Goals health wellness

How to Set Realistic Goals that’ll Change Your Overall Health

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New Year’s Resolutions made by well-meaning but, unfortunately, less than 10 percent of people who make resolutions feel that they successfully achieve them and only 45 percent last past six months. Self-improvement goals like lose weight, eat healthier, quit smoking, and life improvement rank in the top five more popular resolutions. So, what is that 10 percent doing that makes them successful at achieving their goals? What sets them apart?

SMART Approach to Successful Goals

The SMART approach is a guide for setting realistic goals and attaining them. It is an acronym that outlines a success focused strategy for goal setting:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Accountable
  • Realistic
  • Timeframe

Each step will bring you closer to achieving your goals and improve your health.

Be SPECIFIC about your goals

Vague, ambiguous goals can’t stand up to time and temptation. Get specific.

Say you want to lose weight. How much do you want to lose? How do you plan to accomplish it? What are your reasons for setting this goal? Whatever goal you are setting, ask why and get specific about the details.

Set Goals that are MEASURABLE

If you set a goal that you can’t measure, how will you know when you reach it?

Any goal that you have can be measured in some way. Weight loss is measured in pounds, how your clothes fit, or how many inches you’ve lost. Eating healthy can be measured by what foods you incorporate into your dies, getting the junk food out of your pantry, and finding healthy recipes.

It helps to break your main goal into several smaller, attainable ones. It lets you see success very early and you keep seeing success which spurs your motivation, making you less likely to abandon your efforts.

Hold Yourself ACCOUNTABLE

Accountability is a great motivator for helping you stick to your goals. Keeping a journal has long been a great way to keep yourself accountable, but there are many website and software programs that you can use to track your efforts that may prove to be even more effective.

Partnering up with a buddy is also a great strategy. Choosing someone who has a goal similar to yours allows you to hold each other accountable. Plus, success is always better when you can share it with a friend.

Keep Your Goals REALISTIC

Unrealistic or unattainable goals are motivation killers. Even goals that are too difficult or require high pressure effort over a long period of time can be difficult to stick to.

As you sit down to set your goals, think about not only what you want to achieve, but what that looks like in your life. In other words, consider your personality and lifestyle, structuring your goals to accommodate those factors.

If your goal is to lose weight, setting a goal of 30 pounds in 30 days is not only unrealistic, but unhealthy. On the other hand, setting a 2 pound per week loss is a goal that you will likely find to be much easier.

Set a TIMEFRAME, but Keep it Flexible

Creating a timeframe for meeting your goals gives your efforts structure which helps to keep you motivated. Make sure your timeframes are realistic; give yourself enough time.

If the constraints are too tight you could find that you veer off the path and even lose sight of your goals. Stay flexible, though. If you don’t reach a goal within a given timeframe, don’t be afraid to move it a little.

As long as you are moving forward, toward your goal you don’t need to limit yourself just because you didn’t complete it within the time you originally allotted. It’s about meeting your goals and making lasting changes that will affect your overall health for the better. Cut yourself some slack.

fitness trackers benefits chiropractic

What Chiropractic Patients Want To Know About Fitness Trackers

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Exercise is usually a great compliment to chiropractic treatment. In fact, many chiropractors recommend regular exercise to their patients. It helps with pain management and speeds healing as well as give your mood a healthy, natural boost. Where does fitness trackers come in?

Fitness trackers are a popular workout tool that helps people set fitness goals, track their progress, and get healthier. How can they help chiropractic patients though? What can they offer that patients will get more out of their treatments? Find out what you need to know about chiropractic and fitness trackers.

It takes more than the tech to get you fit.

All the flashy, high tech bells and whistles in the world won’t roll you out of bed in the morning and place you on the treadmill. No fancy wristband will get you up and moving, getting exercise and getting fit. The tech is cool. It is fun and exciting, but it won’t get you fit. Only you can do that.

So if you are getting a fitness tracker with the belief that it is going to be some kind of fitness magic bullet, that just won’t happen. It is great as a fitness buddy, a tool, a nifty gadget that may help motivate you and help you achieve your fitness goals. In the end, though, you are the one driving that car. You are in control.

