What’s in your Air Freshener?

SO-000-groupAir fresheners deliver a fine mist of “aroma compounds” that remain suspended in the air for an extended period of time, and are sold in many different forms; aerosols, candles, reed diffusers, potpourri, and heat release products (aka Plug-ins).

Air fresheners with synthetic fragrances do not “clean” the air, they work by interfering with your ability to smell, and simply mask the odours. Air fresheners drown out the smell by releasing chemical such as methoxychlor which coat the nasal passages with a film of oil, which interferes with your olfactory nerves. Read more…

Many air fresheners contain hazardous chemicals that don’t show up on the label.  Most mass produced “chemical” air fresheners list one or two ingredients on their products, however, these products can contain upwards of 300 different chemicals and allergens, including  benzene, formaldehyde, styrene, and phthalates. Read more… 

Due to loopholes in the chemical perfume industry, companies are not required to list the ingredients of anything labeled as a “fragrance,” and that’s why most commercial air fresheners have no ingredients listed on their product.

A recent MSN article stated “that being exposed to air freshener chemicals as little as once a week can increase your odds of developing asthma symptoms as much as 71 percent and can contribute to an increased risk of a number of pulmonary diseases”.

A recent study conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council, found dangerous chemicals known as phthalates in several air freshener products. When an air freshener is sprayed, the phthalates are released into the air where they can be inhaled/absorbed through the skin.  Read more…

If you like air fresheners….. do your homework… there are alternative organic, healthy products.  One Local Company, Synergy Organics is making a difference with a natural product line, that really works!

All of the essential oils in their products are NOP Certified. The National Organic Program develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labeling standards for organic agricultural products.  All active ingredients have a Certificate of Analysis, an FDA approved analysis to certify quality and purity, and an MSDS Safety Sheet.

It all starts with essential oils derived from natural sources. Essential oils have been used for centuries; they have antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, deodorizing, and antiseptic properties.

So the next time you purchase an air freshener…..make sure you know what’s in it!

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What to do before starting an exercise program

recreational-activities-1Making a decision to begin exercising is the easy part, committing to your program is the hard part; so remember to ask your healthcare practitioner before starting an exercising program.

Often, the biggest challenge is changing your lifestyle. All of us have created bad habits over the years and changing these requires a committed effort to consciously recognize and alter these unhealthy patterns. It takes time to develop new habits, so staying positive and having a forgiving attitude is essential.

Begin by checking with your health care practitioner to ensure that you can safely exercise without restrictions. Then surround yourself with supportive  healthy minded people; having a support system you can rely on is crucial when starting a workout program.  Accountability and motivation are very important to your success, so ask people you know how they’ve set up their active lifestyle.   Remember that your goals need to be realistic and measurable in a way that you will see your progress and keep motivated.

Think about hiring a qualified personal trainer for one or two sessions to learn what to do to reach your fitness goals. Find some activity that works for you whether it’s biking to work, walking, or joining a sports league.  There are so many options and opportunities to be active – we just have to recognize them.

A great way to get active is to join a local charity event such as a fun run or sponsored golf event.  Not only will you be helping people in your community, you will be getting out, getting active, having fun and meeting like minded folks…and who knows, it might even lead to you joining a team or group!

When you make physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle a priority, you will find more energy and enthusiasm for the other areas of your life.

So ask your health practitioner when starting a new exercise program, and keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to stay active, just get moving!

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Hydro Massage Therapy

Hydo Massage TherapyHydro massage is a type of massage based on the therapeutic use of warm water. Hydro massage helps to relax muscles, increase blood circulation, and relieve muscular pain and tension.

Hydro massage therapy helps to alleviate muscle and soft tissue injuries caused by low back pain, arthritis, chronic and acute pain, neck injuries, TMJ, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, and pregnancy discomfort. This therapy gives you the relaxing benefits of a massage without the drawbacks or inconveniences of getting undressed or having oils placed on your skin.

Hydro massage therapy is an unattended water massage system.  A powerful wave of water spans the full width of the client’s body providing a powerful, heated massage.  Users enjoy total relaxation while remaining comfortable and fully clothed. The water temperature is approximately 34C.

