The ealth and Wellness Show Blog

Rx: Go Fishing!

xavier@thaws.ca — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 17:00:00 GMT

As a practicing Osteopath, Physiotherapist and Acupuncturist for 30 years, I have come to realize that there is a deep truth to the general conception that our mind and body are interconnected.Although my work is mostly based in structural anatomy and science I have learned that if the mind is not healthy the body cannot be.

I often use analogies to car mechanics in order to explain to my patients what is happening to them. In case of the mind body connection, the mind is the driver of the car, and no matter how well you maintain the car, if the driver abuses the car by flooring it all the time, it will wear out faster.

Stress can be seen as the throttle. The more stress the higher the throttle and the harder it is on the engine, or in our case, our body. We live in a society that is high in stress and low in stress reduction. The best stress reducer that our body has is physical activity. Our bodies were designed to go into physical activity after a stressor. The physical activity then reduces the stress related chemicals that were built up in our body. Without physical activity the stress chemicals remain much longer in our system. Prolonged high levels of those stress chemicals have been related to a wide range of illnesses.

The body also can reduce stress chemicals by changing the activity of the brain. Meditation can reduce stress chemicals to the point that our immune function improves. In our analogy with cars we can compare this to the driver being stressed and driving too fast (increased throttle/stress chemicals), or vise versa, the driver being relaxed (reduced throttle/stress chemicals).

So it is not surprising that in our increasingly stressful society we see an increase in health targeted practices that try to reduce stress; jogging, gym fitness, Yoga, meditation, Chi-Gong,Pilates, Tai-Chi, Zumba, water aerobics, etc.

Ever since I was a child I have been fascinated with fishing. As I grew older I realized that fishing has many key aspects that are helpful in stress reduction. Maybe this is why fishing is the biggest outdoor recreation activity in North America. There is something very relaxing about being in nature and rivers and lakes in particular. Fishing also tends to make the angler focus on an activity that is “in the moment” and allows for a meditation like introspectiveness. We can stand in the river and enjoy with all our senses the nature around us.

Many people think that fishing does not require much physical exercise. For some types of fishing that may be true, but for the fishing that I do it means going on hikes along the river,standing in the fast water and casting all day. After a day of fishing I always feel tired in a very healthy way.

So next time you are looking for an activity that is really good for your physical and mental health give fishing a go. It will allow you to escape your stressful daily routines and immerse yourself in a contemplative activity that restores you. Just ask your doctor for a prescription to“Go Fishing!”

Jacob (Jaap) Kalkman, DO(MP), BSc. PT, CAFCI, MCPA

Registered Physiotherapist

Certification Acupuncture
Manual Osteopath

Expert Fly Fisherman & Owner of Skeena River Fly Supply

https://skeenariverflysupply.com

Comfort Zones

xavier@thaws.ca — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 21:24:00 GMT

One of my favourite things to hear as a coach is “ I hadn’t thought of it that way”. It’s like music to my ears, an affirmation of going in the right direction.

A coaches job is to help you see thing from a new perspective, to think outside the box, to support you while you are at the edge of something new.

What is making you feel uncomfortable or weird?

Why is that?

It may be because it’s new to you, it’s something you’re unsure of, it’s not the norm.

If we stay in the norm how will we grow?

If we stay in our comfort zone how will we grow?

To make change happen we need to do something different from what we have been doing, we need to do something out of the norm.

The norm is safe, comfortable.

Growth can feel unsafe and uncomfortable.

That’s why they say it’s a leap of faith, they don’t call it a tip toe. Baby steps can help you take a leap of faith. They can help build the confidence you need to take that leap.

And when you do take that leap spread your wings and soar!!

You will look at what was once your comfort zone, you will also see beyond it, and will discover there’s a whole new world that is yours to live outside of hat comfort zone.

Where are you staying safe?

Where can you grow?

The Benefit of Eggs

xavier@thaws.ca — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 19:00:00 GMT

More and more British Columbians are realizing the benefits of including eggs in their daily diet. With the latest food science research dispelling the myths about the negative impacts of cholesterol in eggs¹, and the newest infant feeding guidelines promoting early introduction of eggs to your baby², eggs are on the rise as a sound nutritional choice. Research is also showing the benefits of lean protein in weight loss and management³, making eggs a great option for those looking to tackle healthy lifestyle changes. With over 14 important nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, folate, choline, iron and zinc, you just can’t go wrong with eggs as a meal or snack choice.

