Reiki...

 

Now , for those of you who are familiar with this type of treatment,  you will understand it’s deep and fundamental benefits. But for others who have not heard of it, let me try and explain……

 

Reiki is an energy based modality that has its roots firmly planted in the Japanese culture. The word Reiki (Ray-Key) is a Japanese Kanji (character) for universal life-force or energy. Reiki re-establishes a normal energy flow of ki (chi) which is life – force energy throughout the body which will then , in turn enhance the body’s overall functioning and healing ability. The principles of reiki are guidelines that we should all follow in our daily lives. They are:

 

1)      Just for today, I will not anger

2)      Just for today, I will not worry

3)      Just for today, I will be grateful

4)      Just for today, I will work hard on myself

5)      Just for today, I will be kind to others

 

If nothing else, these principles are a great way to live and reach out to other people. So how will a reiki treatment make you feel??? Well the results will all be different of course, as the client will draw the energy that they need. This may sound a little like smoke and mirrors, but what one can say is that just because we can’t see something does not mean it is not there. (Food for thought anyway.)

 

I have given clients reiki sessions and had the following feed back. People say they feel more energized, more balanced, calmer, less emotional, less stressed, more relaxed and vital. They may also report less pain and be more alert.

 

So, what happens in a reiki session?? Well, depending on the type of reiki being done, the cleint may feel a variety of things. “I like reiki, because it rejuvenates me and allows me the opportunity to truly rest and relax when I can get wound up at times and not even notice it. When I have had a treatment most people will say I look like I have just been hit by a truck (hardly  a beautifying term!!!) but, obviously, the sort of relaxation that one feels is deep. I don’t think I would look like that if I slept continuously for 6 months. Reiki is one of my all time favourite treatments. It is very subtle and involves placement of the hands as opposed to strokes.                                 

 

Lori Hunter a buddhist reiki practitioner who now works at Nibbana Healing Spa has been practicing reiki for 5 years and in her experience, reiki reduces stress and triggers our innate healing process not only for the body, but also for the mind and soul. She goes on to say “Personally, reiki gives you an understanding beyond the physical body on an experiential level. Giving reiki actually gives me balance and clears up any congestion so that I can be a  clear channel for energy. I love the freedom I feel through reiki which reduces the limitations/pressures that we feel from the outside world.”            

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Rhiannon Rees – rhiannoninwhistler@yahoo.ca

January 28

Health and Diet
Studies show potassium-rich foods can lower your risk for stroke or prevent stroke. This is another important reason to eat your vegetables and fruits! Some favorable mentions include tomatoes, spinach, bananas, oranges and cantaloupe. Replacing processed foods and juice with whole fruit and vegetables means reducing those nutritionally inadequate processed foods.

Fitness
Wet your pants. Swimming is the quickest, most efficient way to get in your cardio, strength and flexibility workouts all in one go without pounding the heck out of your joints. Just remember to warm up and stretch before and after you dip in the water.

post from ediets.com

January 27

Health and Diet
Dark green leafy vegetables and salad greens are richer in beta-carotene than lightly colored veggies. Romaine lettuce contains six times as much vitamin C and eight times more beta-carotene than iceberg lettuce. Spinach, watercress, arugula and chicory are other good choices. A cup of dark green broccoli contains 90% of the RDA for vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene.

Fitness
Take care of your skin. Remember to slap on sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection before you exercise outside. Choose brands that are waterproof and re-apply after sweating or swimming. Avoid outdoor activities at midday if you can and wear a hat to protect your face or your head.

Tip from Solarice

Those suffering from a mild case of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) can benefit from additional exposure to the sun. This can include a long walk outside or arranging your home or office so that you are exposed to a window during the day. Remember to enjoy the snow while it's here!

 

Tip from Solarice Wellness Center

Post from e-diets.com

January 27

Health and Diet
Dark green leafy vegetables and salad greens are richer in beta-carotene than lightly colored veggies. Romaine lettuce contains six times as much vitamin C and eight times more beta-carotene than iceberg lettuce. Spinach, watercress, arugula and chicory are other good choices. A cup of dark green broccoli contains 90% of the RDA for vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene.

