Health and Wellness – 2025
HEALTH & WEL by Peter Sem
The Importance of Orthotics at Arbeau Sports Medicine Centre by Ryan Arbeau, MD, FRCPC, DRCPSC Orthotics are custom-designed devices that help correct foot alignment, alleviate pain, and improve overall mobility. At Arbeau
8 Tips for Reducing Stress by Peter Semchism Let’s start with short-term strategies you can do from anywhere that can lower your stress immediately. These strategies are great because they can be performed anywhere, take little practice to master, are free and provide immediate relief.
Sports Medicine Centre, the focus is on creating high-quality orthotics tailored to each patient’s specific needs, enhancing their quality of life, and supporting optimal physical performance. Orthotics play a crucial role in managing various musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those affecting the feet, ankles, knees, and lower back. Common conditions like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, flat feet, and overpronation can lead to chronic pain and discomfort. In such cases, custom orthotics can provide immediate relief by redistributing pressure across the foot, correcting abnormal gait patterns, and promoting better posture. At Arbeau Sports Medicine Centre, the process begins with a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s foot mechanics, posture, and movement patterns. This evaluation helps the skilled pedorthist design orthotics that address the unique structural and functional needs of the individual. The pedorthist ensures that each orthotic is precisely fitted to the patient’s feet, offering the best possible support and alignment. One of the significant advantages of custom orthotics over over- the-counter alternatives is their personalized fit. While generic insoles may provide some relief, they often fail to address the root causes of discomfort. Custom orthotics, however, are designed to accommodate the patient’s unique foot shape and gait, providing a more effective solution for long-term relief. For athletes, the importance of orthotics cannot be overstated. Whether it’s running, cycling, or weightlifting, proper alignment and support are critical for preventing injuries and enhancing performance. Orthotics at Arbeau Sports Medicine Centre not only help in rehabilitation but also serve as a preventive measure to avoid future injuries. Additionally, orthotics can significantly improve overall posture, which impacts other areas of the body, including the hips, knees, and spine. By promoting better alignment, custom orthotics contribute to a more balanced and efficient body movement, reducing strain on the joints and muscles. In conclusion, custom orthotics are a vital tool in treating foot- related issues, improving mobility, and preventing injuries. With personalized care and expert guidance, these custom devices help individuals lead a more active, pain-free life, supporting both everyday function and athletic performance. To have your own custom orthotics made please call ASMC at 519-601-2232 to book an appointment with our Pedorthist Brad Reichenbach. Learn more at www.asmcentre.com
Peter Semchism Short-Term Strategies to Reduce Stress Try Guided Imagery. Simply close your eyes for a minute and walk yourself through a peaceful scene. Think about all the sensory experiences you would engage in and allow yourself to feel as though you’re really there. After a few minutes, open your eyes and return to the present moment. Focus on Breathing. Just focusing on your breath or changing the way you breathe can make a big difference to your overall stress level. Breathing techniques can calm your body and your brain in just a few minutes. Get out in the Sunshine . Getting outside has a few positive effects. The sunshine will improve your mood. A short walk is a fantastic stress reliever that can work in minutes. It gets you out of the house for a change in scenery. Long-Term Strategies to Reduce Stress Connect with People. Spending time with a friend or family member who will listen to you is a natural way to calm you and lower your stress. Manage Your Behaviour. How you respond to people directly impacts your stress levels. Learning to manage your own responses is crucial to lowering stress. Try not to overcommit yourself. Count to 10 before you respond. Walk away from a heated situation.
Dementia Could Happen to Anyone… Because Everyone Ages. The Facts
To advertise here, please contact Gloria@villagerpublications.com Many of us often experience forgetfulness. W put the car keys or repeat the same story to a These behaviours are usually caused by the inf busy, stressful lives – it doesn’t mean that we’ As people age, they may experience memory c of information processing. This type of chang interfere with day-to-day functioning. By contra and not a normal part of aging. Although dementia often presents itself differe son, common symptoms include: Dementia is not a specific disease, but a gene gradual decline of mental ability that affects yo skills to the point where daily life becomes diffic your memory, language skills and decision-ma judgment and make you feel disoriented; and personality. Dementia can be caused by many diseases t most common cause of dementia is Alzheim clude vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal and of dementia differ based on underlying causes symptoms and how it progresses. Symptoms and Complications Take Time to Laugh. When you laugh, you take in more oxygen. Your heart, lungs, and muscles get a boost, and your body releases those feel-good hormones. Laughter also improves your immune system, lessens pain, and improves your mood for long periods of time. Watch a funny video, a comedy on your favourite streaming service or call a friend to joke around. Talk Therapy. Talk therapy helps people learn how to deal with stress. One approach, cognitive behavioural therapy, helps you change negative thought patterns which is often the cause of increased stress. A therapist can guide you toward ways to lower your stress and find healthy habits. Improve Your Quality of Sleep. Lack of sleep can also add to your stress level and cause a cycle of stress and sleeplessness. Better sleep habits can help which could include: Drink less alcohol and caffeine close to bedtime. Set a sleep schedule. Don’t look at your electronics 30 to 60 minutes before bed. Try meditation or other forms of relaxation at bedtime. These are just a few healthy tips to reduce stress. Utilizing the ones that work for you will provide results. Give them a try and find the ones that suit you best.
Page 10 Lambeth Villager • Jan-Feb 2025
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