Headaches and Migraines

Migraines are the third most common disease in the world, currently ranked 7th as the most disabling disease. 

Anything from bright screens, loud music or lack of food and water can all be triggers for one of these uncomfortable aches. They are so common that most people just accept them as a part of their life and pop a painkiller so that they can carry on with their day, rather than trying to find and address the cause.

 Just because they are common does not mean they are normal. 

Frequent or not, head or neck pain caused by migraines and tension headaches are not something to live with and endure. No one should feel miserable and irritable, desperately trying to find something to make them go away. Many headaches are caused by damaged structures around the neck like joints, ligaments, muscles and cervical discs, all of which have complex nerve endings. Our highly qualified and experienced chiropractors are trained to find, examine and correct the musculoskeletal problems that lead to headaches. They have several specific techniques which can help improve the function of the neck and make headaches and pain killers a thing of the past.

If you like to discuss your headaches in further detail. Contact Dr. Elton Clemence at the clinic at www.family1stchiro.ca or call us at 403-347-3261 for consultation and to set up a time to have your spine and nervous system checked.

CranioSacral Therapy and Women

One of the greatest benefits of CranioSacral therapy is its effectiveness in dealing with the many natural cycles, conditions and related complications that we women go through as we journey through life.

Conditions such as:

·         Puberty.

·         Attempting to get pregnant.

·         Pregnancy.

·         Pregnancy and birth complications.

·         Infant and toddler care and nurturing.

·         Menopause.

·         Conditions attached to later in life.

It is also in the area of Women's Health that conventional medicine and complementary health approaches are often found working side-by-side.

It is interesting to note that I notice the following:

• The majority of people who make health decisions in the households tend to be the women (booking children, husbands for treatments).
• While women are very happy to put enormous time and energy into looking after others (their unborn children when pregnant, baby infants, toddlers, children, Husbands/partners) - they seem to put themselves last in line when it comes to good old preventative and early treatment of many ailments!

I feel it is important for women to learn to take better care of themselves.

Working with CranioSacral Therapy myself over the last number of years has helped me to get more in touch with my own natural health rhythm - and I have found that while many of my female clients may have come for a specific ailment - over time they start to listen more to their own body and learn just what it needs to get back to health and stay there for the long term.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca. 

Dealing with stress

We all have stress in our lives, there is good stress and bad stress. The good stress can help build us in a way to motivate us to greater depths of the imagineable. Then there is the bad stress that can take us back a few steps and put is in a dark place of non existance. Sometimes there are unfortunate events that take place whether that is with an illness,  the loss of a loved one, divorce, seperation or injury.

One of the most important ways of starting to identify how you respond to stress yourself is to get in touch with your own typical responses to it. We are all different, we have all had particular life experiences and been exposed to situations that are unique  to us. We will all respond to outside influences in different ways.

                How to overcome the stress? It is a journey indeed to clear away stress. It is a constant battle but here are some steps to bring awareness into your life to clear any obstacles that may be hindering you from maintaining overall health.

                Simply just being in the present moment for 10 minutes finding a quiet place and do a scan where are you holding any stress in your body and focus your attention inside yourself starting at the head then into your neck, shoulders , arms and hands, chest, abdomen, back, hips, legs and feet and make a mental note of where these sites are that you are  holding most of  your tension, breathe deeply and send warmth there into the tension site, dissolving  any negativity. While you are there notice any sensations of discomfort or any emotions that arise. Try not to judge them, just observe them. Breathe this warm sensation into the area, and notice what happens, When you have visited all the areas you identified, breathe deeply again twice and stretch your  fingers and toes before opening your eyes.

              Don't worry as you come out that there are still tension in any of the sites you are experiencing, It takes a few trys to find a calm state in the body as we are built on a foundation that tends to be fast pace. Once you get to know the areas in your body and slow the mind with the breath there will be tools to help you relax and melt the tension away. You can come see a Massage Therapist or Chiropractor or Physio therapist and take a class in yoga and follow a teacher that will guide you in a safe pose where you can stretch tension away or try Reiki and have a practitioner guide you through a meditation and have energy work done to find peace and feel calm after your treatment.

Massage available at at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.

