Flu Season Thoughts

The flu season is upon us and Government of Ontario is providing the flu shot for most age groups. It is important to make informed health decisions in society today. There are many different viewpoints in the healthcare system and all are valid. However, it is important to become fully informed before making any decision about your health. We have suggested a few questions to research that will help you decide if you want to receive the flu shot:

1) Is contracting the flu virus and mounting a natural immune response to it, healthy or unhealthy for your body?

2) Considering there are many different strains of the flu, do you know if the current flu vaccine will protect you from this year’s virus strains?

3) Are you aware of the chemical additives that are present in the vaccine?

4) Have you fully informed yourself about the risks and benefits associated with receiving the flu vaccination?

5) Do you know that the vaccine will protect you from experiencing flu symptoms?

There are also choices you can make that will maximize your body’s natural ability to defend itself against the flu virus and other diseases? The following combination of actions will naturally improve your nervous system function and your immune system:

1) Chiropractic care

2) Adequate rest

3) Drinking ample quantities of water

4) A healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and minimal amounts of refined sugar

5) Adequate exercise

6) Stress management and reduction approaches

If you think you need some extra protection there are herbs and homeopathic remedies available that can help to boost your immune system or help with managing your symptoms.

Whatever you do, consider becoming fully informed before you make your flu shot decision.

For information supporting the use of the flu vaccine visit:

http://www.influenza.cpha.ca/

For information on possible side effects or dangers visit:

www.hpakids.org/current%20news.htm &

www.hpakids.org/flu%20vaccine.htm

Chiropractic and the Immune System

Current scientific understanding indicates that the brain and immune system are the two major adaptive systems in the body. During an immune response, the brain and the immune system 'talk to each other' and this process is essential for maintaining homeostasis or balance in the body. With an optimally functioning nerve system this communication is optimized and our bodies have the best chance of protecting us from invading microorganisms like the flu virus. Working with the nerve system, chiropractic care facilitates the bodies natural healing processes, decreasing stored stress and tension, strengthening the immune system and increasing the body’s capacity to handle what life throws at it.

Wedding Bells

Congratulations are in order for Dr. Evan and Dr. Shaian who on a recent trip to romantic Italy became engaged to be married. At the Café of Life, family is viewed as a top priority in Life. Dr. Evan and Dr. Shaian serve as examples of love, support, friendship and commitment, inspiring the people around them to be the best they can be in their life and their own relationships. We wish the two of them all the best as they enter this new phase of their life and their relationship.

Gift of Life

This holiday season give the “Gift of Life” to your family, friends and coworkers. The “Gift of Life” includes two visits at the Café of Life. The first visit involves an interview with the Chiropractor, a hands on physical assessment of the body’s stored potential energy (tension), and some technical analyses. On the second visit the Chiropractor will discuss the findings of the first visit, explain how Chiropractic can help you, give recommendations, and perform an adjustment. Practice members are eligible to receive as many complementary gift certificates as they would like to give. Please ask us for the quantity you would like.

Spa Day Raffle

Health Winds Spa has generously donated a “Stress Away” Spa Day for our referral raffle. You can enter your name in the raffle for each person that you have referred to the Café of Life and for each guest that you have brought to one of our Wellness Workshops. The Spa Day includes a soothing Massage Therapy treatment, a Beauty Flash Facial, a hydrating hand massage and manicure, a delicious spa lunch, and a gift bag filled with treats to care for yourself at home.

For more information about Health Winds Spa, visit www.healthwindsspas.com or pick up a brochure from the Café of Life.

Café of Life Schedule of Events for December 2004 and January 2005

Monday, December 6^th, 2004; 7:00 to 8:00pm – Wellness Workshop – Unlimited Potential

Wednesday, December 8^th, 2004, 7:30 to 8:30pm – Wellness Workshop – Unleash Your Potential

Friday, December 10^th, 2004 – Holiday Open House and Practice Member Appreciation Day

Saturday, December 11^th, 2004, 8:30 to 11:00am – Posture Day at the Glendon Athletic Club

Monday, December 13^th, 2004, 7:00 to 8:00pm – Wellness Workshop – How to Raise a Healthy Child

Monday, December 20^th, 2004, 7:30 to 8:30pm – Wellness Workshop – Unleash Your Potential

Wednesday, January 5^th, 2004, 7:30 to 8:30pm – Wellness Workshop – Unleash Your Potential

Monday, January 10^th, 2004, 7:00 to 8:00pm – Wellness Workshop – Unlimited Potential

Monday, January 17^th, 2004, 7:30 to 8:30pm – Wellness Workshop – Unleash Your Potential

Monday, January 24^th, 2004, 7:00 to 8:00pm – Wellness Workshop – How to Raise a Healthy Child

Everyone is welcome to these events, RSVP to the Café of Life at 416-487-6817.

New Website

Café of Life is proud to announce the launch of a new website. This site is an excellent resource for people interested in the Café of Life. Past newsletters are posted on the site as well as our schedule of upcoming events, community outreach programs and links to excellent health related websites.

You can check out the site at www.cafeoflifetoronto.com.

If you have any feedback on how we can improve the site please send it to wellness@cafeoflifetoronto.com

Happy holidays and all the best in the New Year from everyone at the Café of Life!