Fit For Life - February 2010 by Doreen Iannuzzi

FIT FOR

LIFE February 2010

• The joys of massage • Get to know your docs Another MulticomMedia Publication

Photo courtesy Baycrest Foundation

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Town Crier FIT FOR LIFE February 2010

alexis dobranowski/town crier

AHHHH: Editor Karolyn Coorsh gets the royal hot stone treatment at Hand and Stone Massage.

ny conds a n e s n i h t Wi si that wa d n o i s n te an k, neck on c a b y i m — tens s r e d l u sho know n e v e t ’ I didn in the e r e h t s wa — had e c a l p t firs d. vanishe

Massage rubs editor Karolyn Coorsh the right way

kay, I’ll admit it. Up until recently, I was a 28-yearold massage virgin. I’d never experienced anything close to a professional massage, only the shoddy two-minute jobs I nudged friends and family into giving me every so often. So on a relatively sunny day I walked into the newly opened Hand and Stone Massage at Bathurst

and Centre in Thornhill with a friend who was also itching for some pampering. Heaven knows why now, but it took some convincing on the part of my friend to even get me to agree to a hot stone massage. I just wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Should I close my eyes? What if I fall asleep? Can I talk during the massage? Do I just lay there for an hour? Well, turns out anything goes. But the goal of the massage is to put you in such a relaxed state, that you do eventually drift off to dreamland. Back to the beginning: when we got there, the staff, including my massage therapist Will, greeted us. He showed me to the room, where I gingerly stepped out of my street clothes and lay on the bed, two top sheets covering my lower half. So far, so good. When Will entered the room, the lights dimmed, the meditative music began playing quietly, and he got down to work. It didn’t take long to understand why regularly scheduled massages are a necessity for some. Within seconds any tension that was in my back, neck and shoulders — tension I didn’t even know was there in the first place — had vanished. Remember I said it was a hot stone massage? That was an added bonus.

Basically, the massage is enhanced with heated river stones, which are applied to muscles in combination with massage strokes. I later told my friend, who didn’t get the added stone treatment, that it felt like you were stepping into a deliciously hot shower after spending hours shovelling snow. Yum. Interesting thing my friend and I noticed about getting a massage: It does require some work on your part to turn off the mind for those 50 minutes. Even with the soothing music, dim lights and warm hands diligently working out all the physical tension, my mind remained focused on tasks I needed to complete later in the day, even later in the week. I was even trying to figure out how to write this column. But in the end, I figure if you’re gonna think about the stresses of everyday life, may as well do it during a back rub. When the session was over, I thanked Will, who kindly suggested I drink some water before leaving as the hot stone treatment tends to cause some dehydration. Before he left, I asked if most people fall asleep during one of his sessions. He said usually, yes. So I didn’t slumber this time, but after that experience, I’m willing to give it another shot.

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First Native Elder, age 85, carries Olympic torch down Yonge Street with pride

WE PROVIDE... Affordable services to help you live at home safely.

When Lillian McGregor finished carrying the Olympic torch down Yonge Street towards Eglinton earlier this winter, she says she planned to do a little ‘sprint’ to promote the people who bring her hot meals during cold winter days. Unfortunately, she says “the police officer didn’t allow me to get up from my wheelchair.” Ms. McGregor says she enjoys the hot, tasty meals delivered to her doorstep every weekday by meals on wheels volunteers. SPRINT is a non-profit agency providing a range of neighborhood support services to help seniors who wish to remain living at home. Ms. McGregor is a respected First Nations Elder from the Whitefish River First Nation (Birch Island). She now lives in Toronto. “I love to cook, but it’s very tiring to cook,” she says, adding she needs to sit down to butter her toast for breakfast. That’s why she says she loves meals on wheels. Born in 1924, the year the first Winter Olympics were held in France, Ms. McGregor says she was chosen to carry the torch because of her role in community development. For example, she travelled to Russia in 2001 to support Toronto’s bid for the 2008 summer Olympics. “My dad built the first outdoor hockey rink on the reserve,” says Ms. McGregor. “I really got to like sports and would like to acknowledge the older people who started the winter Olympics.”

Photographer = Alex Moore.

You can visit www.SPRINT-homecare.ca or call (416) 481-6411 for more information about SPRINT.

