Hello SPRING!

Time to rub those eyes and look up at that hot ball of fire in the sky... the SUN has returned with it's warmth.  And it looks like it'll stick around for a while now.  Fingers crossed.

You may already notice the increase in runners and cyclists about.  You may even be one of them!  The baseball diamonds, soccer pitches and the like with be getting busy soon too.

As our activity levels rise at this time of year, it is ever so important to keep ourselves in the best condition we can.  Before, during and after exercise.

Eating well, staying hydrated, stretching and getting enough rest are all important components to our well being.

Of course taking advantage of a maintenance treatment plan with your Registered Massage Therapist is a great idea to help avoid injuries.  Depending on the type of activity you take part in you could be looking at a simple every 4 to 6 week work-over to keep things loose OR perhaps a weekly/bi-weekly visit for more active athletes.  Regardless, it is a superb way to avoid small issues before they become BIG issues.  Tissue health is maintained, muscles are stretched, your body can operate more easily.
Remember acupuncture is very helpful with this maintenance as well.

(Smoking NOT advocated!)

Also, here is a great link regarding helping to get kids eating better... it applies to adults too!

Superfoods Kids Love.

Now get out there and enjoy yourself!

Get the Point?

Things have been QUITE busy since September!

In that time (until now) I have completed the McMaster University post-graduate course for Contemporary Acupuncture (Neurofunctional Acupuncture).

So, this adds yet another exciting a valuable avenue as part of your treatment plan.

What is Contemporary Acupuncture?  Find out more here.

In the news!

Two new and interesting stories in the news today....

The first is about a McMaster University study on the effects of exercise and aging.  It seems that endurance exercise (aerobic) may help fight and even reverse the signs of aging.

Anti-Aging Exercise


The second is about a new "Nutrient Rating" system that will be implemented in Canada soon.  It will be a star rating; three stars for a healthy option and down to zero stars for the opposite end.  The bonus about this system will be that the manufacturers will have no way to influence their rating.  Unlike, for example, the Heart and Stroke "Health Check" program.

Nutrient Rating System

Stay healthy!

"The Last Heart Attack"

CNN aired a program last night regarding heart attacks and how to prevent them.

It even features President Bill Clinton and his struggles with heart health.

If a heart attack is something that concerns you or someone you know, take an hour to watch this...

"The Last Heart Attack"

scroll down the link to see the video.

Hydrate, you coconut!

Are you enjoying this stretch of heat we've been having?  Or maybe not!

At any rate, I hope you're hydrating.  There are some very good options for this out there...
I try to opt for the most natural choices.  My first choice overall, when working up a good sweat is coconut water.  And why would that be?  Well, here is a breakdown of the advantages of this tasty drink (from the "Nutrition and You" site)...

Coconut water is a very refreshing drink to beat tropical summer thirst. The juice is packed with simple sugar, electrolytes, and minerals to replenish hydration levels in the body.

Research studies suggest that cytokinins (e.g., kinetin and trans-zeatin) in coconut water showed significant anti-ageing, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic effects.

Coconut water has been generally offered to patients with diarrhea in many tropic regions to replace fluid loss from the gastrointestinal tract and reduce the need for intravenous therapy. The osmolarity of tender coconut water is slightly greater than that of WHO recommended ORS (Oral Rehydration Therapy) osmolarity. Presence of other biological constituents like amino acids, enzymes, minerals, and fatty acids may account for this higher osmolarity. However, unlike WHO-ORS, its water is very low in sodium and chlorides, but rich in sugars and amino acids. This well-balanced fluid composition with much needed calories would be an ideal drink than any other brand of soft drink beverages in dehydration conditions.

Ctoconu water is composed of many naturally occurring bioactive enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, peroxidase, RNA polymerases etc. Altogether, these enzymes aid in digestion and metabolism.

Despite very light consistency, its water has much better composition of minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc than some of fruits like oranges. (Compare mineral composition of oranges).

Its water is also a very good source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pyridoxine, and folates. These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish.

Coconut water contains a very good amount of electrolyte potassium. 100 ml of water has 250 mg of potassium and 105 mg of sodium. Together these electrolytes help replenish electrolytes deficiency in the body due to diarroea (loose stools).

Fresh coco-nut water also has small amount of vitamin-C (ascorbic acid); provides about 2.4 mcg or 4% of RDA. Vitamin C is a water-soluble ant-oxidant.

So, why not give it a try, if you haven't already?  Available in most larger grocery stores these days and local health food stores.  I just try to avoid any with added sugar.  I think it's sweet enough as is.

Enjoy that heat, get out and sweat a little!

Spring/Summer hours...

Due to my dream of becoming a big league soccer coach, my Monday hours will temporarily change.  I'll be helping to coach 4-5 year old future stars in the TimBits League.

From May 30th until August 1st the altered hours will now be...

Mondays 8am - 5pm
Tuesdays 8am - 8pm
Wednesdays 9am - 6pm
Thursdays 9am - 6pm
Fridays 8am - 3pm

ALSO... next month (June) I shall be away on holiday.  These dates will be Thursday, June 16th until Thursday, June 30th.

So book yourself in for those highly beneficial maintenance treatments before and/or after those days!

Flex Your Head!

Spring weather, proper, seems to be gradually settling in.  Finally!  With that we are starting to see people getting active outside again.  Walking, running, playing... and getting some of that natural vitamin D (bonus!).
Did you know that exercise not only benefits your heart, lungs, muscles and mental well being but also your brain?!  It's true.

I've recently come across research showing the multiple benefits exercise has on the health and the functioning of our brains.  Even by merely taking a walk to enjoy these spring-like days, we are also  effectively bringing more oxygen and glucose to our brains.  An increase in blood flow to our brains enhances energy production and waste removal.  Cerebral blood vessels have been shown to grow in response to exercise.
In the elderly studies have shown a 20 minute walk improves memory, concentration, learning and abstract reasoning ability.  (And cut risk of stroke by up to 57%)
The University of California studied 6,000 women over 8 years and found those who were in the "higher energy group" in regards to exercise, saw much less cognitive decline (a protective effect as much as 40%) as the women aged.
Other recent research is showing that no matter what your age, getting that heart pumping with exercise also helps bring an older brain "back to life".  New synapses are made, brain function and protection are increased and you do your body a world of good.  Head to toe!

Remember to check with your family doctor before undertaking any new exercise program.  AND while you're at it, book a massage to help keep it all moving (and recovering) well.

Now FLEX THAT HEAD!