Ask the Doctor

Weight gain and obesity have become an epidemic in North America. Approximately 48% of Canadians are overweight. Fifteen percent of those are considered obese. Often, this struggle with weight can be linked to a sedentary lifestyle. Many of us sit at a desk all day, drive everywhere we go, and spend our evenings on the couch watching television. So where is this inactive lifestyle leading us?

Physical inactivity dramatically increases the risk of developing life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, hypertension and stroke. The risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke more than doubles in inactive people while the risk of hypertension increases by 30%. Also, inactive people have more sick days than active people and often lose their strength and flexibility, resulting in loss of independence and declines in mental health. Numerous studies have linked being overweight and obesity with increased risk of a variety of illness including Type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, gallbladder disease, obstructive sleep apnea and respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis, some types of cancer (e.g., breast, endometrial, colon, prostate and kidney), psychosocial problems, functional limitations and impaired fertility. According to the World Health Federation, in a single year Canada spent more than $2 billion on health-care costs “attributable to physical inactivity.”

Besides reducing the incidence of preventable diseases, regular exercise has been shown to increase several mood altering brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. This leads to decreased depression, stress and anxiety, not to mention increased restful sleep. As well, strength, balance, stability and flexibility help to protect our joints and prevent injury. Dr. Fox and I often give lifestyle advice to our patients. This includes dietary changes, ergonomics, and prescribing stretches and strength programs. Often we recommend that our patients work with a personal trainer. A trainer can help you set realistic, attainable goals and keep you motivated along the way. They provide you with exercises that are targeted for your specific needs and can alter your workout program around any pre-existing conditions. Our trainer, Chris, has been indispensable in helping us increase our strength and fitness level allowing us to avoid injury in a very physically demanding career. We encourage you to check his website at www.functionalfitness.ca or to speak to us about how you can increase your daily dose of physical activity.   

Massage Corner

As we all know, this is a time of extreme stress for many people, an not sweating the small stuff is easier said then done! These are the times when the majority of us will often sacrifice our regular massage treatments hoping the tension will "just go away on it's own". Regular massage helps reduce stress, anxiety and has been proven to show a major reduction in high blood pressure.Massage can also help to increase energy, outlook on life and in the process, boost the immune system which can become comprimised from extended periods of stress. Combined with changes in our diet and activity levels, massage can be a start to a healthier  and less stressful lifestyle.

New website

Please visit our new website www.glenbournechiro.ca to learn more about us and our clinic.

 

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