Key Strategies for Supporting Healthy Aging with SCI
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-changing injury that often changes the way you interact with the world. In general, life expectancy following and SCI has improved significantly in the past century, however, the years lived with additional disability are apparent[i]. How you mobilize is the most easily identifiable change. Less apparent changes like your social status or the role you play in your family can be just as metamorphic. Keeping on top of our health as we age can be difficult. Remaining physically healthy and mobile as the normal aging process takes effect on our bones, joints [...]
Mindful Aging: The Benefits of Mindfulness Training for Older Adults
The recent popularity of mindfulness and growing research around its many benefits has allowed it to be part of the modern prescription for health and wellness. You can now find meditations and information on any number of mindfulness topics—from mindful walking and mindful eating to mindfulness in the workplace and mindful parenting. But what about mindful aging? Research around mindfulness has shown that it has benefits in several areas around aging including cognitive, physical, and emotional gains. It is actually possible to experience aging with greater ease and joy. This is great news for an aging population. Over the [...]
SMA Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment
Spinal muscular atrophy or SMA is a genetic muscle-wasting disorder that affects 1 in 6,000 to 1 in 10,000 births. SMA can delay development, make chewing and swallowing difficult and in some cases can be fatal. Although, there is no cure for SMA, there are various forms of spinal muscular atrophy treatment. There are four types of SMA that vary in severity, prognosis and symptoms onset. Spinal muscular atrophy treatment depends on the type and severity of symptoms. In general, cases include varying degrees of muscle weakness, fatigue, and respiratory issues among other symptoms. In this article we will [...]
9 Benefits of Running
During the pandemic lockdown, droves of gym goers took up running as an alternative way to stay fit. Others still just could not get into it despite the accessibility and numerous benefits of running. There are many myths and excuses that prevent people from taking up running, like: it will ruin my knees; I’m too old to start running; I’m afraid to run by myself; or I can’t run for more than short distance without stopping. Running is a great aerobic workout with numerous benefits for your entire body. The truth is a running program can be designed for most [...]
Stretches and Strength Exercises for Paddling: Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding
Paddling at the cottage or on the city’s local waterways can feel more like a fun pastime than the rigorous sport we see at the Olympics. But don’t let that fool you into thinking your body doesn’t require proper training to avoid injury and improve your overall enjoyment of the activity. Summer is a great time to enjoy the many waterways of Ontario. Whether you are staying in the city or heading to the cottage, there are things you can do as a recreational paddler to prepare your body for the activities you plan to partake in. Getting out [...]
Chronic Stroke: Rehabilitation Beyond the First 6 Months
Stroke recovery can be a long and challenging process. While the greatest changes often occur within the first six months after a stroke, significant changes can continue many years after a stroke or what is called chronic stroke. Neuroplasticity, or the ability of the brain to rewire or reorganize itself can allow healthy areas of the brain to compensate for damaged tissues. Physiotherapy plays a key role in fostering this recovery. Research suggests that continued improvement occurs in the chronic phase of stroke with regular practice of goal directed skills.[i] Through intense, patient oriented and active therapy, clients can [...]