Welcome to the December 2009 issue of the LaVida Health Newsletter.

LaVida Health Services

- Naturopathy
- Herbal Medicine
- Nutrition
- Myotherapy
- Massage Therapy

In this Issue

	Health tips and special offers.....
	Christmas...survival of the "fittest"
	Christmas survival strategies....
	Sports training...survival of the fittest...
	Introducing Hayley Van Cuylenburg....
	Our Christmas Closure
	Merry Christmas and thank you...
	Disclaimer
	We love feedback.....

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Health tips and special offers.....

Firstly, welcome to those of you who are receiving our newsletter for the first time. I hope you find the information contained within interesting.

This newsletter is published every two months and contains information on different topics related to health and wellbeing.

This month I provide some tips for surviving the pressures of the holiday season.  Also, I look at training for the summer sports and triathlons.

Also, I am excited to introduce a new addition to our team, Hayley Van Cuylenburg offering relaxation massage, reflexology and indian head massage.  If you haven't tried these wonderful treatments you don't know what you are missing!  And Hayley has an introductory offer for her "Complete Treat" package. 

Finally,  I am offering a 20% discount off the fee for an Initial Consultation to all new clients.  This offer is available until 12 February 2010.  It's a great opportunity to experience the benefits of naturopathy and kick start you into 2010.  Call LaVida Health on 9620 9503 to make an appointment or to find out if Naturopathy can help you.

Yours in good health,

Kaye Wright
Naturopath

Christmas...survival of the "fittest"

It is about this time of the year when you might be feeling a bit "stretched" (both physically and emotionally) .  There always seems to be the pressure of getting work tasks finished by Christmas and on top of that there are extra functions to attend (some more enjoyable than others but always with the temptations of food and drink) and extra jobs like the Christmas shopping, preparing food and getting the house ready for those extra guests. No wonder so many of us get to the New Year and feel absolutely exhausted.  It really is a case of survival of the fittest!  All this extra stress and busy-ness can take it's toll on your health.  Combine this with a richer than normal diet and it can add up to a very unhappy liver and a depleted immune system . However, a little bit of planning and some extra vitamin and mineral "insurance" can help you come through relatively unscathed.

I've listed some tips below....

Christmas survival strategies....

• Planning - it's  a good idea to get out the calendar and schedule in all your activities and tasks so you don't get caught out and end up under even more pressure.  If you can see you have some busy days ahead, schedule in some recovery time.
• Alcohol - look for smaller glasses or only half fill them and don't accept a refill until your glass is empty.  Try to alternate with water or try low alcohol options such as spritzers, light beer or low alcohol wine (8% alcohol wine has significantly less alcohol than 14% wine).
• Balance out overindulgences with lots of healthy salads and fruit which are wonderful at this time of the year and full of liver-loving nutrients.
• A multi-vitamin high in all the B vitamins and vitamin C is very useful for combating the effects of over-indulgence and extra stress but don't wait until afterwards....start taking extra vitamins now!
• Magnesium is a very useful mineral for helping you get over fatigue, headaches, stress and anxiety.  It's found in legumes, seeds, nuts, wholegrains and green leafy vegetables but it can be difficult to get the amount you need without using a supplement.
• It helps if you know your limits and when to say "no"...do you know what your limits are?

Sports training...survival of the fittest...

The weather is warmer, the days are longer and at this time of year many of us are participating in additional exercise or perhaps even training for fun runs, triathlons and the like.  You may be working with a trainer or have an exercise plan mapped out but don't overlook the importance of additional appropriate nutrients to support all your hard work and maximise your performance.

Consider the following:

•  Protein is vital for growth and maintenance of all body tissue (but especially muscle and blood) as well as production of hormones and maintenance of a healthy immune system. Animal and soy protein are the best sources of the 8 essential amino acids including the branched chain amino acids.  These have been shown to improve and maintain lean muscle mass as well as aid recovery from intense exercise.   A whey protein powder may be useful to increase your protein intake.  They are generally well absorbed.
• Carbohydrates are the body's preferred fuel source.  Choose foods with a low glycaemic index which will provide sustained energy.  These include wholegrains, legumes, vegetables and some fruits.
• Co-enzyme Q10 is a nutrient found in every plant and animal cell and is essential for the production of energy.  Although you can get it from your diet, endurance athletes may require additional supplementation.
• Iron is vital for well-oxygenated blood.  People who exercise regularly and intensely may have a greater demand for iron due to increased iron losses.
• B vitamins are essential for energy production and Folate and vitamin B12  are required for cell repair and replication.
• Herbal tonics can help with fatigue, physical stress, pain, tissue healing and adrenal support.
• Water is vital for hydration.  Drink throughout the day, not just when you are exercising.  Electrolyte drinks (beware the sugar) may be useful if you are sweating a lot.
• Allow recovery time as this is when your body refuels and repairs in order to avoid loss of muscle.
• Aerobic exercise increases your usage of oxygen which creates oxidative stress and increases free radicals.  A diet rich in fruit and vegetables and green tea will provide antioxidants to help overcome this but a supplement may also be useful.
• If you suffer from an injury, supplementation with a good quality fish oil high in EPA can help to reduce the associated inflammation and you might benefit from extra protein and zinc for cellular repair and collagen synthesis.  Vitamin C and bioflavanoids are also required for tissue integrity.
• Glucosamine supplementation has been shown to help reduce the extent of degradation of collagen in cartilage.
• Magnesium is essential for regulation of muscle relaxation (opposing calcium which is responsible for muscle contraction).  It is also involved in energy production, regulation of electrolytes and oxygen uptake.  Increased intake is required during times of increased physical activity to reduce cramps and aid muscle recovery.

Are you getting enough of these nutrients to support the specific needs of your body or would you benefit from a naturopathic consultation to tailor a specific nutritional and herbal support plan to help you achieve your best.

And don't forget, Lavida Health has a myotherapist who can help with any niggling injuries or sore muscles.

Introducing Hayley Van Cuylenburg....

Hi, my name is Hayley Van Cuylenburg and I am very excited to join the great team at LaVida Health. I am fully qualified and have over 10 years experience in Relaxation Massage (full body treatment carried out with the finest aromatic oils to nourish the skin and delight the senses) . I also have 5 years experience in Reflexology (fully clothed treatment working on the reflex points on the feet which correspond to all areas of the body), and 5 years in Indian Head Massage , (which is a divine treatment that focuses on the integral relationship between upper back, shoulders, neck, head and face, which can be received with or without oil). .

My main objectives as a practioner is to provide you with the time and environment to give your body, mind and soul the nurturing that it deserves. If you have ever had the experience of a massage that takes you into the realm of tranquility, then there is no need to convince you just how beneficial that was to you on that day and indeed days after, as it allows you to function with a clearer, calmer approach to your daily life.

Receive 90 mins of "The Complete Treat" (a powerful combination of relaxation, pressure point, reflexology and indian head massage), for the introductory price of 1 hour only.   This offer applies to first time clients until the end of February 2010.  YOU INSTINCTIVELY KNOW just how beneficial it feels, which is why I always hear "I must do this more often".

If you are not sure if these services are right for you, please do not hesitate to email or call me with your enquiry, and I will be delighted to discuss which options are best suited for your needs. All enquiries are welcome and respectively answered. Gift vouchers are available and a fabulous idea for Christmas.

I  look forward to hearing from you.  Please call me directly on 0449 757 479 or by email at restorebodyworks@iinet.net.au.  Alternatively you can contact me at LaVida Health on 9620 9503 or at info@lavidahealth.com.au

Love and Light

Hayley
 

Our Christmas Closure

This year I will be taking a break from COB on Friday 18th December.  Please let me know as soon as possible if you will require a consultation or a repeat of your treatments to carry you through until January.

I will be back on deck from January 11, 2010, so if you haven't already done so, please call for an appointment if you would like to kick start your New Year with a detox or some restorative treatments to help you achieve those New Year's Resolutions and sail through 2010.  Don't forget the special offers for all first time clients.

Merry Christmas and thank you...

Finally, I wish you a very happy holiday season spent with family and friends.  May it be restful, safe and full of laughter.  And may 2010 (can you believe it's 2010 already...seems like yesterday we were all worried about Y2K) be full of good health, fun and ticking off a few personal goals.

Thanks to all my clients for your ongoing support during 2009.  I look forward to being of service to you in the coming year in helping you to achieve and maintain good health and vitality.

Best wishes

Kaye

Disclaimer

Naturally, the advice in this newsletter is of a general nature for educational purposes and should not be taken as a substitute for personalised advice from your health care professional. It is provided in good faith without any express or implied warranty. If you have, or suspect you have, a medical condition you should seek expert advice prior to taking any supplements or treatments.

Self-diagnosis and treatment may be ineffective, costly and possibly even harmful in some circumstances.

We love feedback.....

If you have any questions relating to any of the above or suggestions for topics you would like covered in subsequent newsletters, please feel free to email me at info@lavidahealth.com.au or call LaVida Health on 9620 9503.