Fitness
Take care of your skin. Remember to slap on sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection before you exercise outside. Choose brands that are waterproof and re-apply after sweating or swimming. Avoid outdoor activities at midday if you can and wear a hat to protect your face or your head.

January 26

Health and Diet
Choosing your nutrients wisely is the key to weight control. Opting for foods lower in calories and higher in fiber helps control your total intake of calories for the day. If you eat more calories than you expend, you’ll store the excess as fat. Fat has more than double the calories per gram as protein or carbohydrate. Balance your diet and eat according to your needs.

Fitness
Buck your weight lifting belt in the waste bin. Weight lifting belts undermine the development of your stabilizing abdominal, oblique and lower back muscles. They also create high internal pressures. Your body will get used to relying on the belt and your core muscles will not be prepared for the heavy work it might encounter in real life.

It is time to get Heart-Savvy!

Celebrate National Heart Month with inspiring workshops



Press Release:

Wednesday, January 25th (Whistler, BC) – Canada once again celebrates National Heart Month this February and to help inspire you to adopt a lifestyle that is kind to your heart, Whistler’s Dynamic Core Fitness is hosting four educational workshops filled with what you need today to make a difference for a lifetime.

Dubbed the Heart-Savvy Orientations, the one-hour sessions will cover specifically what each individual can do in their daily life to reduce the risk of heart disease and enhance their overall quality of life.

“So much of people’s fitness choices center on the aesthetic side,” comments Dynamic Core Fitness Director Diana Rochon, “that often they forget there are numerous, powerful health benefits to exercise that are truly more important to their well-being. Because of this single-minded drive for ‘the perfect body’, I have seen individual’s actually sabotage their overall health.”

The four orientation sessions will be hosted by Rochon on Tuesdays evenings, starting February 7th, from 6 -7 pm at the Meadow Park Sports Centre. Heart-Savvy topics include “Get the Stress Out”, “Healthy Weight, Healthy Heart”, “Heart Pumping Activity” and “Heart Healthy Eating”. Each session will feature interactive handouts, informational pieces from the Heart & Stroke Foundation, as well as chance to win a Heart Savvy Training Package (body composition & cardio assessment plus a personal coaching session, a $150 value).

Besides arming yourself with the necessary information to live a heart friendly lifestyle by attending the Heart-Savvy Orientations, you will also be helping the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Dynamic Core Fitness will be donating $5 from each participant registration to the Foundation to aid in their awareness programs and continued research into heart health.


To learn more about the Heart-Savvy Orientations and to download your registration form, head to Dynamic Core Fitness’ website at www.dynamiccorefitness.ca.


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Diana Rochon, BPE, CSCS, NCCP, IDEA Elite PFT, Nat’l Strength & Conditioning Assoc. Provincial Director, Director-Dynamic Core Fitness, Whistler, BC

As one of Whistler’s most recognized and sought out conditioning professionals Diana has helped countless people achieve their fitness, health & sport goals. She has presented over 100 original seminars & workshops to the public and her peers as well as having been invited to guest lecture at both Langara College & the University College of the Fraser Valley. Her thoughts on fitness have been published in Chatelaine, the IDEA Fitness Journal, The Question & Pique Newspapers, as well as on-line at whistlertriclub.ca, sportspecifc.com, whistlerwellness.com & bodybuilding.com. Besides her work as a conditioning specialist, Diana is a spokesperson for VIEWS (Voices Inspiring Equality for Women in Sports & Physical Activity).

