What does success look like to you?

This is an invaluable question when taking on any task or working to improve any area of our lives.  In order to achieve optimal results, we need to be very clear on what our personal vision of success is.  This can certainly be applied to your spinal health program. 

What do you want to achieve at BackFit?  Do you want to eliminate pain and improve range of motion?  Do you want to be able to return to golf or gardening?  Do you want to be able to run a 10K or go on a hiking expedition?  Do you want to be able to play with your children or grandchildren?  What does success look like to you?

Talk to us, tell us what you want to achieve with your care.  Let’s work together to get you there.  Achieving goals, in any area of life, requires persistence and flexibility, along with a little inspiration.  Making change takes time and therefore we need the persistence and patience to keep forging ahead.  There are times when it may seem as though we’re not on track, requiring us to pause and have the flexibility to make adjustments to our plan.  And we need a coach, a partner, a mentor – someone to help hold us accountable and remind us of what we’re striving towards.  This is what we hope to be for you at BackFit.

Here’s our little dose of inspiration for you today.  We are extremely proud of our BackFit team member, Rhys Duch, and his outstanding performance in leading his team to the title of National Lacrosse League champions!  Rhys was very clear on what success looked like for him…   

http://www.stealthlax.com/articles/view/458/

http://stats.nll.com/stats/statdisplay.php?type=top_scorers&season_id=

Living at optimal health requires KNOWLEDGE put into ACTION. 

“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” (-Stephen Covey)

I hope everyone of you have set some personal goals for 2010 by now.

Goals-  There’s no telling what you can do when you get inspired by them.  There’s no telling what you can do when you believe in them.  And there’s no telling what will happen when you act upon them.  If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you.  If you go to work on your plan, your plan will go to work on you.  Whatever good things we build end up building us.

 NEVER FORGET

The major reason for setting a goal is for WHAT IT MAKES YOU to accomplish it.  What it MAKES YOU will always be FAR GREATER VALUE THAT WHAT YOU GET.

The ultimate reason for setting goals is to entice you TO BECOME THE PERSON IT TAKES TO ACHIEVE THEM.

One of my yearly goals is to become a better Doctor this year compared to the last.  I am certain this goal has challenged me to become a focused person along my travelled road.

Be WELL !

Dr. Bentham

Happy New Year!

Over the holiday I read this from J.C. Hutchins- its good.

“Most of us settle in, and settle for what we have. Rather

than pursue, we accept. Our lives become unwitting

celebrations of passivity. We undervalue our work and

perceive ourselves as wage slaves, we consume compulsively (but not

create), we pine for better lives (but live vicariously

through our televisions).

These corners we paint ourselves into, it’s no way to live.

There’s no adventure here, no passion, no hunger for

change. Remember that relentless optimism you once

had? The goals you wished to achieve, before settling in?

They’re still there. You need a nudge to find them; a

little gumption.

You can start that business. You can lose that weight.

You can quit smoking, and learn to garden, and write

that book, and be a better parent, and be all the things

you want to be … the thing this world needs you to be. It

requires courage and faith, both of which you can

muster. It requires effort — but this effortless life isn’t as

satisfying as it seems, is it?

Declare war on passivity. Hush the inner voice that

insists you’re over the hill, past your prime, unworthy of

attaining those dreams. Disbelief is now the enemy, as is

the notion of settling. Get hungry — hyena hungry. Get

fired up. Find your backbone, and your wings.

Flap ‘em. It’s the only way you’ll be able to fly.”

Make 2010 your best year ever!

Dr Bentham

Good day to all!

First of all, thank you for your support and enthusiasm last week.  We realize that this transition has been a big change for a lot of you as you adapt to a new routine and new surroundings.  We sincerely appreciate your patronage to our clinic and your commitment to your health.

Now that we have made the move, please TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE of our entire BackFit SYSTEM.

If you ask the experts who coach people on permanent weight loss, they will tell you there is not one simple solution.  To make dramatic physiologic change and get permanent results, it requires a multi-faceted approach.  You have to get on a consistent workout program – weight training to burn fat and stimulate metabolism and cardio to burn calories.  You must also focus on proper nutrition, as well as examine your emotional attachment to food.  Fail to address any one of these factors, and it will be evident in your results.

Remember - rejuvenating your spine is no different.  Similar to losing weight, it takes multiple factors to get maximum results.  This is the single reason why many people don’t get long term results when they are only receiving spinal adjustments, but not addressing the other aspects of spinal health.

Instead, if you want a healthy functioning spine for life, consider these 4 factors:

1.  Spinal Decompression Therapy- It is impossible to have a healthy spine if you have compressed or damaged discs.  Nothing will restore and rehydrate your discs and cartilage like the pumping action that occurs during spinal decompression.

2.  Spinal Alignment- Spinal alignment/adjustments are the key to proper spinal posture and proper nerve function.

3.  Postural Corrective Exercise- With our “CORE- spinal fitness gym” your muscles will feel the difference after you strengthen and stretch your newly aligned spine.  Remember, after you get trained on the equipment…it’s yours to use, FREE.

4.  Spinal Nutrition – Nourishment that promotes healing and regeneration in the spine. Stick to foods that decrease inflammation and increase alkalinity. Talk to me if you would like more information about this topic. 

So if you are reading this and you realize that you are only doing one or two of the above, we encourage you to utilize the other components of our program.  You will get out of your program exactly what you put in.

Just remember, as in any process – it takes time.  Keep up the good work and we will see you at BackFit.

Dear friends,

With a new year just around the corner, we have made some big choices at Health Within and want you to be a part of them.  Please take a moment to read about the upcoming changes to our practice.