February 2010 FIT FOR LIFE Town Crier

3 ADVERTISING FEATURE

Assistance for Women facing unplanned pregnancy

Forty one years ago, in a small office on Coxwell Ave., Birthright began its service to women facing an unplanned or crisis pregnancy. Many of the women we see are facing what seems to them an insurmountable problem. They find themselves pregnant and they feel they have nowhere to turn for support and understanding. Here at Birthright we can offer them love and friendship without judgement. Perhaps they are facing an abusive situation in their lives, financial difficulties, problems with their families etc. etc. Perhaps they need

maternity clothes and baby clothes when the baby is born. We work together to solve or at least relieve their problems and they can go on to have their baby. They are shown the way to save their baby’s life and their life too. All of our services are free and completely confidential. Birthright is a volunteer service and can be found at 777 Coxwell Ave. If you or someone you know is facing a crisis pregnancy please call Birthright 416-469-1111 or after hours 1-800-550-4900.

Oral Health and Overall Body Health

GETTING COMFY: In order to receive good health care it is very important that patients have a good rapport with their provider.

Good relations with professionals key

re you satisfied with your health care provider? The Canadian Institute for Health Information recently reported that, for primary care at least, 76 percent of Canadians consider the quality received as excellent or very good. Nearly two-thirds said they always had time to discuss their feelings, fears and concerns. That’s good news, as a strong relationship with a care provider can be critical to positive health outcomes. “People do better when they understand, participate in, and feel comfortable about the care they’re receiving,” says Ann Coghlan, president of the Federation of Health Regulatory Colleges of Ontario (FHRCO). The best health consumer-provider relationships are often defined by five qualities:

ues When iss ... arise it can be o difficult t air. clear the

• Expectations Do both parties have the same objectives? • Communication Does the provider listen well, speak in terms you can understand, put you at ease, and respond to your questions? • Attention Do you feel like you’re a priority during an appointment? • Involvement Are you ready to share your experiences, learn about your health, and be an informed consumer? • Trust Do you have faith in your provider’s judgment and recommendations?

When issues arise in any relationship, it can be difficult to clear the air, perhaps more so when dealing with a care provider in an authority position. To resolve problems, try to: 1) let the provider know beforehand, if possible, what you intend to discuss, so he/she can think about the issue; 2) be specific about your concern and 3) once you’ve each clearly stated your positions, look for common ground. If you’re not getting anywhere, raise your concerns with your care provider’s supervisor or other staff at the facility (if applicable). And if you feel that your care is being compromised, contact the provider’s health regulatory college. “Having the right fit with your health care provider is vital,” says Coghlan. “Failing to address a problem, from anxiety about a treatment to differences of opinion, could impact your care. So don’t be afraid to raise your wishes and concerns whenever you’re not satisfied.” More information about the health regulatory colleges and how they protect you is found online at www.regulatedhealthprofessions.on.ca. – News Canada

Did you know that your mouth is linked to the overall health of your body? Research has shown a link between oral health and overall body health problems where bacteria from swollen or bleeding gums can travel through the bloodstream, potentially worsening or causing other types of health problems. Oral disease such as gingivitis can contribute to other serious conditions including heart disease, diabetes and premature or low birth weight babies. What’s more, seven out of 10 Canadians will experience gingivitis in their lives and many will not even know it. Gingivitis creeps up slowly, often painlessly, with early symptoms like redness or inflammation in the gums or even gums that bleed when you brush. The culprit behind the gingival germs – plaque. Plaque is a clear, sticky substance that builds up on teeth and along the gumline and needs to be removed every day with proper brushing and flossing before it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Bacteria within plaque and tartar can then lead to an infection of soft gum tissue. Along with regular dentist check-ups and a dedicated at-home oral care routine, Toronto

dentist Dr. Maryam Adibfar offers these tips to optimize oral health: 1. Check your gums regularly. Look for the warning signs of gingivitis and report them to your dentist right away. 2. Eat healthy foods for your oral health as well as your overall health. Eating excess sugar is one of the primary causes of dental problems. With the proper nutrients that come from healthy eating and proper oral hygiene, you can fight cavities and gingivitis. 3. Use a power toothbrush such as the Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean – clinically proven to reduce up to 7 x more plaque when used together with Crest Pro-Health Rinse and Crest ProHealth toothpaste.1 4. Don’t smoke. Smoking is a major contributor to dental problems and may cause oral cancer. For more gingivitis-fighting tips, check with your provincial dental association or visit www.crestcanada.com. 1 On teeth with regular use vs. a regular manual toothbrush and regular anti-cavity toothpaste

everything you need to know for a happy smile

maryam adibfar d.d.s.

