5 Ideas - Optimal Wellness Niagara

magazine
fall 2015
Microderm
an ULTIMATE skin EXFOLIATION
Surviving Chronic Pain
making stress your ally
German New Medicine
Introductory Workshop
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October 17th
the Experts
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Niagara Prehab &
November 4th
Wellness joins OWN
Children: Healthy
Bodies, Healthy Minds
5 Ideas
to improve your financial health
content
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Healing Hands: Focusing on
Wellness for the Elderly
page 16
Microderm: An Ultimate skin
Exfoliation
page 18
OWN Naturopathy:
Metagenics Programs
page 20
Niagara Prehab & Wellness
page 22
Garden City Food Co-op
page 24
5 Ideas to Improve Your
Financial Health
page 8
Children: Healthy Bodies,
Healthy Minds
page 12
What Good is Gratitude?
page 15
RECIPE: Pumpkin Ravioli
page 26
Surviving Chronic Pain:
Making Stress your Ally
page 28
OWN Favorites
page 30
schedule
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German New Medicine
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Gratitude is
NUTRITION
for a living
RELATIONSHIP.
W
Steve Maraboli
elcome to our 2015 Fall Edition
E-mag!
Fall is synonymous with Thanksgiving and now is
truly a great time to give thanks. If you haven’t
already, develop an “attitude of gratitude” and see
where it takes you. Sure, we have to say goodbye
to the summer and the weather is definitely
getting colder but with Fall comes great things
like spectacular fall foliage and comfort food! It’s
especially important to be grateful when things
aren’t going our way. Remember, no matter how
trying times can be you can always find something
to be thankful for.
Just recently, on the advice of Natalie Haig,
I attended a very inspiring Power of Success
seminar in Toronto with Tony Robbins. He is a big
proponent of the power of gratitude. He believes
that you shouldn’t wait for an excuse to feel good.
Celebrate when there is no reason to celebrate.
When we do this it changes our mindset, it gives
us an opportunity to get “unstuck” and if we
stick with it that will create momentum. “Where
attention goes, energy flows.” When we focus on
what is wrong, more wrong will come to us. When
we focus on what is right, our whole perception
changes.
How do you do this? You can’t change your state
with your head, you have to do it by first changing
your physiology. Use your body, your breath,
change the way you move! Emotion is created by
motion. For example, pretend you are cheering
for your favourite sports team, imagine Team
Canada has just won a gold medal. Jump up and
cheer!! It’s all within you. You already know what
those feelings feel like. Bring them back. You will
be surprised how good you feel. Of course, you
will feel silly doing it but, believe me, even that will
put a smile on your face.
So, take some time to feel grateful for all the
information that is available to you in this FREE
edition of our E-mag. Now that’s really something
to feel thankful for!
With gratitude,
Monica Wilson
OWN Co-founder
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Elaine Beane
Fridays
Metabolic Training 6:15 am
Wayne Oliver
Personal Training 9:00 am
Wayne Oliver
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cont
ibut
ors
Monica Wilson
Co-founder OWN,
RYT
Trevor Van
Nest
Money Coach
Stephen
Tripodi ND
Co-founder OWN,
Medical Director,
Naturopath
France Di Paola
Certified Oncology
Aesthetician,
Electrologist, Laser
Technician & Skin
Care Specialist
Caleen Martin
Editor-in-Chief,
OWN Magazine
Garden City
Food Co-op
Community Owned
Local Foods Grocery
Adam Burtnik
Registered
Kinesiologist
5
Ideas to
Here are five random ideas to improve your money
health. There’s no time like the present to make sure
you’ve got some of the basics down.
I really enjoy meeting with people and discussing
their money situation. Everyone has different stories,
different backgrounds, different personalities and
different goals. And what might work for some may
not work for others, so it really tests my creativity
and knowledge to make sure my clients achieve their
short and long term objectives – regardless of what
they are trying to accomplish.
Light bulb
Today I want to share some random and unrelated
ideas that may improve your money health. You will
have heard about some of these before, but others
may be new to you.
