Sometimes you just need to relax.
That was the message Dr. Jordin Wiggins of Fonthill shared during her presentation at the Health and Wellness Show this past weekend in Welland.
“It’s the North American idea of never unplugging. We always have our phones on, checking emails and watching television. This is very different than the way it use to be.”
Dr. Wiggins spoke of the numerous cases of women dealing with the same issues -- fatigue, soreness and a number of other symptoms that cause interruption in everyday life.
“Many women can identify with this. The roles have changed; it’s a full day with no time to relax.”
Working a full-time job while raising children is the new norm, resulting in little time for one to rest. Wiggins says although stress is good in small dosages, but never allowing for a cool down period can be dangerous.
“Stress allows our body to do what it needs to survive, but today we are in that stressed state all the time.”
Wiggins says many people are coming to her when their doctor’s diagnosis has concluded that everything was fine and nothing came up on lab tests. Yet, they still can’t get through the day without feeling exhausted.
“We’re telling woman that your labs are normal, but you need to sleep better, eat better, and exercise. But they are so burnt out, none of that is possible.”
Wiggins, whose interest in health care began during the completion of her Honours degree in Health Science at Brock University, finds it odd how many
in the healing field approach women’s health in that aspect. Rather than finding a solution to the problem, they are asked to go and repeat what has brought them seeking help in the first place.
The way to feel better is often simple, she says.
“Sleep is key. If we’re not sleeping well, we’re not producing hormones at the best level. Without the proper hormones, we aren’t getting to sleep or staying asleep, so it’s one big circle.”
She adds that unplugging is often the biggest key to getting a good night sleep. Without that constantly backlight glow, the body and mind can relax and focus on the task at hand.
The doctor makes the case;
“Your body needs the natural UV. It’s not always easy to do considering where we live, but taking vitamins to supplement that loss will work too.”
Wiggins, who maintains a general family practice with a special interest in women’s health, sports medicine, stress and anxiety management as well as cancer prevention, spoke of the importance of simply taking one step back to relax.
“Give yourself time for yourself. If we’re never allowing ourselves to turn off, then we are never going to fix the problem and get to the root cause.”
The Health and Wellness Show featured vendors and industry professionals presenting on hot trending health topics. It is a free event that allows an opportunity for community members to educate themselves and learn about the services available to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Other local vendors included Accelerated Health & Wellness Centre and Shoppers Drug Mart.
For more events, visit www.seawaymall.com.