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care that lasts a lifetime Birthright provide services of care, support to girls and women that are found stressed by unwanted pregnancy. Using our own resources, and the community, Birthright provides positive alternatives instead of aborting. Birthright offers many services, including:

Friendly and emotional support – Free pregnancy test – Referrals to social agencies – Referrals for medical, legal and education assistance.

Birthright

All the services of Birthright are free, absolutely conﬁdential and available for any woman, any age, race, creed or marital status.

777 Coxwell Avenue., Toronto, Ontario, M4C-3C6 (416) 469-1111 • 24 hour direct line 1-800-550 4900 • www.birthright.org

Town Crier FIT FOR LIFE February 2010

Where hips can’t lie New Caribbean-style aerobics class has editor sweating and shaking

Alexis Dobranowski Features

’m glad I’m not a broadcast journalist. Though footage of me participating in a recent socacize class would probably get a few laughs. It was a rainy Sunday morning when a friend and I found ourselves inside the cozy Dance Passion Studio in Maple. Somehow, it’s always me who agrees to try and write about the newest exercise crazes. This time, it’s socacize, a high-energy, aerobic workout influenced by the dances of the Caribbean. It’s a lot of hip shaking and butt quaking, that’s for sure. For me — a bit clumsy, pretty lanky, with no hips or butt to be found — it was a challenge. And a lot of fun.

Because, as founder Ayanna Lee-Rivears says, “There’s no shame at socacize”. Phewf. A certified fitness instructor, Lee-Rivears decided to ramp up regular workouts by incorporating Caribbean-style dancing into regular fitness classes. She now teaches her copyrighted socacize classes throughout the GTA. She’s also released an exercise DVD. “We have live drums, percussion and components of a fitness class but with a Caribbean influence,” she said. “It’s a dance-aerobic workout.” And a workout it is. We began with an energetic warm-up — quick-paced, bouncy and fun. “Dance it out, dance it out!” Lee-Rivears shouted above the calypso music. The range of students in the Sunday class was wide: middle-aged ladies, a mother and daughter, a pair of 20-somethings. We all shared quick glances betraying both fear and fun. We proceeded to learn a routine as our cardio workout. Lee-Rivears is good. She demonstrated the moves, repeated them and kept an eye on us newbies.

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Why do more women suffer from Alzheimer’s than men? The Women of Baycrest are taking action to solve this medical mystery by Rachel Adelson Startling new statistics show that women are at a much higher risk than men for developing Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer Society, almost three out of every four Canadians with Alzheimer’s are women – and it’s not because women live longer. Why are women so afflicted: Is it hormones? High blood pressure? More stress? Or is it something about the female brain itself? To solve this medical mystery, Lynn Posluns is leading a $3 million fundraising drive called Women of Baycrest to establish an endowed research chair in Women’s Brain Health & Aging at Baycrest. The hope is that by having a senior scientist focused on this question, Baycrest can

more quickly get to the answer. And in only one year, Women of Baycrest has already raised close to $1 million towards their goal. Dr. Tiffany Chow, clinicianscientist at Baycrest’s Sam and Ida Ross Memory Clinic and the Rotman Research Institute says Alzheimer’s research is usually conducted on both women and men, with results separated after the data comes in. It’s not the best way to approach many of the open questions surrounding women and dementia, such as: · Are women more vulnerable to diseases that reduce brain volume because they start with equally capable but smaller brains? (“We argue that we women do more with less,” jokes Dr. Chow.) · Does gestational diabetes play a role? High blood sugar in pregnancy, more common among today’s older mothers, is a risk factor for diabetes, which in turn

raises the risk of dementia. · What about estrogen and hormone replacement, both the type and timing? Estrogen raises the risk of stroke, which can hasten dementia, but some speculate it may protect the brain if given at the time of menopause. Contradictions in current findings call for careful follow-up studies. · What is the impact of more women smoking, which raises their risk of cardiovascular disease and, indirectly, their risk of dementia? · How does the caregiving role, which often falls to women in mid-life and beyond, affect brain health? The answers to many of these questions are needed by women in mid-life. “Because Alzheimer’s disease changes start to occur in the 40s,” explains Dr. Chow, “good habits need to start yesterday.”

