Helping those who put others first
It has been a challenging time for the residents of British Columbia. In addition to navigating through the constantly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the province has been hit hard by a series of natural disasters, with the latest coming in the form of heavy storms that led to severe flooding. The most recent extreme weather conditions come on the heels of a summer of heatwaves and wildfires. These events have destroyed communities and forced many people out of their homes. Many residents have responded with kindness. From
Seven back-saving tips for gardeners
Warmer temperatures and sunny days have finally arrived and so have the first flowers of spring! This might entice you to do a bit of gardening. Understandably, most gardeners are anxious to plunge their hands into the dirt and get growing. Gardening can be an extremely rewarding pastime, but it can also come with an
Five ways to reduce low back pain while cycling
Cycling competitively, to work or just for the enjoyment of it is an excellent way to keep in shape and enjoy the outdoors, but it’s no fun at all if your back hurts. Back pain or discomfort while riding a bicycle can result from various factors, such as poor riding posture, a poorly fit bicycle,
Behind the wheel: posture check!
Last week, we discussed the stresses that driving can place on the musculoskeletal system. In fact, studies have been conducted, particularly with bus and truck drivers, that show a higher risk of developing MSK conditions associated with these occupations. Vehicle vibrations, bumpy roads and sitting in a constrained position with improper lumbar support may contribute
Five back saving tips for drivers
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are prevalent among habitual drivers. Whether you work in your vehicle or commute to work through rush-hour traffic, you may have experienced some level of back or neck pain. In fact, studies have shown a high incidence of work-related musculoskeletal injuries among people who drive for a living, and, according to the
The synergy of movement and posture
The body is a complex myriad of structures and systems that work synergistically to allow function and movement, and ultimately allows us to do the activities that we love. Everything in our bodies is interconnected – including the musculoskeletal (MSK) and related neurological systems that are comprised of bones, muscles, joints, nerves, and connective tissue.
Tips for optimizing MSK health in your later years
As the baby boomer generation reaches the age of retirement, seniors now make up the fastest-growing age group in Canada. By 2030, it is expected that 23.6% of Canadians will be age 65 or older. To give some perspective, in 2013 a mere 15.3% of the Canadian population was 65 or above. How Aging Affects
Three more reasons to quit smoking
Sitting May be the New Smoking, but Smoking is Still Smoking We’ve all heard by now that “sitting is the new smoking”. There is no question that excessive sitting and a sedentary lifestyle certainly have their share of health risks, which we will discuss later in this series. However, it’s important not to let a
The five most common triggers for back pain
Back pain and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions affect a staggering number of people in Canada and around the world, so many that it can be considered an epidemic. In Canada alone, these statistics from a 2009 report published by the Work Foundation are attention getting: 1 in 8 Canadians report having chronic back problems 12% of Canadians
An MSK strategy for Canada
Generally, Canadians are proud of our healthcare system and grateful that we can access it when we need it. But for some, accessing the care they need continues to be a struggle. This is particularly true for Canadians who suffer from musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, including back and neck pain. It can be very difficult to