1. Pay yourself first
A phrase coined by many before me, but one that rings
true for millions. The concept is one where a portion
of your income is saved for your future. Because you
don’t miss what you never see, if the money comes
right out of your chequing account automatically on
pay day the dollars will grow painlessly. This is a great
way to save for your retirement, your next car or your
next vacation and yes, even your home – because a
mortgage is also a form of paying yourself first.
2. Buy things with cash saved
There is nothing better than paying for things with
money saved (see #1). On the other hand, there is
nothing worse than paying for things on credit
without a plan to pay them off. It’s hard to enjoy
the memories of a vacation that you’ll be paying for
over several months or years. Arriving home from a
vacation without a bill waiting for you helps the good
memories last longer. Saving cash for purchases also
ensures you can afford the things you buy, another
way to know you are living below your means.
3. Get rid of debt – as fast
as you can
Members of the Forbes 500 list was asked recently
“What is the most important thing you did to generate
your wealth?” The answer by 75% of them was this:
“Eliminate debt as fast as possible.” Not surprisingly,
those who earn interest are far better off than those
who pay interest. Some may choose to disagree with
this, as a lot of money can be made using leverage
(investing other people’s money). However, if you
think about it, it’s debt and unexpected negative
events that force people into bankruptcy, not a hefty
savings account.
Improve your
Financial Health
4. Teach your children about money
Our personal legacies are what we leave behind –
memories, things we stand for and perhaps some
financial gifts. If you teach your children what money
can do when managed well, what money can do for
others, and the power of compound interest your
personal legacy will extend to the next generation. If
you believe financial literacy is important, don’t wait
for the schools to develop curriculum. Talk to your
children about giving, saving and spending; teach
them about advertising; warn them about salespeople;
let them make mistakes with their money. Developing
healthy money habits in them will pay dividends for
decades and give them a leg up as they begin their
working lives.
5. Don’t forget to give
One of the best things about money is what it can
do for others. If you believe the old adage ‘Giving
is better than receiving’, than try to give ‘off the top’
before the month begins. If you wait until the end
of the month, there may be nothing left. There are
thousands of wonderful charities – all of which rely to
some degree on public support. There are places of
worship that need the support of their congregants.
There are organizations of all kinds that don’t survive
without the generosity of the public, so think about
what means something to you and plan on giving
regularly. No one regrets a generous act.
Trevor Van Nest, B. Comm. (Hons.) CFP®
Trevor is the Founder and Owner of York Region
Money Coaches* (2010) and Niagara Region
Money Coaches (2014). Now living in the Niagara
Region, he is passionate about educating clients
and helping them make great money decisions
for themselves and their families.
With 25 years of experience in the financial
services industry in areas ranging from Credit
Cards, Insurance, Investing, Banking and
Lending, Trevor combines an understanding of
the financial services industry with a heart for
teaching.
Subscribe to my Blog
www.dailygood.org
children
healthy bodies
healthy minds
By Dr. Stephen Tripodi, ND
As parents we have an immeasurable
impact on our child’s eating habits.
Children will learn what and how to eat
from their parents. This means that
if we are not optimizing our diet how
could we expect our children’s brains to
function optimally at school.
For optimal function, our brain requires
a consistent source of nutrients. Every
essential nutrient can be found in our
food; however, research has shown that
it is getting more difficult to attain the
levels required on a daily basis from our
general diet. More importantly though,
most of the nutrients that are known
to be critical for optimal health of the
child’s growing brain are primarily found
in foods that seem to be eaten less
commonly in our fast-paced lifestyle.
In North America we generally don’t find
the type of starvation or protein-calorie
malnutrition that is more common in
the Third World. What is observed is
micronutrients malnutrition. Our food
supply has been significantly altered
by a wide range of chemicals including
food additives, preservatives, pesticides,
heavy metals, not to mention a less than
ideal amount of healthy nutrients such
as vitamins and minerals. Junk food,
fast food, and general convenience
foods tend to be more appealing to
children yet they lack the vital nutrients,
and may contain ingredients that are
harmful to the developing brain.
Buying organic fruits, vegetables, and grains is one
way to reduce the negative exposures. Reasonably
this is not always possible so washing whole foods
thoroughly before use is also an excellent method of
reduction. There are many fruit and vegetable sprays
on the market; a quarter cup of vinegar for each gallon
of warm water can also be useful. Be aware there will
likely remain some residue in the foods you eat as not
all chemicals can be washed or peeled away.
