adjustments may be needed weekly or every other week. When improvement is apparent, often the frequency of chiropractic visits is decreased as needed. Routine exercises also help to retrain muscles and limit subluxations.

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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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Which is Best for You? by Kathy Seymour

Essential oils have been around for centuries and were used for a variety of conditions, perfuming the body, physical health and religious purposes. As well, these oils have many therapeutic qualities. In medieval times they were used for medicinal purposes as there were no modern medicines as we now have for fighting off disease. Oils were used extensively for their antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial qualities because of their ability to prevent the spread of disease, plagues and epidemics. As time went on essential oils became unpopular with the involvement of the Catholic Church which viewed the oils as a form of witchcraft and actually proposed a law to prohibit women from wearing scents. They felt that women were taking advantage of men and luring them into marriage when they were not in full command of their senses. The law was not passed. As modern science started to take over, essential oils fell from favour and were replaced with chemicals substitutions in our medicine and beauty products as they were cheaper to produce and more readily available. Essential oils come from a variety of sources - trees, flowers, resins, leaves and bark - and can take a considerable amount of plant material in order to produce a single ounce of liquid as well as time and effort to extract the oil from the source. As with all things, essential oils are becoming increasingly popular as our generation is becoming more holistically inclined and looking for more natural methods of dealing with infections, bacteria, scents and sensitivities to chemicals.

30 CV Health & Recreation Guide

Essential oils have also become quite popular in combination with massage or perfuming oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bath, or as a preventative measure as these oils can help with anxiety, depression, respiratory conditions, stress, skin conditions, relaxation, muscle aches and pains. Here are a few essential oil blends than can be useful next time you have an issue rather than grabbing that bottle of Advil. I promise, you will enjoy it much more.

Preventative Sports Rub 1 ounce carrier oil (jojoba, almond, or grape seed oil) 4 drops basil oil 4 drops rosemary oil 2 drops peppermint oil 1 drop ginger oil Place the carrier oil in a clean container (preferably a brown or blue coloured glass bottle) and then add the essential oils. Gently roll the container from to side to side between your hands to mix the oils. Massage the blend onto your muscles before physical activity.

Chronic Pain Relief Bath 3 drops clary sage oil 2 drops juniper oil 2 drops marjoram oil 1 drop coriander oil 1 drop vetiver oil Add the essential oils to a bathtub filled with warm water. Soak in the bath for 20 to 30 minutes.

Sweet Dreams Pillow Spray 1 ounce distilled water 4 drops lavender oil 2 drops chamomile oil 2 drops orange oil 2 drops ylang ylang oil Pour water into a brown or blue glass spray bottle, add the essential oils and shake to blend. Spray your blend on your pillow and sheets or room before bedtime and dream away. (Make sure to shake before each use) As with any oil always check with your naturopath, holistic pharmacist or aromatherapist to make sure there are no sensitivities to the oil being used, such as seizures, respiratory issues or high-low blood pressure. Bottles for the blends are usually readily available at most pharmacies or health stores.

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Kathy Seymour of Getting In Touch specializes in Reiki, Shaluha Ka and Quantum Touch, and quite often will utilize the benefits of essential oils in conjunction with her treatments. For further information contact her at 250 898-3330.

Kathy Seymour gettingintouch@shaw.ca

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Store Hours Monday to Friday 8am - 9pm Saturday 8am - 8pm Sunday 9am - 6pm

250-338-0101

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Automotive Service: 250-338-6553 CV Health & Recreation Guide