Learning about back care

The Whitecourt Healthy Living Program held an education session, Lunch & Learn, on November 17 in the boardroom at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre. The noon-hour meeting, created by AHS and the McLeod River Primary Care Network, happens monthly, is free, and provides information on various topics while attendees enjoy lunch provided by IGA.

November’s session was on back care and delved into the many ways to reduce pain including proper movement routines or stretching exercises, how to recognize the signs of acute or chronic pain, and knowing when to see your doctor. Physiotherapist Jessica Hein and Physiotherapy Assistant Lyndsay Perkins, both local healthcare professionals, presented the meeting which also included a 10-minute video by YouTuber Dr. Mike Evans who has created a name for himself providing information on a slew of topics revolving around health.

The session began with a test to gage the understanding the participants had with back facts. Do you know which position rests your back best when you sleep? How about which symptoms may indicate a serious back strain or injury? Well, for sleeping, the best position is on your side with a pillow between your knees. If sleeping on your back is necessary for your comfort, placing a pillow under your knees will lift you into a much better position for back health. As for symptoms to watch for, it’s having difficulty controlling bowel or bladder movements that can indicate a serious injury.  Did you know those answers? If not, then maybe watching some of Dr. Mike’s videos should be on your to-do list!

The Lunch & Learn sessions were created as part of the Healthy Living Program which is an eight-week program for adults meant to prevent, postpone, or manage the onset of chronic disease through exercise and education. Anyone who lives with or is at risk of developing a chronic condition such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, obesity, COPD, high blood pressure, MS, or fibromyalgia is invited to join. At only $48 for level one and $24 for level two with an option of a level three at the drop-in rate, it’s an affordable program (financial assistance is also available) that can significantly alter your health for the better.

Upcoming Lunch & Learn topics include Sleep for Success (December 15), Dental Hygiene (January 19), and Respiratory Disease (February 16).  Admission is free but pre-registration is required. Please register at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre front desk or by calling 780-778-3637 ext. 0. To join the Healthy Living Program or to get more details on it, call the number above and use ext. 400.