Fats
Protein
Your child’s need for essential fatty acids depends to
a large extent on other foods in their diet. The more
processed the food, the more our bodies require EFAs.
Air and high temperatures can also destroy EFAs.
The richest sources of EFAs are nuts, seeds, beans,
and fish. Focus on a variety of nuts and seeds (best
in their raw form), beans (especially kidney and navy),
and the inclusion of some fish into the diet. Flaxseed
oil can be added to such foods as salad, applesauce,
yogurt, or vegetable dishes. It is not recommended
to cook with this flaxseed oil.
Protein provides amino acids; the tiny nutrient
building blocks that help us form antibodies (for our
immune system), hormones and neurotransmitters
- the foundational units that allow communication
between brain cells. There is a tremendous impact on
optimal brain function by blood sugar irregularities.
Protein helps us to balance the rise and fall of blood
sugar levels. A kid who skips breakfast for example
or eats breakfast with inadequate protein will tend to
be more irritable, easily distracted and hyperactive.
Excellent sources of protein are found as eggs,
legumes such as beans and peas, fish, nuts and seeds,
soy products such as tofu and soymilk, meat, and
dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, and milk.
Water
I find water to be one of the primary forgotten nutrients
in most children’s diet. More so than relying on thirst
as a signal, drinking water must become a habit for
children. Most kids when given an opportunity to
drink water will have a surprising sense of thirst.
However, if it does not become a habit the signal for
thirst is often ignored throughout their busy day. If
dehydration occurs frequently, then the sensation of
thirst can eventually become inefficient.
Water is essential for the function of the immune,
detoxification, elimination, and respiratory systems.
Such problems as increased susceptibility to
respiratory infections, constipation, fatigue, irritability
and poor ability to concentrate are just a few of the
more common issues the child may face with less
than optimal water intake.
Start off simple by ensuring your child begins each
day before breakfast and again after school, with a
glass of water. It may be prudent to send your child
school with a container of water as opposed to
directing them to drink water from fountains. Standalone water dispensers can help establish a habit for
children as most units are at their height. This helps
build their independence in drinking water. Keep in
mind this is only a start. The requirements for water
will increase as the child becomes more active (e.g.
sports, dance, etc.).
Fats in general have gotten a bad rap over the years.
The emphasis should be on minimizing saturated and
hydrogenated fats, as they can damage our healthy
fats. EFAs (essential fatty acids), a component of
our bodies fat content, are crucial to the health of
our children’s brain and immune system. Our body
produces a certain amount of EFAs but it is essential
that they come from our diet.
Fish oils are another source of essential fatty acids
that our brain uses for growth and repair. As the
contamination by chemicals and heavy metals of
many fish oils can be damaging to a child’s developing
brain, chose only those sources that have been highly
purified.
Immune System Health
Sugar consumption leads to a rapid rise in blood
sugar levels. This triggers an urgent response to
bring the blood sugar levels back to normal. With
regular consumption of sugar-containing foods,
blood sugar levels may become unstable producing
hypoglycemic periods (temporary low blood sugar
levels). Children may experience this as headaches,
mood swings, a craving for more sweets, decreased
ability to focus and concentrate, panicky or anxious,
and sudden fatigue.
The challenge is to be aware of the high offenders.
The following are some of the more common names
by which sugar is known: fructose, sucrose, brown
or invert sugar, dextrose, maltose, lactose, xylitol,
sorbitol, and honey. While not sugars themselves,
white flour products (white bread, buns, pastries,
cakes and cookies) are quickly converted in our
bodies to sugar. Some soft drinks contain up to 12
teaspoons of sugar per 8 ounces (1 cup or can).
Studies have shown that sugar and refined
carbohydrates have a depressant effect on the
immune system as early as an hour after eating them.
This predisposes children to infections and allergies.
Reduction of the most concentrated forms of sugar is
a wonderful first step to safely and effectively begins
to strengthen the child’s immune system. Adding
proteins, fiber, or healthy fat/oil to a snack or meal
can help offset blood sugar irregularities.
Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivities are adverse reactions to certain
food(s), which, among other symptoms include
impaired thinking and behavior. The current primary
cause for increased incidence of food sensitivities
appears to be excessive, regular consumption of a
limited number of foods, which are often hidden as
ingredients in commercially prepared foods. This may
also include the impact of high levels of preservatives,
stabilizers, artificial colorings and flavorings.
Look at your child (and yourself) for the following
frequent and typical signs of food sensitivities: dark
circles and/or puffiness under the eyes, horizontal
creases in the lower eyelids, chronic (non-cyclic) fluid
retention, chronic swollen glands, frequent infections,
and frequent digestive upset. Symptoms of food
sensitivity usually occur within four days after eating
the offending food. Most parents are unaware that
they’re maybe a negative reaction to the foods their
child eats. Ironically, the foods to which we react are
very often the foods that we crave the most.
Most of what was discussed applies to adults as well as
children. Since children imitate their parents, setting
a good example by eating well can benefit the entire
family. We want to focus on beginning the day with
breakfast, ensuring adequate water intake and eating
healthy and sufficient amounts of protein, good fats,
and unrefined carbohydrates (whole foods) to sustain
balanced blood sugar levels. Avoidance of foods
that detract from our bodies, and encouragement
of foods that contain essential nutrients to optimize
brain function can dramatically improve back-toschool learning.
A comprehensive assessment with a Naturopathic
Doctor can help you navigate the many facets of a
healthy body and healthy mind, including in-office
and blood testing options to reliably identify food
sensitivities.
Dr. Stephen Tripodi, B.Sc, (H.K.), N.D. is a Naturopathic
Doctor in private practice in St. Catharines, Ontario.
He may be reached at 905-988-9009 for more
information or to book a consultation.
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safe, gentle relaxation massage...
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...healing hands...
wellness
• 15 years experience in gentle relaxation
massage tecniques & esthetic services
• 5 years as an Activities Co-ordinator with
the elderly in England including stroke,
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• 7 years as a Rehabilitation Counsellor for
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Gentle relaxation massage can relieve anxiety and
depression and provide comfort to touch-deprived
elderly. Many elderly cannot manoeuvre up to and onto
a massage table, sit in a massage chair for any length of
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My approach is gentle, sincere and
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This allows the client to maintain dignity and privacy in
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I have employment, client and client family
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Please feel free to contact me with any questions
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To keep it gentle and non-invasive I focus on the 7 areas
that provide the most comfort: hands, feet, ears and head.
This can improve a person’s quality of life immeasurably.
Whatever you
appreciate and
give thanks for
will increase in
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Sanaya Roman
Microderm
an ‘ULTIMATE skin EXFOLIATION’
W
hen we hear the word “Microdermabrasion”, it
sounds like a medical procedure. It may seem
invasive, when truly it is the most NON-INVASIVE
deep cleansing facial when performed by a trained
professional.
• Microdermabrasion is the ULTIMATE EXFOLIATION.
This gentle skin resurfacing begins by exfoliating
debris that clog pores; build-up of excess sebum
(oils), black heads, pollution, product or make-up.
tissues where live cell formation occurs. Faster cell
turnover increases collagen formation to improve
skin elasticity and texture.
The entire face, neck and décolleté can be treated in one
visit. The surface of the hands can also be treated to
smooth the texture by gently removing dry rough skin.
• It is the ULTIMATE in ANTI-AGING improving the skin’s
colour, tone, circulation and softness. Technically
speaking, it removes 30% to 35% of dead skin cells
that form on the surface (Epidermis) which does not
come clean with regular cleansing. Debris is safely
removed by tiny diamond-like Corundum Crystals, a
natural mineral often found in toothpaste and lipstick.
The best time to have a Microdermabrasion facial is in
the FALL when our skin is no longer exposed to the sun.
It will benefit greatly by removing the environmental
aggressors such as; pollution, excess sweat, sun tan
lotion, dust and pollen. The SPRING and WINTER months
are also beneficial in order to maintain a healthy skin.
Microdermabrasion is successful in treating enlarged
pores, uneven pigmentation due to sun damage,
blackheads and comedones, fine lines and wrinkles due
to the aging process. The softening of superficial scars
and stretch marks is also possible.
