We have moved to a new WordPress blog... everyone is doing it. Check it out. 

Also, we have moved locations: 505 Fitzgerald Ave. Downtown Courtenay. 

Growing up on Bowen Island gave Dr. Simon a unique perspective into how a local community can support a stronger bond with each other and a sense of well-being. He finished High school in West Vancouver and then moved to the Island to attend the University of Victoria. With a lifelong interest in chiropractic therapy, Dr. Simon attended and graduated from the University of Western States with a Doctorate in Chiropractic in addition to further certifications in Active Release Technique. 

Dr. Simon is an avid sailor and has raced many different categories of boats. He has moved to Cumberland and is embracing the small town outdoors scene with mountain biking and trail running. ​

By Dr. David Milanovich ND

​Most people think as long as we eat the right kind of food, in the correct proportions, and maybe take a few vitamins if required, we will receive all the nutrients we need, allowing the body to effectively perform it’s daily functions. This is only half true.
The process in which our body breaks down, and absorbs the nutrients can be quite complex, as you might imagine.  Here are a few things you can do to maximize the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the food you eat:

1. Eat Your Meal In A Quiet & Relaxed Environment –  This improves circulation to the digestive system, and prepares all digestive organs to do their work.
2. Chew Your Food Well – This allows you to feel full faster and places less burden on the liver & pancreas to produce extra digestive enzymes.
3. No Water With Meals(especially cold) – While drinking enough water is vital, during mealtime it can dilute the digestive enzymes and acidity needed to function optimally. Cold water makes the oils and fats we eat more clumpy and harder to absorb.
4. Take Vitamin D, E, A, K, with Fat – These are fat soluble vitamins and therefore need fats to be absorbed.
5. Take Vitamin B12 with Calcium – Calcium is necessary for the absorption of Vitamin B12.
6. Take Iron with Vitamin C – Vitamin C  enhances the absorption of Iron.
7. Avoid Exercise Immediately After Eating – Digestion takes time. Give the body a few hours to properly digest and absorb everything you ate.

 
Note: Calcium can hinder the absorption of Iron, so avoid foods high in Calcium, like milk,  when eating foods high in iron.

For more information, please book in for a consultation with Dr. David here. 

 We have implemented a new scheduling, billing and chart note system this week. It was necessary at some point step up our game and become a paperless office. Also, keeping digital files is much easier then keeping filling cabinets filled with paper files! 

Yes! You can still book online.
​ Check out JaneApp! 

Seriously, what is it? A high-powered laser that uses red and near-infrared wavelengths of light to create therapeutic healing effects in the body. It is also called Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) because is does not heat up or burn the skin/tissue. It's main mechanism of healing is by pulsating energy into an injured or damaged tissue to regenerate and accelerate  the healing process.

Another very positive affect from Laser therapy is to reduce inflammation (by increasing nitric oxide levels), will help with swelling and provide enhanced joint mobility. It will also produce higher outputs of specific enzymes to increase metabolic activity for a faster healing time. 

Laser Therapy treats many conditions, and is especially effective with pain management. Laser Therapy accelerates wound/injury healing, decreases pain, inflammation, and scar tissue formation. When it comes to pain management, Laser Therapy provides dramatic results, is non-addictive and virtually free of side effects.

​During each painless treatment, laser energy increases circulation, drawing oxygen, nutrients, and water to the damaged tissue. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces swelling, muscle spasms, inflammation, stiffness, and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

Numerous research studies show that laser treatments can help with these conditions:
 Back Pain
Knee Pain
Shoulder Pain
Sports Injuries
Work or Auto Related Injuries
Arthritis
Tennis Elbow
Sprains, Strains
Fibromyalgia
Plantar Fasciitis
Degenerative Joint Conditions
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Chronic Non-Healing Wounds
Burns

Fit Chiropractic and Sport Therapy now utilizes a Laser therapy unit. For specific cases treatment plans are averaging 4-8 visits for full benefit. Laser Treatments are $50/visit or $40 with a chiropractic, naturopathic or acupuncture visit at the same time. 