Hydro massage therapy reduces anxiety levels, helps with sport or work related injuries, tension headaches and post-operative rehabilitation.

In one 15 minute session, you receive the following benefits:

Physically relaxes the body
Calms the nervous system
Lowers blood pressure
Reduces heart rate
Loosens tight muscles
Stretches connective tissues
Reduces chronic pain
Increases blood and lymph circulation
Speeds the removal of metabolic waste
Increases red blood cell counts
Relieves tired and aching muscles
Stimulates the release of endorphins
Relieves cramps and muscle spasms
Increase flexibility and range of motion
Strengthens the immune system
Reduces swelling
Reduces tension headaches
Increases tissue metabolism
Reduces mental stress/anxiety

Hydro massage therapy improves circulation, provides temporary relief of minor aches and pains, and provides healing benefits for chronic pain caused by conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Hydro Massage therapy is also a great way to assists in warming up muscles before a treatment.

Please contact our clinic to find out ore about Hydro Massage Therapy.

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Modified Sleeper Stretch

Welcome to our video series hosted by Shadi Flefeil where he discusses stretching and strengthening your body. This time we’re discussing shoulder stretches.

The sleeper stretch is a focused stretch of the posterior shoulder capsule. This stretch is excellent for overhead athletes such as pitchers and tennis players to help prevent injury.  It is also an essential part of the rehabilitation plan for many shoulder injuries.

Shadi is passionate about sports rehabilitation; and with his years of clinical knowledge, excels in treating “everyday” injuries, including neck and back pain, overuse injuries, and acute musculoskeletal injuries.

 

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Tennis Elbow

Tennis ElbowTennis elbow is an overuse and muscle strain injury caused by the repeated contraction of the forearm muscles that you use to straighten and raise your hand and wrist and affects 1% to 3% of the overall population.  Repeated motion and stress to the tissue can cause inflammation or even a series of tiny tears in the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bony “knob” at the outside of your elbow, and the results can be painful.

Many common activities other than playing tennis, can cause this painful condition, including gardening, working around the house, or any activity that involves repetitive twisting of the wrist.  Pain and weakness caused by tennis elbow can make it difficult to do simple everyday activities such as shake hands, use a doorknob, or hold a coffee cup.

If you think you have tennis elbow, it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider to get an expert opinion.  Luckily, up to 90% of cases can be remedied by nonsurgical treatments, and symptoms usually diminish within four to six weeks after receiving appropriate treatment.

For immediate relief, often just resting and applying ice may help relieve symptoms, and anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain.  Braces or wrist splints may also help to relieve the symptoms of tennis elbow along with specific range of motion exercises.

The type of treatment prescribed for tennis elbow will depend on several factors, including age, overall health, medical history, and severity of pain. The goals of treatment are to reduce pain or inflammation, promote healing, and decrease stress and abuse on the injured elbow.

Physiotherapy & Chiropractic treatments can help treat tennis elbow; using a combination of Ultrasound, Class IV Laser, Shockwave Therapy and Graston Instruments to reduce inflammation. Specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles of your forearm will help to strengthen those muscle and keep the chance of tennis elbow from re-occurring.

Your practitioner will also discuss changes you need to make to your work environment, sport technique or sports equipment that you are currently using.

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The Superman Exercise

Welcome to our video series hosted by Shadi Flefeil where he discusses stretching and strengthening your body. This time we’re discussing  The Superman.

Shadi Fleifel graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at Western University in London Ontario, before going to Perth, Australia to complete his Master’s degree in Physiotherapy in 2008.

For more information on this series of exercises, please contact the clinic at 250-382-0018.

 

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Shoulder strength exercises – Internal rotation

Welcome to our video series hosted by Shadi Flefeil where he discusses stretching and strengthening your body.

This time we’re discussing caring for your shoulder, specifically you rotator cuff.  Stretching and strengthening exercises can help you properly use your shoulder to minimize over use of the rotator cuff.