The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada is a national voluntary non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health of Canadians by preventing and reducing disability and death from heart disease and stroke through research, health promotion and advocacy. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada is a Federation of 10 independent Provincial Foundations and one National Office, led and supported by a force of more than 130,000 volunteers. www.heartandstroke.ca

January 25

Health and Diet
Choose your condiments wisely.
Ketchup and mustard are low-calorie, low-fat, full-flavor extras with just 15 calories per tablespoon. However, these condiments are high in sodium with 15 to 180 milligrams per tablespoon. Make your own sodium-free mustard by mixing mustard powder with water, vinegar or milk. If you’d like to spice up your meals, mix in some fiery hot Japanese wasabi mustard.

Fitness
Who said you have to act your age? Remember playing stickball, handball or whiffle ball? Stage a tournament on your block or get the guys together for a game of pick up basketball. You’ll burn hundreds of calories before you know it. And then you can go home and have someone kiss your boo-boo and make it better.

January 24

Health and Diet
Regular physical activity can help you lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol levels. Even moderate-intensity activity can provide benefits, if done for 30 minutes most days of the week. Try brisk walking, bicycling or gardening. Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise program, especially if you have any health problems or if you’re over 50 and not used to energetic activity.

Fitness
Having trouble fitting in fitness? Start with just three serious training days a week where you really go for it. On the other days, find an activity that is challenging but fun. Just keep moving.

Posts from e-diets.com

January 23

Health and Diet
Enjoy tomatoes for flavor and good nutrition. They contain lycopene, an antioxidant that protects against disease. Use ripe, red tomatoes for the best flavor; they should be firm, but give slightly to gentle palm pressure. To peel, submerge tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds. Then plunge into cold water, drain and slip off skins.

Fitness
A bike ride a day keeps the calories away. Depending on your size and effort you can burn 400 – 1000 calories an hour cycling and you won’t pound your ankles and knees into submission like you would when running. Just ask Lance Armstrong, if you can catch him

more info from ediets.com

January 21

Health and Diet
Enjoy soy nuts for a high-protein, high-fiber snack. Soy nuts are lower in fat and calories like many traditional roasted nuts. Soy nuts are simply whole soybeans that have been soaked in water for at least eight hours. They’re then baked or roasted until crunchy and browned. If you’re watching your sodium, buy unsalted soy nuts.

Fitness
Stretch the truth. Researchers in Quincy, MA found that beginning exercisers on a 10-week program who did simple 20 second stretches after their weight training gained an average of 19% more strength than subjects who did not stretch. And they were taller too (Just kidding).

January 20

Health and Diet
Grilled chicken makes a low-fat tasty meal. Here’s a simple recipe for slimming success. Coat cooking grate with cooking spray. Grill over medium-hot fire. Try aromatic hickory or mesquite wood chips for added flavor. Turn every five minutes until juices run clear when pricked. Use tongs to turn. Cook with skin on, and then remove before eating.

Fitness
Watch you eat for the sake of your feet. The average 180 pound male burns 9.7 calories a minute while walking. In other words, it would take 15 minutes of walking to burn up one 12 oz. bottle of beer, and 107 minutes of walking to burn up a quarter-pounder and super size fries. Not counting the ketchup.

January 19

Health and Diet
Walking is a step in the right direction.
Remember, your form is very important. Keep your chin up and your shoulders held slightly back. Walk so that the heel of your foot touches the ground first then roll your weight forward. Walk with your toes pointed forward and swing your arms as you walk. Be sure to get your heart rate up when you walk.

Fitness
All socks are not created equal. If you’re still wearing the same old crew socks for everything, it’s time to get sport specific. Just like there are different shoes, there are specific socks for hiking, walking, running, weight training and even water sports.

post from ediets.com

January 18
Health and Diet
Prevent yourself from overeating with these tips. Don't hesitate to ask for a doggie bag when dining out -- you'll have tomorrow's lunch already made. Offer to share an entree, appetizer or dessert. At home, serve the entrée and starch dishes in the kitchen. Put a big salad and vegetables on the table. Help yourself to seconds if you like.