Lee-Rivears said she likes to try new styles each week. “We mix it up,” she said. “Try zouk, salsa, or calypso.” She’s no stranger to the dance side of things. She has been performing Caribbean-style dances with Caribbean Folk Performers, an AfroCaribbean performing arts company based in Toronto, for 15 years. She’s a limbo specialist. After learning a routine, we got down on yoga mats to do arms and abs. Lee-Rivears had us stretching and bending in ways I’d never tried before. The dull ache in my legs, thighs and butt the next day proved it. “We do the weights and stuff that you’d find in a regular fitness class,” Lee-Rivears said. “But we do more hip isolations. You can learn to gyrate your hips.” For Lee-Rivears, socacize is much more fun than a regular fitness class. “You don’t feel like you’re working out,” Lee-Rivears said. “You are dancing. The music makes you want to dance.” It did feel like more than an aerobics class. We danced and laughed. I tried really hard to find my hips. Maybe I should sign up. After all, hips don’t lie.

photo Courtesy Ayanna Lee-Rivears

CAN YOU HANDLE IT? Ayanna LeeRivears’ socacize is fast-paced and fun.

Statistics show women are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s. Take charge before cognitive decline takes charge of you. Host Libby Znaimer VP, News & Information The New Classical 96.3 & The New AM 740 - Zoomer Radio

Featured Scientist Dr. Tiffany Chow

Featured Specialist Dr. Jean Marmoreo

Clinician-Scientist, Sam & Ida Ross Memory Clinic, Baycrest

Family Physician, Specialist in Mid-Life Medicine

Join us for Beat Brain Sag: Ladies, Give Your Grey Matter a Lift, an evening about women’s brain health and how you can keep your brain sharp. Date: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 Location: The Guvernment, 132 Queens Quay E. Time: 7 :00 p.m. General Admission: $25

February 2010 FIT FOR LIFE Town Crier

Enough with the old excuses

NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT: With a brand new year and a new decade upon us, keeping that resolution to get in shape should be a no brainer.

s the New Year begins and more Canadians are doing their best to stick to their 2010 resolutions, The Arthritis Society has compiled some practical solutions to common barriers used for avoiding physical activity. It’s an essential part of managing arthritis and joint pain, since activity keeps joints mobile and builds supporting muscle. Additional advice and information about physical activity and joint pain can be found online at www.arthritis. ca. Barrier #1 — I haven’t exercised in a while Solution — While getting started may take extra effort, it helps if you decide what you want to do first and, then, make sure your health-care provider approves the activities you have chosen. Knowing you have their approval can give you some extra confidence. Barrier #2 — It’s hard to be active by myself Solution — Get a work-out buddy – how can you say “no” to someone who is depending on you to join them? The social interaction plus the benefits of physical activity will make you feel better inside and out.

Barrier #3 — There’s no time Solution — Make time in your appointment book for activity. Did you know that three 10-minute segments of activity are as beneficial as one 30-minute block? By jotting the time down and breaking it up over the day, you may find you are more active than you realize. Barrier #4 — I’ll never get results Solution — Start slowly by setting goals that are attainable. For example, make a point to walk for 10 minutes during your lunch hour. Taking small steps to reaching a larger goal can bring success sooner and offer motivation to continue. Barrier #5 — It’s boring Solution — Pick an activity you enjoy or try something you’ve always wanted to do. If it’s new, exciting and fun, you’ll be more inclined to continue with the activity. If you are resuming an activity you haven’t done for a while, invite a friend or listen to music, as these changes can keep you going. – News Canada

