Although there are many types of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type affecting more than 4 million Canadians, that’s 1 in 7 adults. OA is known as a condition that affects cartilage only, but in reality the entire joint is affected including the surrounding muscles and ligaments. This can be a result of: · Healthy joints are being exposed to heavy loads over a long period of time, or · Unhealthy joints that cannot handle normal loads. You often hear osteoarthritis described as ‘wear and tear’ of the joint. This statement is misleading as the joint actually needs movement to stay healthy and receive nutrients. There is no set recipe for how OA develops in joints but some risk factors that increase chances of developing OA include: · Increasing age · Female sex · Family history · Previous joint injury · Overweight or obesity · Occupations with repetitive stress on joints · Muscle weakness surrounding joints · Sedentary lifestyle There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about OA. o OA is caused by “wear and tear”. o As discussed above, there is no single cause for OA and there are many factors that contribute to the risk for developing OA. o Exercise and loading of the joints will cause further damage and a painful joint should be rested. o This statement is misleading as the joint actually need movement to stay healthy and receive nutrients. Light or moderate physical activity can protect the joint by increasing strength of the muscles surrounding the joint. Low impact activity such as swimming, walking, Tai Chi and yoga are recommended. o Knee and hip replacements are inevitable. o Surgery is not the only option, and it is not always appropriate management for everyone with OA. As discussed further in this blog your health care providers use education, lifestyle and exercise to manage OA. Everyone has different experiences with OA and symptoms aren’t the same, therefore treatment plans aren’t the same. Treatment is used to reduce symptoms and improve function of the joint. Interventions are key for those living with osteoarthritis. The good thing is that there is extensive research on how to help you get back to enjoying your life and being physically active. High quality evidence suggests that exercise is the best intervention for individuals with OA. Joints are nourished through moving and weight bearing and that movement acts as a pump to bring fluid and nutrients into the joint needed to maintain the cartilage. This can reduce pain and help get you back to your daily activities. There are many other interventions that your health care providers at Dalhousie Health and Wellness can use during treatments with you to help manage your OA symptoms. Together you and your chiropractor can work through a detailed history and assessment of your symptoms, education and information about OA, exercises to relieve pain and increase joint function, weight management and passive treatments including soft tissue work, mobilizations, manipulations and acupuncture can be provided. Any questions about OA and how you can get back to the activities you love, contact Dalhousie Health and Wellness! Dr. Stav
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Many people struggle with identifying specific foods that might be underlying symptoms. One day a glass of milk appears to cause digestive upset, and another day it doesn’t. It can be very challenging to uncover “food triggers” for various symptoms.
The reason it can be so difficult is because it can take anywhere between 10 minutes and 2-3 days for symptoms to arise with food sensitivities. We call food sensitivities a “delayed response” immune reaction, in contrast to the immediate anaphylactic reaction we see with food allergies. However in both cases, the immune system is producing antibodies against certain foods treating them as a “foreign invading bacteria”. This means that our immune system can often be “tied up” fighting our food rather than the bacteria it SHOULD be fighting. This turns a “healthy” food into a potentially unhealthy food that is triggering symptoms and causing inflammation. As a naturopathic doctor, I am always trying to help patients towards eating the right foods for their body. Many patients come to me to investigate food triggers for digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or stomach pain. However many people do not know that there are often “food triggers” underlying many other symptoms:
There are 2 ways I go about investigating food triggers with patients:
Warmly, Dr. Noelle DeVos On October 10th Saquon Barkley from the NY 🗽 Giants NFL 🏈team suffered a ‘Low Ankle Sprain’ in the first quarter. These are common occurrences not only in Football but in most sports. So let’s have a quick look at the anatomy… Know you have a basic idea of how the bones of the joint look it’s worth remembering that they’re held together with strong ligaments, especially the ATFL (Anterior Talo-Fibular Ligament) these support the ankle, yet they’re flexible enough to allow the movements we require to compete in our sports. It is a classic compromise between support and flexibility that also happens in all our other joints. So lets see what can go wrong and why. The ATFL is the main ligament that gets injured when the ankle ‘rolled’ over the foot. There are 3 different grades of Ankle Sprains with Grade 1 being the mildest, and Grade 3 is a complete tear of the ligament. Low Ankle sprains can be extremely painful when they occur, however not all require a trip to the Emergency Room at your local hospital🏥🚑. So when should you get it x-rayed/imaged?! 🤔 Well this image from the BMJ (British Medical Journal) demonstrates the key areas of pain and the inability to bear any weight on the injured ankles indicts that imaging and further investigation as the injury might be more severe than just an ankle sprain. If you saw the game they’ll see that Saqoun Barkley was able to ‘hobble’ off the field so in an amateur sporting event his would have unlikely gone for x-rays but playing in the NFL I’m sure he would have had multiple images taken of his left ankle.