Fitness
Don’t get stuck in a rut. If you’ve been using barbells, try using machines or dumbbells. It’s easy to get into the habit of going through the motions of doing the same exercises over and over. Live it up! Change the angles or range of motion. But don’t get reckless and ruin your form

post from ediets.com

January 17

Health and Diet
The USDA’s 5- A-Day initiative aims to get Americans to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. There are plenty of ways to do this. Pile veggies like cucumber slices, sprouts or carrot shavings on your sandwich. Enjoy fruit for breakfast. Add a banana to your cereal. Berries contain the most fiber and least calories of all fruit; have a handful. Broil half a grapefruit topped with cinnamon.

Fitness
Variety is the spice of life. If you’ve been hitting the same gym every morning, try going to a friend’s gym on a free pass, take a group fitness class, do a boot camp video at home or run on a scenic trail. Even reversing the order you do your bike ride or run can add a new challenge.

From Rhiannon Rees - Nabana Spa

Put your best foot forward….

Do you think you have ugly feet??? Most people’s feet never see the light of day in the winter, so how would you know if your feet are ugly or not? Even if your feet are ugly, by the time you have had a pedicure or specialist foot treatment, you won’t believe how your feet will look let alone how they feel. For fabulous and instant results, I would highly recommend a pedicure. In the spa world, I recommend people to try pedicures because it is one of those treatments that will guarantee results when most other treatments can be variable due to a wide variety of influences. I mean, even a splash of colour on it’s own can make a world of difference.

One thing is for sure, that when you have a spa treatment, namely a pedicure that is specifically designed for your feet, you will not even know that your very same feet are the ones that walked you in for the treatment in the first place!!!!

I can relate to this, I think my feet are really not anything to be talked about, but let me tell you, that after a pedicure with some flashy razzle-dazzle colors I am heading straight for the open-toed sandals even in the winter!!! I just feel more polished and my feet look happy!! Happy to take me wherever I go, even if it is Nesters or to the gas station. But, let’s not get too superficial, it’s not just about the esthetics…..no!no!no!. This treatment will re-introduce you to your feet. Hello!, my name is Rhiannon, thanks for carrying me around all this time. Do you come here often??? No? Me either!

A pedicure will delight your feet with not only a mask and a paraffin wax treatment (for silky, luscious skin!!) , but also warm booties that will make your feet want to go to sleep forever. But wait that’s not all. Wait until you get the foot massage or reflexolgy!! Well Hello kitty, my feet are alive. In Chinese medicine every point of your foot correlates to an organ system in your body, so not only will your feet smile but your whole body will be glad for the opportunity to have some therapeutic touch and massage.

Re-introduce yourself to your feet , I am sure that you will both be happy!!!

from ediets.com

January 16

Health and Diet
Cooked soybeans are good sources of soy protein and antioxidants. They contain no cholesterol and little saturated fat. Add soybeans to stir-fry dishes. Add cubed tofu or soybeans to homemade or canned soups. Toss soybeans in a salad. When you bake a batch of chili, add a heaping helping. You can also blend a serving of soybeans and fresh garlic in a food processor for an appetizing spread.

Fitness
Keep a training log. Writing down everything will help you follow the details of your program and give you a quick reference of routines to alternate. Plus you can admire your progress and pat yourself on the back (but stretch first before you try it).

from ediets.com

January 15

Health and Diet
Fight flab with fiber.
Research shows that the average American eats only 10 to 15 grams of fiber daily, far less fiber than the recommended 25 to 30 grams a day. The benefits of fiber include a healthier digestive system and a lowered cholesterol level. The best sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods, beans and legumes.

Fitness
If you’re not up to running, take up race walking to burn calories, trim inches from your waist and pump up your calves. Race walking causes considerably less impact to your ankles, knees, lower back, shoulders and neck than running. It’s less jiggle and more wiggle.

from ediets.com

January 14

Health and Diet
Do you get enough calcium?
Your bones will be strong or weak, depending upon your diet and lifestyle. If you don’t consume enough calcium, your body takes it from your bones to keep your heart and muscles working properly. You should get a minimum of 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium daily. Milk, yogurt and tofu are great sources of calcium.