Is a fitness tracker for you?

There are so many fitness trackers on the market with an almost endless list of features. Finding the one that is right for you, or if you could even benefit from a fitness tracker takes a bit of research. Look for features that work for you and the activities you will be pursing.

For instance, if you enjoy water-based fitness activities you might want a waterproof model. There are also data limits, screen sizes (or no screen at all), heart rate tracking options, and whether you want a clip on tracker or one that straps on your wrist.

Before making your purchase, take some time to research all of the features that are available to you then decide what you like and what features would best help you meet your fitness goals.

How to get the most out of your fitness tracker.

Once you have your fitness tracker you will want to make a plan to ensure that you get the most out of it. Try these tips to make your fitness tracker work its best for you.

Identify clear cut goals. When you begin your fitness quest, the first thing you need to do is know where you want to go with it. It is a good idea to record your stats at the beginning and then update them every month or so. This will let you see how many more steps you are taking, how much weight you’ve lost, or whatever else you wish to accomplish.

Set attainable benchmarks. Benchmarks help you along as you work toward your goal. The key is setting them so that they are attainable but still present a bit of a challenge. If weight loss is your key, you might set benchmarks for every two months. For fitness goals, you may set benchmarks for a certain number of steps in a given time or a certain number of workouts each week. When you reach a benchmark, celebrate a little.

Wear it on your non-dominant wrist. The Journal, Medical and Science in Sports and Exercise published a study that revealed participants who wore fitness trackers on their wrists throughout the day found that they were more accurate when worn on the non-dominant wrist. The theory is that the non-dominant wrist moves less, giving a more accurate reading.

Calibrate your tracker to match your stride. Not everyone has the same stride. You may be very tall or very short; you might take longer strides or time steps. Whatever the case, you’ll get the most out of your fitness tracker by calibrating your stride. Most trackers will provide instructions for doing the calibration. It is well worth taking the time to complete it.

Incorporate other apps to boost your fitness efforts. Many fitness trackers will recommend other apps that can help you meet your goals and you can sync them to your tracker. However, you can also look for apps on your own that can help. There are so many different fitness apps out there from food tracking to apps that use your phone’s GPS to provide more accurate measurements on your runs, walks, or bike rides.

The more fit you are the better your chiropractic treatments will typically work. Fitness trackers can help you reach your goals and get the most out of your chiropractic care.

Visit www.ocwc.ca for more health information and fitness tips in our various blogs!

Massage, Benefits of Massage

7 Reasons To Get A Massage

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In this fast-paced world, it is easy to get tensed and stressed, which is why it is important for individuals to find alternative methods in making them feel better. Although, some individuals find unhealthy alternative methods, the best one would be to get a massage.

Massages are incredibly important for individuals, but many fail to understand that. To help you grasp a better understanding, here are the top reasons why you should opt for a massage.

1.      Massage can readjust your posture

Sitting in the same position all day or leaning in to use your phone is not good for your posture. Getting regular massages will straighten your posture and alignment while relieving the pains from your back and neck. The American Massage Therapy Association claims that massages are known to relieve tensions.

2.      Massage can help you sleep better

Regular massages aid with the blood circulation, which means it will help you sleep better. If you are suffering from insomnia or sleepless nights, opting for regular massage would be the best option. If you cherish your sleep, get a massage.

3.      Massage can help ease your anxiety

Massages are known to lessen anxiety. If you have gotten it before, you must know how amazing it feels. A study done in Korea showed how a simple massage can lower the heart rate and blood pressure. The simple touch of a hand can make sure your anxiety is lessened.

4.      Massage can help alleviate headaches

If you have been suffering from migraines or chronic headaches, it is important to talk to your doctor about them. However, if you know the reason behind these pains, you need to start getting regular massages. There have been endless studies done that have proven that massages are great at lessening migraines and chronic headaches.

5.      Massage can treat all kinds of pains

Not only do massages help athletes with their pains, but also massages can help people with all kinds of bodily pains. Although, painkillers are the go-to option for most people, this type of medication has many side effects despite the immediate pain relief. Getting a massage will help ease the pain while it leaves you feeling relaxed and much better.