So what can be done?? Well there is the old acronym of RICE; Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. However there are some specifics in regards to these actions, and encouraging movement and increasing range of motion as soon as safe to do so is important in improving injury outcomes. Also strengthening the muscles 💪 on the side of the injured ankle can help to improve stability of the joint until full healing of the ligament occurs. Also encouraging fresh blood 🩸 to an area and reducing swelling is also important and so is improving the nerves in and around the joint to help regain balance control of the ankle. Saquon Barkley is still on the injured 🤕 list and will hopefully return soon to continue to be an exciting player to watch in the NFL. John, Osteopathic Manual Practitioner Dalhousie Health & Wellness Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful and transformative events a woman can experience. The emotional and physical changes that take place during this time are extremely exciting but at times, can feel overwhelming and uncomfortable. Pregnancy massage can be highly beneficial on many levels. Massage is a gentle, non-invasive approach which can soothe the spirit and help the body return to a more natural state of balance. The emotional support provided by a caring therapist is excellent for helping reduce anxiety and promoting relaxation. Swedish techniques, applied by a knowledgeable practitioner, can address the discomforts that come with the physical demands of a growing baby: nausea, back, hip, knee and leg pain, joint pain, headaches, muscle cramping and swelling. It can also be used to help promote a more restful sleep. A qualified therapist will ensure that positioning on the massage table and the techniques used are safe for each stage of pregnancy and highly effective to address any specific discomforts that may be experienced. Pregnancy massage is a simple and effective way to address the side effects of pregnancy and leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
At Dalhousie Health & Wellness Prenatal care is our passion we’d love to help you feel your best during this special time. For more information give our office a call at (289) 668-5433 or book online. While you are preparing for back-to-school, Dalhousie Health and Wellness wants you to keep in mind the following two topics: backpacks and physical activity levels.
Did you know that recommended backpack weight limit is 10-15% of your child’s body weight? Research shows that most children are exceeding these recommended weight limits. As children are more vulnerable to overuse injuries it is important to ensure proper backpack use. Here are some recommendations: ✏Use two straps instead of one for proper weight distribution, especially when the backpack is heavy ✏️Backpacks with padded backs and padded shoulders help reduce pressure and enhance comfort ✏Hip and chest belts transfer the weight of the backpack off the spine and shoulders ✏Backpacks with multiple compartments keep items secure when in motion and distribute the weight of the backpack ✏Reflective material on the backpack enhances visibility of the child Virtual school has been very tough for our children and teens and although we can’t change this past year’s experience, we want to educate on the importance of staying active as it lowers stress and enhances mood. By educating the community on physical activity guidelines and encouraging activity we can empower our children to play a role in their health and form habits early in life. Canadian Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth: 💪🏻An accumulation of at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity but more is better!! 👉🏻Moderate aerobic activities should allow you to talk, but not sing, include; brisk walking, skating, bike riding and skateboarding 👉🏻Vigorous aerobic activities will increase your heart rate even more and you will not be able to say more than a few words without catching your breath. These include; running, basketball, soccer and cross-country skiing 💪🏼Vigorous physical activities, muscles and bone strengthening activities should be incorporated at least 3 days per week. 💪🏽 Several hours of a variety of structured and unstructured physical activities 💪🏾 Limit sitting for an extended period of time and take frequent breaks 💪🏿 No more than 2 hours per day of recreational screen time Tips to get kids active: 🚶Encourage walking to and from school 🚲 Skateboard, bike or run instead of getting a ride 🐕 Ask them to walk the dog with you 🍂 Have them rake the leaves, shovel snow or carry groceries 🎶 Have a dance party 📺 Reduce screen time Benefits of physical activity: ✅Opportunities for socializing ✅Stronger heart, bones and healthier muscles ✅Better posture and balance ✅Lower stress and increased self-esteem ✅Improved fitness We hope this information helps prepare your littles for back-to-school and we look forward to hearing from you at Dalhousie Health and Wellness if you have any questions. NATURE & PEDIATRIC WELLNESS:
I am proud to say I am on track with planting seedlings for my garden this year! Gardening is one of my absolute favourite summertime hobbies — I can literally feel the day’s stress melt away and my body/mind relax when I garden. Why am I talking about gardening? Because TIME IN NATURE is so crucial not only four our mental and physical wellness as adults, but especially for that of our children! In my practice I see many children who struggle with poor attention/focus, depression, anxiety and other stress-related behaviours (ie. oppositional defiant disorder, tantrums, etc). As a naturopathic doctor, I am always thinking of ways to support my pediatric patients without always needing a “pill” and working to ensure I am addressing “the foundations” for wellness. A lot of research has been done in the last few years on the effects of NATURE on health. Many of us know the importance of going for walks and being outdoors, but do you know that time spent in nature in CHILDHOOD is linked to positive mental health outcomes in kids as ADULTS? Studies have found that time spent in nature in childhood is associated with:
Research has found that kids need a minimum of 1-2 hours of “nature play” and less than 1 hour of “screen time” daily. The best way to get your kids wanting to go outdoors is to LEAD BY EXAMPLE! Here are a few simple ways to encourage your kids to get outdoors this spring:
Nature and outdoor play is not only great for our kid’s mental wellness now, but especially for their emotional resilience as adults. Why not encourage our kids to be outdoors if it literally makes them smarter, happier and healthier?! Dr. Noelle DeVos Naturopathic Doctor, Dalhousie Health & Wellness Did you know that what you eat can affect your mental health? Many people know that healthy eating is important, but not many people know that specific foods (or ingredients) can be linked to poor mental health. In 2017 a study found a link between the amount of sugar people consumed and the likelihood of having a "common mental health" disorder. The study found that mental health disorders, especially depression, were more likely to be found in participants eating the highest amounts of sugar. In my time treating patients, this is a link I have noticed as well. I have had many patients say they noticed their mood dropped substantially after eating something with added sugar such as cookies, orange juice, pop, cake or other types of sweet treats. Researchers have also found that people with depression have higher levels of inflammation in the brain. Their research suggests that there is also a link between high levels of inflammation in the brain and depression. Treatments that work to lower inflammation in the body, can also help to lower brain inflammation and symptoms of depression. When working with patients, I almost always start by educating them on how diet can impact their condition. A healthy diet is absolutely foundational to a person experiencing "vibrant health". As naturopathic doctors we know that "food is medicine"! If a patient's food is not acting as "medicine", it can be acting as the "slowest form of poison". Certain foods can lead to the worsening of symptoms on a daily basis. The body is so wonderfully made. It only needs the right environment to function well. Removing foods which function as obstacles to healing, and adding foods which actively help the body heal can make a big difference to our mental health. Learn more about how you can eat your way to a happier, healthier life by booking a free 15 minute consultation. Warmly, Dr. Noelle Full study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-05649-7 Its John, writing from my home office as unfortunately Osteopathic Manual Practitioners are still unable to work during this lockdown. Although please be aware that there has been a big push from practitioners, patients and our association to try get us back working and treating as soon as possible!!! I feel that I would like to write once a week or so and keep you all up to date with any news, etc on when I can return to work and even just to let you all know what I have been up to and how I am trying to grow personally and professionally. As things stand I am looking to return to work 23rd February!!
I am a firm believer that even in adversity, there can be positive outcomes. I’ve been able to watch every moment of my son grow, walk and start to talk. It has been unbelievable from that view point, so I cannot really complain. Watching his personality develop and see his little mind trying to figure out his little world. I feel bad he has not been socialized as much as I would like, but I hope we have been providing him with enough stimuli. Spending time with my better half, with us bingeing on Netflix, etc has been fun. If anyone needs any recommendations let me know!! I think I’ve ‘completed’ Netflix!! I’m missing playing hockey, missing my family and friends like crazy, but it could be a lot worse, with Zoom and FaceTime it makes it seem not so bad. It has also been a great time for puppy training, we have a 7 month old rescue pup, and he’s a great dog but has some emotional issues to work though and having the extra time for consistent training and helicopter parenting has been a bonus!! I have also tried to develop myself professionally, the same as last lockdown, having the time to study, attend numerous webinars and just focus on areas that I want to improve my practice. I’ve been researching a lot to do with foot biomechanics, hockey and basketball injuries, concussions and rehab science! So be prepared to hear me talk even more about injuries, aches, pains, and biomechanics and I look forward to any questions!!! If anyone has any questions please do not hesitate to contact Dalhousie Health & Wellness and they can pass it on and I'll get back to you ASAP. Remember we get Locked Down but we get up again!! John VanHerbert, Osteopathic Manual Provider I see a lot of patients coming in with fatigue and digestive issues, but no clue that they could be linked. Not every person with fatigue and digestive issues has underlying SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth), but this is something I am constantly screening patients for and trying to educate my patients on!
