Walmart Walk For Miracles

The Walmart Walk for Miracles is the 9th annual walk, which joins thousands of people participating in the walk, across the country to raise funds for the Children's Miracle Network. 

There are 12 Children's Miracle Network foundations and hospitals in Canada. 

WALK INFORMATION:

WHEN - Sunday, June 10, 2012

PLEDGE DROP OFF AND REGISTRATION TIME - 8:00am

WARM UP WALK - 9:40am

WALK BEGINS - 10:00am

WHERE - Stanley Park, Second Beach *DIRECTIONS*

SNACKS - 11:00am

*Hot dogs, chips, various drinks, granola bars and Astropops will be generously provided. 

ENTERTAINMENT:

- DJ Hot Wax

- Performance - Hot Stewey

- Stanley Park Ecology Society

- Clown

- Bouncy Castle

Every dollar you raise will create health miracles for more than 2.6 million Canadian children, by supporting life-saving medical care, ground-breaking research, and educational programs, which are designed to treat the sickest children in your community. 

DON'T WAIT. REGISTER AND/OR DONATE TODAY! 

To Register, please click -> Register Online

To Donate, please click -> Donations 

Click on Volunteer, if you would like to help.

All information has been from the Walmart Walk for Miracles website. 

Stress Release

Background

Stress is something we experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment; it can be both positive and negative.

Positive stress can encourage action, raise our awareness and excitement. Negative stress can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, create sleep lose, anger, high blood pressure and other medical problems.

Massage therapy can help reduce the negative outcomes of stress and help to induce relaxation.

Treatment

Registered Massage Therapists may help:
* reduce muscle soreness
* decrease stress and anxiety
* promote relaxation
* decrease muscle tension
* improve sleep
* decrease depression

Research

Stress hormone is reduced by massage therapy

In this article the positive effects of massage therapy on biochemistry are reviewed including decreased levels of cortisol and increased levels of serotonin and dopamine. Research reviewed included studies on depression (including sex abuse and eating disorder studies), pain syndrome studies, research on auto-immune conditions (including asthma and chronic fatigue), immune studies (including HIV and breast cancer), and studies on the reduction of stress on the job, stress of aging, and pregnancy stress.
(Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Diego M, Schuanberg S, Kuhn C. Int. J Neurosci. Oct:115(10):1397-413).

Less pain depression, anxiety and improved sleep with reduced lower back pain and range of motion

The massage therapy group, as compared to the relaxation group, suffering from low back pain, reported experiencing less pain, depression, anxiety and improved sleep. They also showed improved trunk and pain flexion performance, and their serotonin and dopamine levels were higher. (Hernandez-Reif M, Field T, Krasnegor J, Theakston H. Int. J Neurosci 2001: 106(3-4):131-45).

Visit www.massagetherapy.bc.ca for more information.

COPS FOR CANCER

Every contribution makes a difference.


The impact of cancer on the life of a child and family member is devastating.

Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society are invested in outstanding pediatric cancer research and clinical trials to improve detection and diagnosis of childhood cancers; deliver better, less harmful treatments; find prevention strategies and investigate the long term effects of cancer treatment.

Trusted information and caring caring personal and practical support programs, such as the acclaimed summer program at Camp Goodtimes, improve the lives of children with cancer and their families.

The Cancer Canadian Society is the best partner in the fight against childhood cancer.



A local sheriff, friend, and client is gearing up for the Tour de Valley.


We are proud to be supporting Jon Pothier, who is riding with this year's Tour de Valley - a 9 day, 750 km cycling event in September where a team of law enforcement personnel raise funds and awareness for children living with Cancer.

You can also make a donation on his personal website:

www.copsforcancerbc.ca/tourdevalley/jonpothier

Donations support the best pediatric cancer research in Canada as well as support programs for children. One of these programs is Camp Goodtimes, a Summer camp in Maple Ridge which provides empowering and enriching experiences for children living with cancer. A team of doctors and nurses are available onsite 24 hours a day to provide medical care, so campers can attend even if they are undergoing treatment.

