Shoveling Tips

With the blast of winter we got last night I thought I would post an article from January's "the Massage Message" I hope it is helpful!

  

Here are some tips to help minimize the risk of injury.

1. Pick a shovel that is light weight and comfortable.

 2. Keep you hands far apart  (creates better lever)

 3. Keep a wide stance with your feet.

 4. Turn with your feet instead of twisting to throw snow.

 5. Don’t let the snow pile up.  Fresh snow is lighter and easier to push.

 6. Take Breaks.

 7. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

 8. Stretch before and after to warm up muscles.

 9. STOP!!! If you experience any pain, shortness of breathe, numbness or tingling in the arm.  Seek medical attention.

 10. Remember to bend at the knees.

 11. Push the snow as much as possible and lift only at the end.

 12. Dress for the weather.  You lose up to 50% of your body heat from your head, so put a hat on.

 13. Get a snow blower! ;)

Lymphedema Education.....

As some of you may have seen last week I announced the dates of this year's Lymphedema Lectures.  Not all of you may know what this is all about so I thought I would take the opportunity to get you in the loop.

Last March I finished my training to become certified in Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT).  CDT is a specialized training taken over the past two years that focuses on the treatment and management of Lymphedema.  (I posted an article on Lymphedema last November) With this training I became determined to educate the public about this condition.
Lymphedema is a non-curable condition but it can be managed and those who are diagnosed can continue to live their normal life.  It is common in cancer survivors.  As I was preparing to take my final Level of CDT training, an article appeared in the local paper that announced the opening of Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre.  (http://www.simcoe.com/community/health/article/906371--filling-a-serious-gap-for-cancer-patients)  What a great platform for me to educate those who may already or are at high risk of developing lymphedema!
I got in touch with Sandy Cornell the Director and Founder of the centre and pitched my idea.  She was just as excited as I was.  So the Lymphedema Lecture Series - Lymphedema and Me, was developed.  The idea started as a series of 3 lectures covering a boat load of information.  It was well received by the members.

The 3 topics were:
1. Getting to know Lymphedema
This covered the basics, What is lymphedema?  What is the lymphatic system?  Who is at risk?  Types of lymphedema, and signs and symptoms of the disease.
2.  What are my options?
In this lecture we covered in more detail what treatment options are available and what those at risk can do to help lower their chances of developing lymphedema.
3. Compression Bandages
In the final lecture we covered bandaging and garment options that are out there.  A demonstration done on myself of what is involved with self bandaging was performed.

This year we are going to change things up a little bit and combined the first two lectures into one and offer the third if there is interest.

The dates for the year are:

Thursday March 8, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Thursday June 7, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Thursday September 13, 2012 from 1:00  to 2:00 pm 

Thursday December 6, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00pm.

The presentations will be help at the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre which is located at 15 Jeffery Street, Penetanguishene, ON.

If you are interested in attending or have further questions please contact us at info@gbmt.ca

New Year's Resolutions

Well we are now a good way into January 2012.  Did you make New Year's Resolutions?  Are you still sticking to them?  It's not always easy to start fresh and change old habits.
Was one of your resolutions to take better care of yourself and make time for yourself?  A great way to keep this resolution is through regular massage.  There are many benefits of regular massage. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY? (Answer below is taken from the RMTAO website) There are tremendous benefits to be achieved through regular massage therapy treatments from a Registered Massage Therapist.  Whether your need is to have a moment of relaxation, reduce muscle tension or attain relief from chronic pain, a therapeutic massage can enhance your overall sense of emotional and physical well-being as well as your quality of life. Massage therapy benefits people of all ages.  While it benefits the injured, the ill and the stressed, the strength of massage therapy in preventing illness and conditions before they develop cannot be overlooked.  Massage therapy can be used in the treatment of both acute and chronic stages of conditions. The following is a list of conditions for which massage therapy, when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist, can prove beneficial:   Anxiety and depression Asthma and Emphysema Back, leg, and neck pain Cancer Carpal tunnel syndrome (repetitive strain) Chronic Fatigue syndrome Dislocations Fibromyalgia Fractures and edema Gastrointestinal disorders Headaches Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and bursitis Insomnia Kyphosis and Scoliosis Multiple sclerosis Parkinson’s disease Muscle tension and spasm Palliative care Post-surgical rehabilitation Pregnancy and labour support