Are High Heels Worth the Cost to your MSK System?

You may love the look of high heels. However, those sleek heels could cause you physical problems which may not be worth the extra style. In fact, it has been reported that 88% of women are wearing the wrong size shoes – often compromising comfort for style or availability. Unfortunately, compromising health for fashion can take a toll on our bodies. Higher heels may mean bigger problems. It is estimated that 3-, 2-, and 1-inch heels would place 76%, 57% and 22% more pressure on your forefoot respectively1. Wearing high heels regularly can have a long-term impact on the structure and function of your feet, but can also affect other parts of your body. So before you slip on those pumps, you may want to consider a few things: Wearing high heels for longer than three hours a day can actually ...

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Straighten Up & Move

Straighten Up & Move is an enjoyable 3-minute spinal health program designed to help you feel and look your best. Basic Rules: 1. Think positively 2. Straighten Up. Stand tall with confident “inner winner” posture (ears, shoulders, hips, knees, & ankles should be in a straight line). 3. Breathe calmly, deeply & slowly from your stomach region. 4. Move smoothly. Do not jerk or bounce. Notice: check with your healthcare practitioner before starting “Straighten up & Move” to make sure the exercises are appropriate for your specific needs. Click on link below for French version. WSD-French-International-line-drawing WSD-English-line-drawing1

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Recipe of the Month for October

Crockpot Beef Stew   Ingredients 4 TBSP olive oil 2 tsp minced garlic 2 lbs trimmed beef chuck cut into 1-2-inch cubes about 1/4 cup of flour tossed with meat to coat (OPTIONAL: add 1/2 tsp seasoned meat tenderizer) 5-10 red potatoes diced 1 medium onion chopped 2 cups sliced carrots about 3-4 2 cups sliced celery 3-4 stalks 1 cup of red cooking wine 1 cup beef stock or canned beef broth 1 can diced tomatoes drained {14.5 oz} 1 bay leaf 1/2 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried parsley 1/2 tsp allspice 8- oz container of sliced mushrooms {optional} 2 tsp cornstarch salt & pepper, to taste Instructions QUICK METHOD: 1. Turn crockpot on low. Toss all vegetables and meat in the crockpot. Combine spices {except bay leaf}, oil, cooking wine, beef broth and whisk lightly to combine. Pour over mea ...

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Understanding the Self

None of us are immune from any unpleasant life events that could cripple our emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. Having said that, some of us are equipped with an internal tool to cope with such unpleasant events that called resiliency. And others need to understand self and equip themselves with such tool for coping with unpleasant events of their lives.  And perhaps all of us need to reflect on our lives to understand more about self and needed cop-mechanism in case of sudden and unpleasant events dramatically unfolds in our lives. It is important to know, understanding of our emotional disturbance is the first steps to recognize needing professional help. It is true that we can understand our difficulties and it is true that we mostly will need professional help in a deeper level ...

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7 Tips for Smart Hiking

Hiking is a great way to get exercise outdoors; socialize with friends, family, or coworkers; and celebrate Canada’s parks this summer. In every case, it’s always a great idea to hike smart. Here are some quick tips to add to your checklist for a hike that is safe, smart, and fun! Know the trail, and stick to it: Get to know your trail before you set out. Review the map. Get to know the entrances and exits to the trail. You should also take the time to figure out where water is available along the trail and mark it on your map. Let someone know where you’ll be hiking and when you plan to be back. Don’t venture off the plotted route. Choose an appropriate hike: Know your fitness level, and choose a hike that’s suited to your abilities, and the abilities of those in your group. Stay within y ...

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