At some point or another we’ve all experienced the dreaded symptoms of a cold. You know, the sneezing, scratchy throat, runny nose, and fatigue that comes along with it. Though most of us are quick to blame someone else for our symptoms, there’s really only one person to blame: ourselves. Instead of being mad at your partner or coworker for spreading their germs, you should be upset with your immune system. Ultimately, a cold is our body’s way of telling us that our immune system isn’t strong enough. Hence why we’ve dedicated this week’s blog to sharing 5 Natural Immune Boosters! 5 NATURAL IMMUNE BOOSTERS 1) ZEN TIME. With Fall in the air and the holiday season fast approaching, things can get a little chaotic. Here’s the thing though, when it comes to health there isn’t anything more harmful than stress. Especially when it comes to colds. Stress weakens our immune system, making us more susceptible to colds and illness. It’s great to have a few plans or a couple of projects to tackle but give yourself some time to relax. Plan some zen time–your body will thank you for it! 2) WATER. Just because it’s getting cooler outside doesn’t mean Read more…
Ear infections are the second most common diagnosed illness (after the common cold) in Canadian and American children. It is reported that 75 percent of children are likely to suffer at least one ear infection before reaching the age of 3. But before reaching for antibiotics why not try this ear infection alternative. What is an Ear Infection? An ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear, usually caused by bacteria, that occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum. While anyone can get an ear infection, children are more susceptible than adults. Why Are Children More Susceptible to Ear Infection Than Adults? There are three primary reasons: 1) Eustachian tubes are smaller and more level in children than they are in adults. This makes it difficult for fluid to drain out of the ear, point blank. So when the Eustachian tubes are swollen or blocked with mucus due to a cold or other respiratory illness, fluid may not be able to drain. 2) A child’s immune system isn’t as effective as an adult’s because it’s still developing. This makes it harder for children to fight infections. 3) Childbirth can do a number on a child’s spine. During the Read more…
Manage Scoliosis with Chiropractic Care
According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, scoliosis affects 2-3% of the population. It is the most common spinal abnormality in school-age children. Unfortunately, there is no cure for scoliosis. There are however, things that you can do to reduce symptoms and ensure that it does not worsen overtime. One such thing is chiropractic care. But before we discuss how you can manage scoliosis with chiropractic, let’s chat a bit about what scoliosis is and go over some of its symptoms. Scoliosis 101 Scoliosis is a disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine or backbone. There are several physical symptoms that indicate scoliosis, including: • one shoulder being higher than the other • the waist appearing uneven • the body tilting to one side • one hip appearing higher than the other • one leg appearing shorter Though scoliosis is often visually evident, most people with it report little to no pain. That’s not the case for everyone though. Some people experience back pain, chest pain, and shortness of breath due to the abnormal curvature of their spine. Manage Scoliosis with Chiropractic Care In the medical world, treatment of scoliosis is based on the severity of the curve and the likelihood Read more…
It is estimated that between 3 to 5 percent of children have ADHD. This means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that at least one will struggle with symptoms. The exact cause of ADHD and hyperactivity disorders is unknown; however, it is believed to involve interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Keep reading to learn one way to manage ADHD naturally. ADHD Symptoms Symptoms of ADHD and learning disorders are generally categorized into three groups. Inattention: Meaning the child might procrastinate, not complete tasks like homework or chores, and often make careless mistakes. Hyperactivity: Common characteristics of hyperactivity include fidgeting or squirming while seated; getting up frequently to walk or run around (even when not appropriate), and talking excessively. Impulsivity: Those with impulsivity issues may be impatient, have a hard time waiting their turn, frequently interrupt or intrude on others, or start conversations at inappropriate times. How is ADHD Treated? In most cases, psychiatric drugs like Ritalin are given to children to treat their symptoms. However, according to Peter Breggin, MD, these drugs are dangerous. Ritalin can cause drug-induced behavioral disorders, psychosis, mania, drug abuse, permanent neurological ticks, and addiction. Other side effects Read more…
Believe it or not, too much homework can be bad for your health. But don’t worry kids, there are things you can do to ensure that homework is painless! And no, we don’t mean avoiding assignments. Though school is in session for most, it’s never too late to talk about backpack safety. This week’s blog discusses the trouble with heavy backpacks and provides tips to keep in mind when shopping for a backpack. Backpacks, Back Problems According a recent U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission study, more than 75% of students ages 8-12 suffer from increasing back pain inflicted by carrying their schoolwork and supplies in backpacks or similar totes. This is no surprise considering, some of our younger elementary school students are literally carrying one third their body weight for prolonged periods of time and distance. That puts a lot of stress on a body in the midst of development. Student back injuries are now widespread. 96% of the pupils monitored regularly haul much too heavy a pack on their back. Backpack Safety Tips 1. Children should not carry backpacks that exceed more than 10% of their body weight — which translates into a 5 to 10-pound load for elementary Read more…
Pregnant? Experiencing Back Pain? Give this a Read!
