| The
average person takes 8 000-10 000 steps a day...
Dr. Carole Smith,
B.A., DC
 …That
puts a lot of pressure on your feet to carry you through
the day! Every step you take impacts your body. If your
foot is not functioning properly, you may develop symptoms
such as pain and discomfort further up your kinetic
chain (e.g. your ankle, knee, hip and spine).
Custom orthotics are designed to help
correct misalignments of the foot, improve posture,
and eliminate foot or leg pain. They are either inserted
into a shoe, or integrated into the shoe’s design
so that they become part of the sole of the shoe. Custom
orthotics differ from the inserts you can buy at the
store because they are specially made to conform to
the unique shape of your foot, and can be created for
almost any type of shoe, whether it is flat or high-heeled.
Overpronation (e.g. flat feet, low
arches) and oversupination (e.g. rigid feet, high arches)
are the 2 major types of biomechanical foot disorders
which can lead to several different injuries.
Overpronators may suffer from a number
of overuse problems:
Plantar fasciitis
Low back pain
Achilles tendonitis
Shin splints |
Bunions
Patellar (kneecap) tendonitis
Iliotibial band syndrome
Patellofemoral syndrome |
Oversupinators suffer from problems
related to poor shock absorption and are at a greater
risk for developing osteoarthritis at the major weight
bearing joints. They may also experience low back, knee,
heel, and hip pain.
With overpronation or oversupination,
the wrong muscles contract or they contract out of their
proper, critical sequence. Your muscles and tendons
eventually fatigue and break down, leading to pain and
scarring of the tissues. Your joints may also suffer
excess wear leading to pain and possibly degeneration.
As a result, pain and dysfunction may arise in your
feet, ankles, legs, knees, thighs, hips, low back, and
further "up the chain."
Treatment for any of the above conditions
includes reducing inflammation, strengthening and stretching
the involved muscles, and promoting proper joint mobility.
In addition, custom made orthotics can play a supportive
role in the overall treatment of these problems and
more importantly, prevent re-occurrences. Many insurance
policies include coverage for chiropractic treatment,
as well as orthotics.
Your feet should not hurt. They are
designed to be used, and pain is the body’s way
of warning you that something is wrong. If you ignore
the pain, the condition causing it could become worse.
|
FIRST ORDER SPECIAL!
One complimentary pair of custom
orthotic inserts,
when your first pair is ordered.
Expires December 31, 2007 - limit one per patient
|
Please call us
at 905.465.4595
for more information
and
to book
your appointment with Dr. Carole
Smith.
For pricing information
please click
here.
Time-tested
strategies for successful weight loss
Dr. Samantha
Ristimaki, BSc, ND
(Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine)
 The
low - carbohydrate weight loss fad has been around for
years and has been proven to be effective short-term
for weight loss. Advocates of the diet claim that low
carbohydrate intake will improve the body’s insulin/blood
sugar balance promoting weight loss. Short term studies
show that low carbohydrate in take has shown slightly
more weight, but the long term studies demonstrate that
it is one of the least successful sustainable weight
loss strategies.
The majority of research in nutrition
shows that carbohydrate rich foods, especially fruit,
legumes, vegetables and whole grains, reduce the risk
of chronic disease. These foods are loaded with antioxidants,
vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and carbohydrates that
reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes, cancer
and cardiovascular disease. Overall, dramatically restricting
calories reduces intake of essential nutrients which
could affect health and slow the metabolism.
What the best solution?
Take your time and make a lifestyle change. You may
take a bit longer to reach your goal but the likelihood
of maintaining your goal will be much higher and you’ll
reap the greater health benefits.
Create a realistic goal and develop
a diet balanced in carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Specific choices depend on your individualized health
concerns. Overall, it is essential to make changes that
are sustainable and that can and will become a part
your daily life.
Please call us
at 905.465.4595
for more information
and
to book
your appointment with Dr. Samantha Ristimaki.
For pricing information
please click
here.
|
Consider
this…
Accept failure
Be easy on yourself. It takes time and patience
to change your lifestyle. Focus on the health
benefits of change.
Allow periodic indulgence
It’s okay to have treats periodically. Choose
one day per week in which you give yourself permission
to indulge in something you desire.
Frequently monitor your
weight & measurements
This will help you stay motivated and on track.
Try not to preoccupy yourself with the numbers
on the scale. If you are exercising and increasing
your muscle mass, you may not loose weight as
quickly but your clothes will fit differently.
Exercise daily
Becoming active on a regular basis is critical.
The key is just to get moving: go for a walk,
play some tennis or join a gym. Walk to the store,
take the stairs at work, and choose a parking
spot further away from your destination. Every
bit helps.
Consume five small meals
per day
Consuming 3 smaller meals with 2 snacks throughout
the day will foster stable blood sugar levels,
thereby controlling appetite and improving moods
and metabolic rate.
Balance your diet
Aim to consume a moderate amount of protein, carbohydrates
and healthy fat with every meal.
|
Purchase
Gift Certificates Over the Phone or Online
Now purchasing the gift of natural healing
couldn't be any easier! Gift certificates may be purchased
over the phone or online for any amount. Your certificate
will be mailed or emailed within 2 business days.
Please call us
at 905.465.4595
to purchase
your gift certificate or visit us online at
www.wellnessforthebody.com
|