6.      Massage can lessen the effects of chemo and other treatments

Studies and many researches have proven that if you have undergone (or are undergoing) chemotherapy or any other intense treatment for severe illnesses, massage is the best option. These studies have shown that massage can alleviate nausea after getting the treatment. The best part is that massage is known to make the pain less as well when you are undergoing these treatments.

7.      Massage can make your mood better

With lesser pain in your body and no anxiety, massages will definitely make your mood better. Therefore, if you are willing to make your mood better, a 30-minute massage will do the job. According to science, massages are supposed to make you feel better.

These are the top reasons why you should opt for massages. They will improve the quality of your life, while making you feel like a new and better person.

If you are in the market for a high quality massage, Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic has 2 very skilled therapists on staff. Give our clinic a call at (780)455-2112 or visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more about our therapists.

 

 

The 4 Most Common Massage Therapies

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In recent times, massage therapies have become more and more popular and loved. The reason for this is obvious; massages are known to provide every individuals with comfort and relaxation. Although, there are many different types of massages available, here are the massages that are most loved by the majority of people.

1.     Swedish Massage

This is the most popular kind of massage therapies available at wellness centers, spas, gyms, and clinics. The main goal of this massage is to use long strokes that focus on healing certain areas of your body. The 5 basic strokes in this massage are petrissage (rolling, kneading, lifting), friction (small circular motions), vibration (shaking and rocking movements), effleurage (smooth long strokes), and tapotement (percussion). This massage is the ideal option for those that want to release all tensions from their bodies

2.     Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage is a modification of the Swedish massage that infuses massage oil with essential oils. Essential oils are derived from plant parts or flowers and are known to have healing powers. For example, the lavender and rose oils are known for their relaxation ability. Although every single one of the oils have their own unique properties, there is a chance that your masseuse has pre-blended an oil blend for you to provide you with ultimate energy, and relaxation so you can be uplifted.

3.     Deep Tissue Massage

Just like its name, the main target of this massage is to go into the deep layers of your muscle and connective tissues so all the muscle knots can be undone. Your masseuse will be using slow strokes or friction directly on top of your muscles. This way the relaxation will be focusing on any tight/painful muscles, postural issues, injuries, or repetitive strain. The pressure used in this massage is more intense as compared to the Swedish massage, but it is not painful. The best candidates for this massage would be those that have chronic pain, injuries, or those that have troubles moving.

4.     Hot Stone Massage

Your masseuse will place smooth, warm stones on the painful areas of your body and he/she will hold the stones while you are being massaged. The stones used in this massage are basalt (this is a “volcanic rock” that preserves heat). The warmth these stones give off have the ability to loosen your tighten muscles so the masseuse can massage on them for ultimate comfort.

However, if you have any health issues like diabetes, varicose veins, high blood pressure, or a heart disease, you need to talk to your doctor before opting for this massage. Similarly, if you are on medication that is thinning your blood, consult your doctor.

Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic has qualified registered massage therapists, offering varies types of massage therapies on staff. Give our clinic a call @ 780-455-2112 to get started today.

Does Massage Even Work?

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Before getting a massage, people usually wonder “does massage even work?” We leave the final decision up to you, but it is true that massage therapy has endless benefits.

The most common benefits are mentioned below:

Alleviates Stress

Whether you are getting a sports massage or a relaxation massage, your stress levels will be lower for longer periods.  This will benefit you thru increased energy levels will, less pain, and enhanced physical/emotional moods.

Intensive Muscle Relaxation

The main goal of massage therapy is to focus on the areas of your body that are aching. This will relieve tension from those muscles, improve your flexibility and provide  relaxation to your entire body.

Massage therapy is also known to release endorphins into your body, which leads to a boost in the serotonin and dopamine levels in your body. These beneficial hormones help your body emotionally and physically. While they deal with pain management and they promote healing, they will definitely calm your nerves.

