Thursday, June 30, 2011

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

Dave Evans and Cristol Smyth have opened a NEW business called We-Fix-U Physiotherapy and Foot Health Centres, located at 727 William Street in Cobourg, and 125 Toronto Road in Port Hope, both former locations of their previous businesses.  Please spread the word!  "LIKE" We-Fix-U Physiotherapy and Foot Care Centres on facebook, RT in Twitter, and SHARE, SHARE, SHARE this news with everyone and anyone!

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Posted via email from We-Fix-U Physiotherapy and Foot Health Centres

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Dave Evans and Cristol Smyth have opened a NEW business called We-Fix-U Physiotherapy and Foot Health Centres, located at 727 William Street in Cobourg, and 125 Toronto Road in Port Hope, both former locations of their previous businesses.  Please spread the word!  "LIKE" We-Fix-U Physiotherapy and Foot Care Centres on facebook, RT in Twitter, and SHARE, SHARE, SHARE this news with everyone and anyone!  

Posted via email from We-Fix-U Physiotherapy and Foot Health Centres

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Today's Fashion Can Be Tomorrow's Pain

Looking your best might not always be the best thing for you. Today's society is extremely fashion and style conscious. Unfortunately, clothing designers and stylists aim to please by creating unique looks that might not always be practical or even comfortable.

The look of the season shows runway models in high platform heels and tight skirts or pants. Models have perfected the runway "walk," but the popular looks and accessories are frequently impractical and could create leg, back, and spine or neck problems. "Sometimes I see a woman walking down the street with high heels and a two-ton bag, and I want to stop her and make her aware of what she is doing to her body," said ACA president Dr. Richard Brassard.

Women generally wear high heels to complement an outfit, not for comfort, but some might not realize that these shoes can cause serious discomfort in the feet and can also exacerbate back pain. High heels alter the balanced position of a person's body. When a woman wears high heels, a new dynamic equilibrium occurs. Dr. Brassard compared the musculoskeletal system to a mobile, hanging in dynamic equilibrium, each part balancing the other. If one part becomes 'fixed,' the whole system will compensate with a movement or restriction. Essentially, wearing high heels for any length of time increases the normal forward curve of the back and causes the pelvis to tip forward. This alters the normal configuration of the pelvis and spine necessary for the body to maintain a center of gravity.

"The legs are the foundation of the musculoskeletal system, and a person standing flat-footed or bare-footed would be completely balanced," said Dr. Brassard. "While standing, the hamstrings are taut and both parts of the pelvis are stabilized so that the support is normal. By bringing the heel up, you encourage the shortness of the hamstring muscles."

Women and men alike fall into the fashion trap. However, women, more than men, tend to wear clothes that are too tight. Stylish tight tube skirts and tight pants can be attractive, but are often too restrictive. Clothes that are too tight throw a person off-balance, and simple everyday tasks such as bending, sitting and walking become difficult. "Tight clothes restrict a person from moving comfortably, resulting in poor posture and misalignment of the spine," said Dr. Brassard.

Another unhealthy fashion statement is the use of heavy purses, backpacks and handbags. Women and men tend to carry too many items in one bag, or briefcase, and are often not aware of the potential health risks associated with toting an excessive amount of "stuff." Carrying a bag with detectable weight-more than 10 percent of your body weight-can cause improper balance. When hiked over one shoulder, it interferes with the natural movement of the upper and lower body. "The person carrying the bag will hike one shoulder to subconsciously guard against the weight, holding the other shoulder immobile," said Dr. Brassard. "This results in the unnatural counterbalance movement of one shoulder and little control over the movements of the arms and legs. Even worse, the spine curves toward the shoulder."

More and more people carry their credit cards, ATM cards and personal identification in the back pocket of their pants. This might be a convenient way of carrying the necessary items with you each day, but carrying your wallet in the back pocket of your pants can cause discomfort. Dr. Brassard suggested men and women remove their wallets or other items before sitting for long periods of time. "Sitting on your wallet or card holder for the entire day will create a pocket in the muscle lying underneath the wallet, and whether your pants are tight or loose-fitting, this can result in discomfort or pain."

In today's society, it might be important to you to look fashionable, but it is more important to choose clothes, shoes and bags that are comfortable and that suit your style. By following and remembering these simple steps, it is possible to look and feel your best.