Are you or your children addicted to technology?

Many people and parents are concerned about the addiction to technology in our society. The adverse effects of technology has become more in the forefront in the past several years. Internet gaming disorder is now becoming a real diagnosis.

Gaming, online, social media, TV, and other online addictions can cause changes in our brain. These changes affect sleep, emotional disturbances, withdrawal symptoms, crashes, depression, anxiety, obsession, compulsion, and much more.  This tech addiction gives us the false high and affects healthy relationships.  What are you and your children's daily usage, other than work and school activities? Be honest with yourself and your children’s usage!

Light usage: 1-2 hours per day

Moderate use: 2-4 hours per day

Heavy use:  4-6 hours per day

Severe: greater than 6 hours per day

There are several apps that you can put on your device(s) that track your usage, and many people are shocked at the amount that you are on your devices!

Take control Tips:

•    Experience nature- get out and go for a walk

•    Get moving-get out and do some exercise

•    Free and creative play and activities- stimulate your right brain with imagination

•    Good sleep hygiene – turn off the tech and devices in the bedrooms

•    Practice mindfulness- breathing, yoga, meditation

•    Dim the bright lights, and decrease the blue light

•    Have an electronic fast, screen freeze times ‘Screen Free Zones’ such as at dinner

•    Practice good posture

•    Get adjusted!

Dr. Joelle Johnson is located at 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer www.family1stchiro.ca 403-347-3261.

Saline Nasal Wash

With cold and flu season upon us already this is something that is really helpful and quite easy to do.

The practice of saline nasal wash or lavage (called Neti in the yoga tradition) is a time honored folk remedy for a variety of respiratory complaints, as well is a simple and effective tool for maintaining nasal health. The technique is simple, and if practiced correctly, provides gentle and immediate relief of nasal congestion.

The keys to comfortable nasal lavage are concentration and temperature. The solution should have the same salt concentration as your tears (0.9%) and be warmed to normal body temperature or a bit warmer. If the salt concentration is too low or too high, the experience can be very unpleasant (like getting water up your nose when you are swimming). Water that is too cool will cause the nasal membranes to swell, defeating the purpose of the wash. Water that is too hot will burn the sensitive nasal mucosa.

The solution should be prepared with water and a pure, non-iodized salt. Canning and pickling salt is pure (99.95% NaCl), cheap, and readily available (you can buy it at any supermarket that carries canning supplies). Kosher salt is an acceptable alternative, as well as sea salt.

The amount of salt you need to add will depend upon both the volume of water you use and the texture of the salt you select (the coarser the grind, the more you need). 

¼ - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup filtered water

Pour about 1/2 cup of this solution into a Neti pot or squeeze bottle. (A Neti pot is a small ceramic vessel, shaped like an Aladdin's lamp that is specifically designed for nasal lavage. Neti pots are available in some health food stores and yoga supply shops.  Bending over a sink, hold the spout to one nostril, tilt your head and pour the solution through so it flows out the other nostril. After rinsing, gently blow the loosened mucus out and repeat as needed. If you prefer, the same solution can be used in a spray bottle.

It may be very difficult to get past the initial revulsion and fear of choking, but once tried it can be both comfortable and soothing.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca. 

What are those red circles on my back from cupping?

The markings left behind from cupping is a result of a treatment that consisted of using silicone cups that suction and lift the muscles, and the layers of facia. The more darker the markings the more congestion is present. The lifting of toxins is drawn out and will fade anywhere from 3 days to a week. Where there is more congestion it can last up to 3 weeks.

Cupping stimulates blood flow in the areas being treated and helps the muscles gain oxygen in order to reduce pain and increases performance. Clients and patients  seek cupping treatment for many purposes including to help with pain inflammation, blood flow, relaxation.

Did you know there are also tiny facial cupping tools for the face for the help of circulation to get that glow to start your day and to smooth away tired aged skin.  Also, for any issues with tempomandibular joint, cupping may also be used to relax the muscles, and will not leave the markings as they are much smaller than ones used on the back and other areas of the body.

Massage available at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness Clinic in Red Deer, www.family1stchiro.ca Call 403-347-3261 to book an appointment today.