Better Circulation

The long-term benefits of massage therapy should never be underestimated. Those who get massage therapy consistently will benefit from better blood circulation. The reason why better circulation is so important is because rich blood heals the tense, stiff, and damaged muscles.

Relieving muscle tensions improves blood circulation to your injured or affected muscles. This way, there is more oxygen and nutrients getting to your damaged tissues. When there is “increased activity” in these affected areas, there is less swelling and stiffness in your joints and muscles.

To get started with your massage, give our clinic a call @ 780-455-2112 or check out our website @ schroeder.wpengine.com.

 

Yoga, Chiropractic

4 Powerful Ways Yoga Increases the Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care

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Yoga hasn’t taken the world by storm, but it has gained steadily in popularity in the last decade. Originally developed thousands of years ago, the practice of breathing, posing, and stretching offers a variety of important health benefits. Reduced stress and blood pressure, increased flexibility and stamina, greater balance, and a better understanding of breathing techniques are all fabulous results of practicing yoga.

In addition to the normal exercise benefits yoga offers, the practice serves as treatment for a variety of injuries and health conditions. Yoga embodies the recognition of the link between physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness, and reaches its fans in deeper ways than other forms of traditional exercise.

Although the two disciplines come from entirely different histories, the concept that yoga heals the body in its entirety closely mirrors the concept behind chiropractic care. These similar foundations offer enormous benefits to those suffering from a variety of injuries and conditions that seek help from a chiropractor. By incorporating yoga sessions into their treatment, chiropractic patients often reap great rewards.

Here are four reasons why:

Yoga primes the body for healing

Practicing yoga stretches and elongates the body’s muscles, releasing tension and stress. Before patients visit their chiropractors, yoga can serve to warm up their bodies and clarify their minds, so the chiropractor can dig into the root problem. Yoga complements chiropractic treatment by readying the body to heal itself.

Yoga strengthens joints and ligaments

Dealing with a health condition or injury is frustrating and can seem like it takes forever to heal. Implementing yoga into a recovery plan helps strengthen joints and ligaments, which aids in promoting healing and cutting down the time it takes to get better.

Yoga works on the body as a whole and promotes greater well-being from head to toe. A stronger body absorbs chiropractic care more productively and deeply than one that is stiff, sore, and unhealthy.

Yoga increases range of motion

Depending on the severity of the individual’s specific condition, chiropractic patients may need several visits to "prep" their bodies before the main issue can even be addressed. Yoga sessions increase a body’s flexibility and help with the range of motion in the neck, back, hips, and other joints. By going into a chiropractic treatment equipped with better range of motion, the patient is more pliable, and the visit is able to offer more in-depth adjustments, for greater results.

Prevents future injury

Many reasons individuals seek chiropractic treatment are for recurring issues. Yoga provides an ongoing way for patients dealing with chronic issues to manage and reduce instances of pain, inflammation, and other symptoms. A regimen of yoga coupled with chiropractic care keeps the body aligned, its balance level, the muscles stretched and de-stressed, and the joints operating efficiently.

Both also serve to keep posture correct, and ligaments strong. All of these results create a body that is less susceptible to future injury, and less inclined for previous medical conditions to resurface. Individuals enjoy greater mobility longer, all without changing their active lifestyles.

Yoga has long been touted as the answer for many of the body’s issues, and it’s smart for individuals, whether dealing with current issues or in prime health, to check out the basics of yoga. Chiropractic care coupled with yoga offers a great many benefits to patients who are dealing with medical conditions or injury. Ask your chiropractor for an evaluation of your health issues, and whether adding yoga to your overall health plan would help you lead a better, more active life.

5 Tips Chiropractic Patients Can Use When Choosing The Perfect Pillow

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Neck pain is nobody’s friend, and it is definitely not an ideal sleeping companion. Pain-filled nights can leave a person dull, groggy, and not ready to face the day in the morning. Unfortunately, certain sleeping positions can further aggravate neck pain to the point it robs a person of a good night’s sleep.

If you suffer from neck pain, the toll it takes on deep sleep isn’t news to you. What may surprise you, however, is choosing the right pillow can make a huge difference in whether you lie awake grumpily watching the clock or snuggle cozily into dream land.