For more information, visit the website at:

www.copsforcancerbc.ca

Sports

Background

Sports massage therapy has been a time-honoured practice dating back to ancient Greece and Rome.

Sports massage therapy can be included in a training program as a pre-event warm up or post-event cool down to aid performance and assist in injury prevention.

Current research provides evidence that massage therapy can reduce delayed muscle soreness and positively affect heart rate, blood pressure and hormonal levels resulting in a relaxation response, reduced anxiety and improved mood.


Treatment

Registered Massage Therapists may help:
* decrease pain by reducing muscle soreness
* enhance circulation
* reduce anxiety and promote relaxation
* promote greater flexibility & range of motion through active & passive remedial exercises

Research

The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery and injury prevention

Post-exercise massage has been shown to reduce the severity of muscle soreness but massage has no effects on muscle functional loss. The majority of research on psychological effects of massage had concluded that massage produces positive effects on recovery (psychological mechanisms)
(Wearapong P., Hume PA., Kolt GS., Sports Med, 2005;35(3):235-56).

The effects of athletic massage on delayed onset muscle soreness, creatine kinase, and neutrophil count: a preliminary report


Two hours after exercise, massage subjects received a 30 minutes athletic massage; control subjects rested. Delayed onset muscle soreness and CK were assessed before exercise and after exercise. The results of this study suggest that sports massage will reduce DOMS when administered 2 hours after the termination of exercise.
(Smith LL, et al, J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1994 Feb;19(2):93-9).

Visit www.massagetherapy.bc.ca for more information.

Osteoarthritis

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects about 10% of the population.

Recent research suggests that OA is a group of diseases marked by dysfunction in the repair of joint cartilage, especially in the weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.

Symptoms include: joint pain that may come and go, morning stiffness, loss of mobility, boney changes.


Causes: joint injury, infection, genetic factors and joint mechanics may play a part in the onset of osteoarthritis.

Treatment

Registered Massage Therapists may help:
* slowing disease progression, reducing pain and relieving symptoms
* improving function, flexibility & mobility
* reducing disability
* improving sleep
* improving quality of life by providing home exercise advice

Research

Ottawa Panel Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Therapeutic Exercises and Manual Therapy in the Management of Osteoarthritis

Based on their review of research, the Ottawa Panel recommends the use of therapeutic exercises, especially strengthening exercises and general physical activity, particularly for the management of pain and improvement of functional status. Manual therapy combined with exercises also is recommended in the management of patients with OA.
(Ottawa Panel. Physical Therapy 2005;85(9):907-971).

Massage Therapy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

This study suggests that massage therapy using the Swedish technique is safe and effective for reducing pain and improving function in patients with symptomatic OA of the knee.
(Al. Perlman, A Sabina, AL Williams, V Yanchou Njike, DL Katz. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2006;166:2533-2538).

For more information visit www.massagetherapy.bc.ca.

Fibromyalgia

Background

Fibromyalgia (fi-bro-my-Al-juh) syndrome (FMS) is a chronis widespread musculoskeletal pain disorder with patients usually having at least 11 specific tender points on both sides of the body - above and below the waist, in the trunk, arms and legs.


Symptoms:
Muscular stiffness, multiple tenderpoints, poor sleep, irratable bowel syndrome, headaches, numbness and tingling, and a sensatiion of swelling of the hands and feet. Fibromyalgia is frequently associated with depression, memory and concentration difficulties as well as anxiety. It affects up to 2% of the population of all ages and is 7 times more common in women than men.








