Yes, you read the title right! This is a simple tip on “how to injure yourself” that I have learned from several patients over that past few years. The situation is that it is cold outside and Ms./Mr. Not-Properly-Dressed is out and about with her hands in her pocket because of the bitter chill. All of a sudden she hits a patch of ice and in a frantic attempt to catch her balance her hands get stuck in her pockets. She is unable to regain balance and kaboom! The law of gravity proves itself correct and she lands fully on her knee, elbow, shoulder, or worst case, her face. In severe cases the injury could be quite extensive- broken bones, dislocations, and we don’t have to imagine what could happen when hitting the ground with one’s beautiful face! I can think of several times that this has happened and I’m sure if these people had their hands free they may have been able to catch themselves or at least lessen the force of a fall. So, the tip of “how to injure yourself” is to walk with your hands deep in your pockets in slippery conditions. But, if you are one of those strange “wanna be healthy” types keep your hands free to help you keep your balance! This is true on days like today when Victoria is snowy and slippery, walking on trails, walking over wet floors, or stone. Often it is the simplest, most innocent activities that we do that can cause the most harm and injury. Until next time! ~Think...
A couple of years ago I saw this lecture by Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor about her experience having stroke. It’s about 20 minutes long and I found it quite inspiring in an unexpected way. I love hearing perspectives that balance the scientific and the ‘esoteric’ in the real world. If you want to prevent having a stroke eat your salmon, flax, and sardines. It keeps the blood thin and prevents clotting. ~Think...
Welcome to 2012! I was watching people mope around in the rainy Victoria sidewalks today and noticed that there is a definite “holiday-worn” look that many people are wearing. We ate our plum pudding, buried our mashed potatoes in gravy, and drank bubbly grape juice at the stroke of midnight, so it must mean the holidays are over. The beginning of the year is a great time to reflect on the previous year, take note of what we have learned, and plan the year ahead. While I don’t like the term “New Years Resolution” I think there is tremendous value in goal setting. We should be goal setting at least once a year. Highly productive people goal set and make a plan of action at least once a month. Studies show that by simply writing down your “intentions” for the year make you 70% more likely to achieve them, even if you put them in a drawer and never think about it until this time next year. So, if you could fast forward to December 31, 2012 and you could look back and say, “That was a great year!” what would have needed to happen? Do you need to stop smoking? Lose weight? Improve your diet? Start exercising? Manage stress? Sleep more? Do you need to change careers? Change your outlook? Change the people you surround yourself with? Do you need to travel? Take a vacation? Build that invention that you had stored in your mind? Learn French? I would encourage you to ask yourself that simple question. If nothing comes to mind, it’s OK, just wait. Often people...
It is a very busy time of year with parties, “must-do’s” and “should-do’s.” Having an acupuncture practice is a great opportunity to see how all sorts of different people from a variety of backgrounds respond to the holidays. Some have really busy schedules, others keep the season low key. For those who whip themselves up into a frenzy I offer this idea I heard from a lecture about being creative, and highly productive. There were 8 steps to follow to help free your energy to focus on being creative and innovative. The first and most important step is to “Terminate.” At first I thought I heard wrong, but the idea was to stop doing what you DON’T need to do. Many people give a whole lot of energy to tasks that won’t bring them any closer to their end goals. So you may be able to put that extra set of light on the 50ft tree in your front yard (makes me think of Clark Griswold!). Or you may be able to make a turkey, ham, salmon, roast beef, and lobster for dinner. You probably could make a four story gingerbread from fair trade ingredients from scratch! But, do you really need to? When you “Terminate” tasks that you don’t need to do you will free up energy to be fully present for what you really want to do- like visit with important people, enjoy traditions, or simply relax and rejuvenate during the holidays. ~Think...
Christmas time is near and work, school, and family parties are plenty! During this time we are bombarded with food, drink, merriment, alcohol, excess sugar, fat and calories, followed by a dash of guilt and regret in the morning! After a few nights of trying to “behave” most people simply give up trying to resist the sweet lure of butter tarts, the call of Camembert, or the egging on of the Eggnog and start over consuming until the “New Year.” If you want to avoid putting on holiday weight, feeling tired and sluggish during this time of year try these 4 tips. 1. Don’t Arrive Hungry 2. Stay well hydrated 3. Eat what you actually want 4. Control your portions You can also trying watching this quick video! Excuse the ‘quality’ I am just getting familiar with the camera and a microphone! 4 Tips to Survive the Holidays ~Think...
