Village Wellness is Hiring

Village Wellness is seeking is a part time individual to join our team of professionals in serving the healthcare needs of our community. Village Wellness is a Chiropractic Clinic located in Upper Tantallon, Nova Scotia which focuses on improving the health and wellness of families in our local area. In addition to chiropractic, we also offer massage therapy, orthotics, laser therapy and medical acupuncture. Together we work on promoting how to improve your personal health by achieving goals in nutrition, exercise, mental health and removal of physical barriers. 

Role and Duties:
Greet patients and staff in a helpful and courteous manner
Prepare office for the daily functions
Book appointments in person, over phone, via email
Billing and collections transactions
Filing paperwork
General bookkeeping
Direct patients as necessary
Maintain appearance of reception area and treatments rooms as necessary
Answer general inquiries about health care services
Follow up with patients about booking and maintaining appointments
Promote and represent the clinic and a healthy lifestyle in a professional manner
Be comfortable with chiropractic vernacular, promote chiropractic, be an advocate of local healthcare services
Comfortable communicating with other businesses as a community liason officer
Available to assist at community outreach opportunities

Requirements:
High school diploma
Verbal and written competency in English
Competent in computer use of Microsoft Office and willingness to learn new programs
Must have availability for Tuesday and Thursday Evenings (4-8pm); full day Friday (8-5pm)
Availability to cover additional holidays and sick days is an asset
Knowledge and experience in chiropractic and natural healthcare is an asset
Knowledge of the area is an asset
Must be willing to learn, be personable and have a happy disposition
Must be health conscious

Benefits:
Rate of pay $12/hr
Free Parking
Some health care benefits included

Please send CV / Resume with cover letter to the attention of Gillian Silver at info@villagewellness.com by 12pm Monday May 7th. Interviews to be scheduled Wednesday May 9th with a commencement date as early as May 22nd.

Village Wellness Turns Three!

Tuesday, December 6th 2011 marks the third year anniversary of Village Wellness.  2011 has brought forth some significant changes for the clinic, most notably a move from Hammonds Plains to Tantallon.  The staff of Village Wellness would like to thank all of our patients for the continued support and allowing us to be an integral part of your healthcare strategy. 

In celebration of our third year anniversary, Village Wellness will be holding a draw for all those patients wishing to share their experience at the clinic.  During the month of December, submit your testimonial and you will be entered to win one of three great prizes:

#1 - Complimentary 60 Minute Massage Therapy Gift Certificate

#2 - Chiroflow Premium Water Based Pillow

#3 - Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel (x2)

The draw will be held on January 3rd, 2012 and winners will be contacted with their prize!  There are three ways to submit your testimonial in order to be eligible:

#1 - Fill out your testimonial form in person during your December visit to the clinic

#2 - Visit the "Clinic Info" page, download the testimonial form and bring it in to your next visit

#3 - Share your thoughts directly on our Facebook Page, and we will enter you automatically! 

The Comfort Zone (aka False Wellness)

Do you know anyone that’s maybe a little older, has some aches and pains, doesn’t sleep well, complains of stomach issues, takes several over the counter medications as well as prescription medications?  Do they seem frustrated?  Do they blame their doctors?  Are they unsure how they got this way and have accepted that this is just a part if ageing?  Are they unhappy that their state of health conflicts with their hobbies, family, work and goals in life?  Do you think if they could rewind the clock they might do something different in their life, being more proactive to continue feeling good while they were feeling good?   Do you suppose their proactive strategy would involve more lifestyle behaviours instead of more medications and surgery?   Their answer would likely be a resounding YES!  Better yet- ask them yourself!

So then here you are, young, “healthy”, not much to complain about and doing absolutely nothing to stay that way.  Sure you eat salad occasionally, buy the low fat version of foods, take the dog for a walk every day and see your medical doctor for antibiotics when you have get a sore throat.  Let’s see where that gets you in 10, 20 years….OR you could do something now to break out of the COMFORT ZONE (also known as FALSE WELLNESS) and start moving towards real health and sustainable wellness.

Trust Me – The FUTURE YOU will be THANKFUL you did!!

Take control of your body and take action to preserve and improve the vessel that moves with you in your life from the day you are conceived until the moment you take your last breath - YOUR BODY! Does it make sense to put more money, energy and time into taking care of your car or your home, than it does your nervous system, the master controller of the human body? Of course not! If your Brain and the communication with your muscles, organs, glands and skin ceases to exist, then you cease to exist.  Luckily regular spinal care with you Chiropractor can help.  We will detect nervous system interference in the form of subluxations and remove them, we will help keep you accountable to your nutrition and exercise goals, and we will provide developing information that can be easily implemented into your routine to help you along this journey.  Because that’s what it is, a lifelong journey.

1. Eat Healthy
2. Exercise Smartly
3. Get Adjusted Regularly
4. Maintain a Positive Attitude

It’s simple and it’s a choice. This routine will help move you from your comfort zone where you exist but don’t thrive, to higher functioning, improved health and prevention of future illnesses.  This is right for you and your children and it’s never too late to start.

Dr. Megan Wambolt, B.Sc DC

Food Bank Drive 2011

If your spouse, child, parent or friends are not yet experiencing the benefits of a chiropractic lifestyle, this is the opportunity to share your secret to better health! Until December 9th, Dr. Megan and Dr. Chad are offering their initial visit free of charge in exchange for ten nonperishable items to be donated to the St. Margaret's Food Bank. This includes your health history, physical examination, nervous system scan with thermal and EMG, gait scan if necessary and your first treatment, a value of $90.

This holiday season share the gift of better health and increased quality of life by telling your loved ones about this offer. The 1st Annual Food Drive at Village Wellness in 2010 was a great success, let's make 2011 even better!

Fall 2011 Workshops

We are very excited to announce our Fall line-up of Workshops, which revolves around an amazing topic, Kids!

From Pregnancy and Breastfeeding support, to Car Seat Safety and Backpack screening / evaluation - we have it all.

Want to get involved with some of these workshops? Here's how:

Visit our Fall 2011 Workshops page to review the topics and dates / times. Then register using the form located on the same page. After you submit the form, we will contact you with further details and with reminders about the upcoming workshop!

Visit the Workshops Page

Great West Life Direct Billing Now Available!

Great West Life is the newest major insurance company to implement online direct billing for Chiropractic care, joining other insurers such as Blue Cross and Greenshield (read about it here).  Employees who have group benefits with Great West Life may now enjoy the benefits of direct online billing for many extended healthcare providers, such as Chiropractors and Physiotherapists.  Currently Massage Therapy is not available for online billing through Great West Life. 

Village Wellness is pleased to offer this added convenience to its patients.  To see a list of all insurers that Village Wellness is able to bill directly, visit our Clinic Info page.

The Effects of Music During a Massage

Receiving a massage is one of the few times one can expel the rigors of everyday life and become completely immersed in unabated relaxation. One of the methods your massage therapist uses to enhance the release of stress is through the playing of music. Most therapists play relaxing music because of the great effects it has on the mind and the body, not only for the client, but for the therapist as well.

 Music is very effective in clearing the mind. It can engage the emotions and thoughts of the person and flush the mind of any intrusive or distracting thoughts. This is one of the reasons why music is a necessity in our lives. The inherent spiritual nature of every person allows us to connect differently to each genre of music. For this reason, listening to relaxing music while experiencing a massage can create a balance for the mind and enables a reconnection to the body.

There are many components to music and each creates their own distinctive effect on the listener. The music varies with how loud or soft the instruments are, how fast or slow the melody is, if there is background music, or how many notes are being played. Here are some key elements in music that can trigger certain parts of the mind and body:

• Light acoustic guitar:  Sparsely played with a soft tone; the vibrations of the strings  have a soothing effect to the heart and solar plexus (abdomen) areas, and can cause an instant sense of release and de-stressing.
   
• Light piano: Densely played with a soft tone; the piano has value like that of an acoustic guitar.  Played in a relaxing, yet powerful style, the piano provides an instant sense of relaxing and allows the client to “let everything go”.
   
• Harp: The effect of the harp is comparable to the guitar, but is a great selection for those clients who would like to escape from their present mind and body state. This can rebalance the person physically and emotionally.
   
• Flute:  The flute is an “air” instrument, and it works in a greater sound range. This is optimal for clients who feel heavy and oppressed. The flute has a way of clearing the room of unwanted heaviness, substituting it with light frequencies, promoting a very effective massage treatment.
   
• Orchestral strings: These can improve physical and mental stresses very quickly, and provide a deeper sense of consciousness and satisfaction. Frequency ranges rest on the specific instrument, but when being played together as an orchestral collaboration the strings have a similar effect to the piano. The wide range of frequency ensures a larger degree of healing and relaxation.
   
• Percussion: Alight hand-drumming is very grounding. This unique sound composition is ideal for people who seem to have little control of their emotions and are spinning in their minds. Perfect for soothing feelings of being overwhelmed and for coming “back down” to reality.
   
• The Human Voice: The human voice is one of the quickest sounds for opening the chakras in the body for both the singer and the listener, cultivating an immediate space for healing and rejuvenation. The human voice is considered to be the “first” or primary instrument – connecting the singer and listener to something both primal and divine.
   
