May Newsletter 🦆
Welcome to May. Finally, some moisture (why did it have to be snow though!) to quench the thirsty earth.
Probably the biggest news around the clinic is that we have a nesting pair of Canadian Geese! The nest is across the street on top of No Frills, and you can often find the male lounging in between our building and the white house next door. So, please be cautious when parking over there (remember you can park at the white house next door after 6 pm weekdays and on weekends). The male is quite accustomed to having people walk by and is very calm by nature—so calm that a few of you have thought he was injured. I can say with full confidence he is the most relaxed goose I have ever seen and is quite healthy. We are excited for gosling season and I will definitely have pictures/videos!
Self Care Trends:
Recently, I stumbled upon a TikTok video featuring a young lady cautioning against using a massage gun on the neck. For those not familiar, a massage gun is an oscillating massage device that gained popularity in recent years. She learned the hard way that these gadgets can cause harm if not used properly. Unfortunately, like many trends in the self-care industry, there's often a lack of education surrounding their usage, leading to potential risks and injury.
As someone who regularly teaches couples massage, I often emphasize certain areas that should be avoided during self-massage, especially with massage guns. These include the delicate side of the neck, the sensitive area at the nook of the elbow, and behind the knee, where veins, arteries, and nerves are close to the surface. Additionally, when using massage guns, it's crucial to avoid the entire neck area and any bony prominences.
While massage guns can complement a self-care routine, they should be used judiciously. They can never fully substitute stretching, exercise, or, of course, professional massage therapy. If you already own a massage gun and wish to learn more about its safe and effective usage, feel free to bring it along to your next appointment, and I'd be happy to assist you.
One common question I often receive is, "What massage gun should I get?" Surprisingly, this isn't a high-tech piece of equipment—it's essentially an oscillation device, using existing technology from some power tools. Personally, I've experimented with both expensive options like Theragun and budget-friendly ones from Amazon, and truth be told, I didn't find much disparity between them. In fact, I tend to favour the cheaper model, as it comes with a softer attachment that feels more comfortable on my shoulders. Remember, there are plenty of dud devices out there, so it's wise to peruse reviews before making a purchase.
Summer Hours Update
It's official—I'll be adjusting my summer hours. Starting this month, I'll be available for appointments on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday as usual, but I'll be taking Wednesdays off. As many of you know, I'm an avid gardener, outdoorsy gal and with our fleeting summer season, I believe a bit of extra time for myself is well deserved.
Plant Walks Adventure:
Mark your calendars for our upcoming plant walks on June 1st, July 13th, and August 10th! Join me on a captivating journey through the enchanting world of plants, herbs, and weeds. Whether rain or shine, these walks promise an unforgettable experience amidst nature's beauty. Find more details and sign up here.
Summer Herb Walks Schedule:
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Sherwood Park Natural Area, 52118 Clover Rd, Sherwood Park, AB
Parking: Available on-site
See you all soon!
Jennifer
P.S. Feel free to share this with friends and family who might be interested in joining our plant adventures or exploring the world of herbs with me!