Men’s hormones can cause issues Town Crier FIT FOR LIFE February 2010

s he moody, irritable, and always tired? This condition may not be as simple as the winter blues. Many middle age men cope with biological changes severe enough to be dubbed male menopause. “To alleviate anxiety, men should learn and understand what is happening to their body as they age,” says Dr. Cheryl Tomalty of LifeLabs. “The gradual decline in the testosterone level sometimes, but not always, triggers symptoms similar to depression — mood swings, lethargy, night sweats and a low sex drive. Many men don’t seek treatment because they feel uncomfortable talking about the symptoms.” LifeLabs conducts more than 50 million diagnostic tests on more than 10 million Canadians every year, so this laboratory is in a prime position to identify various health trends, including the prevalence of male menopause. If you, or if the man in your life is affected in this way, be assured that the medical profession is equipped with the skills and experience to help. Take a look at LifeLabs’ overview on this topic, to help make the initial conversation with your doctor much easier: • Male menopause is a biological reaction to a drop in testosterone. It does not affect all men and its symptoms have varying degrees

of severity. • Testosterone is the male sex hormone responsible for creating and releasing sperm. It initiates sex drive and provides muscular strength. By age 50, half of all men experience a significant reduction in testosterone, causing in some a variety of uncomfortable ailments. • Male Menopause is also triggered by poor health, illness, depression and obesity. • It is not know why some men develop male menopause and others do not but identifying the condition is the first step towards treatment and relief. • Several blood tests exist including Bioavailable Testosterone, Free Testosterone and Free Androgen Index, but the best screening test is Total Testosterone. • Treatment includes Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), similar to the replacement of estrogen in women. TRT, usually using injectable testosterone or the testosterone patches and gels, is helpful for restoring the male hormone back to a healthy level, easing symptoms significantly. Other potential benefits include maintenance or improvement in bone density, improved body composition, muscle mass and muscle strength, as well as improvement in visual-spatial skills • Your doctor can discuss the potential benefits and risks of TRT with you. – News Canada

Many men don’t seek treatment because they feel uncomfortable

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Fall In Love with Us!! St. Hilda’s Retirement and Assisted Living Our retirement years are often the years of travel, time with family and friends and leisurely pursuits. Happily, during these years we have more time to be good to ourselves by keeping active, eating healthy and having time for our interests and hobbies. It is also the time for many of us to join and participate in community groups or volunteer in a variety of organizations. Many social agencies, local schools and charities are looking for committed volunteers and this is a perfect time to give back to others and share your years of experience and knowledge. Generally, if we were active in our younger days, we continue being active and involved as we get older. Aging also brings undeniable changes to our bodies, emotions, interests, income and social roles. These alterations require us to make adjustments but at the same time we should remember that age does not change who we are – aging ripens who we are. So while, is important to enjoy your life at all stages it is especially beneficial to accept the changes life brings to us as we get older. A large number of these changes will be beyond our control but we still have opportunities to refine our situation and to make

modifications to our lifestyle. With age come some limitations and what we could have easily managed five years ago might not be the case any longer. So, as the years go by we often ask ourselves if it is beneficial to continue living where we are. Are we eating properly or is it a nuisance to grocery shop and prepare daily meals for one person? Is the housework harder to complete? Is it inconvenient to get out to your favourite social events? Are you feeling lonely? Do you worry about becoming ill or falling down when alone in your home?

For over 30 years, St. Hilda’s Retirement Residence has offered a diverse range of accommodation and daily assisted care for seniors. We provide services on site that will make your life easier: 5 doctors in our medical clinic, physiotherapy, daily meals, and a variety of daily fitness, activity programs and volunteer opportunities. We’re experienced; we’ve been providing seniors with a quality lifestyle at our midtown location in Eglinton and Dufferin neighbourhood since 1975.

February 2010 FIT FOR LIFE Town Crier

Watch your back when you’re shoveling

learing the driveway after a winter storm can be quite a workout — especially when you consider that a single shovelful of snow weighs 5 to 7 pounds. Improper shoveling can lead to minor strains and sore muscles, and can also cause more serious injuries. The good news, say Ontario’s spinal health care experts, is that most of these injuries can be easily avoided — all it takes is a little know-how. That’s why the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA) is relaunching its seasonal Lift Light, Shovel Right public education campaign. “Most people don’t realize that clearing their driveway involves moving several hundred pounds of snow,” says OCA President Dr. David Brunarski. “Chiropractors certainly see a higher incidence of back and muscle pain or injuries following a heavy snow fall, and improper snow shoveling technique is frequently to blame.” T h e OCA’s Lift Light, Shovel Right program was developed in 2003 to help inform the public about the risks associated with clearing snow after a Pollara survey of 500 Ontario chiropractors concluded that snow shoveling was a leading cause of back injury during the winter months. “Some of the strategies the program lays out can really help keep you pain-free this winter, and

they’re easy to put into practice.” says Brunarski. “Warming up and taking frequent breaks can really make a difference. The program also provides information about proper bending and lifting techniques that won’t strain your back and shoulders.” For more information on the Lift Light, Shovel Right program, which features an educational brochure and poster, go to www.chiropractic.on.ca.

