Walk the Talk

Renewing my commitment to foot health looks like this.

I've had persistent foot pain over the past year and I am fed up with it. It started as plantar fasciitis last February as I adopted the new habit of running, which stopped that practice quickly in its steps. As with all chronic injuries, symptoms began to manifest in areas distant from the original source of pain due to my body's need to compensate for altered movement patterns. So what was once heel pain, became hip and low back pain and more recently, audible cracking in my ankle and knee joints.

Unfortunately, just understanding about orthopedic injuries doesn't protect one from them. I am however developing a deep understanding and empathy for the frustrations of seemingly minor injuries and the effects of not being able to move how I'd like to. 

So in light of this I would like to publicly declare my new commitment to healthy footwear and therefore one day healthier feet. I have a decent collection of semi-practical shoes in my closet, but very few of them are a perfect fit. The fashion-minded part of me who cares about my appearances has been struggling with finding the perfect pair of shoes. Apparently it's a tall order to find shoes that are a hybrid of practicality, class, and  quality. I walk a lot, work on my feet all day, and then usually play in some way during my time off that involves my feet. Given all they do for me, they deserve to be treated like royalty. 

Here's the good news: I actually found said shoes! I bought a pair of black leather Eccos and went back two weeks later to buy another pair in a similar model but different colour because they instantly brought joy to my tootsies. Buttery soft leather, a flexible sole that is as light as air, built with craftsmanship for durability, and I'd say that they look pretty darn classy too - in a casual high quality sorta way.  Dreams can come true.

Now it's time to make some space in my closet. I suspect it'll be an emotional event, taking my sub-par shoe collection to the consignment store. I'll be sure to pack tissues for potential the tear shedding that might occur from letting go of this part of my previous identity. 

Integrity is an important value to me, so walking my talk about putting my health first is a powerful motivator for this act. Thank you for making me accountable to you for the benefit of my health.

What are you willing to commit to for the sake of your health?

See you in the clinic,
Dana

Hot and Cold for Health

Take a cold shower to feel
energized & ready to rock your world.

It's that time of year where tissues, hot tea, and blankets are in high demand as our immune systems are working hard to stave off the ever-morphing rhinovirus, aka: the common cold.
Here's a simple way to help your body's defense system kick into turbo drive.

1. Take a hot shower to warm your body deeply.
2. Take a deep breath and harness your bravery.
3. Set the water to cool/cold for 30 seconds. Squeal "Eeek!" as needed.
4. Turn the water back to warm/hot for 3 minutes. "Ahhh."
5. Return the water to cool/cold for 30 seconds. "Eeek!"
6. If you have the stamina, time, and sense of adventure continue alternating between hot "Ahhh" and cold "Eeek" for a total of three times, ending on"Eeek."

For best effects, have the cold water run on all of your limbs, abdomen, back, and anterior neck and chest. Rinse your head when you are ready, it's breathtaking and the ultimate "Eeek" of all. Once you begin contrast showering regularly you will find yourself craving the flushing effects this hydrotherapy process provides.

Don't let the rhinovirus get you down!

Generally speaking, hydrotherapy promotes the body’s innate ability to heal itself and return it to a state of balance. Hydrotherapy techniques are meant to stimulate the function of white blood cells, change the body’s pH, increase movement and secretion of metabolites, expand and contract blood vessels to move blood and lymph, reduce inflammation, help to regulate blood pressure, and increase peripheral circulation. If it's not apparent, understand that these are all really good things that help your body maintain optimum health.

If you read my previous blog post on contrast bathing for the limbs, then the concept of providing a circulatory whip for your blood and lymphatic systems will be familiar.

Please use your common sense when applying this technique and consult your doctor first if you have concerns about whether this is appropriate for you.

This guy was the founder
of modern hydrotherapy

If you are inspired by this topic and old books, as I am, you can view the 1898 publication of Life of Vincent Priessnitz Founder of Hydropathy here.

Be well & see you in the clinic.
Dana



Sources:  

•  Another blogger's testimonial of her experience with cold showers: http://www.englishmuse.com/2012/06/cold-showers.html
• http://wellwire.com/health/cold-flu-health/hydrotherapy-immune-booster
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincenz_Priessnitz
• http://www.topnews.in/healthcare/content/-21270scientists-chart-sequence-99-cold-virus-strains