The 2019 Canadian Food Guide also supports eggs as a healthy choice⁴. The new guidelines highlight the importance of reducing our consumption of packaged and processed foods, and instead urge Canadians to focus on healthy, whole foods. Fruits and vegetables feature prominently, but eggs top the list of healthy protein foods⁵, along with plant based proteins like nuts, lentils and beans, and lean meats, fish and poultry. Eggs are exceptionally versatile and can be paired with vegetables in all kinds of recipes to ensure a healthy balance on the dinner plate. They can also be added to grain bowls or salads for an extra protein bump to an otherwise vegetarian dish. Hard boiled eggs pack well, and are a great on-the-go option for today’s busy lifestyle, providing an alternative to fast food snacking.

Eggs are farmed locally in BC, with farming practices that focus on sustainability and accountability. BC Egg works with farmers to ensure the highest level of hen care and food safety are maintained. All registered egg farmers participate in a number of programs regulating hen care and cleanliness, so consumers can be confident the eggs that arrive on their tables are of the highest quality. All egg farms in BC are family owned and operated by farmers who have a real connection to their hens, and a commitment to their health and welfare. This means that real people are making educated, responsible decisions about the care of their animals, and the food you eat.

BC Egg is working to bring you closer to the farmers that put food on your table with our video series, “Meet the Farmer.” You can learn more about where BC eggs come from by checking out the videos on our website: http://bcegg.com/farm-to-table/meet-the-farmer/

Visit BC Egg in booth 640 at The Health and Wellness Show to learn more about the nutritional benefits of locally farmed BC eggs!

I’m A Little Teapot

xavier@thaws.ca — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

“I’m a little teapot, short and stout”, the song rattled through my head many times today as our family completed the Teapot Hill at Cultus Lake provincial park.

Long weekends will usually lead our family camping, so when a hiking trail is nearby we take advantage of it. Cultus Lake is one of our go to places in the late Spring as it is pretty quiet before the summer tourists flood in to make use of the great lake and camp grounds. This past May Long weekend we found ourselves at Honeymoon Bay group campground with friends which made Teapot Hill an even easier trek as the trailhead was directly across the road from where we set up camp for the weekend. The parking lot, provides free parking for hikers; however only a dozen spots are available before you have to start looking elsewhere.

With our kids, nieces and nephews and a dog (on a leash) we braved the Spring time drizzle and headed up just after lunch.

The trail was fairly easy at first, offering space for the kids to roam free from side to side up the service road and throw rocks in the passing stream. Although not visible from the parking lot, there is an outhouse just up the first part of the trail but my kids wanted the true outdoor experience and opted for a “pee in the bush” later on as we hiked.

We stopped to offer to take a photo of a family who were gathering in front of a sign to mark their achievement for the day. Unfortunately, we didn’t notice that the sign was actually pointing us to the right where the trail actually started leading us up Teapot Hill. Well a short detour down some horse trails never hurt anyone, and we eventually turned around and went back to where we were supposed to start our adventure in the first place.

Right away, my kids started noticing the array of teapots adorning the trails. Look up, look down and look around that bush because you don’t want to miss anyone of these cute additions. Some tell stories, some look familiar, and yet some serve a purpose to the forest so you want to make sure they stay put for years to come. This “treasure” hunt was very entertaining for my kids, big and small. It became a challenge of who could find the most and the best one at that. It kept their minds off the actually increase of intensity of the trail and most of the time we found them running ahead of us to try and find the next one. My older kids brought their iPods and enjoyed taking pictures of the teapots which I didn’t mind at all because it also kept them entertained.

We reached a clearing, which at first, we thought was the top because we were able to see down to the lake and even a small glimpse of our campsite from above. This leveled area provided a nice spot to rest for a bit and break out a quick snack and snap some more family pictures. The kids noticed more teacups so we continued up another 100m to the actual top of the trail. The top of Teapot Hill was fenced from the edge and even through the thick tree coverage we were able to see a slight peak-a-boo glimpse of the Columbia Valley below. The top wasn’t exactly what we had in mind, but I was reminded of the saying, “It’s not in the destination, but the journey you took to get there”. The scattered teapots and cups provided such an interesting aspect to this trail which had my kids wanting to head back down almost immediately so they could see if they missed any on their route up.

In total, our 5km round trip (including a slight detour) took us just over two hours with six kids in tow. It was fairly easy, even for my three-year-old who didn’t even ask once to be carried.