• It is non-carcinogenic and nontoxic. The entire
area being treated is swept over with the crystals 3
times. The first sweep is to remove dead skin cells
and debris, the second is to concentrate on problem
areas and the third is to re-even the abrasion. The
impurities are eliminated to stimulate new living cells
deep in the skin (Dermis). This gentle mechanical
action stimulates blood flow, increases skin cell
nutrition and allows oxygen to penetrate deep in the
Microdermabrasion is considered an outpatient
procedure and is virtually risk free. The entire process is
approximately 2 hours with a personalized consultation,
skin analysis and treatment. Cleansing, toning, anti-aging
serums, mask and moisturizer are used to nourish and
hydrate the skin. Most people experience an instant glow
and can resume their normal activities. This rejuvenating
facial is often required more often depending on the
age and condition of the skin. To maintain the results
AFTER
BEFORE
Have no fear, microderm is here…
achieved with your first treatment, it
is recommended in repeat sessions
once per month or as a series of 6
twice a year.
Fighting the aging process on 3
levels; epidermis, dermis and subdermis, the improvement can be
quite dramatic.
Results
Most
clients
see
immediate
improvement in the look and feel to
their skin such as:
• healthier complexion
• smoother younger-looking skin
• redefined and firmer facial
contour
• reduction in fine lines and
wrinkles
• reduced pore size
• increased skin elasticity
• improved textural irregularities
Ms. Di Paola owner of Confident
Image Chez France consults with
all clients and reviews expectations
prior to any facial. Her clinic offers
a variety of the latest technologies
to provide optimum results when
treating the skin.
Microdermabrasion also works well
in combination with IPL (Intense
Pulse Light) Laser when treating
sun damaged skin; sun spots,
dilated capillaries and wrinkles.
Microdermabrasion treats the skin
from the “outside-in” preparing the
skin for further advanced treatments
while the IPL Laser treats the skin
from the “inside-out”. (Additional
information on IPL Laser can be
found at;
www.confidentimagechezfrance.com
under Skin Rejuvenation.)
All with no downtime or adverse
effects! IMAGINE BABY SOFT SKIN
AND LOOKING 10 YEARS YOUNGER!
Risks
If you have health concerns or specific
skin conditions, you should consult
with your doctor about possible side
effects and risks associated with this
procedure in your particular case
prior to your facial.
weeks
prior
to
• 2
Microdermabrasion, sun exposure
or tanning beds should be
avoided.
• The use of Retinol-A, AHA
or Glycolic Acid should be
discontinued for 3 to 7 days prior
to the Microdermabrasion.
• Chemical Peels and prescription
medication for ACNE should be
discontinued for 3 – 6 months
prior to your Microdermabrasion.
• Clients with Diabetes Type I, active
acne, skin lesions, viral lesions,
Herpes Simplex1 Shingles, Eczema,
seborrhea dermatitis, severe
rosacea or dilated capillaries,
skin cancer or auto immune
disease, Vitiligo or sunburned
skin SHOULD NOT UNDERGO
MICRODERMABRASION.
ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR
PRIOR TO ANY TYPE OF FACIAL.
Continued on Page 26
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Ask your OWN Naturopath
naturopathy
Dr. Stephen Tripodi, BSc. (Human Kinetics), ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director and Co-Founder of Optimal
Wellness Niagara
Stephen practices naturopathic family medicine in both St. Catharines
and Niagara Falls, Ontario. He maintains special interests in:
•
•
•
•
•
•
food and nutrition
metabolic and hormone imbalances
digestive disorders
musculoskeletal injuries
diabetes and cancer prevention and treatment
optimizing athletic health and performance
Dr. Stephen Tripodi
OWN Medical Director, Naturopath
Dr. Tripodi enjoys keeping pace with current trends in the field of natural medicine and his practice
reflects it through the use of specific testing and treatment options, that blend the best of nature’s
wisdom with modern scientific research. Some of his advanced certifications include:
• Intravenous Therapeutics
• Biopuncture and Mesotherapy Injections
• ElectroDermal Testing
He makes use of progressive lab diagnostics to assist in understanding the complexities of each
persons health.