Loving Your Own Body Image

Society emphasizes the journey to pursue unattainable body image standards, beauty, and
perfection. Numerous individuals struggle with coming to terms with accepting and
loving their own bodies. After all, it can seem like an unconquerable challenge to find
self-peace in your own skin.

Mainstream media’s constant messages that describe a consumer lacking in the type of
beauty that their products can perhaps achieve. However, instead of listening to the false
ideals, read these tips to find your path to self-love.

Talk back to Media
Don’t be silent after hearing or viewing an advertisement or program that lowers your
sense of security. The media is not a reflection of reality, so remember to remind yourself
that these qualities that are making you uncomfortable only require your permission to do
so.

De-emphasize Numbers
Remember that eating habits and exercise habits are far more important than calories or
BMI. Try not to spend too much time on the scale, and remember to value your
motivation in leading a healthy lifestyle instead of stressing over numbers. Your weight
can fluctuate daily, so don’t let a number dictate the happiness of your day. You’re
allowed to feel good about yourself, no matter what a machine tells you.

Stop Comparing
Your physiology is unique, and everybody has different abilities and needs. Focus on the
things that your body can do well, and the aspects of your body that you admire and
appreciate, and don’t use someone else’s body as a reference point.

Move and Enjoy Your Body
Enjoying and moving your body makes you feel relaxed, strong, and energized. Take part
in activities that you enjoy or would like to try out, instead of feeling forced to go to the
gym.

Finally, spend time with people who have a healthy relationship with their bodies,
exercise, and food. Their attitudes could be contagious and have a positive influence on
your own relationships to these issues.

Dr. Elton Clemence

Dr. Elton Clemence practices at Family First Chiropractic located at 142 Erickson drive
in Red Deer. Call us today to make an appointment (403)347-3261 or visit us at
www.family1stchiro.ca.

Why is my child not sleeping? Help!

Parents often bring the child in to see a pediatric chiropractor to assist with sleeping difficulties.

‘The sleep button’ as most parents like to call it has failed, and the child is often up several times a night and will not nap during the day. This sleep regression is confusing to parents as well as exhausting. Pediatric chiropractors will look at several areas of the body to help sleuth out some of the sleep issues.

1. Sympathetic Dominance

Sleep is part of what we call the parasympathetic nervous system which helps us slow down, relax, digest food, reproduce and rest. The key to this parasympathetic part of the nervous system is the Vagus nerve, this nerve exits just below the base of the skull and upper neck area. Children, especially in the toddler and preschool years are learning to jump, run, fall and injure themselves on a daily basis. The falls they endure may cause what chiropractors call subluxations in the upper neck, or vertebral misalignments, which irritate or impinge the nervous system. Impingements on this Vagus nerve may lead to a decrease in the parasympathetic causing a surge of the sympathetic, the sympathetic are the go-go-go part of the nervous system, and hence the child does not sleep.

Balancing out the parasympathetic and sympathetic can significantly enhance your child’s sleep pattern.

2. Diet imbalance. Looking at your child’s diet, are they overeating processed high sugar foods, which will affect their sleep patterns. Food intolerances and allergies will also cause sleeping issues.

3. Parasites. Children eat everything in their world as they learn, develop and explore the world, in this exploration they may pick up a few bugs causing sleep disturbances, bowel changes, teeth grinding and nightmares and night terrors.

4. Trauma of different causes can cause sleep changes. Trauma can be a fall, emotional trauma, a virus or illness that can cause stress to a young developing nervous system. There can be a resurgence of certain reflexes that cause sympathetic dominance. These retained reflexes can be extinguished with specific chiropractic adjustments and exercises to help balance out your child’s brain. A complete exam can show any of these retained reflexes, and we can work with you and your child to help develop a proper sleeping pattern.

Dr. Joelle Johnson practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness in Red Deer, www.family1stchiro.ca 403-347-3261 to book an appointment for your child today.

Problems with Sleeping

Infants need lots of sleep. When a baby rubs his eyes that is a sure sign that they are sleepy. Always finish feeding, burping and diaper change before settling baby to sleep. Swaddling your infant provides security and helps him/her fall to sleep but check that they are not too hot. Some infants like to stay close to mom for the first few weeks but it pays to establish a good routine of putting baby into the crib to sleep when you both feel ready.