My favourite part of Teapot Hill is the close proximity to the Fraser Valley without having to drive on any dirt roads to access the trail head. This year-round hike is popular, especially in summer time when camping and boating season is in full effect. A great hike to bring the family and out of town visitors. We found 29 teapots, how many will you find?

Well Worth the Drive

xavier@thaws.ca — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Lindeman Lake is a hike that has been sitting atop my bucket list for a couple years now. However; with the long drive and lack of cell phone service I was always concerned to do it on my own. So, last week I convinced a couple mom’s that this it was our time to cross this from our list and we went out and conquered it.

The drive up the Chilliwack River Valley is beautiful and much more enjoyable when you have a couple friends along for the ride. From Abbotsford, the drive to the trailhead was just over an hour but a really easy one as it’s paved the entire way. As we arrived at the large parking lot we were surprised by the number of vehicles already here. After a quick outhouse break, we headed for the well-marked trail.

At first the trail seemed like a walk in the park but once we hit the rocks and the trail became more technical I began to understand why it was rated as moderate hike compared to a beginner hike. However; my 3yr old daughter and nephew tackled those rocks like rock stars needing minimal assistance when the ledges were taller than them. Again, we chose a rainy day for our hike, so some of the log crossing and tree roots were fairly slippery even with hiking boots on. A word of caution when crossing the log just after the wooden bridge. Be sure to take your time as the log is slippery during wet and moist weather. You don’t want to fall into the river below.

Large moss-covered rocks, and technical terrain gives this trail a challenge. An impressively large granite rock takes you by surprise is a great place to snap some photos. Continue up the steep parts with caution but don’t turn back, you don’t want to miss what lies ahead. As the trees start to thin out and the sky becomes lighter you are first welcomed by an assortment of wooden tent pads and a camper’s outhouse (Something new to add to my bucket list). Then comes the lake! The breathtaking turquoise glacier waters of Lindeman Lake open up to you as you approach the first and main stop of the trail. This open area is a beautiful place to stop for a snack or lunch. The frigid waters are fine for swimming (for those who aren’t afraid of the cold temperatures) and have a great population of trout for the fishermen. We stayed here to enjoy our lunch and a great conversation amongst friends before deciding to turn back to go home. With the kids, we were able to make it to the lake and back to our vehicles in just over two hours.

Another day when time permits, I hope to continue past our turnaround point and take an entire day to explore Greendrop Lake and Flora Lake. As this more difficult route is for experienced hikers it’s not one I plan on doing with my daughter in tow. However, I do plan on returning and bringing the kids for an overnighter this summer. What a treat that will be.

What is Nature-Connected Coaching? (And how does it stand out from the rest?)

xavier@thaws.ca — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Many people these days use the title coach. People may also associate coaching with needing help with an issue or with self-help, and this is not always the case. (And it’s ok if it is!) I consider it as an amazing self care tool.

Nature Connected Coaching is an introduction of one world (the clients’) to another world that is full of wonderment, with health benefits, and that is fun.

How often do you allow yourself to just be? To take as long as you want to explore your surroundings for all that they are? To see, hear, smell, feel, and maybe even taste what is right in front of you, in a way most humans have forgotten to?

Do you give yourself the time and space to reconnect and remember that we are all connected to the trees, the animals, the earth, ourselves and each other? We are all one.

There was once a time we did this without another thought, and then we “grew up”.

Yeah, up as in we grew away from the earth. We stopped climbing and hugging trees, or jumping in puddles. We stopped really looking at what nature wants to show and share with us.

When was the last time you felt the pure joy of being one with nature?

Feeling the tickle of the grass between your toes, the view looking down from atop a tree limb, the splashing sound and feel of the water under your feet?

No one can tell you to “stop it” anymore!! (Echos of “guardians” from the past saying, stay dry, clean, don’t….ugh)

You are your own coach. Nature and I will guide you to see that path.
Nature Connected Coaching is:

-Deepening your connection with the earth, nature, the environment, and yourself
-Seeing the world /yourself/nature from a different perspective
-You discovering your passion, purpose, goals, etc
-A way to rekindle a sense of belonging
-A great, fun way to enjoy the many health benefits of being in nature

What to expect in a Nature Connected Coaching session:

Nature Connected Coaching can be done anytime, anywhere. Via phone or on video conferencing. In your home beside a house plant, in your backyard, your garden, the local forest, park, at the lake……..