For more information, please contact Shadi at 250-382-0018

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Stretching: the best thing for a sore back (Chiropractic Care)

One of the best things you can do for a sore back is to stretch. Stretching a sore back can help bring back some suppleness and increase in mobility, decrease back pain and discomfort, and improve your range of motion.

An important note about stretching

Never continue a stretch or take part in any activity that hurts your back. Take it easy, and remember to always seek the advice of a professional.

Learn more about our team of chiropractors and how they can help.

Stretching should be pain free, so never force your body into difficult positions. Move into the stretch slowly and avoid bouncing, which may actually tear muscles. Hold stretches long enough (15-30 seconds) to allow muscles or joints to become loosened.

Here are three stretches  you can do at home to help your sore back.

Back Flexion Stretch:

Start by lying on your back and pulling both knees to your chest, while simultaneously flexing your head forward into a balled-up position until you feel a comfortable stretch in your back. Repeat for 5 to 10 repetitions.

Continue lying down on your back with your knees all the way up as far as you can toward your chest. Hug them with your arms, then roll back and forth along your back. As your body rolls with your legs and arms tucked in, your back will get a nice stretch. This stretch is to be done slowly. Repeat for 5 to 10 repetitions.

Knee to Chest Stretch:

Start by lying on your back with the knees bent and both heels on the floor.   Bring one knee to your chest and wrap both hands around your knee to increase the stretch. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat the stretch on the opposite leg. Repeat for 5 to 10 repetitions.

Hip Stretch:

While standing with feet shoulder-width apart, take a half-step back with the right foot, bend the left knee and shift weight back to the right hip. While keeping the right leg straight, bend forward more and reach down the right leg until a stretch in the outer hip is felt.

If you have persistent back pain  (learn more about chronic back pain) please seek out medical help from your health care practitioner. They can rule out any serious aliments or conditions, and then you can start one of the best things you can do for a sore back – STRETCH!

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Exercise for Shoulder Rotator Cuff

Welcome to our video series hosted by Shadi Flefeil where he discusses stretching and strengthening your body. This time we’re discussing caring for your shoulder, specifically you rotator cuff.

Shadi will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact him at 250-382-0018, during clinic hours.

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Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar FasciitisPlantar fasciitis is a painful condition caused by overuse of the arch tendon (plantar fascia) of the foot; and if you’ve ever suffered from Plantar Fasciitis, you know that this can be one of the most irritating and hard to treat injuries there is.

The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is an overly tight calf muscle which leads to persistent pronation of the foot, which produces over-stretching of the arch tendon, and can lead to inflammation and thickening of the tendon.

The Plantar Fascia is a band of tissue that runs from your heel down through most of the length of your foot. It could be considered to be a “shock absorber” for your arch. This tissue is also known as the arch tendon. When this tissue becomes inflamed, the result is Plantar Fasciitis, a condition that can result in moderate to severe pain in your heel and foot.

Plantar Fasciitis, over time, can also cause a heel spur. If untreated, the condition can become degenerative, causing further pain, symptoms and long-term treatment challenges.

Not surprisingly,  runners, golfers and tennis players who spend long hours on their feet are some of the most common victims of Plantar Fasciitis.  Additionally, those over 40 are more susceptible, as is anyone who is predisposed to the condition. People with tight calves are thought to be more likely to develop the condition, as is anyone who spends time on their feet without proper footwear.

Temporary relief from Plantar Fasciitis can often be found through stretching localized massage, or anti-inflammatory medications. This relief is typically short-lived, however, as the condition will usually persist until it is properly treated and the underlying cause is identified and addressed.

Permanent relief from Plantar Fasciitis will usually come from a combination of the following approaches:

– Improved footwear for the activity you’re engaging in

– Orthotics

– Weight loss

–  Specific Stretching for the foot and calf muscles

– Physiotherapy

– Massage

– Laser Therapy to treat the inflamed area

– Kineso-tape to support the arch tendon

– Shockwave Therapy to treat the inflamed area

You should seek treatment if there is pain when pressing on the inside of the heel or if the pain is worse first thing in the morning.  If left unattended the condition can become more severe, with the pain worsening throughout the day.

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