www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday April 12, 2008 - 23 H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S Get ready for the golf season with Pilates Every golfer inherently knows that the power of their swing lies not only in rotation, but also the rhythm and fluid movement of the body through that rotation. Rotation of the shoulders (ribcage) and rotation of the hips (pelvis) are movements around the body's center of gravity. Achieving this fluid movement and creating rotational power in your swings takes practice on and off the course. In this spring's warm weather, the back yard is the perfect place to practice golf half swings. Don't actually hit a ball, but swing to find the rhythm of the movement of hands, arms, shoulders and hips...IN THAT ORDER...for the backswing. For the downswing, watch the rhythm of the hips, shoulders, arms and hands...IN THAT ORDER. Notice how the clubhead wears out the same patch of grass each time you swing. (Or put a golf tee in the ground if you must hit something.) And like the professionals, take up Pilates. This exercise method is known for keeping one's spine flexible. In fact, Joseph Pilates stated, "You are as young as your spine in flexible." Your spine is the base from which your rotation occurs. Your core muscles are the movers for rotation and dynamic stabilizers for support. These are the key components for a powerful and accurate golf swing. Conditioning and strengthening the whole body through Pilates will be of great value in executing the fundamental movements needed in your game. As you build your rhythmic swing and powerful follow-through with accuracy, your enjoyment of the game will increase even more. (Not all exercises are for everyone and any exercise program may result in injury. Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.) Mary German, Living Well Pilates, Ltd., 2251 Westoak Trails Blvd., Suite 4, Oakville, ON L6M 3P7 Physiologist, CSEP, PMA, PMI, CAN-FIT Pro, Body Harmonics Pilates Certification. www.livingwellpilates.com info@livingwellpilates.com Offering Youth Pilates classes and training. Communication begins at birth Did you know... Babies learn to talk by listening to all the voices and sounds around them -- and babies develop at different rates. Some babies take longer than others to develop speech and language. Here are some ways you can help: · Talk to your baby when dressing, washing or feeding him/her. · Play simple games, like "peek-a-boo". · Sing songs and nursery rhymes. · Read to your baby, using picture books and talking about what you see. · Praise your child's efforts to communicate. - News Canada Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder Do you worry too much? Do people consider you a worry wart? You may be suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). More than day to day anxiety, GAD involves chronic and exaggerated worry and tension, often triggered by nothing at all. Individuals with this condition are always anticipating disaster, often worrying excessively about things like health, money, family, or work. They can't seem to shake their concerns even though they usually realize that their anxiety is excessive. People with GAD may feel unable to relax, have sleep difficulties, feel tired all the time and sometimes suffer from depression. They may have physical symptoms, like muscle tension, or headaches.They may also seem irritable, are easily startled and have to go to the bathroom frequently. Treatment for GAD most often includes medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy or a combination of the two treatments. For more information about GAD or about your eligibility to participate in a GAD medication study call Christine @ 905.521.2100 ext. 76632 or christine@macanxiety.com Anxiety Disorders Clinic McMaster University Medical Centre. Hamilton. www.macanxiety.com Living Well Pilates REGISTER NOW FOR SPRING CLASSES REGISTER FOR TEACHER CERTIFICATION THIS SPRING PERSONALIZED PROGRAMS 905-847-0707 2251 Westoak Trails Blvd., Unit 4 w w w. l i v i n g w e l l p i l a t e s . c o m FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY Call now to schedule an appointment (905) 825-2344 New Patients are Always Welcome FREE WHITENING WITH A COMPLETE EXAM Dr. Roman Baksa 1131 Nottinghill Gate, #204 Oakville, Ontario L6M 1K5