Book an Appointment

How Can the Cold Weather Impact Us?
If you live with an arthritic condition you might find that your symptoms may be exacerbated by cold weather conditions, which can keep you away from doing the activities you enjoy. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis may not react well to sudden weather or atmospheric changes, which may worsen symptoms.
Even without any specific conditions, most of us are very aware of how our bodies feel and move when we are cold – we may move slower and walk around when our muscles are tense and stiff. This can result in soreness that we may not experience otherwise. For those who work outside, be conscious of your working conditions. Feeling warm, safe and comfortable is important as heavy lifting and overexertion can increase risk of injury in colder temperatures.
Here are a few things that can be done to prevent stiffness and MSK-related injuries during the winter months:

• Maintain an active lifestyle – make sure you are doing some form of physical activity to exercise your muscles and joints
• Dress warmly – wear proper clothing to keep your body warm and protected from the cold
• Wear proper boots that are waterproof and warm, and have good threads to prevent falls
• Wear a warm hat (keeping your head warm reduces the amount of body heat that escapes from your head).
• Do not stay out in the cold for too long (if you work outside, move indoor during your breaks if possible).

The winter months shouldn’t keep you from doing the things you love, or keep you indoors in pain. Keep active and dress warmly, and you may be able to minimize the aches and pains of the season. Your chiropractor can also help you manage your condition-related pain during the winter months, and help you prevent MSK conditions if you work outdoors.

Canadian Chiropractic Association

If you have an injury that never seems to be resolved, or if you’re experiencing pain due to repetitive motion, or even if you’ve recently experienced an injury, the Graston Technique may be for you.
The Graston Technique is an advanced, instrument-assisted soft tissue treatment that enables a therapist to effectively break down pain-causing scar tissue and other fascia restrictions. The technique is performed with patented stainless steel instruments designed to detect and treat areas affected by soft tissue fibrosis.

How it Works
The Graston Technique insturment works by isolating and removing the internal binding that is caused by tightening scar tissue, and helps release adhesions that pull on nerves. GT also works well on the different layers of muscle and fascia to restore normal mobility and pain free movement to injured areas of the body. This patented technique is a proven therapy with often very quick results.
Dr. Vinge uses the Graston Technique to non-invasively and safely remove scar tissues and scar tissue adhesions that have occurred as a result of chronic inflammation, acute tear and crush injuries, repetitive motion or from old injuries of the past.
If you’re interested in learning more about The Graston Technique and exploring whether this is the right treatment for you, call Fit Chiropractic to consult with any of our practitioners regarding this highly-effective treatment option.

​This is an ideal drink for hot summer days. As well as helping to prevent sunstroke it also clears Heat, benefits Qi, promotes body fluid secretion and is an excellent thirst quencher.

Ingredients:
       60 - 80 White Chrysanthemum Flowers
       3 teaspoon of Jasmine Green Tea
       Rock sugar or honey
       4 liters of water

Instructions:

1. Wash the chrysanthemum.
2. Put chrysanthemum and tea into a cooking pot.
3. Pour in 4 liters of water and bring it to boiling.
4. Reduce heat and continue to cook for 20 minutes.
5. Put in rock sugar or honey.
6. Remove pot from the heat and allow to cool till room temperature.
7. Strain the tea and put into refrigerator.

 
Serve the tea chilled and enjoy!

By Aysha Nuttall - Acupuncturist

​Summer is the season of yang. It is a time of joy, heat, and abundant energy.  The days are long, filled with sunshine and there’s a feeling that anything is possible.
The abundance of the summer time yang energy also brings on summer time injuries.  Sprains and strains are common at this time of year.  They tend to go untreated and usually ignored.  This can lead to further injury and develop into chronic pain.  It’s important to rest and get proper treatment when an injury occurs.  Treating the injury with acupuncture can help to reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation, decrease pain and prevent the development of chronic pain.
​
Overheating during the summer months can also be a problem.  Eating smaller meals and cooling yin foods can help to prevent heat stroke or summer-heat which can keep you away from the fun yang activities.  Some of the foods to include in your diet are watermelon, lemon, peaches, oranges, asparagus, sprouts, broccoli, cucumber, spinach, seaweed, cilantro, mint and dill.

Summer is also the season of the heart.  In western terms, it’s a time to join in activities that pump oxygen rich blood through the body.  In Eastern terms, it’s a time to nourish the spirit and engage in the things that bring joy to your life.  Together this means to climb that mountain you’ve been wanting to climb, but make sure to take the time to enjoy the view and take care of yourself afterwards. 
This summer focus on what you love.  Whether it’s running, biking, kayaking or just being active in your community acupuncture will help you to feel better and perform better.  Remember, anything is possible if you stay healthy this summer.