The clocks have gone forward and the weather is toggling between seasons, but Spring is still in the air! It’s been a long winter and there’s so much to look forward to. As we enter a new and vibrant season, it’s a great time to take advantage of the weather ahead by enjoying outdoor activities.
But, if you're still feeling the effects of being cooped up inside, there are simple things you can do now to address those nagging aches and pains.
Check Your Feet First
When your feet are healthy, the rest of your body also enjoys the benefits. During winter your feet are typically kept snuggled up inside warm boots, comfy socks and slippers. While that feels nice on cold days, your feet really do need some air. And, since your feet naturally sweat this makes an ideal breeding ground for fungal foot infections. Athlete's Foot, Warts and Fungal Toenails are among the most common infections. With the air being so dry and cold, many people also experience cracked heels. When these conditions are left untreated they can continue to spread and cause further discomfort.
Maintaining proper foot hygiene is your best defense against foot infections. Washing and drying your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, is both a practical and proactive approach to dealing with these types of fungal conditions.
If you have ongoing foot pain, it’s always best to consult with an expert. A Chiropodist or Podiatrist can help you determine the proper course of treatment so you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Examine Your Eating Habits
Cold months often call for comfort foods. But, overindulging during the winter can lead to challenges in the Spring. Inactivity combined with poor eating habits can put you at risk of developing chronic diseases including diabetes. For some people, unhealthy snacking has become an occupational hazard while working from home. It’s easy to grab a sugary or salty snack between zoom meetings, but those extra calories could also lead to weight gain and high levels of cholesterol.
While it is easy to identify unhealthy eating habits, figuring out which foods are best for you might seem complicated. Rather than relying on the latest foodie trends, consult with the right health practitioner first. To make an informed decision, it is important to understand the difference between a Dietician, Nutritionist and a Naturopathic Doctor.
A Registered Dietician provides nutrition advice using science based evidence to help you make the right food choices. A certified Nutritionist is very similar to a Dietician, but they utilize holistic methods to complement conventional medical approaches. Naturopathic Doctors can provide primary health care to individuals, lifestyle counseling through botanical medicine and a variety of therapies.
Each of these healthcare practitioners can help you make the right connection between what you eat and your overall wellness.
Get Help at Home
It’s that time of year when even the most inactive person is getting tired of binge watching on the couch and needs to do something about it. Or perhaps you’re feeling the effects of your makeshift home office, but you have limited time and resources. Physiotherapy at home is a great way to get the treatment you need to relieve the pain right where you are. Physiotherapy provides long lasting effects from persistent pain in the back, neck, knee and shoulders.
With personalized treatments, the physiotherapist comes to you and brings everything required for your appointment. And, if you’re continuing to work from home, Physiotherapists can also conduct an ergonomic assessment to help set up a safe and functional home office.
Working from home can be stressful in general, but Massage Therapy can also help to relieve the tension. Having a massage at home is not only convenient, but it can alleviate muscle aches and improve your circulation.
Most private insurance companies cover physiotherapy and registered massage therapy appointments even when they take place in your home. Take advantage of your benefits by booking your appointments throughout the year before they expire.
Lead By Example
Whether you’re a leader or a part of a dynamic team, focussing on health and wellness is essential for productivity. This change of season affects everyone’s energy, so it is crucial to give your team the opportunity to address issues that affect both the mind and body.
A corporate wellness program includes a variety of virtual workshops with a practical approach to supporting the whole person. Some sessions include: mindfulness meditation, Yoga and Pilates, healthy eating, immune health and stress management techniques, live cooking demonstrations and journaling workshops.
A healthy and engaged team needs an effective and consistent corporate wellness program. Success comes naturally when all team members have the right tools to deal with both business and life.
GETTING STARTED
Start this season off right with getting the help you need today. Don’t wait until the pain is unbearable to schedule an appointment with a mobile healthcare practitioner.
DISCOVER THE HEALTHCASA DIFFERENCE
Enjoy the benefits of mobile Massage Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Chiropody, Podiatry and Orthotics in your home with HealthCasa.
If you’re in the Greater Toronto, Hamilton, Peel and Barrie areas, appointments are available 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. following all covid-19 protocols.