As we commune with nature I encourage and invite you to look deeper into and at nature in a new way, with a new perspective, as a mirror of your inner experiences.

I will ask questions and invite you to participate in exercises to build your relationship with nature and yourself.

Babies and Cranio

xavier@thaws.ca — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Why Cranio?

Being a Mom was what ﬁrst brought me to biodynamic craniosacral therapy. Years ago, our family had experienced multiple health and sensory challenges with our little one. We tried a lot of alternative therapies, and a lot of them did help in different ways. I had heard about cranio, and put it off. Finally trying it, I remember our little one’s second appointment. The therapist had asked if anything had changed. I was surprised. Less itching, better breathing. Anyone dealing with allergies knows this is a big deal. Later we noticed more behavioral regulation. Also a big deal. Then I tried it for myself. I was hooked. Becoming a practitioner changed me, my relationship with my own body and my ability to go in and out of differing nervous system states with more ease. And last but not least, my ability to feel good. I believe change is possible. It doesn’t always look how we think it will, but I believe it is possible for ourselves and our little ones to come into more ease.

How do I work with Baby?

There are different ways of working with babies. I usually either have a parent hold baby, have baby on a ﬂat surface, or myself hold baby, whichever one seems best. Sometimes the parent will nurse baby as this can be greatly supportive to baby during cranio. I then place my hands gently on baby in different areas. Examples being head, sacrum, tummy, feet. I gently listen to what is going on in the baby’s body, and support the baby’s system in resolving patterns. Sometimes baby might enter a deep rest. This can happen very quietly and calmly. At times, however, baby may have a “story” to tell. This is not done with language, but through vocalizations and body movements that may be intense. The baby may even get quite upset for a time. Either way, my intention is to support the baby in the best way possible. When upset, the parent and I both let the baby know we are present, while also letting the baby know we are paying attention and acknowledging their suffering. We are letting the baby express and be heard instead of trying to shut the expression down, as we don’t want baby to again put the upset into deep holding/tension patterns.

Babies are very kinesthetic by nature, and sometimes do not want to stay still on the table for a treatment. This is another way I work with babies: I will have the mother lay down and put baby tummy to tummy with mom. Often baby will go through repeating patterns, telling the story of their birth. It’s easy to think the baby has some trauma to work through. Sometimes that is the case, as baby may at some point in the sequence start to “voice” their story, or even seem a little “stuck” or to move through in various descriptive ways. This may be the ﬁrst time they have had someone fully present to understand what this experience was like for them.

We are also letting the baby “practice” their patterns in an acknowledged way. Early on, as an embryo develops, there is a slow curving inward like a bean and a slow arcing outward. This pattern repeats over and over through development. In many births, the baby spirals as it negotiates it’s mother’s pelvis, also pushing out with its feet and arching back at the ﬁnal stage, leaving the enveloped womb for the enveloping air. For development to continue outside of the womb in a typical fashion, a baby will curl inward to rest, arc outward pulling itself off the ﬂoor, spiral as it learns to roll over, and push with its feet as it learns to crawl and later walk. Practicing their patterns is indeed an afﬁrmation of, and participation in, life.

As a result of cranio sessions with babies, I have heard comments similar to these: “My baby went through huge developmental leaps since last I saw you.” Or “My baby didn’t mind their diaper being changed this time”, a change in environmental sensitization. Or baby might even have a bowel movement before the session is done, when for medical reasons this had not happened in a little while. These results are not promised, but altogether possible. This all points to an internal regulation of fascia, nervous system, and musculoskeletal systems. This can happen when a baby is allowed to practice their patterns in a conscious setting.

Contact

Website: naomichuahbiodynamiccraniosacraltherapy.com

Email: cranio.naomichuah@gmail.com

Phone/Text: 778-891-8894

Locations

Fort Langley Massage Therapy & Holistic Health

Suite 240 – 9220 Glover Rd, Fort Langley BC

604-888-1171

Sovereign Vitality

3106 271 St, Aldergrove BC

604-381-3343

As Far as The Eye Could See

xavier@thaws.ca — Sun, 09 Sep 2018 21:30:00 GMT

Up and over the east side of Sumas Mountain lies a view that will literately take your breath away. Next time you are wanting an adventure in the Fraser Valley outdoors, I encourage you to visit Sumas Mountain Regional Park. Nestled high up Sumas Mountain road you will continue on a Forest Service Road until you pass a gate into the park boundaries. (Please note that this gate closes at 6pm Winter months and 9pm Summer months.)

