With this sense of self-sacrifice and self-neglect, many moms suffer quietly with the kinds of repressed emotions and unreleased stress that can lead to emotional eating habits, lack of physical activity and sleep problems, all serious contributors to overweight, obesity and many weight-related health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer and more.

Therefore, the most important thing you can do this Mother's Day is finding that special way to honor your mom or someone who has been like a mother to you. And, if you're a mom yourself, it could also mean allowing for your loved ones to spoil you rotten.

Having already lost my mother to cancer, perhaps my take on Mother's Day is a little bit different. I would give anything to have my mom back to make her feel special and appreciated. It's not about how expensive the jewelry, or how fancy the restaurant or how big the box of chocolate. Sure, those things are nice, but it's about the time, love and attention that you give. It is about the thought, meaning and genuine feelings of appreciation behind it all.

The bottom line is moms just want to feel special and appreciated by others, the same way they make others feel. But equally important, moms need to learn how to make themselves feel special and appreciated. They need to learn how to do this for themselves by learning to let go of guilt and how to be selfish in a positive and productive way. This means re-defining the word “selfish”. They have to learn to be kinder, more nurturing and giving to themselves and learn to reach out for and ask for what they themselves need and want.

So, if you're looking for a gift for Mother's Day, why not do something to help your mom show herself some appreciation. Here are some suggestions:

Take her shopping and help her pick out a new outfit. Encourage her to try a new colour or style that makes her feel great about herself. Sometimes we all need a little boost to give us the courage to get out of our comfort zones.

Take her to the spa and let her pick out the treatments she would like to have. For example, you may want to surprise her with a manicure, but maybe she's never had a massage and with a little encouragement would want to give that a try instead.

Take her to brunch or dinner at a restaurant that she's always been wanting to try, but has never had the opportunity. Ask her where she'd like to go, or make a few suggestions. Or, if you prefer, why not prepare a special brunch at home for her with her favourite foods. Be sure to set the table with your best table linens and silverware to make her feel extra special.

Take your mom on an outing to something new and different that she never would have gone to otherwise. This could be a new movie in town, a special exhibit at the local museum, a wine tasting, or some unique event that is going on in your city. Check your local paper to see what's going on.

Cherish every moment you have with your mother. Make this an extra special Mother's Day by giving her your time, attention and appreciation. But don't forget, the flowers and jewelry are appreciated too! Enjoy your Mother's Day celebrations.

Roslyn Franken is a proud cancer survivor and acclaimed author of The A List: 9 Guiding Principles for Healthy Eating and Positive Living and Death Can Wait: Stories from Cancer Survivors. She is a motivational speaker and host of the How to Thrive after 35 internet radio show. Roslyn also offers one-on-one coaching by telephone and email conveniently accessible world-wide. For more information, send email to info@roslynfranken.com or visit www.roslynfranken.com.

A healthy immune system works by responding appropriately to threats posed to the body. It’s obvious that the immune system is weak and under-reacting when our body is unable to control a virus and allows it to turn into a full blown cold or infection; or is over-reacting when an allergic reaction occurs in response to dust and pollen causing all kinds of unwanted symptoms. When a virus enters the body, the immune system is supposed to launch an attack to keep it from multiplying and spreading out of control. Or when dust or pollen enters the lungs, the immune system is supposed to clear out the allergen without any noticeable symptoms.

BodyTalk is a consciousness-based healthcare system that balances accumulated stress and resulting disease within the bodymind. By reconnecting lines of communication within the body, its internal mechanisms are able to function at optimal levels, thus allowing the body to repair and prevent disease while rapidly accelerating the healing process. When all parts and systems of the body communicate with each other, healing happens naturally. This process is shown by the healing sequence that occurs automatically when we cut our finger. However, the stresses of everyday life can cause communication breakdowns, resulting in discomfort and disease. BodyTalk works by identifying these breakdowns and using a light tapping technique to restore overall communication, thus helping the body heal itself.   

When we have a healthy immune system, we are better equipped to fight off invasive substances that enter the body. When our immune system is weak or when our body is out of balance, we get sick more often, allergies arise out of thin air, and we feel as though we’re always tired. If you’re feeling like this, it’s time to give your body a spring cleaning and get it back on track to healing!

For more information please contact kristin@filosofi.ca.

Time: 28 min.

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

1/2 c three cheese Italian salad dressing
1/2 c plain yogurt
3 tbsp milk
1/4 c grated Paremesan cheese
1 (16-ounce) package orzo pasta
1 or 2 cooked salmon fillets or steaks
2 c grape tomatoes
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 c diced Havarti or Muenster cheese
1 c frozen baby peas
 

Preparation:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  In a large bowl, combine salad dressing, yogurt, mayonnaise, milk and Parmesan cheese and mix well.

2. Flake salmon and add to dressing mixture along with tomatoes, bell peppers and cheese and stir gently.  Top with peas; do not stir.

3. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.  Drain and add to salad in bowl; stir gently to combine.  Cover and chill for 2 – 3 hours to blend flavours before serving.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3449953

Going forward, we are more able to help a variety of conditions successfully with laser therapy.

From a professional standpoint, the highlight of 2011 for me was attending the 6^th International Laser Conference in Toronto in June. If I thought I had a depth of knowledge of laser before, it pales to what I learned at this conference.

The foundation of how specific laser light interacts with tissue is established. In the words of Dr Fred Kahn, the potential for the application of laser to treat various pathologies is “immense”. This is based on legitimate peer reviewed research conducted at universities and various clinics worldwide.

Some highlights of the future include laser stimulation/modulation of stem cells, laser stimulation to regenerate injured/diseased nerve tissue and the initial stage work of using laser in the treatment of various cancers.