• Crystal bowls: The calming sound of the crystals and their pure sine waves open the chakras and create a balanced and restful ambiance for your clients. Crystal music can help facilitate optimum peace and relaxation. The sounds are created by placing moistened fingers on the edges of the revolving crystal bowls.  Sometimes “ghost” notes and complex rhythmic beats occur; they produce a sound spectrum that features harmonic partials. This results in a sound that consists of a fundamental note plus a number of harmonic overtones.

In conclusion, music plays a valuable role in the overall massage experience. It is important that the client clearly communicates their thoughts and emotions to the massage therapist so as to allow the therapist to select the most effective musical treatment. During your next massage, pay close attention to the musical selections of your therapist and allow your mind to dance with the ebb and flow of the musical vibrations flowing through the air; your massage experience will be greatly enhanced.

 By:  K.A. Appleby

References:

 Nordholt, Schroeder (2011). The Therapeutic Qualities of Music. Massage Therapy Canada. Retrieved 23 May 2011 from http://www.massagetherapycanada.com/content/view/1804/132/.

Into Spring Training?  Here’s How Your Chiropractor Can Help

It’s that time of year again, the snow has melted and people are eager to abandon the treadmill for the sights and smells of the great Nova Scotian outdoors in spring time.  For others, it’s the consideration that bathing suit season is just around the corner; either way we see a lot more people outdoors being active and subsequently in our office for the injuries that follow.

A visit to the one of the Chiropractors at Village Wellness can help prevent running injuries before they start.  An initial visit will help determine areas of physical weakness, imbalance and suboptimal nervous system functioning.  An in depth history and overall physical assessment combined with a spinal nerve scan, lower limb analysis and dynamic foot evaluation aid our Doctors in determining an appropriate care plan for you.  Here’s how we can help:

• Identify areas of previous injury, assess how you’ve recovered and what the potential setbacks of this could mean for you going forward
• Identify areas of spinal subluxation that are compromising your spinal nerves that communicate with the rest of your muscles and joints.  Spinal adjustments aim to restore normal function to your joints and muscles which will increase control, coordination and muscle strength
• Identify any rotation or misalignment of the pelvis, the link between your spine and the forces of your lower limbs
• Evaluate for postural imbalance which places stress and strain on muscles and joints beyond an area of complaint
• Evaluate the symmetry of your feet as you move thru a gait cycle and determine if a custom orthotic can encourage more symmetry, increase comfort or correct excess motion thru the ankle joint
• Identify areas of muscle imbalance due to malposition of the joints they surround and determine if massage or acupuncture can decrease muscle tension and pain
• Provide valuable insight to stretches appropriate for your anatomy and make other lifestyle suggestions (nutrition, ergonomics, training and care schedules, etc)
• Diagnose any new issues that might arise during your training and modify treatment or refer to another specialist if necessary
   

If you know someone that is a runner or just interested in overall health then this is a $90 fee that is well spent to receive the expertise of a Doctor that specializes in the treatment and diagnosis of neuromusculoskeletal conditions (Your Chiropractor!).  If you’re currently a patient and you’re interested in starting a training program, then let us know for your next appointment that you’d like a “Spring Tune- Up Evaluation”.

Introducing: Village Wellness TV

After much preparation, Village Wellness is proud to announce the launch of Village Wellness TV, a natural healthcare video blog with Dr. Chad as your host!  Start the educational process - and discover natural healthcare strategies and philosophies to improve your life! 

The idea for Village Wellness TV developed from Dr. Chad’s clinical experience in his own practice and his passion for educating his patients. His observations revealed that although there is a wealth of healthcare knowledge easily available today through the internet, patients still require proper interpretation and advice from a professional in order to make an informed choice. Lack of information can keep critical healthcare decisions from happening, and eventually effect overall wellness and quality of life.

Dr. Chad’s genuine enthusiasm and interest for healthcare is evident in his honest and up-front education style. His goal is to cut down barriers and stimulate positive change when it comes to healthcare choices. Dr. Chad focuses on healthcare philosophy a lot in his teaching, since it is the backbone of living a wellness lifestyle. Chad has been a student of health and wellness over the past 10 years – with a firm understanding and background in anatomy, physiology, health promotion, exercise physiology, chiropractic and other forms of manual therapy, and healthcare philosophy.

Watch Episode 1...

Village Wellness Has Moved!

Village Wellness has moved to a new location, near the intersection of Hammonds Plains Road and St. Margarets Bay Road in Upper Tantallon.  We are now located in the same building as Jumbo Video and The Hearing Specialists. 

All of the staff at Village Wellness would like to thank our patients for their loyalty and continued support during this time of change for our clinic. 

Find the New Place...

Massage Therapy As a Paramount Method for Treatment of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) refers to a type of tendonitis. It is a common ailment that affects thousands of Canadians each year. It is a condition which causes the outer tendons of the elbow to become sore and tender. A tendon is thread-like, tough, fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscles to bones and tendinitis occurs because the tendon has become inflamed and irritated. If left untreated, tendonitis can affect multiple muscles throughout the body. One of the most effective methods of treatment for tennis elbow is massage therapy because it is a natural, non-invasive procedure that not only targets the affected area, but treats and prevents damage to surrounding muscle groups.

 Specific causes of tennis elbow vary, but most often it is an overuse injury or is caused by a direct blow or trauma to the elbow.  Persons that have occupations or hobbies that involve repetitive motions are most likely to be affected. Some usual catalysts include sports, carpentry, construction work, painting, gardening, or decorating. Excessive repetitive movements will cause the tendons to become tight and shortened, often causing small tears in the muscle fibres. Damages due to tennis elbow are significant because the entire forearm (extensor muscle group) is usually affected.
 
 Most people who suffer from tendinitis experience symptoms that include stiffness, weakness, burning sensations, and decreased range of motion. Apart from general soreness, those who suffer from tennis elbow may also experience heightened stiffness in the morning and evening as well as on site inflammation. If left untreated, these symptoms can escalate and lead to intense pain, weakness when lifting objects, and palpable knots at the elbow.

 Massage therapy is a highly appropriate method of treatment for tennis elbow for several reasons. Firstly, massage provides an immediate increase in range of motion. This is often the most crucial benefit for clients as it allows them to resume regular daily activities. Secondly, massage therapy increases circulation, thus decreasing pain, and works to lengthen and restore muscles to their original condition. Thirdly, regular therapeutic maintenance of the targeted area will provide long term benefits, such as reduced likelihood of reoccurring injury. Massage therapy is also the premier method for natural healing, so patients will not have to risk incurring the negative side effects of pharmaceutical treatment.  Massage therapy offers many ways to relieve the pain of tennis elbow and provides thorough comfort to all affected areas.  Clients receive genuine relief, comfort,  and repair of muscle groups because this natural treatment is based on increasing circulation, lengthening all affected muscles, and increasing range of motion.

Kasmir Appleby, RMT
 

Ear Infections:  The Real Options You Haven’t Been Told About

Sometimes it feels like a déjà vu, you wake up to find that your child has a sniffly nose and think to yourself “not again!”  It’s that time of year when colds run rampant, especially among children and even more so if they attend day care or school.  This is one lesson in sharing that you wish your child’s friends would keep to themselves.  Even more dreaded than a runny nose and a stubborn cough is the fear that it could progress to (gasp) an ear infection (also known as Acute Otitis Media).

The medical system has played on our insecurities and as paranoid parents we often tend to hallucinate an ear tug or we contemplate the efficacy of our thermometer as we assess our child’s state of illness. Before we know it we are picking up the phone to make an appointment with our medical doctor or trudging off to the local walk in clinic.  Yes it’s prudent to have our kids checked out by the professionals when we are in doubt, but does their recommendations on what to do next always have the best outcomes?  Although our medical doctors have the ability to recommend treatment as they see fit based on their own clinical experience and judgement, sometimes we the parent, need to be an advocate for our children and suggest the possibility of a better way.  And as it turns out, some other medical professionals would agree.  In May 2004 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published their Clinical Practice Guidelines in regard to the diagnosis and management of Acute Otitis Media. Their views are as follows:

• Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is the most common infection for which antibacterial agents (over 20 million prescriptions in 1990) are prescribed for children in the United States costing an estimated $1.96 billion in direct costs(providing care, doctors’ visits, antibiotics) in the US in 1995, and $1.02 billion in indirect costs (time lost from school and work)
• Clinicians need to be more judicious in their use of antibiotics for AOM as concerns rise about antibacterial resistance, greater need for broad spectrum antibiotics and increased costs of pharmaceuticals
   

The AAP’s recommendations are as follows for the diagnosis and management of uncomplicated AOM in children ages 2 months to 12 years of age