A million pillow choices await you. The first order of business is determining the primary position you sleep in. Certain shapes of pillows cradle the head and neck more comfortably, depending on the sleeping position.

Now that you have determined your favorite sleeping position, you are ready to shop for a new pillow. Be certain to keep these five tips in mind before you settle on your new bed mate.

#1: Ask for a recommendation from your chiropractor.

Before selecting your new pillow, talk to the person who understands the cause of your neck pain, your chiropractor. He or she will give you some valuable pointers on choosing the pillow that will be most beneficial.

#2: Do your research.

Fire up the Internet and search for pillows by your sleeping position. Read the reviews from people who also have neck pain, and see which pillows helped them. Note the pillow name, price, and store that sells it.

#3: Think about the filling.

Pillows are filled with a variety of materials, and you will need to consider which one is right for you. Feather pillows may offer neck comfort, but if you are allergic this is the wrong choice.

Memory foam is a popular choice because of it’s ability to contour to your body’s shape. Give some thought to the type of filling that best suits your sleeping style.

#4: Consider the size.

Pillows should generally be between 4-6 inches in height, and should alleviate the pressure points around your neck and shoulders. Extra thick pillows or especially flat ones are most likely the wrong choices (again, this depends on your sleeping position).

Your size should also be considered when choosing a pillow. A large person needs a bigger pillow, while a more petite person should go with a smaller pillow. The bottom line is the pillow should provide support and comfort, and hold your neck in a neutral position.

#5: Don’t try to ‘make do’ with a budget pillow.

Pillows designed to reduce neck pain are not going to be cheap. With all the less expensive pillows available, its tempting to settle for a more modestly priced option.

Before you end up spending a smaller amount of cash on a pillow that won’t alleviate your current problem, remember the many painful nights and groggy mornings that you would have paid a ton of money just to feel good. Then open your wallet and buy the pillow that will minimize that from ever happening again. Parting with the cash won’t kill you. We promise.

Neck pain and the lack of sleep that results is a serious issue. Addressing it with a good chiropractor is the first step toward improving the situation.

Shopping for the perfect pillow is a close second in importance. By following these tips and taking the time to choose the right pillow, you will be snoozing away pain-free in no time at all!

Are You Too Tired During The Day?

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Do you need to improve your energy? If you feel like you have a hard time keeping your eyes open, it may have to do with one of your lifestyle habits. Dr. Kent Ferguson from Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic discusses one way to improve your daily energy.

Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic is one Edmonton’s finest health care clinics. We are excited for the opportunity to work with you in achieving your health goals. Our wellness clinic offers chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy and shockwave therapy services tailored to your meet your needs.

Why portion control matters in weight loss

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At the beginning of the year, you may have made weight loss one of your main goals. You probably even went ahead and bought clothes two sizes smaller, to serve as motivation for your weight loss goal.

When it comes to losing weight, managing your dietary habits will likely have the greatest impact. One of the simplest things you can do is practice portion control. It’s been said time and again that weight-loss battles are won in the kitchen.

 Ways To Control Your Portions:

  • Do not skip your meals
    If you ate three meals in a day with a snack in between, you would significantly reduce your chances of overfeeding. Skipping a meal means that you may be more prone to indulge in a large meal to satisfy your hunger. Eating regularly also speeds up your metabolism, and you end up storing less fat. Start your day with a healthy breakfast. Consider a protein shake mixed with vegetables and fruit; or a boiled egg served with mixed vegetables and fruit. For snack time, a handful nuts or trail mix are great options that will allow you to eat your lunch and dinner in controlled quantities.
  • More Protein
    The quality of what you have on your plate makes all the difference. Complexcarbsand protein keep you fuller for longer. If your hunger pains are toned down, you are less likely to eat all the time. Additionally, proteins in your diet help to build muscle which increases your ability to lose those extra pounds. Excellent sources of protein include black beans, lentils, eggs, and lean cuts of meat.
  • Make Use of a Kitchen Scale
    You may be as guilty of trusting your eyes’ judgment as I am. Aren’t we all? While you may believe your eyes know what a half ounce of an ingredient looks like; there is the possibility of being inaccurate. In some cases greatly inaccurate. So it may be best to make use of a kitchen scale. When you weigh your food, you reduce the chances of overestimating the quantity. Now, I know this sounds tedious. Consider the fact that you may not use the scale all the time once you begin to better understand your portions. It’s a just a good place to start.

