Acupuncture Confirmed Helpful for Chronic Pain
By Dr. Mercola

Story at-a-glance

• A recent analysis of the most robust studies available concluded that acupuncture has a clear effect in reducing chronic pain, more so than standard pain treatment
• Study participants receiving acupuncture reported an average 50 percent reduction in pain, compared to a 28 percent pain reduction for standard pain treatment without acupuncture
• Other treatment modalities for pain include massage, chiropractic, energy psychology tools, and neuro-structural integration technique (NST)
• Alternatives to over-the-counter and prescription pain medications include astaxanthin, ginger, curcumin, boswellia, cayenne cream, bromelaine, Cetyl Myristoleate, and evening primrose, black currant, and borage oils

Read the full article here:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/09/29/acupuncture-reduces-chronic-pain.aspx

For more information on Medical Acupuncture offered at the New Hamburg Wellness Centre, visit our website:  http://nhwc.ca/so_acupuncture.html

WE'RE HIRING!

 

Part-Time Receptionist/Clinical Assistant 

 

Busy Wellness Clinic (Chiropractic, Massage Therapy, Naturopath) in New Hamburg is looking for a part-time Receptionist/Clinical Assistant to start immediately.

 

Job Duties include (but are not limited to):

• Booking appointments, collecting fees, processing patients
• Answering telephone and greeting patients in a professional manner
• Filing and office administration tasks
• Balancing daily transactions
• Appointment confirmation calls
• Clinical assisting
• Cleaning

 

Qualifications:

• Experience in a multidisciplinary health clinic (or similar customer service environment)
• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills
• Detail-oriented and efficient
• Proven ability to multi-task and work within a fast-paced environment
• Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office; experience using PMP software program is an asset
• Punctual, reliable, responsible, and organized
• Professional and health-minded with an interest in health and wellness
• Available to work evening and flexible hours

 

Qualified applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and resume nhwc@bellnet.ca. Only qualified applicants will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Repetitive Strain Injury

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a type of disorder that primarily affects muscles, nerves and joints.  This includes conditions such as rotator cuff and achilles tendonitis, carpel tunnel syndrome, neck tension syndrome, bursitis, golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, and plantar fasciitis.  Symptoms of RSI may include restricted mobility, weakness, numbness, tingling, burning sensations, swelling, redness, sharp and/or aching pain.  In its severest form, RSI can significantly limit physical functioning and render people incapable of carrying out even simple tasks.

RSI can affect anyone involved in activities that require rapid and/or repetitive motion of muscles and joints in work, sport, or leisure activities.  It is more likely to happen if these movements are combined with awkward posture(s), excessive force, poor technique, and using the wrong equipment or tool.  Physical deconditioning can also make individual's susceptible to RSI.  As a result, RSI can affect a broad variety of people including:  trade workers such as electricians, painters, and carpenters; recreational athletes such as tennis players and golfers; and labourers such as cleaners and assembly line workers.  Video gaming, computer use, holding one's phone between the neck and shoulder, and even hobbies like knitting and playing a musical instrument are associated with RSI.

While most cases of RSI are treatable, it can recur and may become chronic without appropriate management.  Pain in one area of the body may also spread to other areas as the body tries to compensate.  For example, pain in the wrist can move to the forearm, shoulder joint and neck muscles as an individual attempts to avoid pain and symptoms while continuing to perform the offending activities.  Therefore, prevention is key to managing RSI.  This is accomplished through identifying and then altering or eliminating the situations that contribute to the cause of RSI.  This may include making changes to a work station, using the correct tools/equipment, taking breaks to relax overworked muscles and joints, and performing exercises to relieve stress and strengthen the affected parts of your body.

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals skilled in evaluating, maintaining and restoring physical function.  They can provide education to help prevent RSI and offer effective therapy to help relieve symptoms that have already developed.  This may include treatment options such as joint mobilizations, specialized soft tissue therapy, acupuncture, and electrotherapy.  In addition, a chiropractor can advise you on modifications to your work environment as well as assist you in improving work habits and postures.  Specific rehabilitative exercise prescription that includes strengthening and stretching exercises, combined with aerobic conditioning, may also be part of your treatment plan to prevent recurrence of RSI.

If RSI is affecting your ability to get through the day and keeping you away from your favourite activities, consider chiropractic care.  A chiropractor will assess your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and recommend a treatment plan to put you on the road to recovery.  For more information, visit www.nhwc.ca.

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

Understanding Medical Acupuncture Treatment
By:  Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

Acupuncture is a 2000-year-old Chinese treatment in which needles are inserted into specific points on the body.  The World Health Organization (WHO) lists approximately four-dozen different conditions that can legitimately be treated by acupuncture.   Acupuncture treatments can be particularly helpful for pain complaints such as:  muscular strains, arthritic pain, neck and low back pain, rotator cuff tendonitis, tennis elbow, migraine and tension headaches.