Ask your OWN Naturopath
Niagara Prehab & Wellness is a health practice in St. Catharines providing early health interventions to maintain
and improve your quality of life. Specializing in exercise and activity therapy, prehabilitation and rehabilitation, we
help you get well and stay well!
Located at Optimal Wellness Niagara, surrounded by a great family of Practitioners; it is our mission to provide
exceptional cost-effective healthcare by establishing quality patient relationships based on knowledge, trust, and
understanding. It is our goal to promote healing and great quality of life in all our patients. We will work with you
to improve your condition, get you back to full-function, and keep you healthy!
All of our services are available in clinic or in the comfort of your home!
•
•
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Prehabilitation
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Group Exercise
Everyone is in their own pursuit of health and wellness. Let us help you get there and stay there! We take an evidence-based approach to your pursuit; utilizing current research and ensuring your care is personalized to your
specific needs. Success in your treatment is our success as Practitioners!
Check out our website and follow our blogs to find out more about each of our specialised services and gain some
helpful health and wellness tips. We want to help you begin your pursuit of health and wellness!
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Cost
You can erase years from the appearance of your skin
naturally without the use of invasive procedures.
Age is but a number and beauty is skin deep!
It’s never too early or too late to start a good skin
care regime. Microdermabrasion can be performed
on teenage skin with specific concerns and is most
beneficial for ages 25 and up as well as mature skin up
to 75 depending on condition. Alternate exfoliating
products such as natural enzymes are available for the
delicate / reactive skin and clients over 75.
France Di Paola
Prices for the treatment vary between $105 and $165
per treatment depending on the product selection.
To assist you better, give us a call or see facial menu
on our website. A professional opinion and treatment
performed by a trained technician will provide the best
possible results.
Electrologist, Laser Technician & Skin Care Professional
CONFIDENT IMAGE CHEZ FRANCE
Located within Optimal Wellness Niagara
26 Hiscott St., St. Catharines
905-931-0686
[email protected]
www.confidentimagechezfrance.com
Pumpkin Ravioli
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
24 wonton wrappers
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Chopped parsley
Combine 1 cup pumpkin, 1/3 cup
Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8
teaspoon black pepper. Spoon about 2
teaspoons pumpkin mixture into center
of each wonton wrapper. Moisten edges
of dough with water; bring 2 opposite
sides together to form a triangle, pinching
edges to seal.
Place ravioli into a large saucepan of
boiling water with 1 teaspoon salt; cook 7 minutes, and drain in a colander. Place 1/2 cup broth and 1 1/2
tablespoons butter in pan; bring to a boil. Add ravioli, tossing to coat. Sprinkle with parsley.
Pumpkin ravioli is a fall favorite but because it uses canned pumpkin, you can make it year round. This quick
and easy ravioli recipe uses wonton wrappers in place of homemade pasta.
Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 4 ravioli)
Find this recipe at www.health.com
Surviving chro
making stress your ally
Stress is not harmful?
We’ve been told that stress is harmful to our health,
that it increases our pain levels but what if that was
a misconception? What if there was a way of making
stress work for us rather than against us. It’s all about
perception. Stress is only harmful to us when we believe
it is.
Research being conducted by health psychologist, Kelly
McGonigal has been changing opinions on how harmful
stress really is and has made me completely reevaluate
how I interpret the stress I have in my life while living
with the challenges of chronic pain.
Those living with chronic pain or any health condition
that has the potential to become debilitating includes
a unique set of stressors. Dealing with doctors who
have limited knowledge on our condition and how to
effectively treat it. Dealing with family and friends who
don’t understand what is going on with us and how
drastically our health conditions change our daily lives.
Trying to deal with insurance companies and disability
claims. And trying to deal with the financial pressures of
supporting our family but also taking care of our own
health needs. These can become overwhelming and
push us deeper into depression, anxiety and increase
our overall pain.
Changing your physical response
But what if by changing our beliefs about stress we
could actually change our bodies physical response to
it? McGonigal cites a study conducted in 2012 by the
University of Wisconsin which tracked 30,000 people in
the United States for 8 years. They were asked how much
stress they have experienced within the last year and
whether they believed that stress was harmful for their
health. The university then used public death records to
find out how many of these individuals had died over the
8 year span of the study. What they discovered was that
those who had a large amount of stress in their lives had
a 43% increased risk of death; however, that was only
true for those who also believed that stress was harmful
to their health. The study participants who had a large
amount of stress in their lives but did not believe it was
harmful had a lower percentage of death risk than even
those who had very little stress in their lives. That would
make the ‘belief’ that stress is harmful the 15th largest
contributor to death in the U.S. in 2012. Not stress itself,
just the belief that it was harmful. Killing more than skin
cancer, HIV, AIDS and homicide.