• Confirm with a history Acute Otitis Media (recent and abrupt onset of symptoms), identify Middle Ear Effusion (MEE, collection of fluid between the ear drum and the inner ear) and evaluate for Middle Ear Inflammation (swelling of the middle ear space). This is the only way that a certain diagnosis of Acute Otitis Media can be made
  • It is important to understand that middle ear effusion and middle ear inflammation are clear indicators that a diagnosis of AOM can be made, however Otitis Media Effusion (OME, presence of fluid in the middle ear, with or without pain) is not a clear indicator of an infection and thus antibiotics may be prescribed unnecessarily 
  • There are several factors that can prohibit a clear view of the tympanic membrane (including inability to clearly view the ear canal due to wax build up, a narrow ear canal, or inability to successfully test) and thus a certain diagnosis cannot be made but only considered
  • History alone is not a good indicator for diagnosis as symptoms such as ear pulling, irritability and fever are nonspecific and can overlap with uncomplicated viral upper respiratory infection
• If pain is present the clinician should recommend treatment to reduce pain whether or not antibiotics are used
• Observation Option: Defer antibacterial treatment for Acute Otitis Media for 48-72 hours, and manage only the symptoms (pain). This option should be exercised in those 6 months -2 years with nonsevere presentation and an uncertain diagnosis and in those 2 years and older without a severe symptoms or uncertain diagnosis
  • This is the standard for many European Nations
  • The AAP also notes that most children do well without any adverse effects without any antibacterial therapy, noting that by 24 hours 61% of children decreased symptoms and by 7 days 75% have resolution of symptoms
  • The AAP also notes that routine antibacterial therapy of AOM is not an absolute safeguard against serious complications such as mastoiditis or meningitis. In fact most serious cases had received prior antibacterial therapy, and in fact these serious complications were masked by the use of antibiotics
• Viruses (including RSV, rhinovirus, parainfluenza) have been found in 40-75% of cases with middle ear effusion and may be responsible for apparent antibacterial agent failure
• It is important to recognize that if your child does not show improvement within 48-72 hours despite a course of antibiotics or not, they should be re-assessed by the clinician to confirm AOM or exclude other forms of illness
• Prevention is key (as all those who see a Chiropractor regularly know). Factors that put a child at higher risk but cannot be avoided include: genetic predisposition, premature birth, male gender, Native American ethnicity, family history presence of siblings and low socioeconomic status. Factors that can be altered include: reducing incidence of respiratory tract infections by altering child care attendance, breastfeeding for the first 6 months +, avoid bottle propping, eliminate pacifier use after 6 months of age, and avoid cigarette smoke
   

I, as a mom first and a Doctor of Chiropractic second, am glad to see that the official stance from the group that oversees the care of our children (the AAP) has decided to take a more conservative approach on the topic of ear infections.  Unfortunately not all medical professionals necessarily follow this paradigm.  I have no doubt that these doctors genuinely have the best interests of our children at heart when they write out a prescription for antibiotics, but it is possible that there is a better way.

Just recently this winter our daughter developed an ear infection (sometimes the benefits of breast milk and chiropractic adjustments aren’t enough to prevent occupation by germs…more on that in a moment). When our medical doctor confirmed it was an ear infection I knew that we would be taking a wait and see approach, rather than running to the pharmacy to have a prescription filled.  Having educated myself with such facts as those listed above and these:

• The likely hood of a recurrent ear infection is 2-6 times higher in those treated with antibiotics
• Recurrent ear infections = tubes in young children = general anaesthetic  and surgery (no thanks!)
   

My husband and I settled in for the wait and see approach.  We abandoned fever reducers letting the body fight with the tools it has (although we monitored her fever to make sure it did not reach dangerous levels, although this is a debated topic in itself), applied a heating pad to her ear, adjusted any cervical spine subluxations, added a few drops of breast milk to each ear and did a lot of cuddling with our girl. Within 24 hours her fever had broke and she was back to herself.  All of this without having to tax her liver with unnecessary antibiotics, killing off competing good bacteria in her body or any undesired side effects  such as diarrhea.  Other natural methods we could have used include: warm garlic or tea tree oil in the outer ear and antimicrobial supplements such as goldenseal or grapeseed extract.

So if your child develops an ear infection this winter season maybe you will now have greater faith that your child’s body is capable of fighting off a bug and gaining some natural immunity.  When your doctor confirms what is the diagnosis (or in reality what is the most likely diagnosis), express that you would like to exercise the Observation Option.  Trust your instincts as a parent, be an advocate for the long term health of your child and explore how complimentary medicines like Chiropractic can benefit your family.

By Dr. Megan Wambolt BSc DC

References:

Clinical Practice Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Acute Otitis Media. American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians. Pediatrics 2004. 113(5): 1451-1465.

The Baby Bond: The New Science Behind What’s Really Important When Caring For Your Baby. Dr Linda Folden Palmer.  Lucky Press (2009) 422 pgs.

Graceful Beginnings Birth Services

When people think of Lamaze they often relate it to a set of breathing techniques.  While breathing still plays a key role in pain management in childbirth, Lamaze now promotes a philosophy of birth, as opposed to just one technique. 

Wanda Cox is a Certified Doula, Lamaze Trained Birth Instructor and IAIM Baby Massage Instructor.

Wanda loves to help women understand and experience birth for what it can be:  safe, natural and empowering.  Wanda has been attending births for over 11 years.  Each one is different and unique, just like the women she supports.  She lives in Milford with her husband and three beautiful boys and attends births from Halifax to Truro, NS.

Here is a Lamaze Philosophy of birth, which matches Wanda’s own philosophy as well:

• Birth is normal, natural and healthy
• The experience of birth profoundly affects women and their families
• Women’s inner wisdom guides them through birth
• Women’s confidence and ability to give birth is either enhanced or diminished by the care provider and place of birth
• Women have the right to give birth free from routine medical intervention
• Birth can safely take place in homes, birth centres and hospitals
• Childbirth education empowers women to make informed choices in health care, to assure responsibility for their health, and to trust their inner wisdom.

The objective of the class is to increase women’s confidence in their ability to birth their baby and help partners to build skills and confidence in their role as her primary support.  Wanda covers topics from pregnancy, through to the process of birth and beyond, as she prepares you for the postpartum period, including breastfeeding.  She helps couple to advocate for themselves with evidence-based information.  Each couple will receive a copy of “Prepared Childbirth” – the most current, evidence-based childbirth handbook available. 

Class will be held at Village Wellness on Thursdays from 6:30pm – 8:45pm

Dates for next class series:  January 27  February 3, 10, 17, 24  March 3

Price:  $250 / per couple for the series  

To register email wandacox@eastlink.ca or call 1-866-99DOULA

Only cash or Cheque will be accepted (Payable to Wanda Cox).  $100 Deposit required to hold spot (remainder due at beginning of classes). 

Of course I go to a Chiropractor…

This video sums it up nicely. When you're done watching this - read this one.

Complimentary Foot Scans are Back for November!

After such a successful turnout in June - we've decided to do it all again this November! 

For the entire month of November Village Wellness is offering a unique chance for patients to learn more about their foot mechanics and have their feet scanned / analyzed. 

Learn why this may interest you be checking out our original article from June.  Interested patients are encouraged to call and set up your appointment for a complimentary foot scan this November.   

Preconception Planning, Pregnancy and Post Partum Health, Naturally!

In today’s society people have become far too accustomed to the “quick fixes” that exist when we feel under the weather.  But if there was ever a time in a woman’s life to strive to work with the natural changes your body is undergoing it is during the nine months of pregnancy. Often people take the approach that pregnancy and childbirth should be treated as an illness or a health care crisis, when the truth is that it is the most fundamental and naturally occurring process that has existed in the history of our world.  But natural does not mean that we have to endure the ravages imposed upon our changing body, but rather look to time tested alternatives which work with our body and the innate capabilities we have as women.

The female body undergoes a crucial metamorphosis after conception has occurred to grow, nurture and prepare to deliver a child.  It must be acknowledged that these changes come along with some not so welcome symptoms that can be prevented and treated at this time.  One culprit is the increase in the hormone Relaxin which assists your growing uterus and ligaments but also wreaks havoc on spinal and pelvic joints, leading to sharp pain with movements, chronic headaches at the base of your skull or gnawing pain shooting down your legs, to mention a few.

Chiropractic During Pregnancy Can Help In Many Ways - Any change in joint position in the spine can put excess stress on spinal nerves as they exit the spinal cord which in turn can contribute to such common pregnancy ailments as insomnia, dizziness, sinus trouble, arm and hand pain, indigestion, frequent urination, constipation, leg cramps, swelling, low back pain and many others.  Seeking the care of a chiropractor who is accustomed to treating pregnant women to make sure that spinal joints remain in good alignment for the duration of baby growing and post delivery can keep painful symptoms at bay and improve new ones as they crop up in each trimester.
 

Benefits of Chiropractic During Pregnancy

• Maintain a healthier pregnancy
• Control symptoms of nausea
• Reduce the time of labour and delivery
• Relieve back, neck and pelvic pain
• Prevent a potential Caesarean 

It is vital that the pelvis be in proper alignment during pregnancy to prevent intrauterine constraint which may limit room for the growing baby and possibly lead to a breech presentation where the baby is not head first.  If this should be the case then a very gentle, non invasive technique can be performed by your Chiropractor starting at 36 weeks which helps the mother’s body turn the baby.  Patients who receive chiropractic care during their pregnancy frequently report a quicker and more comfortable labour and delivery, often avoiding medical interventions which may lead to caesarean.

Chiropractic treatments can be modified to accommodate a growing belly and flexible joints, and is completely safe to both mom and baby.  When chiropractic is paired with pregnancy massage by a qualified Registered Massage Therapist it can aid achy muscles, breathing difficulties and open up the pelvic cavity to prepare mom for the eventual birth of her child.