Fitness
Have fun in the sun. Don’t go from couch potato to beach potato. Use your day by the sea to get in some extra activity. Join a volleyball tournament, take a bike ride, try windsurfing, go surfing or jog along the water. But never, EVER wear a tiny Speedo.

Posts from e-diets.com

January 13

Health and Diet
Add flavor instead of fat to your food.
Use a non-stick pan and spray or brush sparingly with oil. Try a variety of flavor enhancers like onions, fresh garlic, ginger root and chilies for an exotic Asian flair. Mustard, lemon, lime, flavored vinegars, sherry or other cooking wines make great marinades and sauces. Add plenty of fresh herbs and spices to enhance flavor.

Fitness
Fitness and food formulate a winning combination. The more you move, the better you eat. People who exercise at least 3 hours a week tend to eat a more balanced diet and think twice before pigging out. Plus, they don’t have to cut as many calories from their diet and risk feeling deprived or cranky.

January 12

Health and Diet
Exercise is crucial to good health.
Aerobic means “with oxygen.” This type of activity keeps your heart strong and includes exercises that make your heart beat more rapidly, including jogging, power walking, skating and biking. Anaerobic exercising -- short, intense exertion -- helps keep your muscles and bones strong. Weightlifting is anaerobic activity. Get your fill of both.

Fitness
If you have arthritis, here are some tips for relief. Maintain good posture to equally distribute stress throughout the joints. Don’t overdo it as arthritis is an inflammatory condition and overuse can cause flare-ups. Use proper muscle groups when lifting, store things at a comfortable level and exercise frequently to prevent muscles and joints from getting stiff. Remember to rest.

January 11

Health and Diet
Your weight is just a number on the scale.
Since muscle is denser tissue than fat, you may weigh more than the average person. But you also may be fitter and healthier than someone who’s the same height, but weighs less. Your healthy weight is the weight at which you feel good, have plenty of energy, and don’t have any obesity-related illnesses including hypertension, type 2 diabetes and arthritis.

Fitness
Why not get by on a runner’s high? A recent study compared men who ran at least 40 miles a week with sedentary men and found that the runners had higher levels of certain hormones. Testosterone, which fuels sex drive and erectile function, was 25% higher.

January 10

Health and Diet
Whole wheat flour is not necessarily better for you in terms of stabilizing blood sugar, but it is more nutritious than white flour. Whole wheat flour contains all the “original” nutrition from the kernel. Processed flour removes the kernel and the original nutrition, including vitamins, minerals and fiber. Whenever possible, choose products that use whole-wheat flour instead of white flour.

Fitness
Forget laughter, exercise is the best medicine. In a survey of more than 46,000 people, exercise scored better than other remedies for allergies, depression, high cholesterol, insomnia and respiratory infections. Participants also favored exercise over alternative therapies such as herbs and acupuncture.

January 9

Health and Diet
Coffee and tea contain tannic acid, a substance that can decrease the iron that your body absorbs from certain foods. Scientific research studies indicate that a cup of tea with a meal may decrease iron absorption by 64% and a cup of coffee within one hour of a meal may decrease iron absorption by 39%. Consuming coffee one hour before the meal does not decrease iron absorption.

Fitness
Have a break down. To break through an exercise plateau, try break down training where you do one set to failure and then immediately drop the amount of weight by 5 – 10% to get in a few more reps. You can boost muscle strength by nearly 40% with break down training versus stopping at 10 reps.

From ediets.com

January 8

Health and Diet
Tell your doctor if you’re taking any herbal or dietary supplements. “Natural” products can interfere with prescription medications. For example, vitamin E may enhance the effects of blood thinners. No agency, private or governmental, regulates or inspects dietary supplements for safety or purity. Let the buyer beware.

Fitness
Double your pleasure. If you’ve been doing just one set of each exercise for several months, it’s probably time to add a second set. Increasing the volume of exercises is one way to keep your muscles stimulated and improve your strength.