5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SLOW AGING
Though some may claim they hold the key to eternal youth, when it comes to getting older, there’s really no magic pill. That being said, there are some things you can do to help slow down the process. SLOW AGING WITH THESE 5 TIPS #1– Stay Hydrated! The human body can go for weeks without food, but only about 3 days without water. Are you drinking enough? A good general guideline for water consumption is 8 – 10 glasses per day. And when we say water, we mean water—not soda or coffee. Water flushes toxins from the body and helps keep the skin hydrated, keeping cells happy and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. #2 – Eat Right and Take Your Vitamins! Eat a diet rich in good fats, moderate in protein and light in carbohydrates, and avoid sugar as much as possible. Why? Sugar causes inflammation, which breaks down collagen and elastin causing wrinkles and sagging skin. What’s more, sugar has been linked to numerous illnesses and diseases. Certain supplements can help slow down the aging process. Click here to learn about the 7 vitamins that can help! #3 – Exercise Regularly! Regular exercise produces long-term health benefits and in some cases, Read more…
5 Ways to Reduce Menopause Symptoms Naturally!
From hot flashes to mood swings, most women experience a range of symptoms when going through menopause. Luckily, there are natural ways to reduce menopause symptoms – and chiropractic care is one of them What is Menopause? By definition menopause is one year without a menstrual period. Most North American women will experience menopause at around the age of 50. During this time, the ovaries begin to limit estrogen production, forcing the adrenal glands to take over. Those with balanced hormones will likely go through menopause with ease. However, those with hormonal imbalances are likely to experience symptoms like: • Irregular periods • Hot flashes • Night sweats • Problems sleeping • Mood changes • Weight gain and slowed metabolism • Thinning of hair and dry skin As we have said time and time again, symptoms are your body’s way of letting you know that something is wrong. A hormone imbalance is often the cause of issues during menopause. Many women turn to estrogen replacement therapy but this has many risks including: breast cancer, heart disease and stroke. What can you do if you suffer from menopause symptoms? 5 Ways to Reduce Annoying Menopause Symptoms Naturally! 1. Take a Supplement! Read more…
Can Chiropractic Help Fertility Issues?
In 1984, the estimated number of Canadian couples struggling with fertility problems was 5.4%. In 1992, the number rose to 8.5%. Today, 11.5% to 15.7% of Canadian couples struggle with infertility. When you break that down that’s one in every six couples, which means you or someone you know has probably struggled with infertility. How can chiropractic help with fertility issues? Keep reading. What is Infertility? The general definition of infertility is being unable to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse if a woman is under age 35, or 6 months if a woman is 35 or older. Infertility can also refer to the biological inability of an individual to contribute to conception, or to a female who cannot carry a pregnancy to full term. What Causes Infertility? From the growing number of women waiting to have children later in life, to the rising rate of obesity, to declining sperm counts in men –there are many reasons fertility issues are on the rise. Perhaps one of the most preeminent issues is the use of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in our pharmaceuticals, household chemicals and foods. Research shows that EDCs not only impact fertility, but also contribute to cancer, diabetes Read more…
Do you suffer from the A-B-C-Ds? Abdominal Pain Bloating Constipation Diarrhea If so, you might be one of the 30% of Canadians suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (also known as IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). It can begin in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood and can resolve unexpectedly for periods throughout an individual’s lifespan, recurring at any age. Most people can control their IBS symptoms by managing their diet, lifestyle and stress levels. However, those with more severe symptoms may require medication and counselling. What Triggers IBS? Your intestinal walls are lined with layers of muscle that contract and relax in a rhythm as they move food from your stomach to your rectum. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, contractions may be stronger and last longer than normal, causing gas, bloating and diarrhea. Or they may be weaker, slowing food contractions slowing food passage and leading to hard, dry stools. It’s not known exactly what causes this to occur, but there are notable IBS triggers. Triggers vary from person to person. The Mayo Clinic lists these four common triggers on their website: Dietary Choices. Food allergies and intolerances can trigger IBS Read more…