Medical Myths That Just Won’t Die

common-medical-myths-300x200Medical myths are beliefs that in some cases are based on fact, but most are simply misunderstood concepts about our bodies.

Medical Myth #1 Stress Is The Reason For Having Grey Hair:

Many people believe that stress causes our hair go grey.  Stress does increases the number of free radical molecules that attack healthy cells and this increase does produce stress hormones in the body. That said, there is currently no scientific evidence that proves stress makes our hair turn grey.  A persons genetic “makeup” is the reason for having grey hair.

Medical Myth #2 Eggs Are Bad For You:
The most recent studies have showed that eating six eggs a day for six weeks had no significant effect on cholesterol levels.  What we do know is that eggs are a complete protein source.

Medical Myth #3 Antioxidants Are Good For You:

The belief is that antioxidants increase free radicals formed by oxygen, and can slow aging, reduce cancer risk and prolong life.

Oxidation which is the formation of free radicals by oxygen is what kills cancer cells. Oxidation is your body’s response to abnormal cells which occur naturally in our bodies.  Ingesting too many antioxidants may actually suppress your body’s ability to respond to these abnormal cells.

Medical Myth #4 Cracking Your Knuckles Will Give You Arthritis:

Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of cartilage in your joints, and is caused by age and general wear and tear.  Cracking your joints, specifically your knuckles, will not cause arthritis.

 Medical Myth #5 Feed A Cold, Starve A Fever:

This myth has been around for years. The truth is don’t deny your body the nutrients it needs. If you feel like eating and can keep food down, eat.  Remember to keep the meals simple and easy to digest.

Medical Myth #6 Microwaving Kills The Nutrients In Food:

Numerous studies found that microwaving food often retains more nutrients than conventional cooking. That’s because the cooking time is shorter and you’re less likely to use water.

When microwaving food, use a microwave-safe container to avoid releasing chemicals into your food.

Medical Myth #7 Reading In The Dark Will Damage Your Eyes:

Reading in dim light can cause eye strain,  which can lead to sore eyes, headaches and blurred vision. However, eye strain is a short-term problem and will have no lasting effects.

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Emily Kersey – Registered Massage Therapist

Registered Massage Therapist - Victoria BC

Welcome Emily Kersey, our newest registered massage therapist to join the Diversified Health Practitioner Team!

Emily has a diverse education in both Eastern and Western massage techniques. Her education in Yoga Therapy, Thai Massage, Ayurvedic and Swedish massage has enabled her to examine both energetic and musculoskeletal health.

Emily has been fascinated with bodywork since childhood after sitting in on her mother’s massage appointments. At fifteen she started taking yoga, which brought body awareness into her life and prompted interest in the field of health. Then, while taking a university gap year working at a wellness center, she saw the amazing results massage brought clients and was eager to learn these skills herself.

The Eastern Therapy Bodywork diploma program at Pacific Rim College offered an approach to healing that brought together yoga, massage and therapy. The Yoga Therapy education there initiated her own journey of healing, solidifying the effectiveness of body movement in health maintenance. The Thai Massage education taught her manual skills to use while the client is in yoga-like poses, creating an application for Emily’s yogic knowledge within massage practice. Ayurveda introduced her to energetic medicine which forever changed Emily’s perception of how to find balance in all aspects of life to achieve overall health.

After starting a home practice, Emily realized that this education alone was not sufficient to meet some of the more complex physiological needs of clients. It was at this point she chose to attend the Canadian College of Massage Therapy. Emily studied and worked with many issues during school such as chronic pain and workplace related issues. Much of her clinical studies were specific to autoimmune disorders, bringing to light the positive influence massage has in pain management. She is passionate about addressing myriad health concerns and bringing the totality of her educational experiences to improving the lives of her clients.

Clinic Days: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday

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What Type of Stretching is Right For You?

recreational-activities-1There are many different types of stretching techniques for improving flexibility, so knowing what type of stretching is right for you can be confusing. Here are a quick explanation of six common stretching techniques.

When to Use The Correct Stretch

Stretches are either dynamic (involve motion) or static (involve no motion).

It’s best to perform static stretches after an activity, when your muscles are still warm. A post-activity static stretch helps reduce muscle tension and soreness by elongating the muscle and increasing blood circulation.

Dynamic stretches are most effective before an activity: they help prepare your body for the specific movements you will be using for that particular sport or activity. These type of stretches elevate your heart rate and increase your body temperature.

Different types of stretching:

  1. ballistic stretching
  2. dynamic stretching
  3. active stretching
  4. passive/relaxed stretching
  5. static stretching
  6.  Myofascial Release Stretching

Ballistic Stretching

This type of stretching utilizes repeated bouncing movement to stretch the targeted muscle group by bouncing into a stretched position, using the stretched muscles as a spring to pull yourself out of the stretched position. (e.g. bouncing down repeatedly to touch your toes.)

