April Spring Clean.

April 15, 2016 Sian Owen

Do you feel an urge to clean up in spring time? Birdsong, peeping buds, the hint of warmth, more hours of day-light: it’s all about renewal and nest-building, isn’t it? Sunshine lights up my home…and show-cases months of winter grime on my windows in a most unflattering light! Time to get out the vinegar and paper, or whatever glass cleaner there is to hand.

Cleaning windows is such a satisfying task –it’s great to see things shine. I usually want to clean all of my windows in one go, but if I do that I don’t have as much energy for the rest of the day. So I pace myself, and do a few at a time, with rests in between.

Here are a few things to think about, whatever your ability level, and whether you decide to clean, or tidy the yard, or join in the general spring madness with a host of other fun schemes (like the folks in my neighbourhood who think the word “springtime” means “renovate till you drop”).

1. Keep a good posture throughout. Poor posture (whatever the cause) will eventually cause injury, and will certainly interfere with the efficiency of your movements, making any task harder.

2. Keep your lower belly muscles (core) in check. You can do this easily by pulling them inwards and standing tall. Even if you just think about standing tall and tucking in your lower belly you will improve your posture.

3. Pace yourself. Start small, take rests and gradually increase the activity. It’s important not to overstretch yourself.

4. If you find your limbs, neck or back start to ache quickly, or if it just feels as if the task is too demanding, think about how you could adapt your position and/or your equipment. For example, if you can’t stand up to clean the windows, you may be able to perch on a stool and use an extendable cleaner.

For tips on energy conservation see the CAOT website.

http://www.caot.ca/default.asp?pageid=1326

See links below for information on posture from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the NHS.

https://www.physiotherapy.ca/getattachment/Practice-Resources/Clinical/Resources/Patient-Information/Posture_PABC.pdf.aspx

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Backpain/Pages/back-pain-and-common-posture-mistakes.aspx

R. Sian Owen PT

Registered Physiotherapist

Exercise isn’t just for summer.

November 15, 2015 Sian Owen

A couple of weekends ago most of Canada set its clocks back one hour, gaining some daylight in the mornings. Fall doesn’t end here, I’m glad to say, but for me the changing of the clocks always heralds the beauty and drama of winter. I begin to anticipate our 6 month companion’s return: the silent elegance of falling snow, frigid air slicing through ice-laden trees, cormorants flying low in long whipping lines over the crystalline blue of Lake Ontario. I’ve grown to love winter in Canada, but I’ve had to learn how to negotiate my right to enjoy it, to carry on doing the things I love to do, even when the snow is piled high.

Food insecurity is the term to describe the state of some of us.

October 15, 2015 Sian Owen

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for me. In the lush colours, stormy skies and rich harvests, I see both a celebration of life and a reminder of the need to be thankful for our health and for the food we so often take for granted. Thanksgiving brings families together around glistening turkey and fragrant pumpkin, buttered corn and sweet cranberry; it’s a sensual delight, a beautiful breathing space between the subtle melancholy of late summer and the early days of iron winter.

It's a fine balance. The love of good food and my approach to physiotherapy.

September 15, 2015 Sian Owen

If music is my first great love, it is closely followed by my love of good food.

I have been learning to cook Indian Cuisine for nearly 40 years. I say learning, as I am not close to mastering the intricacies of this beautiful cuisine.

One thing I have learned well over the years is that the balance of ingredients is fundamental to a really pleasing meal.

Do Your Best, Any Form Of Exercise Is A Great Thing!

August 15, 2015 Sian Owen

I was invited to a 90th birthday party in Scotland recently, and I feel privileged to have been included in such a life-affirming celebration.

Wow, 90! It was rare for anyone to reach this age when I was growing up. And although it’s a bit more common now, I think it’s still a great achievement. Or, in the case of this 90 year old, to reach this age AND have a big party to celebrate!

When people live into their 90s and beyond they are often asked, “What is the secret?”

For The Love Of Music

July 15, 2015 Sian Owen

Music is very important to me and it seems fitting that it should be the topic of my first blog.

I learned piano as a child; classical pieces that still make my heart feel light, but I’ve always wanted to play jazz and learn the secrets of improvisation. How does Oscar Peterson DO that twiddly stuff?