Some infants may still have difficulty getting to sleep despite mom and dad doing all of the above. Many of these children would have had a difficult birth and go on to develop problems with both feeding and sleeping before I first see them.

When I treat these children I check for any areas of tightness in their body. As these release the baby sighs and relaxes. If the birth has been distressing, we take time to check the effect this has had on the infant, mom (and dad too) if needed. This helps with the bonding process which in turn helps baby to feel more secure and mom to feel more competent. It is common for baby to sleep for a long time after a CranioSacral treatment.  Many parents report that they have had their first night sleep following this CranioSacral treatment.

Jeannette Raskin RMT, CST practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.

Fascia Release

Fascia Release doesn’t have to be painful, it is a nice technique that goes quite deep. There is a Piezo-electric effect. MFR (myofascial release) applied properly will maximize the piezo-electric effect breaking down unwanted micro-adhesions, as well as free up and decompress joints.

What exactly is Deep Fascia? There are layers of fascia that wraps around and makes up muscle in its continuous head to toe, front to back, side to side. The superficial fascia is a layer of adipose tissue found beneath the skin and the deep fascia. This layer has its own integrity and also contributes to the structure of a body. The Deep Fascia is the network or web that surrounds the muscle or wrap. Lastly Connective tissue is the extracellular matrix that envelopes and connects our being from head to toe. It is the blood, none, perineural, perivascular wrappings, cells and microtubules that make up our bodies without it we would be a heap of partial bones on the floor. With the applied pressure by a therapist it changes the state of texture by lengthening and will positively affect better movement in the joints without the use of oil and direct contact to the client with slow techniques. Myofascial release is more likely to calm SNS (Sympathetic Nervous System) than to stimulate the PNS (Parasympathetic Nervous System).

Massage available at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.

Why should I have CranioSacral Therapy?

Why should I have CranioSacral Therapy?

All of our lives are very busy.  We do not have a lot of time for others, much less ourselves. Here are some good reasons to find the time for ourselves to heal and to start to enjoy our life more.  

1. Some people come because they feel as though they aren’t coping and that life is very difficult. CranioSacral Therapy can often be a last resort after many years of struggle.

          2.      Some people come because they have long standing health issues which make it very difficult to cope.           CranioSacral Therapy can help relieve the emotional and physical side-effects of living with long term             illness or pain and can support the body in its natural movement towards health

3. Some people come because they have experienced traumatic events that they cannot move past. CranioSacral Therapy is a very safe, gentle and effective way of treating trauma and post-traumatic states.
4. Some people come because they are incredibly stressed and anxious and can’t seem to find any relief from a very busy mind. CranioSacral Therapy is especially good at encouraging a very deep sense of stillness allowing the mind slow down and rest. Many people say they sleep very well after a craniosacral treatment.
5. Some people come because they just need to be held and listened to. The most important thing a CranioSacral Therapist does is to simply be present for the client and hold the therapeutic space allowing the client’s process to unfold naturally.

Jeanette works at the clinic at 142 Erickson Drive Wednesday evenings and Saturdays. Give us a call to book your appointment (403)347-3261 or visit our website to learn more www.family1stchiro.ca

Sleep-Do you get enough?

Sleep-Do you get enough?

Various researchers have found that a habit that most of us take for granted -sleep — may

affect our memory in many ways. Not only does sleep help your memory, but lack of sleep may also hurt your health. A 2010 study from Biological Psychiatry found that chronic insomnia may lead to loss of brain volume. Insomniacs had a smaller volumes of gray matter in three brain areas — and the more serious the insomnia, the greater the loss of volume.
In 2012, a preliminary study from the Washington University School of Medicine found that in mice, poor sleep may be related to brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's. 

The third of our life that we spend sleeping has always been something of a mystery. Now a new wave of studies are finding indications that while we may appear to be in a stupor, our brains are actually hard at work. Most scientists agree that getting a decent night’s rest is a good idea. Chiropractic treatment can help you get that all important sleep. Chiropractic treatments can help with spinal tension/ headaches which can keep us up at night. By helping with all those aches/ pains that cause tossing and turning. Chiropractic adjustments can help you feel better and get more quality  and quantity of sleep.