The term "Medical Acupuncture" refers to acupuncture performed by a licensed health care professional who has training in the health sciences.  Practitioners of Medical Acupuncture derive the concepts of disease, dysfunction, and healing from the western biomedical understanding of pathology, anatomy, physiology and biochemistry.  Under this model, the act of inserting an acupuncture needle into the body is believed to result in the following:

·         Pain Control - Pain-blocking substances are released locally and by the central nervous system to suppress the transmission of pain.

·        Inflammation Control - Natural anti-inflammatory chemicals are released locally, and inflammation control centers are stimulated in other parts of the body.

·         Blood and Lymphatic Flow - Enhancement of blood and lymphatic flow locally and throughout the body allows for the delivery of fresh oxygen and the removal of injury debris from the injury site.

The needles used for acupuncture are much smaller than a standard hypodermic needle.  These needles are solid, not hollow, and have a finely tapered point as opposed to a bevelled cutting-edge point.  The sensations felt during needle insertion range from feeling nothing at all, to mild tingling, to slight numbness/achiness, to small electrical pulsations distant to the site of insertion.  All these sensations typically subside once the needles are removed.  It is common practice nowadays for practitioners to use sterile disposable needles that are discarded following treatment.

As with any health intervention, there is always a potential for side effects and adverse reactions.  The good news is that acupuncture performed by an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner is relatively safe and infrequently yields minor side effects.  These may include but are not limited to: a slight discoloration at the acupuncture site that is temporary and not dangerous; minor bleeding; nausea; short-term fatigue or drowsiness; or a short-term increase in pain before relief sets in.  An experienced and knowledgeable acupuncturist aims to avoid treatment of certain points during pregnancy, over wounded or infectious areas, to individuals who are hemophiliacs, and to individuals who have needle phobia.

Medical Acupuncture treatments can be safely and successfully employed to help promote healing and recovery from pain complaints including muscle and joint injuries.  Acupuncture treatments can also be utilized in conjunction with other rehabilitative strategies such as exercise prescription, manual adjusting and mobilization techniques, and soft tissue therapy.  For more information visit www.nhwc.ca.

Dr. John A. Papa is a graduate of the McMaster University Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program.  This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

Sleep, Baby, Sleep!

Everyone knows there’s nothing like a good night’s sleep for feeling refreshed and alert in the morning. On the other hand, not getting the six to eight hours of sleep that you need may leave you feeling grumpy and tired all day. But here’s something you may not know: You have far more control over the quality of your sleep than you think.

Choose a good mattress
Your mattress should be flexible enough to adapt to your body’s shape, but firm enough to support your spine. If you share your bed, look for one that provides independent support for each sleeper.

Test your pillow
Your pillow should help keep your head and neck in line with your spine. Try out a variety of pillows in the store to find the one that feels comfortable and works best for you. Different types include memory foam, fibre, feather and buckwheat.

Don’t sleep on your stomach
Canada’s chiropractors recommend sleeping on your back or side. These positions allow your head, neck and spine to relax into their natural alignment. This reduces stress and strain on your muscles and joints that can disrupt your sleep and lead to aches in the morning.

Low Back Pain?
If you have low back pain and sleep on your back, put a pillow under your knees to take some of the pressure off your back. Side-sleepers should put a pillow between their knees for support.

Get to bed on time
Try to go to bed at the same time every night – even on weekends – to keep your sleep cycle in a regular rhythm. Avoid naps, but if you must, limit naps to less than 30 minutes, and be sure to have your siesta before 3p.m.

Help your body wind down
Avoid caffeinated beverages, heavy meals, alcohol and vigorous exercise within two hours of bedtime – they can all disrupt sleep.

Bedtime rituals act as relaxation cues
Some people like a hot shower before bed while others like to listen to relaxing music, watch TV or read. These cues let your body know it’s time to prepare for sleep.

Light up your life!
In the morning, open the curtains or blinds soon after you wake up. Bright light helps to regulate your natural biological clock.

Still having a sleepless night?If you can’t fall asleep after 30 minutes of tossing and turning, get up and do something boring in dim light until you feel sleepy. Try not to look at the clock – it may only make you feel anxious.

Sleep is an important aspect of your overall health – both your body and mind rest and refresh while sleeping. If you have continued difficulty getting a good night’s rest, consult a health professional such as a chiropractor who can help identify the problem and find solutions.