Founded in 1929, the Ontario Chiropractic Association represents the professional interests of more than 2,900 Ontario chiropractors. Chiropractic is a noninvasive, hands-on health care discipline that focuses on treatment and preventative care for disorders related to the spine, pelvis, nervous system and joints. Chiropractors are primary care practitioners, trained to develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment / management plan, recommend therapeutic exercise and other noninvasive therapies, and provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling. More than 1.2 million Ontarians rely on chiropractic care every year to help them get back to work and back to doing the things they love. For more information about chiropractic care or to find a chiropractor in your area, go to www.chiropractic.on.ca. – News Canada

Cleaning the driveway involves moving hundreds of pounds of snow

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Hazelton Place Retirement Residence Offers An Exciting New Program

Hazelton Place Retirement Residence is located in the heart of the city Yorkville, close to the Arts, shops, restaurants and entertainment district. Hazelton Place provides full service retirement living with unparalleled service; superb chef prepared dining, a 24 hour health care team, and 24 hour security emergency response and call bell monitoring system. Weekly visits are available from our family physician and physiotherapist. Hazelton Place offers fine dining (open seating), a private dining room, spacious lounges with fireplaces, games room, garden patio, hair salon, library with computers, therapeutic spa, and underground parking. Monthly rates starting at $3,195, includes 3 meals daily, weekly housekeep-

ing, entertainment, recreational / fitness programs, personalized health care plans and group outings. Respite and trial stays welcome. Hazelton Place offers an exciting new program-Brain Gym® And More. We are the only retirement group (Diversicare) to offer this multi-sensory brain stimulation program. It is an innovative program that supports the current brain research about the brain’s plasticity. Residents who participate in this program may find that it reduces or slows down neurodegenerative disease. Brain Gym® And More Improves: • Mental functioning – enhancing cognition, memory, concentration • Communication - Vision/

Hearing • Co-ordination and mobility-reduce falls • Sleeping/Energy levels • Learning new skills –i.e. Leisure and Recreation activities • Increasing motivation • Independence • Stress management and personal coping styles, reduces depression • Overall well-being Please call for a tour and lunch to find out more. Hazelton Place Retirement Residence 111 Avenue Rd. Toronto, Ontario M5R 3J8 Phone 416 928-0111 email:info.hazelton@ diversicare.ca www.hazeltonplace.ca

Ways to prevent HPV

ealth officials have do ne before they turn int o cancer. Your hisa good job in recent yea rs tory, genetics, and lifestyle will detereducating the public on a vaccine that can reduce mine the recommended frequency of this test. the risk of teenage gir ls contracting the human papilloma virus • Lim it your sexual partners (HPV). However, acc . Studies ording to some sho w that the risk of infect health experts, it’s the ion and disir mothers’ gen- ease multiplies as we chang eration that needs a bet e partners. ter ing of this cancer causin understandg virus and the • Qu it smoking. This habit ways to prevent it. increases your risk of developin “HPV is the main ris g many cancers, k factor in including developing cervical can cervical cancer. Smoking cer,” says Dr. inhali , or ng second hand smoke Doug Tkachuk at LifeL can aggraabs. “The HPV vate and accelerate the dam vaccine can be effect age caused ive tered before a woman bec if adminis- by infection and viruses. omes sexually active (or for those un der 27 years-of- • Us e a condom. Unprotec age) but for the major ted sex puts ity of women you at risk for life-threaten over 30, regular pap tes ing HIV ts or an HPV (huma n test, plus a healthy life style are essen- STDs immunodeficiency virus) and (sexually transmitte tial for preventing cervic al cancer.” including cervical cancer d diseases) With patient location . s near most doctors, LifeLabs condu cts more than • Consi 50 million, physician-r der HPV vaccination. equested diag- your Before daughter becomes sexual nostic tests on more than 10 million discus ly active s Canadians every year, the benefits of the HPV so this laborato- with vaccine your family doctor. ry is in a prime position to identify both positive and disturbin g health trends, • Ta ke the HPV test. An HP including the monitoring V screenof HP ing test is more effective To reduce the risk of HP V. than the pap V, saf e sex tes t at identifying HPV. Some practices and a healthy lifestyle are key. believ experts e women who have had Here, from LifeLabs is a snapshot guide pap normal tests in the past and rec on this topic for wome eive a negan of all ages: tive HPV result do not need to schedule the same frequency of • Schedule your Pap sm pap tests. ear. This medical test detects cervic al changes early – News Canada