Post Partum Recovery – In the weeks following the arrival of baby, our body is in the process of healing from pregnancy and delivery.   It is incredibly important at this stage to follow up with a Chiropractor to assess the alignment of our joints as the relaxin decreases in our body.  A mal position of the pelvic joints, spine and tailbone at this time, as a result from a traumatic delivery and post partum changes, can result in chronic pain if not addressed and corrected.  New mothers often have some of the poorest posture secondary to long hours cradling and feeding baby in those early weeks.  This leads to sore backs, weak arms and headaches.  Remember that Mom needs to be taken care of so she can take the best care of her family.  A Baby Wellness Exam is incredibly beneficial at this time as well, to assess the integrity of baby’s spinal joints.

A Natural Approach to Infertility - More commonly families are turning to more non-traditional techniques such as acupuncture and chiropractic in their quest to expand their family. Most recently in the news Celine Dion reported that combining acupuncture during her sixth round of IVF treatments allowed her to become successfully pregnant with twins. Research is growing to support the effectiveness of acupuncture for couples challenged with infertility (due to non-anatomical reasons). Acupuncture helps regulates the body’s hormones, decrease stress and increase blood flow to the reproductive organs.  Chiropractic works in a similar manner by reducing interference to the nervous system caused by trauma, stress, ergonomics and posture.  The same way that an appliance will not work unless plugged in all the way, your spinal nerves which control the function of your organs (including ovaries and testis) need to receive clear signals from your brain in order to function at their best.

Whether you are currently pregnant, trying to become pregnant or have recently given birth, all women (and men) should include a visit to your local Chiropractor to determine the status of your spine’s health. Maintaining a proactive approach to your health while you are pain free can prevent you from a poor quality of life down the road.

Dr. Megan Wambolt, B.Sc, DC

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)

The Temporomandibular Joint is the joint connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone). The lower jaw and the skull are also connected by a number of muscles and ligaments which function in unity if the lower jaw is positioned correctly.  TMJ disorder is most commonly seen in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40. In addition, women are more likely to suffer from TMJ dysfunction than men.

There are numerous causes of TMJ dysfunction including: direct and indirect trauma such as a blow to the jaw, a fracture, surgery, or prolonged opening of the mouth; Stress which can increase muscle tension due to clenching and grinding of the teeth; Overuse of the muscles such as chewing gum, prolonged yawning, pipe and cigar smoking, or an occupation that requires a mouth piece or mouth guard (i.e., scuba diving, hockey player, saxophone player); Tissue alteration such as tooth loss, bone misalignment, hypermobility (i.e., excessive movement), adhesions (i.e., knots); Prolonged finger or thumb sucking; and joint pathologies. TMJ dysfunction is also a common secondary trauma to whiplash injuries.

The symptoms of TMJ dysfunction consist of headaches, shoulder, neck and back pain, clicking or popping sounds of the jaw, clenching or grinding of the teeth, locking or catching of the jaw, stiffness in the jaw, ear aches, ringing in the ears, and misalignment of the teeth when biting.

TMJ disorders often go undiagnosed due to the range of symptoms experienced by individuals afflicted by it.  Temporomandibular joint dysfunction transcends multiple disciplines (i.e., dentistry, neurology, physical therapy, and massage therapy) with causes and symptoms that are often interchangeable resulting in many patients remaining undiagnosed and in discomfort either temporarily or chronically. 

Massage therapy can help the symptoms of TMJ disorders by increasing circulation, detoxifying, decreasing muscle tension and adhesions, reducing pain and inflammation (if present), stretching shortened muscles, and maintaining and restoring range of motion. Hands on treatment of TMJ focuses on the upper back, neck, pectoral muscles, facial muscles and the scalp.  An intra-oral (inside mouth) massage can also be performed as treatment for TMJ dysfunction. Some homecare remedies for TMJ include: heat on the upper back and neck, ice (if inflammation is present), consumption of plenty of H20, stretching of the pectoral and neck muscles, and lastly avoiding chewing gum.

Kasmir Appleby, RMT

The Case For Chiropractic - What You Thought You Knew

If you suffer from a health problem and have considered seeing a chiropractor, then read on...

Imagine for a moment that it is 6 months from today....and you are doing what you love to do! You are free of pain; you have more energy and better health. This can become a reality and for the many people who have found success with their chiropractor it already is.

Does Chiropractic Really Work? Chiropractic has been around for over a hundred years and has been used to help everyone from tiny babies to the elderly. Even top sports stars and entertainers like Emmett Smith, Joe Montana, Lance Armstrong and Ellen DeGeneres know the benefits of chiropractic. There is a great deal of top medical research that supports chiropractic: Dr. Pran Manga, health economist, was commissioned by the Ministry of Health in Ontario, Canada in 1993 to review all the international evidence on the management of low back pain. His results shocked the medical community when he concluded: "There would be highly significant cost savings if more management of low back pain was transfered from physicians to chiropractors.  Many medical therapies are of questionable validity or are clearly inadequate.  Chiropractic management is greatly superior to medical management in terms of scientific validity, safety, cost-effectiveness, and patient satisfaction."

Isn’t Chiropractic Just for Back Pain? Although Chiropractic is well known to work great for back pain, it can help treat many conditions like:

·         Headaches and Migraines
·         Numbness in the Arm and Legs
·         Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
·         Athletic Injuries
·         Car Accidents
·         Shoulder, Hip and Knee Pain

Chiropractors are Doctors trained to understand the ailments that affect your muscles, joints and nervous system. A referral is not necessary as Chiropractors are primary care providers that can diagnose or refer you to the appropriate health care venue if needed.

How long will it take to feel better? Treatment varies as much as the people that seek care and a patient’s response to treatment can vary depending on age, how long they’ve felt the pain, their willingness to follow care instructions. The majority of people leave their first treatment with a noticeable improvement in their pain level, range of motion or stiffness and ability to perform tasks.

Once I start seeing a Chiropractor, how often do I need to go? Like most things that are good for you, a onetime dose isn’t really sufficient. If you start to exercise, when do you get to a point when you can stop? What about brushing your teeth, or eating vegetables? Our muscles and joints go through wear and tear everyday which ultimately can affect our nerves. Seeing a Chiropractor regularly, just like you see your dentist, can help maintain proper health.

At Village Wellness the Chiropractors utilize modern technology in their initial evaluation that evaluates how your nervous system is functioning. It is a non-invasive test called EMG that can show stress, similar to how an EKG reads how your heart is functioning. Our practitioners highly recommend anyone that has been experiencing any of the conditions listed above, or pain in general, to have a Nervous System Scan done to see if their discomfort is coming from their muscles or nervous system  and determine if they might be a candidate for Chiropractic.

During the month of July, Village Wellness in Hammonds Plains is offering a Complimentary Nervous System Scan to anyone interested. At this time we can address any concerns or questions you might have. Call 835-5033 to make your 20 minute appointment and discover if your nervous system could be compromised and causing the discomfort you feel.

New Village Wellness Office Tour

Take a look at our new video shot with Yellow Pages for our online business profile.  Check out the rest of our profile here.

June Orthotics Offer

Pain in your feet when you walk, run, and stand can be intolerable.

It can prevent you from living an active lifestyle, going to the mall, exercising the dog and playing with your kids. It can even keep you from living an independent life if it affects your ability to remain mobile and complete simple tasks like going for groceries.

Did you know that pain you experience in your knees, hips and low back can sometimes be a result of dysfunction in your feet?

It’s true, the feet are the foundation of the whole body (literally!) and when something is wrong with them it can impact how the structures in other parts of your body are moving. This dysfunction can lead to poor mechanics in the movements we perform everyday and ultimately we end up with pain.

Correcting this poor movement that starts in the feet can be the key to resolving many long term nagging pains that just seem to always come back. Detecting these faulty mechanics in the foot and ankle are the first step.

At Village Wellness the health practitioners are using modern technology coupled with a hands on clinical exam to determine who has poor foot biomechanics or anatomical variants and can benefit from the use of custom orthotics. A computerized dynamic foot scan will analyze how you walk by looking at 8 key points along the bottom surface of you foot at a rate of 150 scans/second. The data can tell an interesting story of how your body performs when you are moving and may help in diagnosing conditions at the knees, hips and low back. If you are a candidate for custom orthotics then a clinical exam will be performed along with a cast of each foot.

During the month of June, Village Wellness is offering a Complimentary Foot Scan and Analysis to anyone interested.  This is a unique opportunity to learn more about how everything in your body works together, starting from the feet up, with no obligations or cost!  Call 835-5033 to make your 20 minute appointment and discover what your feet have to tell about your body.

 

What are some common conditions that can be helped with custom orthotics?

Frequently Asked Questions about custom orthotics

 

Dr. Megan Returns!

The Village Wellness team is proud to announce that Dr. Megan Wambolt will be returning to part-time practice starting June 1st, 2010. 

As most already know, Dr. Megan has been on maternity leave following the birth of beautiful baby Brynn, the first child of Dr. Megan and Dr. Chad.  Dr. Wambolt appreciates all the wonderful support of her patients during this time, and is excited to return to part-time active practice this June. 