Stress Relievers

 

We’ve all experienced stress while trying to balance our personal and professional lives. Not having enough hours in the day to manage conflicting priorities causes us to go into overdrive, leading to stress.

The best way to relieve stress is by managing stress – it’s important to your health. You can reduce stress by learning to control your responses to everyday situations. Here are some tips to help you say goodbye to stress:

At-ti-tude!
The old saying is true – attitude is everything! We invest a lot of time and energy into tackling everyday situations with uncertain outcomes. The best way to approach these situations is by creating manageable expectations, prioritizing and having a positive attitude which will make your decision-making less stressful.

Just breathe!
Does your body tense up in challenging situations? If this happens to you, take a deep breath and concentrate on a nice, long exhale. You’ll instantly feel more alert, focused and rejuvenated. Stressed shallow breathing only uses the upper portion of the lungs, so remember to breathe from the diaphragm and concentrate on exhaling.

Drink water!
Quench your thirst with water. Research has shown that we think better when hydrated.

Fuel up!
Eating healthily is important to maintaining a balanced diet. Avoid skipping meals and eating on-the-go, or while at your desk, so that you’ll digest your food better. Choose high-protein snacks which will take longer to digest and will help sustain your energy level throughout the day.

Keep moving!
Regular exercise helps the body cope with stress…so keep it moving! Go for a walk, jog, run or swim. Stretch before and after.

Sleep!
Stress and worries sometimes prevent us from getting enough shut-eye. Remember, the body needs at least 7-8 hours of sleep at night to restore itself. Our ability to handle stress is improved when we’re well-rested.

Finding the Perfect Backpack


Strapping on a backpack is part of a student's daily ritual but choosing the one right for your son or daughter takes some careful consideration and possibly even some negotiation.

"It's a challenge because you want to find something your kid is going to like but you also want something that's functional and will last the school year," says Canadian Chiropractic Association spokesperson Dr. Annette Bourdon of Montreal, Que. "You want a backpack that's well designed so it's not going to injure them."

Finding the perfect fit

Ensuring the backpack is proportional to your child's height and weight should be your top priority. It should be about the same width as the child's back and shoulders. In terms of height, it should sit between the top of the shoulders and the top of the hips.

Once loaded, the lowest part of the backpack should never hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. Make sure your child wears both shoulder straps and ensure they're properly adjusted so they're snug but not too tight, which causes the backpack to be worn too high, Bourdon says.

Look for pockets

Choose a backpack with several pockets rather than one large compartment. A divider allows your child to place heavier items -- such as binders, textbooks and a laptop -- closer to the body and supporting back muscles. "Pockets help organize content and distribute weight evenly," says Bourdon.

Remember, bigger is not necessarily better

"The bigger the purse, suitcase or backpack, the more stuff we put in it," Bourdon says. "Kids are carrying tablets, iPads, laptops and MP3 players -- items that are as heavy as and sometimes even heavier than a textbook."

Potential health risks

"Wearing a backpack that's too heavy and/or poorly adjusted can lead to poor posture, neck pain, headaches, mid and/or lower back pain, muscle strain, inflammation and even nerve damage," Bourdon says. "Wearing a backpack on one shoulder or too high or too low can lead to curvature of the spine, known as scoliosis, and contribute further to bad posture."

Posture is important, agrees Canadian Physiotherapy Association spokesperson Shelly Malcolm Beazley, a physiotherapist with Cove Sport Therapy in Dartmouth, N.S. "We often think about back problems with backpacks but neck problems are relatively common too," she says.

"The use of technology -- laptops, iPods and other electronics -- causes kids to get into a head forward posture and a backpack can do that same thing, which is tough on the neck and shoulders."

Backpack basics

Ask your children if their backpacks are comfortable. Malcom Beazley recommends working with teachers to ensure children aren't transporting items they don't need every day. "Limit the amount of time they spend carrying their backpack," she says. "If they're at a bus stop, for example, encourage them to set it on the ground while waiting for the bus to arrive."

Before embarking on your quest for the perfect backpack, be prepared to compromise, especially with younger children sure to care only about whether a backpack features their favourite TV or movie character. "Choose a lunch bag with their favourite character instead of a poorly designed backpack," says Bourdon.

Backpack health tips

Choosing it: Select a backpack made of lightweight material with two wide, adjustable shoulder straps, a waist belt, several individual pockets and a padded back. It should be proportionate to the child's body size.

Packing it: The load in a backpack should not exceed 10% of an elementary student's body weight and 15% of a high school student's weight.

Lifting it: A child should place their backpack on a table or chair, bend at the knees and lift with the legs while putting on one shoulder strap at a time.

-- Ontario Chiropractic Association
Finding the perfect backpack | Life | Toronto Sun