by | Mar 18, 2015 | Uncategorized
Blood pressure is affected by various physiological and psychological disturbances. Two of which are the heart’s health condition and the integrity of blood vessels. Below are two basic lifestyle changes that help reduce the risk of cardiovascular accidents:
Healthy Heart Calgary
1. PERIODONTAL HEALTH
Although the physiology is not clearly elucidated, many studies have found that gum health is linked to heart health. Because the gum is a highly vascularized tissue, and anatomically being close to the heart, anomalies in the latter may affect the former, and vice versa. Bacteria infecting the root of a tooth can be easily introduced to the heart via the highly vascularized gum tissue. This is why people with heart valve problems must take antibiotics shortly before a dental treatment. Aside from eating right and exercising frequently, make sure to floss your teeth everyday. Brushing is simply not enough to clear debris in the gums.
2. FILTERED COFFEE
Unfiltered coffee is known to increase the risk of congestive heart disease and raise bad cholesterol, known as Low-Density Lipoprotein. Paper filters trap the cholesterol-raising, oily chemicals called cafestol and kahweol. People with existing cardiovascular disease or dyslipidemia are most vulnerable to these chemicals. So, ditch that fancy French press and bring back the old Country style cup of Joe!
For more information on how to optimize your blood pressure naturally give us a call at the clinic and we would be happy to assist you! 403-452-6262
by | Mar 3, 2015 | Uncategorized
Depression is a common mental-health complaint and a leading cause of disability. It can be hard to understand what causes it and how to treat it. For some people it is a genetic vulnerability. For others it may be the outcome of trauma which has disrupted brain function and altered an individual’s ability to handle life’s challenges. These traumas can be Trauma with a capital “T” (car accidents, sexual assault) that are deep seated. They can also be simple traumas such as an incident that happened at work including bullying or humiliation, or conflict with a partner that is leading to depression. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an innovative clinical treatment that has helped many recover from depression. The validity and reliability of EMDR has been established by rigorous research. EMDR can be used to target depression that is related to negative thoughts about oneself or sadness that may result from lost relationships and lost opportunities, anger and loneliness. It has also been widely used to successfully treat anxiety and panic attacks, phobias, stress, sleep problems, self esteem and performance anxiety. EMDR allows natural reprocessing of memories and experiences. As a result, most people experience EMDR as being a very empowering therapy that can lead to dramatic and rapid improvement in many aspects of life.
EMDR Treatment NW Calgary
If you are curious about EMDR or think that it is a therapy that may help you,
please contact Dr. Abigail Draper, Registered Psychologist.
by | Feb 1, 2015 | Uncategorized
Exercise Activities NW Calgary
Although the colder outdoor temperatures may seem daunting, there are various activities that can be fun for the whole family, and get your body temperature up too!
Last year we wrote a post about ways to get exercise in the winter. Our suggestions were skiing and snowboarding, tobogganing and skating.
This year we decided to brainstorm a few more fun activities for the family to do outside.
You’ll be sure to stay warm doing them! Take a look:
Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing
Alberta is full of great pathway systems for hiking and biking in the summer. In the winter these pathways can be used for snowshoeing and cross country-skiing.
These excellent cardio-vascular exercises will get your heart rate up and provide you with necessary fresh air to revitalize. Not-to-mention they are a great way to see some of the beautiful landscape in Alberta.
Rent snow shoes or skis from local outfitters (snow shoe price is around $20/day per pair, skis are roughly the same) or buy pairs new or used if you plan on investing some time into the sport.
The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre has great rates and a load of various rental equipment available.
For trail information visit albertaparks.ca/kananaskis-country/information-facilities/trails.aspx.
Winter Hiking
There are many hikes open throughout the winter that, when hiked in the winter opposed to the summer, provide a totally different experience with breathtaking vistas.
Johnson Canyon Ice Walk outside of Banff, AB is a great example. The frozen waterfall sparkles and glistens.
Grotto Canyon outside of Canmore, AB is another popular winter hike. Crampons are suggested and again, can be rented from outdoor gear stores and rental shops for $10/day.
Winter Walks
For most of the year Albertans curse at the dry climate that requires us to apply more moisturizer than in any other province. In winter, however the dry climate can be a blessing because it means that despite low freezing temperatures, a few layers of clothes and some bundling up provides necessary warmth to be outside.
Winter walks is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to exercise in the winter. Bundle appropriately and you may find that you actually work up a sweat underneath all the gear as you walk through your neighbourhood or local parks.
Walking is excellent for heart-health, especially when done regularly.
Dog Sled Racing
This seems more like a once in a lifetime opportunity kind-of-thing, but if you ever get a chance dog sledding is a fun and exciting activity to treat the adventurous family to.
Didsbury, south of Red Deer, is well known as one of the top dog-sled racing circuits. Take a short road trip to experience it for yourself.
This year mushers will be coming from all over the world to compete in the Rosebud Run Dogsled Classic, on Dec 7 and 8, 2013.
This spectator’s event wouldn’t be much exercise, however take a trip with a touring company and you’ll get your day’s fun outside. Two-hour, half-day or full-day mushing available out of Canmore, AB. Check out snowyowltours.com, howlingdogtours.com or maddogsexpidition.ca.
Shovelling Walks
Snow-shovelling is a great work-out! It works the arms and legs and cardio as well just keep good posture remember.
If you are outside shoveling your walk, extend the work-out by shoveling your neighbour’s walk also. Not only will you get in your neighbour’s good-books, you will get some extra exercise in as well.
It is great karma and good for your body!
This is also a great way for kids to make some extra allowance money, or start up a little part-time job. Have them pitch the idea to neighbors for $5-10 a shovel or a fixed rate every month. What a great opportunity to teach them a little entrepreneurship.
Do you have any other suggestions on fun winter exercise activities? Share with us your families favourite outdoor activities!
Consult us for better exercise recommendations today!