Hours for Dr. Megan will be as follows:
Tuesdays:  3pm-6pm
Thursdays:  10am-1pm

** These hours are temporary, and will be changing and expanding in the coming months.  All of Dr. Megan’s  patients are encouraged to call Gillian to book their appointments at their earliest convenience.

Introduction to Reflexology

Reflexology is an effective approach to treating the body holistically by working with the reflexes of the feet. Our body is mapped out on our feet.  For instance, where our toes are represents our head. Specific areas on the toes would be our eyes, ears, sinuses and so forth.

The entire process of reflexology is made possible by energy flows, also known as “meridians” (constant streams of energy circulating throughout the body) that run through the feet to every gland and organ of the body. Meridians are known from the study of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Acupuncture.  Meridians resemble an irrigation system through which all of the systems of the body are nourished.

In the fast-pace of today’s society stress is a common concern.  The stress of everyday life can block/restrict these meridians.  A blockage at any point on a meridian can affect the flow of the entire network.  Reflexology of the feet stimulates a righting reflex helping the body re-establish health and vitality.  The goal of reflexology is to ground, balance, and revitalize one’s health through the feet.  Healthy feet allow for greater, freer movement physically, mentally and emotionally.  Reflexology helps promote healing, relieve stress, rebalance all the body’s systems, and works with the patient, not just on the patient.

Throughout the Reflexology treatment, our clients are educated in the importance of good posture, gait (walking), and connecting the mind and the body.  With great awareness of the form and function of the foot and the body, pain and stress can be relieved.

Reflexology is performed most successfully with no effort.  Effort is a sign of disconnect. It is instead preformed with gentle, mindful, non-invasive touch.  What we do to the feet, we do to the whole mind and body.  Reflexology enhances the body’s ability to heal from the inside out.  Anybody can benefit from reflexology, regardless of their presenting complaint or condition.  Everyone can receive a positive affect from the treatment. Healing is a journey, that both the patient and the therapist take part in.  Keeping an open mind is essential to the success of a Reflexology treatment.         

By: Kasmir Appleby, RMT

Chiropractic Tax Benefits

It’s tax time again and everyone is looking for ways to maximize their return (or minimize the damage). One of the lesser known deductions is authorized medical expenses, which includes Chiropractic services in Nova Scotia. This allows any out of pocket expenses (not already covered by your third party insurance coverage) to be claimed on your income tax return. Each province has a different set of guidelines regarding which professions qualify on your taxes, so it is recommended that you take a look at the following CRA chart.

Having this option for Chiropractic care is a nice benefit, especially since most third party payers do not offer robust insurance plans for Chiropractic. Yet another reason to have your spine evaluated!

VW Welcomes Kasmir Appleby, RMT

Village Wellness is pleased to welcome Kasmir Appleby to the team of integrated health professionals at our clinic in Hammonds Plains.  Kasmir (pronounced like Cashmere – that soft, silky wool) graduated from ICT Northumberland College of Massage Therapy in July 2007. She has been practicing massage therapy for two and half years within Nova Scotia and Alberta and in this time has become very knowledgeable in this growing field as well as attained many great clinical successes.  Kasmir is certified in the following massage techniques:

Myofascial Release:  This is a rapidly growing branch of massage therapy that involves gentle stretching of the skin (tissue) to release restrictions in the fascial/connective tissue that surrounds the muscles, organs and body systems.  This treatment eliminates pain, restores motion and is performed with no lotion, oils or creams but instead done with hand on skin contact.  Benefits include improvement of soft tissue mobility, pain relief, increase in restricted movements often caused by injury and poor posture, strengthening of the immune system, improvement in nerve function, increased circulation and decreased fascial tension beneath scar tissue.  You can speak with Kasmir at anytime to determine if Myofascial Release is a treatment that would be appropriate for you.

Hot stone Massage:  Although vastly popular, especially in spa setting, few people know the depth of the benefits of hot stone and its application in a clinical setting.  It is a style of hydrotherapy that involves water treated stones that can be placed at certain sites of the body which promote relaxation and help open the body’s meridians, also known as energy pathways.  The therapist uses the hot stones with full stone in hand-body contact which helps easily perform deep tissue manipulations.  Benefits of hot stone massage include promotion of deep muscle and tissue relaxation, improved circulation and balance as well as soothing the nervous system.  It also relieves stress and pain, detoxifies and accelerates metabolism. This treatment is offered in one hour or one and a half hour durations, costs are $95 and $130 plus applicable taxes.

Maternal Massage:  Gaining a great deal of popularity among expectants mothers as the benefits are becoming widely studied and known, maternal massage has the capacity to assist in labour preparation as well as ease the  common aches and pains associated with pregnancy.  It has the ability to positively affect a woman’s experience in all stages of pregnancy, labour and post-partum periods by promoting relaxation and working on the physical changes of the body throughout the pregnancy.  Maternal massage also encourages a nurturing maternal touch.  Benefits include stress reduction, relaxation, increased circulation and decreased swelling; musculoskeletal pain and strain is reduced, improved physiological functioning, improved gastric motility as well as labour preparation and facilitation for a quick and smooth birth.

Sports Massage:  This treatment is based on pre and post event; Pre-event massage stimulates circulation, calms nervous tension and prepares the athlete for optimal performance while reducing the chances of injury.  Post-event massage relieves soreness and assists in the removal of lactic acid and other waste products, it also decreases inflammation.  Sports Massage allows athletes to reach peak performance sooner and sustain peak performance longer with a decrease in injuries.  Athletes often note an improvement in flexibility as well as help in rejuvenating muscles more quickly after intense workouts or events, which can extend the span of an athlete’s career.

Village Wellness Joins Facebook

Village Wellness has gone viral, inhabiting the popular social media site Facebook.  Having a Facebook page allows Village Wellness to have closer, more instant communication with patients and other fans of the clinic.  Facebook has become one of the premier methods of communication in our society today, and Village Wellness is pleased to be a part of the growing phenomenon. 

Becoming a fan of Village Wellness allows you access to regular updates from the clinic, including pictures, video, and up-to-date clinic news and events.  To become a fan of Village Wellness, click on the link below (Facebook account required).

Health Care vs Sick Care

Let’s begin this article with a few easy questions:

#1 – Do you get the oil changed in your vehicle on a regular basis, or do you wait until your engine seizes and major repairs are needed? 

#2 – Do you brush your teeth everyday and see your dentist for regular cleanings, or do you leave it until cavities and gum disease develop before seeking treatment?

#3 – Do you study for important exams, or wait until the paper is in front of you before worrying about it?

See the trend here?  Your answers may seem obvious, but that is only because you have an ingrained philosophy on these topics which guides your decisions. 
So this ultimately begs the most important question – what is your healthcare philosophy?  More specifically, do you believe there is a difference between health care and sick care?  If you ask me, or almost everyone else in the complimentary and alternative health care system, there is a difference.  A big difference. 

In my point of view, the absence of disease does not mean you are necessarily healthy.  Similarly, good physical health is only part of the issue, even though it is the aspect of health in which I specialize.  In reality, good health encompasses mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health.  Improve one, and you have a better chance at improving the others. 
So why all the philosophy stuff?  Here’s why:  Because your philosophy determines the actions you take.  As a chiropractor and co-director of a multi-disciplinary health care facility, I strive to stay on top of the latest research, implement the newest forms of health care technology, and improve my treatment techniques.  However none of these efforts will make a difference if the philosophies of my patients do not match with my own.  If a patient is expecting sick care, and I deliver health care, they will without a doubt be disappointed. 

In my perspective, the fundamental difference between health care and sick care is the willingness to engage in preventative maintenance.  In the questions above, you most likely chose the preventative maintenance options because you are educated on these topics, and have developed a philosophy based on the facts and opinions you’ve heard.  In fact, you’d probably call me crazy if I suggested that you stop changing your oil or brushing your teeth.  Yet in my experience this preventative attitude has only partially made its way into physical medicine, which deals with every muscle, joint, nerve and bone in your body (and accounts for the majority of visits to healthcare practitioners). 

Too often I hear the question, “Doc, can you fix me?”  I usually reply with an appropriate, “yes I can help, but you’re not broken”.  For most injuries / conditions that present to my office, the body is doing what it is meant to be doing – defending itself.  If you just arose from seven straight hours of tedious computer work and you neck feels sore, you are not broken.  Your body is not a lemon and most importantly, you are not sick!  However too often these everyday aches and pains are treated with sick care.  Patients have been trained to believe that something is wrong with them, and are looking for a “cure” for their “disease”.  The truth is, you may just need to start changing your oil and stop waiting for the engine meltdown. 

Sick care is meant to prevent you from dying – it saves your life.  Health care is meant to improve your quality of life, and should be used much more often, to prevent you from having to use the sick care interventions.  The patients I have which engage in regular chiropractic treatment on a maintenance basis begin to realize this fundamental difference.  Combine these maintenance visits with an improved diet and regular exercise, and these patients start to become truly physically healthy. 

My sick care patients complain that nobody has been able to help them.  My health care patients feel in complete control and help themselves. 

My sick care patients are looking for a “cure” without the willingness to work for it.  My health care patients work hard for themselves, so they never are in need of a “cure”. 

My sick care patients encounter significant obstacles on a daily basis.  My health care patients don’t have a reason to slow down. 