Weight loss may not be as difficult as we make it out to be. However, it only becomes easy when you become the master of the portion and quality of food that makes it to your plate. When you learn the art of curbing your cravings and eating less food, you gain control of your body.

Weight loss will require efforts in dietary habits, exercise and physical activity as well as removing self-limiting thoughts. At Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic our services are aimed at supporting you in reaching your goals. Book an apointment at [sc name=”tel-ocwc”]

3 Ways To Stay Active – Choose One

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friends on bicycles

My goal as a family wellness chiropractor is to help my patients live a life full of energy and not be limited by pain. I’ve been in practice now for over 12 years and I can tell one thing. If my patient’s don’t actively stimulate their bodies with movement and exercise, they will have a harder time feeling better. There can be a large gap between wanting to be more active and actually being more active. Here are 3 solutions to consider. (Click here to watch video on 3 Ways To Stay Active)

1) HIRE A PERSONAL TRAINER

There’s a difference between how you believe you are standing and moving vs what you are actually doing. It’s difficult to understand the difference of what we are doing and what we think we’re doing without someone watching us. This is where a personal trainer becomes invaluable. Having someone who is trained to understand how your body should move with exercise can mean the difference between success and injury. Injuries increase the chances of you becoming less motivated because you don’t want to hurt yourself; which is valid because who wants to hurt themselves?

When it comes to personal training, you have options. If you are new to the gym, you may be able to find deals and packages for both personal training and gym membership. There’s typically some sort of promotion going on so shop around. You can hire a personal trainer and train at city or community gyms. This option may be a little cheaper than brand name gyms depending upon your use of the community or city gym. Also, community and city gyms may offer other amenities such as pools, tracks and child care that may be valuable to you.

Watch Video: OCWC presents Marked Improvement Personal Training:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j33bKR0jMXE

2) FITNESS CLASSES 

Fitness classes can be a great way to keep yourself on track. Maybe you join a class with your friends or co-workers. Maybe over the course of time you get to know some of people in your group fitness class. In either case there is a greater potential to be motivated and held accountable by the group. Whether that accountability is real or perceived doesn’t really matter as long as it keeps you on task towards your goal.

Fitness classes can be relatively inexpensive to purchase and there are many to choose from. You can try group spin, yoga, Pilates, Zumba, kettle bell, yoga/Pilate fusion, dance, barre, aqua aerobics classes and much more. Sometimes your existing gym membership allows you drop in on some of these classes which can be a great way to mix up your workouts.

Be sure to discuss any difficulties you have performing movements with your class instructor. In some cases you may need to consult a health care professional; to address any problems that may limit your enjoyment and positive progression with your choice of exercise class.

3) JUST DO IT

Just choose to be active and make decisions that will allow you to be more active. Yup it’s that easy. Well it isn’t but the self talk you have with yourself will make all the difference in the world.

Maybe you have a history of physical activity. Life and “responsibility” can sometimes dominate and push other healthy activities out of the way. If this is the case, finding the time can be the biggest challenge. So, decide to start small. Maybe you start by deciding to take a walk every morning, afternoon or evening. Maybe you would prefer to cycle or jog. Just start with one thing and decide to be consistent.

Sometimes you need to have serious conversations with yourself. Find out what you want from yourself or what you want to give yourself and use that as motivation. Don’t be afraid to talk out loud to yourself. You know “get out of bed and workout because……” or “go straight to the gym, fitness class or park because……”. For me, I tell myself that I can not be there for the people I love, enjoy the things I love if I don’t have my health. Now only you can fill in the blanks with something that means something to you. Good Luck.

Dr. Kent Ferguson
Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic
www.ocwc.ca
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