Many people are aware of the role of the thyroid, adrenals, blood sugar and poor sleep on fatigue. However, I find very few patients have heard of SIBO or are aware of its role in chronic fatigue. Especially in the chronic fatigue syndrome population, this condition has often wreaked havoc on their system for many years before symptoms are diagnosed. WHAT IS SIBO? Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where there is an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the small intestine. We call this imbalance of good and bad bacteria "dysbiosis”. This overgrowth of “bad” pathogenic bacteria that can cause inflammation in the small intestine with a host of other symptoms. Non-digestive symptoms of SIBO may include:
Many patients ask what key symptoms I look for when investigating whether or not they may have SIBO. These are the key symptoms I look for in my patients: 1. Bloating to the point of looking "9 months pregnant" 2. Diarrhea, constipation or both (IBS-like symptoms) 3. I just can't figure out which foods are triggering my digestive issues! 4. I have had stubborn acne or rosacea for years, and it never goes away 5. I have itchy skin or hives 6. Brain fog, like I'm "living in a cloud" TESTING & DIAGNOSIS: We can test for SIBO using a test called the “lactulose/glucose breath test”. This test requires patients to drink a sugar-like formula and then measures the “gas” produced by the body via a breath test. I will run this test with patients who really want to get to the bottom of their fatigue and digestive issues — this is the best way to diagnose SIBO. If you have fatigue and chronic digestive or skin issues, you may have underlying SIBO. Until this dysbiosis is addressed as part of the SIBO diagnosis, these symptoms will only continue. I always love talking with people about SIBO, so if you are worried this could be you let's have a chat about it! I offer free consults to anyone wanting to learn more about how naturopathic medicine can help them. My passion is to help people get to a place where they feel like they are “thriving” in their life. So let's talk about ways we can get you there together! Warmly, Dr. Noelle With the fall weather and impending snow coming many patients will remark that they feel the cold “in their bones”. This is a phrase patients use to share with me that they feel an increase in their arthritic symptoms. There are a few different types of arthritis but often people are referring to osteoarthritis in these cases, this is the regular age related type of arthritis that many people associate with “wear and tear”.
Arthritis by definition is a slow but progressive disease affecting one or more joints in the human body. Arthritis is an active process in which the joint is unable to repair itself as quickly as it is being broken down. And although the “wear and tear” concept fits well with our ideas of aging, arthritic processes are actually more complex than this. Mechanical factors such as heavy lifting and sports are only one factor. Genetics seem to be a strong factor in the development of hip or hand osteoarthritis. Metabolic factors are another contributor, which are determined by the overall functioning of a person’s cells and inflammation within the body. These inflammatory factors are modified by the presence of chronic disease such as heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes just to name a few. This is all to say that arthritic symptoms may present themselves due to a cumulative exposure to the many risk factors and not just the movement you put through the joint. Therefore, arthritic symptoms are typically best managed through a holistic, lifestyle approach. There are many treatment approaches to arthritic pain but one of the strongest recommendations within the guidelines includes exercise therapy. Many patients with osteoarthritis tend to avoid activity as they worry that it will worsen the “wear and tear” of a joint, but as discussed above arthritis is an active process and actually responds favourably to exercise. Weight loss is another strong recommendation within the literature for managing pain and improving joint function. Co management of other chronic illnesses and working to improve the overall health of your body and metabolic processes will also help in reducing your symptoms. Practitioners such as chiropractors and osteopaths are able to prescribe exercise to assist with your symptoms while consults with the naturopath may provide support for your overall well being to reduce symptoms. Using a team approach, Dalhousie Health & Wellness strives to manage arthritic changes through a holistic, lifestyle based approach. |
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