My sick care patients are in the shop with engine repairs, while my health care patients get their oil changed. 

The decision seems simple, but in practice there are many perceived barriers.  Time and money are two of the most common.  The truth is, time and money are saved by practicing health care instead of sick care.  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular care for your body is easy and relatively inexpensive, especially once you have developed healthy habits.  Missing work for two weeks because you “threw your back out” is expensive and time consuming. 

So the next time you are experiencing one of life’s little aches and pain, ask yourself this question:  What is my healthcare philosophy?  If your answer is anything but preventative maintenance, consider empowering yourself, pick up your phone, and make a change. 

Yours in Health,
Dr. Chad Mykietiuk, DC

Natural Pregnancy Options

In today’s society people have become far too accustomed to the “quick fixes” that exist when we feel “under the weather”. But if there was ever a time in a woman’s life to strive to work with the natural changes your body is undergoing it is during the nine months of pregnancy. Often people take the approach that pregnancy and childbirth should be treated as an illness or a health care crisis, when the truth is that it is the most fundamental and naturally occurring process that has existed in the history of our world. So for those who believe in opting for natural solutions to the aches, pains, burns and many discomforts of pregnancy, read on.

The female body undergoes a crucial metamorphosis after conception has occurred to grow nurture and prepare to deliver a child. It must be acknowledged that these changes come along with some not so welcome symptoms that can be prevented and treated at this time but not cured. One culprit is the increase in the hormone Relaxin which assists your growing uterus and ligaments but also wreaks havoc on spinal and pelvic joints, leading to sharp pain with movements or chronic headaches at the base of your skull. Any change in joint  position in the spine can put excess stress on spinal nerves as they exit the spinal cord which in turn can contribute to such common pregnancy ailments as insomnia, dizziness, sinus trouble, arm and hand pain, indigestion, frequent urination, constipation, leg cramps, swelling, low back pain and many others. Seeking the care of a chiropractor who is accustomed to treating pregnant women to make sure that spinal joints remain in good alignment for the duration of baby growing and post delivery can keep painful symptoms at bay and improve new ones as they crop up in each trimester. Chiropractic treatments can be modified to accommodate a growing belly and flexible joints, and is completely safe to both mom and baby.  Chiropractic can also be safely administered to turn a breech baby in the final weeks without any invasive or dangerous procedures. When chiropractic is paired with pregnancy massage by a qualified Registered Massage Therapist it can aid achy muscles, breathing difficulties and open up the pelvic cavity to prepare mom for the eventual birth of her child.

Other resources that can be a wealth of knowledge include Dieticians which can not only aid in developing healthy eating habits for the duration of your pregnancy but also give helpful tips on reducing nausea, heartburn and other GI upsets that come along with carrying a baby. Naturopathic Doctors can offer natural supplements and homeopathic remedies that work internally or topically to reduce common symptoms, and your local yoga studio or gym can provide trainers with a background in pre and post-natal fitness to keep your body in good working order which is both preventative and proactive in maintaining your best health.

So if you find yourself pregnant and reaching for some Tylenol® next time your low back acts up or you’re kept awake due to heartburn, consider reaching for the telephone to call your local wellness clinic instead.

Dr. Megan Wambolt, BSc DC

Cutting Edge Technology Introduced at Village Wellness

The chiropractors at Village Wellness are doing it again, introducing new technology to aid in patient diagnosis and education. Village Wellness takes a very modern approach to long proven effective techniques of diagnosing, educating and treating patients. Besides being a paperless office, the team at Village Wellness uses a customizable anatomy program to educate patients on their conditions with 3D-Rx ™.  They were also the second clinic in the HRM to provide Bioflex Low Intensity Laser Therapy™, a newer technology helping patients heal though light energy transferred into chemical energy, one that was once only available to professional sports teams and Olympic athletes.

Yet Drs Wambolt and Mykietiuk felt that there was still more they could do help patients understand the importance of a healthy nervous system and how it functions. The Insight Subluxation System™ is a completely non-invasive tool with zero side effects, which measures how our spinal nerves are performing.  There are two components: one which measures surface electromyography or sEMG.  This technology measures the action potential or electrical impulses sent by our motor nerves which exit at each level of our spinal column.  When there is pressure or stress put on our spinal nerves, the motor component of these nerves can lead to muscles that are tight, weak, spasm or tire easily.  The sEMG measures the amount of muscle contraction around the spine as an indicator of how these motor nerves are functioning.  The second component is a Thermal Scan which measures and compares the skin’s temperature from one side to the other for the length of our spinal column. This is a measure of our Autonomic Nervous System, the nerves which control our organs and glands – things which we generally do not control and cannot feel minor changes in.  There is an Autonomic component to each spinal nerve as well which reacts when pressure or stress is exerted upon our spinal nerves.  Skin temperature is used as a way of measuring the stress at these levels which may be an indicator of how other organs such as our liver and pancreas, or glands such as our adrenals or lymph nodes are functioning.

The Insight Subluxation System is not a substitute for your practitioner’s history, physical or diagnosis but an adjunctive tool which helps demonstrate to patients in an objective manner what practitioners feel when they perform joint or muscle palpation.  Each scan produces a unique visual presentation of your Thermal and sEMG results compared to ‘normals’ which you can keep for your records and compare over time as you progress through a course of treatment.  This new Spinal Scan is now a mandatory part of the initial exam at Village Wellness offered with no extra charge until October 1st 2009.  Any current or past patients may make an appointment to have a 15 minute scan completed without any obligation.  Friends and family are welcome to have a complimentary scan done, this includes newborns to centenarians as well.

To make an appointment to see how your nervous system is functioning please call Gillian at 835-5033.

Preventing Back Pain in Children

Back and neck pain are far too prevalent in today’s adult population but when your child has similar complaints, one should be concerned.  One of the biggest culprits when it comes to aches and pains in our children is their back packs and how they wear them.  Some of the signs that your child’s back pack is inappropriate for them or that they are wearing the pack incorrectly include:

• • stomach sticking out while carrying it
• • shoulders rolled forward
• • bending at the waist to support the weight of it
• • red marks on their shoulders
• • numbness in their arms or hands
• • neck pain or pain between their shoulder blades
• • headaches at the base of their skull

When purchasing a new back pack, as many parents and children do this time of year, one should look for:

• • a light weight bag that is the same length as your child’s torso; sits no higher than the top of their shoulders and no lower than the top of their hip bone
• • wide (at least 2”) adjustable straps with padding that does not cut into their arms or armpits
• • a waist strap and possibly even a chest strap
• • a padded back with many compartments to evenly distribute the weight

When packing a back pack one should always place heavy items closest to the back and place odd shaped items near the outside to prevent them from poking into your child’s side or back.  For elementary aged children the back pack should never exceed 10% of their body weight; for junior and senior high school children their back packs should never exceed 15% of their body weight. 

 Parents should check their child’s bag regularly to make sure they aren’t transporting unnecessary items daily.  If their bag exceeds these limits, have them carry extra books or lunches in their hands. Once your child has their new, appropriate back pack all set to go, make sure they place it on their back from table height or lift it properly with their knees bent rather than bending at their waist.  Be sure to adjust the straps so that the bottom of their back pack lies in the curve at the base of their low back.  By using the waist strap they re-distribute 50-70% of the bag’s weight off their upper body and onto their pelvis, which is much better suited to carrying this type of load, taking the extra stress off of the joints in their spinal column.

Repetitive loading of heavy back packs for many years combined with poor ergonomics can lead to chronic back pain throughout adulthood and impact quality of life.  Small things you do now are important to your child’s health long after they’ve left their days of back packs behind.  If your child has back or neck pain that lasts more than 2 or 3 days you should consult your local chiropractor for an assessment of their spine biomechanics, alignment and posture.

Dr. Megan Wambolt, BSc DC

Village Wellness Participates in Relay For Life

I don’t think anyone could have anticipated the growth the Relay For Life would experience after the first event was held in 1999 and raised $85,000. By the 10th anniversary in Canada the Relay had grown to over 451 events across the country, more than 200,000 participants and an astonishing 50.8 million dollars raised in 2008.

Nova Scotian communities are no exception with 22 events planned this past June to help contribute, and this number keeps growing.  In 2008 there were over 11,000 participants across Cape Breton and the Mainland as more and more Nova Scotians deal with the harrowing reality that cancer is a disease that is far reaching, with no age group or population immune.  Nova Scotia has the highest rates of cancer in all Canadian provinces and territories with over 5,800 new cases diagnosed in 2008, 38 of those in children.  There are currently more than 29,000 Nova Scotians living with cancer.

The health care team at Village Wellness participated in The Bay Relay for Life, which includes the communities of St. Margaret’s Bay, Hammonds Plains, Beechville, Lakeside and Timberlea, as a way to become involved with the community and give back.  A team of eleven was assembled in March which included doctors, staff and friends of the clinic.  Each participant fundraised individually and patients in the clinic gave generously as well.  The Village Wellness team raised over $900 and was pleased to see the sun shining as they arrived at Sir John A. MacDonald Field on June 6th 2009.  The practitioners of Village Wellness gave their time to provide complimentary assessments and treatment to the participants who had a long night of walking ahead of them.  The Outreach by Village Wellness was a welcome addition to The Bay Relay which celebrated its fourth year.  This year there was a record twenty seven teams with 277 participants whom raised over $73,000 which will be used to support Cancer research and provide funding for local institutions like the Cancer Lodge on South Street in Halifax and Camp Goodtime in New Glasgow.