Dynamic Stretching

When you perform dynamic stretches, instead of holding the stretch, you repeatedly move your joints and muscles through a full range of motion. Dynamic stretching helps to improve the range of motion around your joints, improving the flexibility for a specific sport or activity (e.g walking lunges, high knee marching and arm circles.)

Active Stretching

An active stretch is one where you assume a position and then hold it, with no assistance other than using the strength of your muscles.

Active stretching increases flexibility, and strengthens the your muscles. Active stretches are usually quite difficult to hold and maintain for more than several seconds. (e.g  numerous positions in yoga are active stretches.)

Passive Stretching

Passive or relaxed stretching is assuming a position and holding it with some other part of your body, or  assistance from another person or with a piece of equipment. (e.g  bringing your leg up  to your chest and then holding it, in place with your arms.)

Static Stretching

This is the most common stretching technique.  Static stretching is executed by extending the intended muscle group to its maximal point ( where you feel a slight discomfort) and holding it for a period of time.

There are two types of static stretches:

  • Active: Added force is applied by the individual for greater intensity (e.g. Pulling your elbow towards you with your opposite hand)
  • Passive: Added force is applied by an external force for greater intensity (e.g., assistance from another person or with a piece of equipment.)

 Myofascial Release Stretching

Using a a foam roller or similar piece of equipment, myofascial release decreases tension and improves flexibility in the fascia (a densely woven connective tissue) and muscle.  To be effective, you need to use small, continuous back-and-forth movements over a small specific area of the body at a time.

Stretching is an important part of being fit. Static and dynamic are two stretching techniques that can help you maintain flexibility and decrease your risk of being injured.

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Top 4 Training Tips For Running a Marathon

marathon-runners-580x387Wear old clothes and runners?

On the day of the race wear clothing you know is comfortable and that you can wear for the entire race. This is not the time to wear new clothing. This is also true for your footwear.  Make sure that you check your foot gear:  socks, orthotics,  and laces weeks before the race so that everything works in harmony and there will be no surprises during the race.

Variety needed for both location and training.

To maintain your interest and enthusiasm try running on different routes, and run on different surfaces , such as pavement, asphalt, chip trails, grass, dirt and pack gravel.

Cross training should be used to augment your running program.  Make sure to choose activities that have the least amount of weight bearing stressors on your body. You want to choose activities such as cycling, or swimming.

Know your route and practice drinking and eating while on the run

In a marathon it’s important to stay hydrated.  For most people, you may also need to eat during the event.  Practice eating and drinking on the run during a training sessions . You might also want to think about how you will carry food and water for the duration of the run. Keep in mind most marathons offer hydration station along the routes.

One of the best ways to train for a marathon is to familiarize yourself with the  actual race. Try regularly to incorporate parts of the course during your marathon preparation.  This allows you to become familiar with the route and what to expect on race day.

Keep yourself strong

Preparing for a marathon requires training, and exercising all while avoiding over-training – where your health begins to suffers.  To avoid over-training:

  • Balance workouts with easier runs and rest days
  • Eat and drink after each run to replenish depleted reserves
  • Get adequate sleep
  • Increase the intensity and quantity of training in manageable increments.
  • Always listen to your body.

As with any training program, make sure that you have frequent maintenance session with your healthcare practitioner to keep your body in top form.

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Unique Benefits of Massage

AnneSofie-Spa 285Massage therapy is widely known for reducing stress and tension; but massage therapy can do more than just relax your body.  Here are some unique and extra benefits of massage therapy.

Combat Sedentary Life Style –  Sitting at a desk all day places stress on your neck, low back and shoulders; leading to postural stress on your body.  Massage will lengthen and strengthen your ligaments and muscles which become weak from sitting for prolong periods of time.

Reduces Muscle Pain – A massage treatment will increase and improve your circulation, which will help to reduce muscle aches and pains.  Massage therapy slows the production of proteins known as cytokines, which cause inflammation and pain.

Reduce Anxiety and Depression – A massage treatment can affect the neurotransmitters in the brain by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels that help reduce depression. Massage therapy can also reduce a stress hormone (cortisol) which helps to decrease stress symptoms such as high blood pressure, and anxiety.

Improves Sleep – Massage therapy promotes relaxation which helps the body to relax and encourages restful, deep sleep.

Boosts Immunity – Having a massage will help boost white blood cells and decreased stress hormone levels.  White blood cells play a large role in defending the body from disease, bacteria and infection.

There are many different types of massage, here are a few types:

  • Deep-tissue Massage – Massage to relieve severe tension in the the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.
  • Myofascial Release – Massage that helps to release tension in the connective tissue surrounding the muscles.
  • Neuromuscular Therapy- Massage to relieve acute or chronic pain.
  • Sports Massage – Massage to help prepare for and recover from sports activities and injuries.
  • Swedish Massage – Massage to help relax and energize you.

Diversified  Health’s registered massage therapists will use a combination of techniques that include massage and manual therapy, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, and rehabilitative exercises such as stretching, strengthening, postural exercises and patient education to help you achieve the wellness you are looking for.

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