Acupuncturist: Part-Time Opportunity in Victoria BC

ExteriorDiversified Health Clinic is actively recruiting an additional acupuncturist to join our team of therapists.

Our multi-disciplinary clinic is located in the heart of downtown Victoria, in the iconic Mosaic Building at 1063 Fort Street.

The successful Acupuncturist will be motivated and self-disciplined with a sincere desire to develop an extensive client base, including the local community and in-house patients. We have a growing case load of highly active clientele, ranging from everyday individuals all the way up to high level Athletes.

Your ability to build rapport with patients and your fellow practitioners, combined with the opportunity to work alongside experienced team members, will ensure your success.

Diversified Health Clinic provides all reception services, patient billing, and inclusion in our advertising, marketing, and website.  All practitioner supplies for the room will be provided by the clinic, including linens, needles, supply cart, gloves and tables.

Compensation:  competitive, percentage based contract.

Please submit your resume either in person to our offices at 1063 Fort Street or via email to lsteel@diversifiedhealth.ca attention to Lola Steel, Clinic Manager.

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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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Meaghan Le Lievre, RMT

Diversified-Health-meaghanMeaghan Le Lievre has been a healthcare practitioner with Diversified Health since December 2015, and has quickly become a favourite with her clients, building trust and results with each person she treats.

A graduate from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy, she is committed to continuously learning through clinical experience and on-going education in her field.

Meaghan is interested in how the body heals innately; how it functions in the presence of various stressors, and how individuals subjectively view their own health. Recognizing that the body and mind work together to maintain balance, it is her intention with her practice to help remove any blocks that may compromise the system.

The summer months bring a specific type of injury caused by being more active, and many of Meaghan’s clients are seen this time of year for injuries of “over use”.  These would include injuries such as shin splints and rotator cuff injuries, as well as more pre and post treatment massages after various races such as the MEC runs and Iron-man events. During the rest of the year, the majority of her clientele seek her expertise for help combating the aches and pains caused by everyday life.

Meaghan is actively involved in the dance community, and treats many local dancers who suffer with hyper-mobility issues or injuries. Meaghan has been dancing with  the Passion and Performance Troop for the past 6 years.

When not practicing Meaghan can be found training at her local gym, spending time outside with her dogs hiking and training for triathlons, as well as finding time to spend with her family and friends.

Meagan’s clinic schedule is Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.  She is currently taking new patients.

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Canadian Track & Field Olympic Team Uses K-Lasers

K-laser-dedoTo view the complete article click here.

“The trainers for the Canadian Track & Field Olympic team know their athletes need to be in the best possible physical shape to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio. That’s why they incorporate laser therapy into the athletes’ preparations and chose K-Laser® as their therapeutic laser of choice.

“Successful treatment of professional and Olympic athletes requires an integrated support team of healthcare practitioners as well as many different modalities of treatment,” says Dr. John Vargo, trainer for the Canadian Olympic Track & Field team. “K-Laser is the modality I choose first in high-performance athletes requiring immediate results and in patients who have conditions that have failed with several other types of treatment.”

K-Laser is the most technologically advanced therapeutic laser for the treatment of pain and inflammation. “The addition of K-Laser to our Olympic medical team gives us the ability to provide Canada’s Track & Field athletes with the best technology available during the biggest competition of their lives,” continues Dr. Vargo”.

How the Class IV K-Laser works to heal the body

Blood transports nutrients and oxygen to cells, and takes away waste products such as lactic acid and carbon dioxide. Laser therapy can speed up this process at a cellular level, making it easier for hemoglobin deliver nutrients and take away waste.

In fact, laser therapy can help increase how fast ATP is created – ATP is produced by the mitochondria, and powers cellular activity – laser therapy means more ATP.

Benefits of Class IV K-Laser Therapy:

  • improved circulation
  • improved transport
  • reduced inflammation
  • of nutrients across the cell membrane
  • increased circulation
  • influx of water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area
  • reduced swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain

The healthcare practitioners at Diversified Health are well versed in the use of the class IV K-Laser, and incorporate the modality into their treatment plans.

Please contact the clinic to speak with a practitioner to see if the class IV K-Laser is right for you.

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Registered Massage Therapist – Opportunity in Victoria BC

ExteriorDiversified Health Clinic is actively recruiting an additional Registered Massage Therapist (4 days a week / Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) to join our team of therapists.

Our multi-disciplinary clinic is located in the heart of downtown Victoria, in the iconic Mosaic Building at 1063 Fort Street.

The successful RMT will be motivated and self-disciplined with a sincere desire to develop an extensive client base, including the local community and in-house patients. We have a growing case load of highly active clientele, ranging from everyday individuals all the way up to high level Athletes.

Your ability to build rapport with patients and your fellow practitioners, combined with the opportunity to work alongside experienced team members, will ensure your success.

Diversified Health Clinic provides all reception services, patient billing, and inclusion in our advertising, marketing, and website.  All practitioner supplies for the room will be provided by the clinic, including linens, oils, and massage tables.

Compensation:  competitive, percentage based contract.

Please submit your resume either in person to our offices at 1063 Fort Street or via email to lsteel@diversifiedhealth.ca attention to Lola Steel, Clinic Manager.

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