  • Choose comfortable shoes. If you must wear high heels, bring a pair of flat shoes along with you to change into should you become uncomfortable. If you walk to work, wear flat shoes and change into your more fashionable shoes when you arrive to alleviate any pain or discomfort.
  • If the shoe is uncomfortable while standing, chances are it will not be any more comfortable while walking. The wrong shoe can affect the body's center of gravity.
  • Choose supportive shoes. Designer spikes or non-supportive loafers may look nice but do not allow for easy, symmetrical walking.
  • While sitting, whether or not you are wearing heels, it is important to take frequent stretch breaks to alleviate atrophy of the hamstring muscles.
  • Avoid excessive wear of tight pants or clothing. If you prefer tighter clothes, choose styles that allow you to perform daily tasks with ease.
  • Select a briefcase or purse with a wide adjustable strap. Ideally, the strap should be long enough to place over the head. This evenly distributes the bulk of the weight across the body.
  • When carrying a bag, or briefcase, switch sides frequently to avoid placing the burden of the weight on one side of your body.
  • Take the time to empty unnecessary items from your bag.
  • Place all necessary items-such as wallets and cellular phones-in the front pockets of the bag. Stretching around to reach for your wallet can result in a pulled neck or back.
  • If you are driving or sitting for long periods of time, remove your wallet or card holder from the back pocket of your pants.
  • Think about your daily tasks. If your clothes affect your movements, consider outfits that fit your lifestyle.
Designers and stylists tend to be more concerned about the way something looks rather than the way it feels. Listen to your body. One of the most important aspects of being in style and looking your best is to maintain healthy judgement. By following simple suggestions, being fashionable can be comfortable.
 
 
 
 
Source:  Amercian Chiropractic Association

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Monday, June 20, 2011

Full Time Receptionist Needed...

Do you have a passion for helping others?
Do you love to work as a team member?
Do you work well under pressure?
Do you enjoy a diversity of tasks within a position?

If you’ve answered “yes” to each of these questions, then drop us a line for an opportunity to work in an organization with a stellar reputation that provides a complete training program, looks out for the well-being of its staff, with the opportunity for advancement.

We’re looking for a highly motivated, outgoing receptionist with a desire to work in a fast-paced environment to join the dedicated health care professionals at Northumberland Physiotherapy and Foot Care Centre.

The successful candidate must be well presented, enthusiastic and reliable with excellent customer service qualities. Strong communication skills with a desire to learn and the ability to build rapport with staff/customers are mandatory requirements for this position.

Please forward your cover letter and resume to cristolsmyth@gmail.com

While all resumes will be considered, only those selected for an interview will be contacted

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Have chronic Pain? Vitamin D Might Help!

Sunshine

It‘s summer (well, as of tomorrow it is!)... Go and enjoy some sunshine!!!

We have been taught so stringently about the skin cancer-causing effects of sun, but what about its merits?  Well, Vitamin D, for one.

Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin; it is something we get through sunlight rather than from food. While some foods do contain vitamin D, it is nowhere near enough to replace what we get from the sun.

Researchers have begun to realize this and numerous studies over the past decade have associated Vitamin D deficiency not only in bone diseases like rickets, but also in a host of other serious disorders and illnesses: cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, immune disorders, to name just a few.

Vitamin D has some pretty awesome benefits:

  • Reduces chances of heart disease
  • Reduces chances of cancer
  • Extremely helpful against osteoporosis
  • Very good for the immune system
  • Helps fight depression
  • Reduces acne
  • Helps reduce chances of getting Alzheimer’s
  • May also help with weight loss
  • Help prevent pathological muscle weakness
  • Combat type II diabetes and the metabolic syndrome

More recently there have been a number of studies linking Vitamin D deficiency and non-specific (unidentified; no know origin) chronic musculoskeletal pain.  Scientists are now suggesting that vitamin D deficiency should be included in the list of possible diagnoses in the evaluation of musculoskeletal pain complaints in a physiotherapy setting, and treatment should be considered an important component of the treatment plan.

There are several patient-types with chronic pain who are at risk for this deficiency:

·        Housebound seniors

·        Patients with pigmented skin (i.e. black or brown skin)

·        People with cultural avoidances of sun (wearing a veil or long sleeves)

·        People with existing GI issues as they typically don’t have the ability to absorb vitamin D

·        And finally.....those of us who live in the northern latitude during wintertime, which is all of us in Canada!!!

 

So, if you’re attending physiotherapy, if you have chronic musculoskeletal pain, and if you fit one of the above risk categories...don’t be surprised if your therapist recommends vitamin D supplements (specifically vitamin D3), or that you bask in the warmth of the sunlight 10-20 minutes each day (but still wear sunscreen!).

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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

What Do Kate Hudson and Healthy Feet Have In Common?

Nail_polish

Dr’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish!!!

Kate loves it, and so do our patients!  While our chiropodists will often give you a slap in the hand for using nail polish regularly on your tender tootsies, Dr.’s Remedy nail polish has been approved by chiropodists at our clinic.  This nail polish appeals to health-conscious women, including pregnant women (and children), because it removes the potentially harmful additives found in most commercial nail polishes. Among these chemicals:


- DBP, a potential developmental and reproductive toxin that may cause birth defects and is banned in Europe
- Formaldehyde, which has been proven to cause cancer
- Toluene, a chemical that the EPA restricts in our drinking water because it can cause nervous system disorders as well as damage to the liver and kidneys.
 