Another study at Harvard University put 2 groups of
students through a social stress test. One group being
taught how to see their physical stress responses as
beneficial to their health while the other group was given
no information for dealing with stress. This was done in
order to evaluate the constriction of their blood vessels
during stress which has the potential of leading to cardio
vascular disease. They found that those who were taught
to rethink their beliefs on their physical stress response
had no change in their blood vessel constriction and
therefore no increased risk of cardio vascular disease. In
fact, their physical response was identical to that of those
who experience joy or perform acts of courage.
Stress hormones help us
McGonigal states that these results have to do with
the hormone oxytocin, also referred to as the cuddle
hormone. This hormone enhances our social instincts
and encourages us to create closer relationships, to
crave physical contact with friends and family, it enhances
empathy and makes us want to reach out and support
those we care about.
But this warm and fuzzy hormone is a stress hormone.
It’s released in our bodies during times of stress, extreme
joy and extreme acts like those involving great courage.
This hormone literally prepares our bodies to reach out
to others and meet the challenges that are before us. It
onic pain:
and not an enemy
is an anti-inflammatory; helping our blood vessels stay
relaxed during stress. In addition, it works with our heart
receptors to heal any heart damage caused by stress.
For those of us dealing with chronic pain conditions,
stress is seen as a major contributor to heightened pain
levels. We’re told to eliminate as much stress from our
lives as we can, we’re told all about the harmful affects of
stress on our physical and emotional well-being. Stress
cannot be completely eliminated, it just isn’t possible.
We can however, adjust our perception of it.
Stress is simply an unmet challenge that presents itself in
our lives. It requires thought and creativity and assistance
from those around us to meet and surmount these
challenges successfully. We have an array of possibilities
to reduce stress in our lives; yoga, meditation, deep
breathing exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy but
what if we could see stress differently, thus having a
completely different physical reaction to it? What would
that mean for chronic pain patients?
be enhanced which benefits our immune system and our
physical responses to everything happening in our lives.
It gives us the strength and confidence to communicate
our needs to those we include in our lives and care
about. We could see significant decreases in our overall
pain levels and our capacity to function on a daily basis.
We would know that stress is not leading us into further
anxiety and an inability to cope with our challenges but
preparing us, energizing us to carry us through. This
has the potential to give chronic pain patients their lives
back.
_____________________________________________________
Keller, Litzelman, Wisk, et al. 2012, University of Wisconsin,
School of Medicine and Public Health
Jamieson, Mendes, Nock, 2011, Harvard University,
Department of Psychology
http://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_
make_stress_your_friend
by Caleen Martin
Caleen is the Editor-in-Chief of OWN Magazine;
after being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Caleen
Rather than fearing stress, avoiding it, becoming has dedicated herself to research and education
overwhelmed by it and becoming more introverted in
on chronic pain. She encourages others to
our suffering we should be experiencing the physical
pursue the best life possible, in spite of physical
signs of stress as a positive sign. A sign to open up and
reach out to others. A sign that our amazing bodies challenges.
are preparing us to meet the challenge head-on with
strength and the extraordinary ability to heal ourselves.
Here are some suggestions for changing your perceptions
on the physical responses our bodies have to stress:
• When your heart races, know that your body is
preparing you for action, allowing you to meet the
challenge.
• Breathing faster is allowing more oxygen into your
system.
• Sweating is regulating your body temperature, no
different than when you exercise. Stay hydrated.
• Racing thoughts are our sign that we need to reach
out to others and ask for help whether from friends,
family, your doctor or therapist.
By taking stress and retraining our perceptions to make
it a benefit to our health rather than a risk factor we can
not only reduce our health risks in the future but possibly
eliminate one of the major contributors to increased pain
and flare ups in our present. Our emotional wellness will
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