-Dr. Stephen Kelly

Come and see Dr. Kelly Monday through Saturday at 142 Erickson Drive Red Deer (403)347-3261 or visit our website www.family1stchiro.ca

Support your Feet and your Body

Support Your Feet and Your Body

Hip, knee, and back pain are some of the common complaints that bring people to a doctor of chiropractic seeking relief. Often, these ailments are due to misalignments of the spine called subluxations. After evaluating the patient, the doctor of chiropractic can perform adjustments that bring the spine back into alignment, alleviating symptoms and helping the body perform more optimally. In addition to adjustments, the doctor may recommend exercises to help strengthen areas of the body to prevent reoccurrence. While regular chiropractic adjustments and exercises will improve the situation, the doctor may take one more step—prescribing a custom orthotics—to increase the effectiveness of the adjustments.

Orthotics can increase the effectiveness of adjustments for many reasons. Many of the misalignments that lead to pain throughout the lower body begin with poor mechanics of the feet, such as overpronation; this is when the arches of the foot drop, and the foot rolls inward while in motion. As the body compensates for this imbalance, extra stress is put on joints, and the spine can misalign. Chiropractic adjustments can address the misalignments, but over time, the body can return to its misaligned state and exasperate symptoms if the foot is not strong enough to support the body. An Orthotic can address the imbalances in the foot, which brings balance to the body and can alleviate painful symptoms. In addition, the Orthotic can absorb shock, which can reduce the amount of stress on joints, such as knees, ankles, and hips.

If an Orthotic is right for you, it is important that it is custom made to fit the biomechanics of your foot. Store-bought, generic orthotics may provide cushioning, but they do not support the complete foot, and they cannot address the complexity of each situation. A doctor of chiropractic can take a custom mold of your foot to achieve a properly fitting Orthotic. In addition, before the scan, the doctor can adjust your foot to optimal alignment so that the Orthotic supports the optimal structure of your foot.

With regular chiropractic care and a custom Orthotics when necessary, you can get rid of common painful symptoms.  Family First Chiropractic is open Monday to Saturday. To book an appointment call 403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca

CranioSacral Therapy: Are there Conditions for which it is Unsuitable?

CranioSacral Therapy: Are there Conditions for which it is Unsuitable?

The short answer is yes. There are conditions for which CranioSacral Therapy is unsuitable. Although, one of the things that attracted me to CranioSacral Therapy was the wide range of conditions it can treat – conditions such as sinusitis, infant colic, tinnitus, migraine etc., as well as the range of ongoing natural and medical conditions that it supports very effectively such as pregnancy care, chronic pain, cerebral palsy as well as other specific conditions.

However, the following conditions make the use of CranioSacral Therapy unsuitable:

· Recent skull fractures – for example if you have been recently involved in an accident and there has been serious head trauma (intracranial pressure).

· If a stroke (including acute hemorrhage) has occurred inside the last 6 months. If the condition has been stable for at least six months, then CranioSacral Therapy can be very beneficial. 

· If there has been any recent leaking of the spinal fluid 

(Due to lumbar puncture etc.). However, once the situation has stabilized and your doctor has given the ok, CranioSacral Therapy is a very effective treatment aid to healing in this area. 

Any swelling in the blood vessels of the head (acute cerebral aneurysms.)

Call Family First Chiropractic at 403-347-3261 to schedule an appointment. We are located at 142 Erickson Dr, Red Deer. www.family1stchiro.ca 

Why Fix it if it's Not Broken?

Many health problems  fester without serious symptoms, making correction more difficult later.
This is the “Let sleeping dogs lie” approach to health care. I feel fine, Why do I need to see a doctor?
That’s the problem with the lifestyle-induced health problems facing our culture. They quietly fester in the background, slowly worsening, often without any obvious symptom. Arterial plaque builds up. Blood pressure rises. Certain foods now cause heartburn. Every morning you get out of bed a little bit slower and stiffer. You hardly notice the incremental change.
Ironically, these are often the same folks who religiously change their oil and do other preventive maintenance to lengthen the life, appearance and performance of their car!
If you like being your very best, you’ll love visiting our practice. No shots. No yucky medicine. No “healthier-than-thou” attitude. No preaching.