Treatment

Registered Massage Therapists may help:
* decrease muscle pain and stiffness
* improve muscle strength
* promote relaxation and better sleep
* reduce depression and anxiety (<- click to read more)
* decrease pain-related disability through exercise

Research

Fibromyalgia pan decrease while sleep improves after massage therapy

Massage therapy has been observed to be helpful in some patients with fibromyalgia. This study was designed to examine the effects of a massage therapy versus relaxation therapy on sleep, substance P, and pain in fibromyalgia patients. Across the course of the study, only the massage therapy group reported an increase in the number of sleep hours and a decrease in their sleep movements. In addition, substance P levels decreased, and the patients' physicians assigned lower disease and pain ratings and rated fewer tender points in the massage therapy group.
(Field T., et al, Journal of Clinical Rheumatology. 8(2):72-76, April 2002.)


Physical therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia

Massage may reduce muscle tension and may be prescribed as an adjunct with other therapeutic interventions. Accordingly a multidisciplinary approach combining these therapies in a well-balanced program may be the most promising strategy and is current recommended in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
(Offenbacher M., Stucki G., Scand J Rheumatol Suppl. 200;113:78-85.)

Visit www.massagetherapy.bc.ca for more information.

Low Back Pain

Background

Low back pain is very common but a precise cause is often not found. Researchers found that 60-80% of people will experience uncomplicated back pain at some time in their life.

Possible causes include:

Lumbar Strain: strain or microscopic tears of the muscle and ligaments.

Facet Joint Syndrome: joints can be injured from a sudden force where the back is twisted or arched, or where the spine is repetitively placed into extension.

Herniated Disc: the soft "shock absorber" disc structure becomes swollen and pinches nearby nerve cells.

Degenerated Disc: the disc lose moisture and function.

Treatment


Registered Massage Therapy may help:

* decrease pain
* decrease muscle spasm
* improve function and range of motion
* provide an exercise program to assist return to full function

Researchers have found that 70% of acute patients with non-specific low back pain will improve within two weeks, and 90% will improve and resume their normal activity within four to five weeks.

Research

Review of the evidence for the effectiveness, safety, and cost of acupuncture, massage therapy, & spinal manipulation for back pain

The study showed that massage therapy was more effective and also more cost-effective in the treatment of low back pain, than acupuncture of spinal manipulation.
(Daniel C. Cherkin et al, Annals of Internal Medicine 2003, 138:898-906).

Massage for low-back pain

New, high quality trials show that massage gives some relief from back pain that has continued for many weeks or months - and the benefit may continue at least a year after the course of massage is over. Massage was more likely to work when combined with exercises (usually stretching) and education. There is a trend showing that the greatest benefit came with massage from an experienced licensed massage therapist.
(Furlan AD, Brosseau, Imamura M, Irvin E., The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006 Issue 1, Copyright 2006 The Cochrane Collaboration)

Visit www.massagetherapy.bc.ca for more information.

Whiplash

Background

Whiplash is a condition resulting from an acceleration-deceleration transfer of energy to the neck. Automobile accidents, sports injuries and occupational mishaps are events that can cause this injury.

Symptoms: Whiplash may result in boney, muscle, nerve and other soft-tissue injuries. Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) may include pain and numbness, muscle spasm, dizziness, headaches, and social & psychological issues. This condition can vary from mild to severe.

Research has shown that, with proper guidance, early return to work enhances recovery and reduces the risk of long-term disability.



Treatment

Registered Massage Therapists may help:

* decrease muscle spasm and pain
* restore range of motion
* improve muscle strength and endurance
* reduce headaches
* improve function and return to activity

Research

Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders (Neck Pain Task Force)

Key Findings:

Best evidence synthesis suggests that therapies involving manual therapy and exercise are more effective than alternate strategies for patients with neck pain.

Exercise training, mobilization and acupuncture are more effective in the short term than conventional medical care or "usual care."

A number of alternative and complementary medicine interventions have more evidence of efficacy than conventional medical care.

(Recommendations described are the result of over 6 years of literature review, research, and discussion by a multidisciplinary Scientific Secretariat, supported by an international and multidisciplinary Advisory Committee. The Neck Pain Task Force considered almost 32,000 research citations and performed critical appraisals of the more than 1,000 research students that were relevant to its mandate.)