One of particular interest to me was using laser therapy transcranially (over the head) to treat the acute and chronic effects & symptoms of concussions. I’m virtually convinced that many chronic pain syndromes and common symptom profiles are the result of accumulated head injuries.

This is particularly true with car accident victims and for many others who suffer with various vague symptoms with no “known cause”.

2012 holds some exciting potential. Shane Clark is in the process of becoming a certified laser therapist. This will open up new treatment hours and help to fully integrate his massage work with laser therapy.

Laser therapy is used to resolve inflammation, decrease pain and improve function. If you have a chronic or acute joint or soft tissue related problem, it is in your best interest to consider laser therapy. It is clinically shown to be the most effective & efficient form of therapy.

If you have any questions about a particular condition or would like further information, please consult our website or email me dreric@filosofi.ca

I wish you the most Merry Christmas and the fullest 2012.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1c chopped onion
1/2c chopped green bell pepper
1/2c chopped yellow bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pound ground turkey
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2c pumpkin puree
1 1/2 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 dash salt
1/2c shredded cheddar cheese
1/2c sour cream

Directions:

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat and saute the onion, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper and garlic until tender. 
Stir in the turkey and cook until evenly brown. 
Drain and mix in tomatoes and pumpkin. 
Season with chili powder, pepper and salt.
Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 20 minutes.
Serve topped with cheddar cheese and sour cream.

From allrecipes.com

“What happened?” I asked. Turns out she went to this clinic run by a medical doctor named Dr Fred Kahn. Within a matter of several days, in her words, “everything was back to normal.”

At events like this, I talk to lots of people and to be honest, at the end of the day, it all usually seems like a blur. This was different. I had a very vivid memory of this conversation. I did a Google search on Dr Kahn and came up with Meditech International Inc. They develop, research and manufacture laser equipment as well as running two clinics in downtown Toronto and Etobicoke.

To make a long story short, after a couple of trips to Toronto, a weekend of training and certification, I am pleased to tell you that we now offer the latest in laser therapy for the treatment of a wide variety of conditions.

Laser therapy has been developed extensively over the last several decades. There is a very impressive and growing body of research that has very clearly defined the mechanism by how it works and its effectiveness with a variety of conditions.

As a chiropractor, laser therapy offers many advantages to the therapist and patient. It is totally non-invasive and non toxic. Those who shy away from traditional chiropractic treatments can receive care from a chiropractor without being adjusted.

Click here to view a detailed description of Low Intensity Laser Therapy.

Please contact me if you have any questions about low intensity laser therapy and how it may benefit you or your family and friends.

Laser therapy has allowed me to help people with many conditions that as a chiropractor, I would not be able to do anything for. I see people get better quicker with great lasting effects. They get back to living their lives quicker with much less time effort and expense.

In our clinic we have seen great results with laser therapy treating

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Neck Pain & Headaches
• Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Conditions
• Arthritis (Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid) affecting a variety of joints
• Edema, especially around the ankles of seniors
• Acute sprains and strains caused by a variety of activities
• Plantar fasciitis
• Pain associated with varicose veins
• Hematoma/Bruising from various injuries
• Pain, Swelling, Stiffness in knees after knee replacement
• Fibromyalgia
• The list continues to grow

It is essential to understand the primary effects specific laser energy has on tissues. All injuries, sprains, strains and degenerative disease have a common link, INFLAMMATION.

A question I get all the time is “Can laser therapy help me with…?”  Laser therapy can be applied to any area of the body, because the fundamental problem is tissue related, not area specific.

Inflammation deep within tissues and joints is what causes pain, loss of mobility, edema and tissue destruction. The most serious consequences of chronic inflammation are the failure of tissues to heal, loss of function and the progression of chronic pain.

The purpose of laser therapy is to eliminate symptoms and restore normal function by resolving the inflammatory process, allowing natural processes to heal tissues. This decreases or eliminates the need for pain and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Most importantly, it allows people to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle doing the things they need and love to do.

This is a term that will be heard more and more in the coming years because the economics of healthcare is a disaster.

Managers of government and insurance sponsored payments are becoming much more stringent as to the proven value of the service delivered for the dollar paid, as well they should.

Various sources suggest roughly 10-25% of conventional therapies actually have appropriate studies and documentation to support their effectiveness. This is a very low number considering the billions of dollars that go towards healthcare, private, public and otherwise.

Laser therapy is unique because of the very high level of documentation showing its effectiveness both clinically and economically. The level of pure scientific and clinical studies is vast, global and growing rapidly.

Laser has been shown to be the treatment of choice for soft tissue, joint, acute and chronic pain because it works to normalize cell and tissue function. It triggers the body to heal instead of simply modulating symptoms.

Below are links to some interesting articles. If you have any questions or would like to discuss a particular health concern, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Achilles Tendonitis

Knee Pain

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

1. Proper footwear - Make sure you get a good pair of running shoes as they are your first line of defence against shin splints.  Make sure you also change your shoes every 3 months of training to make sure they maintain their proper support.
2. Gradually increase your distance and intensity - Doing this will minimize the strain on your body and reduce the chance of injury.  An increase of 10% per week is reasonable for most people to progress with a minimal chance of injury.
3. Rest and recovery - Your body needs approx. 24-48 hours to recover properly from training.  Your hydration and nutrition will also have a major impact on the quality of your recovery.  Making sure you get approx. 2-3 litres of water and eating a balanced diet will help ensure your training goes smoothly
4. Running surfaces - In the city we tend to only being able to run on asphalt or cement but it is important to try and get training on softer surfaces like grass or gravel to reduce strain on the shins. 
5. Stretching and warming up - It is vital to properly stretch the muscles before starting and after finishing your run.  Warming up is important as well with a 5 minute run at slow speed to allow the body to prepare for heavier training.