Our three doctors are located at Family First Chiropractic. 142 Erickson Dr. Red Deer, AB. To schedule an appointment call 403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca

Does your Child have Low Back Pain

Does your Child have low back pain?

Many children complain of low back pain and this should never be shrugged off as ‘growing pains’ or a ‘nothing’ to worry about they will ’outgrow’ it or it will go away. The most common low back complaint in children is a spondylolysis, which may lead to spondylolisthesis.

Often when we are taking a history on an adult patient we discover that many have had the issue and low back pain since childhood or even adolescence. Often when we do an exam and a plain film x-ray we discover that there is a pars defect in the low back vertebra causing a spondylolysis and sometimes a spondylolisthesis (slippage). There is now new research to show that often this defect cannot be found on plain x-ray and a MRI is needed to discover a ‘pending spondylolisthesis’ – which is basically a stress fracture on the pars interarticularis of the vertebra.

The most common cause of low back pain in children and adolescents that can be seen on X-ray is a stress fracture in one of the bones (vertebrae) that make up the spinal column. Technically, this condition is called spondylolysis (spon-dee-low-lye-sis). It usually affects the fifth lumbar l5 vertebra in the lower back and, much less commonly, the fourth lumbar vertebra L4.

If the stress fracture weakens the bone so much that it is unable to maintain its proper position, the vertebra can start to shift out of place. This condition is called spondylolisthesis (spon-dee-low-lis-thee-sis). Growth plays a definite role in the cause of spondylolysis and has a strong prevalence in age 14- younger in females from the earlier adolescent growth. This factor explains the prominence of slippage in girls (listhesis) and more pars defect in boys (lysis). Often congenital defects found on x-ray such as facet orientation, occult spina bifida and/or a longer pars have a higher relevance of spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis can also be caused by a traumatic event such as a bad fall or hit playing sports or otherwise. Often we do not know the specific incident that causes and spondylolysis/listhesis in children and adults.

Treatment for a childhood spondylolisthesis includes chiropractic adjustments to approximate the pars defect, pelvic tilt exercises, as well as possible rehab with a Boston Brace. The Boston Brace holds the pelvis in a pelvic tilt- helping to approximate the pars defect, allow healing in the correct position. Often the brace is recommended for 3-4 months duration. If you suspect this issue in your child get them checked by your chiropractor.

Dr. Joelle Johnson has been a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association for 15 years and has treated many children for low back pain and complaints. She is located at 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer. T4R 2C3 

www.family1stchiro.ca  403-347-3261

http://www.acatoday.org/press_css.cfm?CID=430

http://www.theamericanchiropractor.com/articles-radiology/4710-spondylolysis-andor-spondylolisthesis-lets-get-it-right-and-stir-things-up.html

http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/spondylolisthesis/spondylolysis-and-spondylolisthesis

http://cdn2.perfectpatients.com/childsites/uploads/41/files/spondylolisthesis.pdf

http://www.theamericanchiropractor.com/articles-radiology/8733-pending-spondylolysis-andor-spondylolisthesis-whats-it-all-mean.html

http://books.google.ca/books?id=YmQ3GGGjDhMC&pg=PA463&lpg=PA463&dq=Boston+brace+and++spondylolisthesis&source=bl&ots=5MhLxBEgGt&sig=i30PQHZIVnX-i08HQNhA-QMvnsA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=FJFfVOaBHcv5yQTJyIHYCw&ved=0CHQQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=Boston%20brace%20and%20%20spondylolisthesis&f=false

1. 

Who is CranioSacral Therapy For?

Who is CranioSacral Therapy for?

People may come for CranioSacral Therapy because they have acute physical problems like headaches or bad backs, or long-standing problems both physical and emotional. Others come for ongoing support in their busy lives and for help to meet life’s challenges.

Because it is so gentle and non-invasive, CranioSacral Therapy is suitable for everyone from newborns to the elderly. Mothers and babies often come for problems associated with difficult or traumatic births. Letting go of tension and fear held in the body enables both to settle into calmness.