Just past the gate to your right is the lower parking lot and an outhouse for your use. From this point, there are many trails that branch off for hiking, mountain biking, and ATV riding. Outdoor enthusiasts of different skill sets will find something to curb their appetite for adventure.

On one particular day specifically, I continued up the road another 4km; up the bumpy dirt road with some friends to access another set of trails. Aiming for a 5km loop, we settled on the Knob Gobbler to catch a great view off the lookout.

The trail had some technical points which doesn’t make it a beginner hike but more in the middle to advance range. An intimidating start straight up which almost makes you loose your breath is just preparing you for what lies ahead. Thick moss-covered trees and green vegetation make you feel like you’ve entered a new world of a magical forest. The wood bike bridges and a couple rock faces reassured me that this was not a hike for me to bring the younger kids along although I am sure my older kids would have been fine.

Once you’ve reached the radio tower above, you think the hike is done but it isn’t. Continue around it to your right which brings you to the first lookout above the rocks. A beautiful view of the Vedder river below and the bridge crossing into Chilliwack. It’s quite amazing how far you can see from this point. Deroche looks close enough to touch yet nestled behind Nicomen Mountain I know it’s still quite the drive.

The nice thing about Sumas Mountain Regional Park is that you could map out a different route each time you visit. Essentially, it’s a playground overlooking the Fraser Valley; the possibilities are endless. We are so lucky to have this landscape in our backyard.

An article by Natasha Mijinke
Fraser Valley Now Community Liaison

Top Five Trends In Wellness For 2018

xavier@thaws.ca — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The British Columbian wellness industry is alive and well! While the basics of health and wellness will always remain ever-important (healthy food, exercise, life balance), it can be fun to analyze the trends in the wellness field.

The below Top Five Trends have been assembled by wellness show management categorizing and comparing the businesses exhibiting over the past year.

#1 Fermentation:

Consumers are flocking to companies that use the fermentation process to preserve food. Research is showing that these foods (sauerkraut, kombucha, etc) have a direct correlation to gut health. Fermentation creates healthy vitamins, fatty acids and probiotics that help in digestion and health. It also breaks food down in a way that it is more easily digestible.

#2 Local Bath & Body Products:

Most of our cosmetics are laden with chemicals and only a small portion of these chemicals have safety data. BC consumers are seeking out local businesses where they can enjoy high quality bath and beauty products made from local, organic harvests.

#3 Structured Weight Loss:

Many of us have found ourselves a few pounds heavier after the holidays and in unhealthy eating and lifestyle ruts. Whether we are reaching for unhealthy snacks to get through the workday or not finding time to exercise, it can be so difficult to fuel our body well and maintain a healthy weight.

The wellness industry has seen an increase in consumers wanting businesses that organize their eating and workout schedules. With consumers being very busy, they are looking for companies that can provide meals, exercise regimens and dietary advice.

#4 Home Based Wellness Businesses:

Most of us have a close friend or family member who has started a home business selling products. There are endless stories of people replacing their ‘9-5’ and becoming their own boss or boosting their families income.

Many of these businesses have become extremely popular because they don’t test on animals, are organic, GMO free, and use natural ingredients.

MLM companies aren’t successful unless they are built on a quality product. Consumers often prefer paying the profits on the products to a local sales person instead of paying a large business to cover their overhead.

There is also a large rise in the number of wellness professionals incorporating MLM products into their business. For example, a weight loss coach may sell supplements, or an aroma therapist may use essential oils to create their own blends.

#5 Medicinal Marijuana:

Medicinal marijuana is being shown to provide relief for the symptoms associated with many conditions such as Parkinson’s, Epilepsy, and Crohn’s Disease. Increasingly, seniors are treating their alzheimers, dementia and other age-related issues as well.

Cannabis and hemp are being used in many products such as topical pain relief and beauty products.

With full legalization on the horizon, consumers are considering the health benefits and businesses are poising themselves to experience a large growth.

The main thing that Health and Wellness Productions has noticed over the past decade is that the wellness industry is growing. Consumers are becoming more informed, as technology increases, which is leading to a larger demand for quality, sustainable and healthy products. A healthy body, clean lifestyle, and balanced emotional state is a luxury that people are willing to invest in!