Visit www.massagetherapy.bc.ca for more information.

Read our informative blog on ICBC Claims should you need to book an appointment and have questions about your claim and coverage.

BC Children's Hospital Miracle Weekend & ChildRun

Th 25th annual BC Children's Hospital Miracle Weekend is a televised two-day celebration, which showcases the best of BC Children's Hospital, including patients their families, caregivers and supporters from every corner of BC.

To watch the live broadcasting, tune in on Saturday, June 2nd from 7pm to 5:30pm on Sunday, June 3rd, on Global BC. 

During the Miracle Weekend in 2011, $17,886,339 was raised for BC Children's Hospital, which set a new record!

How to get involved 

April 26th -> in support of Jeans Day, buy a button
May 27-29 -> Put together and join the Slo-Pitch Tournament
June 3 -> Take part as a family, school team, or corporate team for the ChildRun

Fundraising Ideas

1. Ask friends and family to donate to BC Children's Hospital rather than receiving birthday presents.
2. Hold a car wash when the weather warms up
3. Hold a yard sale.
4. Kids can offer to walk dogs for neighbors and can donate to BC Children's Hospital
5. Host a bottle drive
6. Host a fundraising dinner party in lieu of dinner plates
7. Organize a talent show with family and friends with an entrance-by-donation
8. Hold a pub night fundraiser

What is ChildRun?
ChildRun is the largest family fun run in Vancouver. The ChildRun inspires participants to raise funds for childhood cancer research treatment areas in BC Children's Hospital.

The 27th annual ChildRun will be held on Sunday, June 3rd, 2012. 

Walkers and runners will be hosted by the Wilson Family on a scenic 5 km route from Queen Elizabeth Park or the Thrifty Foods 1km Fun Run, which will be followed by a carnival celebration!

Click HERE to register.

To donate to BC Children's Hospital's ChildRun, please click HERE or HERE.

Photos and Information Sources:
BC Children's Hospital Foundation 

Cancer

Background

Cancer is a disease in which cells of an organ or tissue fail to respond to normal control mechanisms, growing and multiplying out of control.

Massage therapy is increasingly being included in treatment programs for cancer patients at clinics and hospitals around the world.

Current studies are showing beneficial effects of massage therapy, not for the treatment of the disease, but as an aid in enhancing quality of life.

Treatment

Registered Massage Therapists may help:

* increase general well-being
* lessen anxiety and stress
* lessen nausea, insomnia & depression
* support immune function
* manage symptoms of lymphedema




Precaution: RMTs avoid massage therapy directly over known tumors and sites where metastasis may be predicted. Particular caution is exercised in patients with boney metastases, who may be from to fracture. Currently, no evidence indicates that massage therapy promotes tumor metastasis.





Research

Meaningful relief from cancer by massage therapy

Eight female cancer patients were given massage for 10 consecutive days and then interviewed using phenomenology as a theoretical framework. The massage contributed to the development of a positive relationship with the patients, to feeling strong, and to balance between autonomy and dependence. The findings of this study can be of use to health care professionals as it shows that the relatively short period of a massage can result in physical and emotional benefits for cancer patients.
(Billhult A, Dahlberg K, Cancer Nurs. 2001 June;24(3):180-4.)

Safety and efficacy of massage therapy for patients with cancer

Conventional care for patients with cancer can safely incorporate massage therapy, although cancer patients may be at higher risk of rare adverse events. The strongest evidence for benefits of massage is for stress and anxiety reduction, although research for pain control and management of other symptoms common to patients with cancer, including pain, is promising. The oncologist should feel comfortable discussing massage therapy with patients and be able to refer patients to a qualified massage therapist as appropriate.
(Corbin L, J Psychosom Res 2004 Jul;57(1):45-52)

Visit www.massagetherapy.bc.ca for more information.

Feel free to also read our informative blog on Acupuncture & Cancer Care.