CranioSacral Therapy supports your body’s innate ability to balance, restore and heal itself, as well as helping to reduce stress and build your underlying energy. The practitioner senses tensions in the body and helps them to release in a supported and comfortable way. During or after a session you may feel calm and energized, with increased clarity of mind and a feeling of well being.

Jeannette Raskin is located at Family First Chiropractic 142 Erickson Dr, Red Deer, T4R 2C3 403-347-3261

Vision Board

 Vision Board

A vision board is like creating a role model, but instead of someone else, it is like creating a role model of your best self. A vision board is a board, created by you, that reminds you of the person that you want to become in the future. It can portray goals that you have for your social life, your romantic life, your professional life, it can be whatever you want. But it should create the image of the all-encompassing person you desire to be. This may seem like an empty gesture, but often can yield real results by allowing you to better visualize the small steps you need to take to work toward a goal by seeing it every day. You will never outperform your picture of yourself, so it is important to keep updating a positive picture of the person you want to be.

Here's how that works:

STEP 1:

Look through your favorite magazine or journal. Find images that you connect to. Or, have a specific image or goal in mind? You can simply search for that image on Google Images. Find images that give concreteness to the adjectives you want to be described as. Want to be more family-oriented? Find pictures that demonstrate the relationship you want to have with your kids. Want to find your dream man/woman? Find images that exemplify the qualities you want them to have. Cut all of these images out and paste them on a poster board. Or if you want to go digital, you can create a Pinterest board or use an app like Posterino. Look at others' vision boards to find inspiration as well. It can be as simple as Googling "vision boards" or checking out Pinterest. You may find a quote or an image that you find inspiring yourself, and desire to use it. The image above is an example of a vision board. The focus is on interests: fitness, family, and motivation. Positive images pair with uplifting and action-oriented phrases.

There are even specific apps for making vision boards. Dreamitalive.com not only features a place to create vision boards, but also allows you to connect with like-minded people to use as mentors and team members on the journey. Mind Movies is a way to animate your vision board and thus make it even more engaging. Mind Movies is an online vision board creator that allows you to combine your uplifting images with powerful affirmations and motivating music to produce an inspiring three-minute video. The movement and music can help create the kind of inspired emotion that may be difficult for some just looking at a board. They are also easy to share with others, if you want to get friends and family in on your goals. Mind Movies also offers their own videos as inspirational guides that offer steps to achieve different dreams. Some of the popular ones they feature are: "Attracting Health," "Attracting Wealth," and "Attracting Spirituality.

Step 2: 
Put this board in a place that you will see it FOR SURE. Like, a lot. Make it your home page on the Internet. Put it next to your bed. Put it on the refrigerator. I don't care, just make sure you see it a lot, so much that you don't even think about it anymore.

Step 3: 
Stop thinking about it. Let it become simply part of the things you see every day. This way, your brain gets accustomed to it. Vision boards are all about emotion. "Just seeing my vision board for a few seconds in the morning whilst brushing my teeth, I'm immediately reminded of what is really important in my life and how grateful I am for the life that I have already created," states Martyn Anstey. He continues: "It can catch me just as I am about to go to a business meeting, and just seeing one word, one image, completely changes my day." When making your vision board, focus on images and words that will get this type of reaction; you want your brain to wake up, and realize the way to the things it wants.

Step 4: 
Live your life, but be aware and be active. Vision boards are not going to do all the heavy lifting for you; they are simply there to help you notice the possibilities that are right there for you, and to realize the potentialities within yourself to reach these goals. Many vision board proponents purport to have completely forgotten about a vision board until much later, realizing that they had attracted into their lives exactly what we were looking for, to an odd specificity. Vision boards help make all of the jumbled, abstract feelings in your head into a foreseeable future. If you're skeptical about making a vision board yourself, ask what you really have to lose by trying it. Not really much. But perhaps it makes you more in tune to the repercussions of your choices and how they align with getting what you want. 

Dr Elton Clemence is taking new patients at Family First Chiropractic. 403-347-3261 142 Erickson Dr Red Deer T4R 2C3