Town Crier FIT FOR LIFE February 2010

FITFOR LIFE DIRECTORY LISTINGS Birthright Baycrest Foundation 3560 Bathurst Street Toronto 416-785-2500 ext 2045

Bayview Chiropractic Health Centre 1555 Bayview Avenue Toronto 416-481-7901

Birthright 777 Coxwell Avenue Toronto 416-469-1111

Hazelton Place Retirement Residence 111 Avenue Road Toronto 416-928-0111

maryam adibfar d.d.s. 128 Hazelton Ave Toronto 416-924-5600

Hakim Optical 3145 Yonge Street 700 Lawrence Ave. West Toronto Toronto 416-486-3937 416-781-7723

2395 Yonge Street Toronto 416-488-0904

Noah’s Natural Foods 667 Yonge Street 322 Bloor Street West Toronto Toronto 416-969-0220 416-968-7930

839 Eglinton Ave. West Toronto 416-781-3303

Integra Care 396 Moore Avenue Toronto 416-421-4243

Maryam Adibfar 1849 Yonge Street Suite 508 Toronto 416-486-1849

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Sprint 140 Merton Street 2nd Floor Toronto 416-481-6411

St. Hilda’s Towers 2339 Dufferin Street Toronto 416-781-6621

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More Than Just A “Kink” in the Neck Most of you have experienced what is commonly described as a “kink” in the neck. This problem typically results in pain (sometimes acute) on one side of the neck and an inability to turn your head to one side or tilt your head backwards. People with this problem tend to hold their heads down and away from the pain. This is one of the most common presenting symptom patterns in a chiropractic office. People will typically report to me that this happens to them regularly in varying degrees but that this particular episode was so bad that they decided to seek care. The root of this very common problem is rarely from the neck. The joint irritation or “kink” in the neck is very often the end result of an upper body postural problem. It is caused by the way we sit at our computers, use the mouse; read books; drive cars; stand etc. When we sit at a computer and use the mouse or type, the typical posture pattern is: head forward, shoulders elevated and forward. Think about your arm position when you use the mouse. How many of you have your arm at your side and forearm supported? I thought so…. not many. This position puts a constant stress on the levator scapula and upper trapezius muscles at the

base of the neck. These same muscles attach to the bones of your cervical spine or neck and put a constant stress on those joints. It is only a matter of time before the joints get irritated and then…”kink.” The problem in most of these cases is that postural patterns like this are what we do everyday, for 8 to 10 to sometimes 12 hours a day. Long term, this pattern results in mechanical dysfunction of the whole shoulder girdle. The scapula (shoulder blade) muscles stop working the way they are supposed to. To fix the problem entirely and break the pattern involves 4 things: 1. Change your posture when you are at your computer. Never slouch and make sure that your forearms are supported when

typing or using the mouse 2. Address the mechanical/ soft tissue dysfunction in the shoulder girdle, upper back and neck with A.R.T soft tissue treatment 3. Address the joint dysfunction with chiropractic adjustments/ mobilizations 4. Strengthen and stabilize the muscles of the shoulder girdle and scapula (shoulder blade) with specific exercises At Bayview Chiropractic Health Centre we use an integrated approach to patient treatment that consists of chiropractic adjustments, ART soft tissue therapy, acupuncture, low level laser and rehabilitative exercise. We consistently achieve results fast with sports injuries, overuse injuries, postural problems…..and yes…..”kinks” too.