Not only is it safe, but it actually makes your nails healthier!   The polish contains naturally occurring antifungal ingredients, as well as vitamins and protein – known to make the nail stronger and help with discoloration.  Both of our locations carry Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish, in 19 fabulous colors, an enriched base coat, a sealing top coat, an enriched non-acetone remover, enriched cuticle oil, and a clear coat hydrating treatment for dry brittle nails.  Check out www.remedynails.com for more info about this fantastic product, or stop by our clinics to see it for real!  Hurry though...we can’t seem to keep enough of this stuff in stock!

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Sunday, June 12, 2011

Are You a Chiropodist Wanting to Relocate? We're Hiring!

Now_hiring

Our clinics are expanding and we require a Full Time (or Part Time) Chiropodist with exceptional biomechanical and orthotic prescription skills.  Strong knowledge of sagittal plane facilitation is an asset.  We are looking for a chiropodist with ambitions to build a career with us.  You need to posses the desire to help others and contribute to our organization's incredible expansion in the Cobourg and Port Hope area.  

Cobourg is one of the best kept wellness secrets in the province. It's far enough away from the major cities to have the genuine, small town ambiance; yet close enough to enjoy all of the larger city conveniences. One hundred kilometers east of Toronto along the shoreline of Lake Ontario, historic Cobourg is tucked into the rolling hills of Northumberland County in a tranquil setting, making it the perfect place to relax, live and work.

Our multidisciplinary facility (physiotherapy, chiropody, massage therapy) provides a comfortable and friendly patient focused environment. Our client base includes clients who are recovering from orthopedic and sports related injuries, motor vehicle accidents, work related injuries, and general foot care.

We offer:

    • Relaxed, friendly, flexible work environment
    • Well equipped facility
    • A cohesive multidisciplinary team
    • Peer-mentorship
    • Supportive and team-oriented setting
    • Flexible hours
    • Funded educational opportunities
    • Competitive remuneration
    • Performance bonuses

Who we are looking for:

Hard working chiropodists that have a verifiable history of getting things done, like helping people and are happiest when doing so. Above all we are looking for someone who loves being a chiropodist and would like the freedom to perform his or her craft.

Join a proven team with the clinical, administrative, and promotional support of a well-established clinic with an impeccable reputation for excellence among patients and partners in the health care community.

3 or more years of experience is preferred, though all applicants will be considered.

Please contact us to see if you qualify to join our team. Send email with cover letter and resume to Attn: Cristol Smyth, D.Ch., cristolsmyth@gmail.com

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Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Education: What's Happening at Our Clinics?

Apple

Our practitioners strive to be at the leading edge of evidence-based practice, always staying current with new techniques, technologies and developments in the field of physiotherapy, podiatric medicine (chiropody) and massage therapy.  It is part of the "Dave and Cristol Standard" that our practitioners stay abreast of current research and are continuously upgrading their skills.  

How does this help you?  We understand that pain and disability impact your life which is why our goal at Northumberland Physiotherapy and Foot Care Centre is to get you better, fast.  Regularly increasing our knowledge allows us to take a two-pronged approach to treating your ailments:  The first is to resolve your symptoms, and the second is to discover the root of the problem, so we can prevent your problem (and new ones) from returning.  In the end WE GET RESULTS!

We've been busy at NPFCC, and here is a summary of the most recent courses we have taken:

  • Our Assistants (Laura, Cheryl, and Norine) are now Certified Compression Stocking Fitters!  That's right!  They have all taken the certification course, and compression stockings can now be professionally fitted at our Cobourg and Port Hope clinics.

  • Physiotherapists recently attended a 3-day course on Manipulation of the Thoracic Spine Region, with guru Jim Meadows, PT.  This course presented a different approach to treating back and nerve-related problems.

  • Chiropodists completed a 5 month-long course to upgrade their oral prescription scope of practice, allowing them to treat you literally from the inside-out.

  • Physiotherapist Sherry Heenan recently completed her acupuncture certification, which added a third team member with this certification.

  • Physiotherapists Sherry Heenan and Marcus Kapteyn are currently working towards their manual therapy certification.

  • Chiropodist Mark Smyth will be participating in a cadaveric hands-on soft tissue surgery workshop in July.  

  • Owners David Evans and Cristol Smyth will be attending a Practice Management Conference in Clearwater, FL early next week.  They attend these conferences regularly, and bring back the best practice technologies used today.   This makes for a happy, efficient and well-organized team!

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Physiotherapists do that!

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Whether it's allowing an older adult to gain the strength and mobility needed to remain living independently, returning someone to work and health following an injury, or restoring movement and allowing a child with a fractured ankle to return to work, physiotherapists do that!

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