January 7

Health and Diet
Schedule your yearly physical.
Isn’t preventing disease better than treating it? Discuss creating baseline records for cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. Your physician will order the tests you need to measure against periodically. Perform monthly breast, prostate and skin self-exams. Eat well, stay at a healthy weight and keep active.

Fitness
Improve your grades! For every 2 percent increase on the treadmill grade, you burn 25% more calories. Try intervals of increasing the inclines during your walks or runs to increase your level of fitness and burn more calories.

January 6

Health and Diet
Variety increases nutrition.
Today, add a different vegetable to your salad. Vegetables contain different amounts and varieties of antioxidants, minute chemicals that ward off disease. Try beets, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli and green beans. Crunchy vegetables make your salad more satisfying in many ways.

Fitness
Make like a banana and split. If you’ve been doing total body routines for several months, consider a split routine. You’ll be able to dedicate more time and energy to each muscle group and work it harder. It might be just what you need to get through an exercise plateau.

January 5

Health and Diet
Don’t give up on your New Year's resolution.
Make your resolution to change one thing weekly. Instead of resolving to lose 20 pounds in a month, stop drinking soda. Drink one less soda a day and you’ll save over 1,000 calories a week. In just one month, you’ll lose a pound without much effort. Small changes pay off in big rewards.

Fitness
Add a sense of purpose to your training by signing up for an event. The minute you mail in the registration form, you‘re guaranteed to increase your dedication and motivation. Having a goal and a concrete deadline will push you to achieve more. Plus you’ll probably get a free t-shirt. Think about Whistler Wellness Week - Refuel Retreat.

January 4

Health and Diet
Does your food influence your mood?
People's biochemical responses to food vary dramatically. Some people respond better to carbohydrates while others feel better when they eat more protein. You need to take your body’s needs into perspective. Therefore, the only way to find out whether a particular diet treatment will work for you is to try it for a few weeks.

Fitness
Exercising but not seeing big improvements? Try a personal trainer. Guys who train with professional supervision achieve strength gains 30 – 45% greater than guys who train alone. Plus they get results 30% quicker.

Women with breast cancer should keep moving...
Researchers of a study published last May in the Journal of the American Medical Association are encouraging women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer to keep on moving to improve their survival odds.

It is estimated that women decrease their activity levels by 2hrs per week after being diagnosed with the disease.

The study found that women with breast cancer who exercised or engaged in other physical activity that equated to walking for the equivalent of 1 hr (at the speed of 2 - 3 miles/hr) increased their survival rate.

The "best" amount of time found in this study, indicated that 9 - 15 hrs of exercise/physical activity had the biggest impact, enhancing survival rates by up to 50%. The next best time frame was 15 - 24hrs per week boosting survival rates up to 44%. Exercising for 3 - 9 hrs per week improved survival rates by 20%.

The good news here is that regardless of whether you are active 3 or 24 hrs in a week you could make an impact on your ability to fight breast cancer.

Researchers of the study did note that if women with breast cancer followed the standard guidelines to exericse 5 or more days of the week at moderate intensity (moderate intensity being 4 or 6 on a scale of perceived exertion where 0 = nothing and 10 = the hardest you could go) for at least 30 mins that they would be better their chances of living longer.

Author note: while this study is encouraging for victims of breast cancer, there are many variables to consider when including physical activity & exercise into your lifestyle. Consult your doctor, oncology specialist as well as a certified fitness trainer who has experience in working with cancer patients & survivors.

Diana Rochon, BPE, CSCS, NCCP,IDEA Elite PFT
Director, Dynamic Core Fitness
www.dynamiccorefitness.ca

Get Back on Track
"Oww, my aching back!"..."Wow, my back is sore today!" These are comments that can be heard with regularity around the office, amongst friends and in your house.

Statistics tell us that anywhere between 75% - 80% of us will have back pain at least once in our lives, and a vast majority of those numbers will have recurring back pain throughout their life.