The Relay for Life is an international event which Celebrates cancer survivors, Remembers loved ones lost and Fights Back in the hope of finding a cure.  Village Wellness is proud to support such a worthy cause and would like to thank the organizing committee for including us.  We look forward to the 2010 Bay Relay For Life which will be held the first weekend in June.  For more information visit the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life.

Chiropractic For Kids

Yes, Chiropractic and kids definitely go well together.  Adult patients often walk into my treating room, greeted by a big purple elephant treating table surrounded by teddy bears and stickers and wonder what use could that possibly serve. My answer – a pediatric chiropractic table, surprises some.  But when you think about it you take your kids to the medical doctor and the dentist, why not the chiropractor! In fact chiropractic is the most commonly used form of health care alternative to traditional medical doctors, even for children.
Before explaining this any further one must understand the basics of chiropractic and more importantly about the how the body functions.  When a joint in the spine is not moving properly it puts excess pressure on the spinal nerves that exit the spinal column.  These very important spinal nerves are the pathway of communication between our brain and the organs, glands and muscles that make our bodies work.  If there is pressure on these spinal nerves, the message from the brain doesn’t come down clearly and the result is that our bodies do not perform as they should.  Chiropractic helps these joints move properly allowing a clear and unobstructed path of communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

The next most obvious question may be whether chiropractic is safe for infants and small children, and the answer is a resounding yes!  A chiropractic treatment for children is quite different than that for adults, mostly in that it is much softer and gentler.  Children’s joints are looser and easier to move, mostly because they do not have years of poor posture, bad ergonomics, old injuries and tight muscles fighting against them.  It is also for these reasons that children respond at a much faster rate than adults, often only requiring a few treatments to achieve the desired result.

It is important to remember that Chiropractors do not just treat the back but are doctors whose scope of practice includes diagnosing and treating conditions related to the nervous system, muscles, bones and joints of the whole body. Many Chiropractors include manual therapies like adjustments and soft tissue, modalities like ultrasound and laser, exercises, postural advice as well as dietary and lifestyle counselling in their treatments.  Chiropractic may be the answer you are seeking for your family’s health care to achieve optimal functioning and tap into the inherent healing abilities of your body.

Dr. Megan Wambolt, BSc. DC

Understanding Autism and the Chiropractic Link

April 2nd marks the second anniversary of World Autism Awareness Day, an event aimed at bringing national awareness to a lifelong developmental disability that affects 1 in 150 children, with a higher prevalence in boys, about 4:1.  On December 18th 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution declaring April 2nd as a day in which the world would recognize the pervasive disorder which affects tens of millions and has increased at least 10 fold in the last decade.

Autism is a neurobiological condition which is part of a group of disorders named Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).  These disorders are classified on three behavioural categories:  1) social interaction; 2) language, communication, and imaginative play; and 3) range of interests and activities.  Other disorders on the spectrum include Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

A diagnosis of Autism is generally made by the age of three although recent reports believe that children as young as six months to as old as six years can be diagnosed as well.  Early intervention is often emphasized so that children can have access to special education programs and behaviour therapy to prevent maladaptive behaviours and patterns.

Current allopathic approaches to treatment for those living with ASD include pharmaceuticals aimed at controlling a particular symptom not specific to autism such as hyperactivity, depression or aggression. There are no cures for autism currently and no medications which treat autism specifically.  In recent decades Chiropractic has emerged as a promising treatment for symptoms associated with ASD. Individuals being treated with Chiropractic have found clinical significance with a reduction in hyperactivity, aggressive behaviour, improved bladder and bowel control, increased verbal communication and eye contact.  Children often have an increased use of vocabulary and in the list of foods they will eat.  Some studies have even found that under the care of Chiropractors children with autism have been able to attend main stream education and come off of behavioural altering medications.

The mechanism for this improvement is believed to be a reduction of neurological interference which is contributing to the characteristic behaviour of ASD, hindering their development and preventing the children from reaching their full potential.  Chiropractors detect areas of restriction or subtle mal-alignments within the vertebral column which can reduce the nerve flow from the brain and spinal nerves to all the muscles and organs within the body.  By removing these restrictions it allows the nervous system to function optimally and subtle, often chronic symptoms which a person thought was merely inherent to their body can begin to improve.

The cause of Autism Spectrum Disorders is still up for debate as it is often seen as a reversion within in a normally functioning and developing infant/toddler.  Current research is being carried out in the area of genetics, neurochemistry and environmental causes such as vaccines and diet.

Dr. Megan Wambolt, BSc DC
 

References

Aguilar AL, Grostic JD, Pfleger B. Chiropractic care and behaviour in autistic children. J Clin Chiropractic Pediatr. 2000, 5(1): 293-304.

Alcantar J & McCann-Swanson K. The role of chiropractic care of a four year old boy diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Presented at Pangea: a Conference for the Wellness of Children.

Gleberzon B. Chiropractic and the management of children with autism. Clinical Chiropractic. 2006, 9(4): 176-181.

Jennings J & Barker M. Autism: A Chiropractic Perspective. Clinical Chiropractic. 2006, 9(1): 6-10.

Village Chiropractors Published in Respected Journal

The Chiropractors at Village Wellness can now add Published Authors to their current CV’s.  In the most recent edition of the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, the doctors along with three colleagues were published under the article Technique Systems used by Post-1980 Graduates of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College practicing in five Canadian provinces: a preliminary survey.

The research was carried out in 2008 as part of a student investigative project and accepted for publication in June 2008. The research effort was the brainchild of the chiropractors due to their frustrations as students in Toronto where they had limited exposure to other chiropractic techniques, compared to their counterparts at American Colleges.  They set out to gather information on what types of techniques graduates of their alma mater were using after graduation.  As Chiropractors, although the education is very similar the physical techniques used to treat patients can differ.  Some doctors are very hands on, while others prefer mechanical devices or feel that certain parts of the spine have a greater impact on overall well being.  The results showed that a great deal of graduates of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College do in fact seek out further courses  and incur extra costs to do so.  Those Chiropractors which are American educated and practice in Canada have an extra advantage in that they are exposed to additional techniques during their chiropractic education.  This gives them the added benefit of knowing whether or not they desire to pursue further understanding of various techniques without having to incur the additional costs.

The results of the study supported the initial hypothesis that graduates of CMCC were in fact pursing and utilizing additional techniques besides ones taught in the curriculum.  This research provides the basis for further study into the practice styles of Chiropractors in Canada, primarily those graduates of CMCC.  It is the hope of the authors that in the future this research can be used as an indicator to the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College of the need for further exposure of its student population to alternative techniques.

The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association is a peer reviewed publication since 1957. It is published on a quarterly basis.

Co-authors:

Dr. Travis Pillipow is the Founder of Health in Hand Family Chiropractic, Kelowna BC

Dr. Christa Mallay is an associate at Better Body: Fitness Rehab Wellness, Markham ON

Dr. Brian Gleberzon is a professor of Applied Chiropractic & Clinical Sciences Department at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College

Low Intensity Laser Therapy

If you have chronic pain, athletic injuries, or other nagging health concerns, a new high-tech medical tool may be the answer you’ve been searching for.  Low Intensity Laser Therapy, a technology previously only used by athletes to treat performance threatening injuries, has become part of mainstream medicine and is providing patients with outstanding results.

Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) uses light energy in the form of photons to target abnormal body tissues.  These photons are absorbed by a variety of molecules in the body and converted into a form of energy the body can use to help repair itself.  The body’s natural healing process speeds up, and normal cell structure and function are restored.  By penetrating through the skin deep into the body, light photons are able to heal damaged joints, muscles and nerves from the inside out, attacking the root cause of the dysfunction.  As the damaged tissues are healed, symptoms disappear and body function improves.  This strategy results in a long-lasting and curative effect, surpassing many other conventional therapies which provide only temporary symptomatic relief. 

Due to its general healing properties, LILT can be used on a wide variety of conditions.  Some of the more commonly treated ailments include:  osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive stress injuries, plantar fasciitis, burns, scars, general wounds, fractures, lymphedema, peripheral nerve damage, and dermatological conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.  Individual responses to treatment will vary depending on genetic makeup and chronicity of the pathology involved, however the vast majority of patients note positive changes over the course of treatment.  

Perhaps the best aspect of LILT treatment is that there are absolutely no side effects.  Unlike most other therapeutic options, laser therapy is non-toxic, non-invasive, and completely pain free.  In over one million individual treatments no significant adverse effects have even been noted, making LILT one of the safest forms of healthcare available today.  Laser therapy, when administered by a health care practitioner such as a chiropractor, is covered by most insurance plans.

Village Wellness, a new multi-disciplinary health care clinic in Hammonds Plains, uses low intensity laser therapy as part of an individualized approach to health care.  The team at Village Wellness is fully trained and certified in the application of the laser, and is excited to bring this new technology to the local community.