Five years ago, when we opened the doors of Health Within in “Sidney by the Sea”, we were so honoured to be embraced by a community of people who place a high value on spinal health and overall body wellness. Because of this commitment to your health and our practice, Health Within has expanded into every corner of this office.  Our program of care now includes Pettibon spinal equipment, wobble chairs, cervical wall traction, spinal decompression therapy, kinesiology training sessions, orthotics, wellness seminars, spinal fitness educational classes and home exercise programs.  This centre has become a part of the lives of over 1500 people like you – families and athletes who value a healthy functioning spine, not just for now but into the future. 

In the last five years much has changed, but one thing has remained the same: our promise to give our very best in service and care.  To continue to uphold this promise, there are additional services and exciting rehabilitation equipment that we want to make available to you as a part of your spinal fitness program. 

In order to fulfill our vision of enhancing your current care, we will be moving into a new, more spacious facility.  Health Within will be amalgamating with BackFit Spinal Health and Fitness in Royal Oak.  We realize that this may be a greater distance for some of you to travel for your appointments; however we are confident that you will see the value in this new facility.   

In addition to the same personalized care and spinal treatments that you are currently receiving, these are among the many added benefits that you can look forward to at our new location:

·         5,600 square feet of total back rehabilitation

·         CORE – a spinal fitness gym

·         Whole body vibration platforms

·         New spinal decompression tables

·         Convenient key-fob check-in

·         Paperless, computerized charts (a “greener” philosophy)

·         Immediate access to digital x-ray images

·         A larger team which includes 4 doctors

·         Acupuncture

·         Spinal fitness and rehabilitation classes

Throughout the last five years, we have been honoured to play a role in your health and we would like our partnership with you to continue.  Many of you have made us a part of your fitness and training regime.  Others have made us part of your family wellness checkups.  Now, as we celebrate the past and embrace the exciting times ahead, we would like to sincerely thank you for your support and patronage to Health Within and look forward to sharing our new facility with you at 1091 McKenzie Ave.  We are confident you will be thrilled!  

We are excited about this new journey, and look forward to answering any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Drs. Craig and Marissa Bentham

What will happen to my current appointments?

Your current appointments can remain the same.  Ultimately, everything can stay the same for you unless you would like to make changes.  In fact, we will be opening up more hours and our Core gym and spinal decompression therapy appointments. 

What will happen with our staff?

Our friendly and caring staff will be part of this move and will be waiting to greet you at our new facility.

Will my fees be the same?

All of your existing fees will remain the same.    

What are some other benefits to this new location?

When you are under regular care at our new office, you will receive a complimentary membership to our “CORE” gym!  In addition, you will now have access to 2 different types of decompression therapy tables.  Our new facility also offers exciting equipment (such as vibration therapy) to follow your treatments, at no additional charge.

Why not expand on the current property?

Recently, there has been a great deal of uncertainty around the future of our current location due to its development potential.

Where is the new location?

BackFit Spinal Health and Fitnessis only 10-15 minutes from the Saanich Peninsula, conveniently located near Quadra and McKenzie (across from Monkey Tree Pub).  The facility is easily accessible from the Pat Bay Highway and is a central location for the Greater Victoria area.  There is a large parking area just outside the front doors.   

What about my acupuncture and Chinese Medicine integration?

For patients of Dr. Jeff Jones and Mikiala Christie, we will still be in direct communication with them regarding your integrated care. 

What can I expect?

The same great care and service, with access to even more exciting things in the world of spinal health!

Greetings,

As many of you may know, I was injured while playing hockey last week.  I have torn the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in my left knee.  There is a good chance I will require surgery, as well as concentrated rehabilitation.

I have to admit that this injury has become challenging for our family and practice… as all you know, an injury free body is paramount for our work.  As challenging as this is, I strongly believe that these times help us to build strength and resilience and can often bring unexpected blessings.   Thank you all for you kind words and healing thoughts so far.

While I am on my healing journey, you will be seeing more of my wife, Dr. Marissa, in the practice.  We appreciate your understanding during this time.  Please stay consistent with your care in the office, and at home, as I will be doing the same!  For anyone who has specific questions or concerns, please email me directly at drbentham@gmail.com or call me on my cell 250.896.1020. 

I am still available for exams and consultations.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bentham

Good morning my patients, good morning my friends.

Sometimes life can be tough and at times we ALL can become overwhelmed with the things in life that aren’t really important.  This is the SMALL STUFF.  

Today I invite you to watch this 5 minute powerful video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbJ8dp4zK7A and get reacquainted with your POWER WITHIN- this is the BIG STUFF. 

Why am I showing you this?  Simply because these principles factor into your health- BIG TIME!

Stay focused, stay healthy, stay energized and alive…

Dr. Bentham

Last week, a patient who is relatively new to our office, said to me, “Hey Doc, I want you to know I feel so much better since starting my spinal decompression treatments.”  As I am always excited to see progress, I smiled and said “FANTASTIC!” 

However, I also smiled and said, “Told you so.” 

Normally I am not that cheeky, however, 6 weeks before, that same patient asked me a VERY COMMON question that comes up OVER AND OVER. 

During the first 5 visits that same patient had asked me, “Why do I feel sore after my decompression treatments?” 

My response was, ”Hang in there… IT WILL IMPROVE.”

If you are going for your first workout in 20 years, you are going to feel it.  If you are getting the braces on your teeth tightened, you are going to feel it.  If you are doing your first cleanse, you are going to feel it.  When you start working on healing and stabilizing your spine, whether through spinal adjustments or decompression therapy, YOU WILL FEEL IT! 

Trust in the healing process.  It takes time, it takes commitment, and it takes an understanding of the process.

Get educated about your spine, take care of it now and for the long haul… It is the only one you have.

If anyone else would like to share their healing success story from a tough start through to a happy ending,  PLEASE SHARE.  You may end up inspiring others who are going through the same process.

Have a fantastic week!