If back pain and stiffness are getting you down or limiting your enjoyment of favourite activities, there is good news.

A study in the May 2005 Annals of Internal Medicine noted that for adults with chronic low back pain, targeted exercise programs were the best over other modalities in decreasing pain. Study authors commented, "When we analyzed the research we found that the most effective strategy seems to be supervised, individually tailored exercise programs. Stretching & strengthening exercises were the most effective in improving pain and function..."

To get yourself back on track with better movement and less pain follow these tips:

1. Make sure you get an exam from your doctor & a thorough biomechanical assessment from your physiotherapist. Before you start off on an exercise program it is essential to understand why you are in pain.
2. Follow diligently the exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist - they are designed to help you get better but only if you do them!
3. Physios are very good at referring patients to qualified & certified post-rehab conditioning professionals. These trained fitness professionals will help you reach 100% function for all your activities of work and play so you can get back to all the fun you want to have! As well they will provide you with great tips to help reduce the risk of experiencing another back issue.

If you cannot quite get to your doctor or physiotherpaist right now, here are some things that you can do to help your back:

• As you get out of bed, spend a few moments getting your self moving slowly. Hug knees to chest for a gently low back stretch...lengthen your entire body while lying in bed to get an all over stretch (reach hands above head to touch headboard and lengthen legs/feet towards bottom of bed)...follow your cat's lead and do a few 'arching cat or mad cat' stretches.
• Keep yourself nourished through out the day and well hydrated - it does make a difference.
• If sitting for long periods at a stretch, get up and move around every hour. The muscles need the break and blood needs to flow to provide nutrients and remove waste deposits from muscles.
• Focus on your posture - slumping is not a good thing all day long. Imagine a string attached to the back of your head (top part) and that the string is being pulled up - lengthening your spine ever so gently.
• Add in stretches and movement whenever you can throughout your day - evn a 10 min walk at lunch time will help you out.
• Get to a health care professional when you can to get properly assessed and begin a conditioning program targeted to your specific needs.

Diana Rochon, BPE, CSCS, NCCP, IDEA Elite PFT, Director of Dynamic Core Fitness

Channeling.....................What????
by Rhiannon Rees - rhiannoninwhistler@yahoo.ca

Now here is an item that you won’t find on many spa menus. Channeling...Channel who???

Channeling comes under the more esoteric spa services that are offered at some spas. It involves the ability to channel energies or spirits for other people. There are many different ways to do this and most channelers or mediums (I really think some of us are extra large!) Have the ability to channel these energies and give clients messages.

Now, for some people this may be an experience that they would rather live without. Or even an experience that (heaven forbid!) They don’t believe in. But, for the most part , a channeling can give one direction about their life and upcoming events without taking the responsibility away from the client for the decision. So, a little bit of counseling and a little bit of traffic patroling and you have a channeling session.

When I first began channeling, I thought "God, I hope this works". It was a weird thing to do , kind of like telling someone that you are in the middle of making a cheesecake while they watch you eating popcorn and sitting on the couch. What I am saying, is that it looks like you are not doing anything at all but really you are. I use to think people would want a refund, but now, (after 16 years of doing it), I now know that I can trust it. I know the subtle feelings that I get, the images, the pictures and the voices (and that’s all before I’ve been released from the asylum!!).

No, in all honesty, Channeling is something one should try, after all, what have you got to lose??? If you are still not convinced then I have a quick story for you. About 5 years ago I was in India studying homeopathy (stay tune for another article!!) I was visiting this very small village where they did a variety of handicrafts. When I came back to the hostel I was staying at, I lay down on the bed and within minutes, I was told that I had to "leave". I was not ready to leave, hell, I had hardly just arrived, and in India this means that the express train is at least 20 hours!! Leave??? I had to think about it. I hadn’t planned where I would go. About 5 minutes later I was again told to leave. And then finally I was told in such a strong way that I started to pack my bags at 8pm at night even though I did not have a travel plan.