 

Dr. Chad Mykietiuk, DC

Dr. Megan Wambolt, BSc DC

Chiropractic Care for Children Living with Cancer

Chiropractors from countries all over the world, Australia to Madagascar, Germany to the USA and of course here at home are uniting to offer their services to children internationally who are currently living with Cancer. This initiative is one started by Dr. Jamie Garvey, a Mississauga Chiropractor who battled and survived cancer twice in his life. Dr. Garvey is the founder of The Chiropractic Cancer Foundation for Children, an organization with a simple but extraordinary goal of “providing complimentary quality chiropractic care to children with cancer throughout the world”. The goal of the Foundation is to enrich the lives of children suffering from cancer by helping to ease their pain and nurture a process of self healing.

Chiropractic has been found to be a beneficial complimentary therapy to those living with cancer as it address’ many of the unpleasant physical symptoms that occur secondarily to cancer treatments. These symptoms may include joint pain, headaches, low back pain, stiffness, muscle tension, mechanical pain due to gait abnormalities, joint contracture due to tissue fibrosis, chemo-therapy induced neuropathy and many other neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractic was also founded on the basis that a skeletal system in proper alignment is not applying tension on the nervous system, allowing the human body to optimize how it functions. This in turn allows all organ systems to work at their highest potential, permitting the body’s natural healing ability to take effect. Chiropractic is by no means a substitute to conventional medicine and the role that it plays in fighting cancer, but when combined with healthy eating, gentle exercises, stretching and a positive attitude it gives one the best opportunity to fight the battle and overcome it!

Not every patient living with cancer is eligible for chiropractic care. Some contraindications include any type of bone cancer, cancer affecting the spinal cord, severe osteoporosis and long term cortico-steriod use.  Every practitioner will perform a thorough health history and physical exam before determining if you are a good candidate for Chiropractic and may request copies of recent x-rays, bone scans, CTs or MRIs prior to treatment.

Cancer is a disease process that is far reaching in whom it affects, from those living with it directly, to the supporting family, friends and health care practitioners. The treatments that are proven most effective today can also ravage the patient with fatigue, nausea, aches, pains and a complete disruption of life. Chiropractors can work alongside Oncologists and General Practitioners to help provide pain-management, motivation and aid in maintaining some assemblance of normality. We offer the ability to see the whole patient and not just the disease they present with. Adding a holistic health care practitioner to your health care management team can help everyone focus more clearly on their role in overcoming Cancer. Children living with cancer in the HRM can obtain free chiropractic treatment at Village Wellness in Hammonds Plains. To find a Chiropractor in your area that supports the mission of The Chiropractic Cancer Foundation for Children or to learn more, please visit their website.

Dr. Megan Wambolt, BSc DC

References

Davies, NJ. Chiropractic Pediatrics: A Clinical Handbook. 2000. Churchill Livingstone, London UK; 500pgs.

Evans RC, Rosner AL. Alternatives in Cancer Pain Treatment: The Application of Chiropractic Care. Semin Oncol Nurs. 2005;21(3):184-9.

Hunt JM. Upper cervical chiropractic care and the resolution of cystic hygroma in a twelve-year-old female: a case study, Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics. 2000;5(1)

Matthews AK, Sellergren SA, Huo D, List M, Fleming G. Complementary and alternative medicine use among breast cancer survivors. J Altern Complement Med. 2007;13(5):555-62

McEachrane-Gross FP, Liebschutz JM, Berlowitz D. Use of selected complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments in veterans with cancer or chronic pain: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2006;6(6):34.

Schneider J, Gilford S. The Chiropractor’s Role in Pain Management for Oncology Patients. J Manipulative Physiol Ther  2001;24(1):52–57.

Chiropractic Helps Your Heart!

February is Heart Month, so there is no better time to speak about the importance of heart health.  Heart Disease continues to be the number one killer of Canadians, and shows no signs of stopping.  Cardiovascular Disease also poses the greatest burden on our healthcare system, costing us billions each year in healthcare resources.  

The good news is that most of the factors that contribute to heart disease are under your control.  Although family history and genetics do play a part, lifestyle factors often lead to the development of heart disease.  Smoking, obesity, stress, physical inactivity, and diets high in fat are some examples of lifestyle factors that can lead to heart disease.  All of these can be controlled, and should be managed appropriately to ensure long lasting heart health.  The Public Health Agency of Canada has valuable resources that help educate the public on cardiovascular disease prevention.  Please visit their site to learn more about heart disease causes and prevention.

Most people are aware that diet and exercise are key components of preventing heart disease, however less people are aware that chiropractic treatment may also be used as a tool in the fight against heart disease.  Research has shown that specific chiropractic adjustments of the upper cervical spine can have a positive effect on blood pressure, lowering both systolic and diastolic pressure (the upper and lower readings which make up our blood pressure) significantly for extended periods of time.  Research has also demonstrated that patients with upper cervical joint dysfunction who received upper cervical adjustments showed significant decreases in systolic blood pressure.  Other studies have shown that adjustment of the vertebrae in the neck and lower back can activate specific nervous system reflexes, leading to a decrease in overall heart rate and blood pressure.   

In addition to these scientifically observed changes, there are some other qualitative effects noted when patients engage in regular treatment.  Firstly, seeing a chiropractor gives you access to real advice from a trained professional.  In a time when the internet is often used as the first place to obtain health information and make an often inaccurate self-diagnosis, talking with someone face to face about your concerns can clarify many questions you may have.  Second, a team of supportive healthcare practitioners can provide you with the support you need to change and implement new health strategies.  At Village Wellness, our team is passionate about healthy living and can help motivate you to take action.  Finally, regular care can give you an opportunity to relax.  A calming environment combined with physical medicine can relieve stress, which is also great for your heart!  

Chiropractic adjustments should not be used as a replacement for lifestyle changes, however regular chiropractic treatment combined with proper nutrition and exercise can prove to be a powerful ally in the fight against heart disease. 

Dr. Chad Mykietiuk,  DC

Education is the Key

As I reflect on all the healthcare experiences I have been a part of, both as a patient and as a doctor, the ones that stand out in my mind the most are the experiences where I learned something, either about a specific complaint or about my health in general.  As a patient, I always trust that the practitioner is performing the necessary steps to treat me, however understanding why brings about a whole new level of confidence.  Any fear, apprehension or concern seems to diminish once I learn and become involved.    A famous Chinese proverb says “tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand”.  This classic quote speaks to our thoughts on healthcare, and how we approach each and every patient.

To achieve true success in maintaining a level of wellness and prevention the patient must become an active participant in their own health.   No matter how effective the treatment is, ultimately the patient is in control of their own destiny.  Patients choose whether or not to follow their treatments plans, do their exercises, or follow the advice of their doctor.  In my mind, it is the job of the practitioner to not only administer an effective treatment, but to educate patients so they can become involved in their own care.

At Village Wellness education is the cornerstone of our practice.  We strive to educate patients in aspects of muscle, bone, joint and nerve conditions, as well as general health concepts and principles, so they can feel a sense of empowerment over their own health.  That sense of control and involvement in your own care translates into real action, and in most cases results in the goals of the treatment being met.  At our clinic we use a variety of educational methods, one of which is 3D-Rx, a comprehensive patient education software program.  Village Wellness is the first clinic in Atlantic Canada to utilize this interactive program, featuring over 140 anatomically correct animations and customized drawing capability, which allows our practitioners to educate patients based on their individual needs.  This software is just one of many forms of education used in the office, designed with patient understanding in mind.

Education is the key to understanding, and the first step to taking control over your own health.  Make the choice to become empowered, and you will begin to see the power of knowledge.

Dr. Chad Mykietiuk, DC

Grand Opening is the Realization of a Dream

When Drs. Megan Wambolt and Chad Mykietiuk returned to the East Coast from Toronto in June 2008 they were looking for an opportunity to settle into a community where they could feel like they were a part of something special; instead of simply a space where business was conducted. When they first spoke with representatives of Greater Homes and viewed the location on Appaloosa Run they realized they had stumbled upon the place they would call home and plant the roots of their vision. A vision that would transform an open commercial space into the now 2000+ square ft clinic made up of six warmly decorated treatment rooms, an open presentation area, and a reception area filled with natural light, stone and colours that immediately gives you the feeling that you are in a place of healing. It took just over two months for renovations to be completed, equipment to be ordered, and finishing touches to be done. Then it was time to share with the community their vision for health care.

On Saturday December 6th 2008 the doors of Village Wellness at Appaloosa opened for the first time to a warm reception of community members, family and friends. The clinic was open for viewing in the afternoon so that community members had a chance to meet the staff and see what was happening behind closed doors during the fall months. The clinic had various prize draws available with all proceeds donated to The Arthritis Society. Drs. Wambolt and Mykietiuk were very pleased with the interest and enthusiasm of those who dropped by. It gave them a chance to meet local health care practitioners, business owners and residents of the Hammonds Plains area. In the evening invited family and friends gathered over hors d’oeuvres and wine to toast the realization of a dream. One that began as a separate journey for Dr. Wambolt and Dr. Mykietiuk, but one that has brought them together and became Village Wellness.

Dr. Megan and Dr. Chad, as they are more affectionately known, are excited to be serving the residents of Hammonds Plains and encourage everyone to drop in, take a tour, meet the staff and learn how we can help you live your best!