The long and the short of it is, that I ended up traveling 8 hours north into Rajasthan. When I arrived there was a massive earthquake and even where I was, was affected. But, channeling, had saved my life, because where I had just come from - Bhuj, was completely obliterated and 110,000 people died. You can’t even imagine this. I ended up going back to help .......but that’s another story. Chaneling, ....give it a thought!!!

Post from ediets.com January 3

Health and Diet Portion size counts. Even if it’s healthy food, too much can mean weight gain. Tip the scale in your favor by eating what you need…then stopping when you’re satisfied. Make a habit of mentally splitting your portion in two. Eat one half, then wait a few minutes. You may find you’re satisfied with less. Save the other half for a snack. Fitness There’s no substitute for protective gear. Before you hit the pavement in a pair of inline skates (and we mean literally), make sure you have a helmet and protective elbow, wrist and knee pads. The second thing you need to do? Learn how to stop.

Tips by ediets.com

January 2

Health and Diet
There are no magic pills or potions you can take to achieve your ideal weight. Weight loss doesn’t come in a bottle; no creams will produce muscle or slimness. Take the opportunity to eat a healthy diet and to exercise; these two ingredients are keys to permanent, healthy weight loss. Join a support board and talk daily with other members who will help you reach your goals.

Fitness
Wear your bucket o’ brains. If you’re going to go cycling, get a helmet in the smallest size that’s comfortable and wear it every time you ride. Adults are twice as likely to die of head injuries then kids, because kids wear them and adults don’t.

Hydrotherapy: water treatments that are fabulous - December 29, 2005
by Rhiannon Rees - Nibbana Healing Spa - Whistler

Hydrotherapy...... water treatments that are fabuolous!!

In the spa world, the use of water is more than just the elixir of life. Spa professionals use water in many different ways including steam baths , bath treatments, vichy showers and the healing properties of salt pools and thermal baths.

I have to say one of my most favourite treatments is simply a salt bath. The use of salt (epsoms salt or dead sea salt) has incredibly healing and rejuvenating properties. But there is something about lounging in liquid bliss at just the perfect temperature which makes you feel like your muscle tension and pain will just melt away . Especially if you have had a hard day of skiing or boarding and you feel like your legs are iron rods and there is no way you can release your bindings without amputating your leg first. This is the time to think about a bath treatment.
Once you have had a salt bath or bath of your choice, you may then like to think about a massage. You’ll think that you are the reincarnation of a yogi with the suppleness that your limbs will feel after this. Maybe you won’t want to think at all ...

I know I usually don’t think well after these treatments although some of my friends would beg to differ and say that I don’t think well in general. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm maybe I need more spa treatments???? The list of services for any spa is so extensive that it will take me at least a year of writing once a week to even come close to giving you all a glimpse of what lies ahead....maybe by next year my picture in the paper will make me look so young (from all the facials of course!!!), that you will think I have a younger sister. I don’t . So, no asking for numbers or anything.

Now, on that note, I think I will go and give myself the poor man’s version of a bath treatment. Simply do all your chores, tuck the kids in bed, feed the animals , tidy up from the evening meal and prepare for the next day’s work and NOW........you have time for a 5 minute bath. By the time I run it and add the salt, that will make it 3 minutes..... no wonder people book spa treatments. Having a bath at home ju

Happy New Year from Whistler Wellness !

Today's post from ediets.com



Health and Diet
Prepare to succeed
According to a nationwide survey, of all the people who make New Year’s resolutions, less than half have a plan in place for achieving them! The best predictor of success is preparedness. With a solid plan in place, you’re bound to reach your goals. Begin slowly, adopt lifestyle changes, and make your New Year’s Resolution permanent.

Fitness
If it hurts when you do it, don’t do it. To make your body an injury-free zone, warm up before you workout, alternate activities to avoid overuse, learn proper technique and don’t ignore your aches and pains.