Clinic News
Are we in February already? Boy is time ever going by quickly! We hope that you are still on track for your life goals that you set up for yourself for 2025! The clinic will be closed for Family Day, Monday, February 17th. Drs. Boyd and Bajor will be on holidays for that week as well, February 17th through February 21st, and back in the office for regular hours on Monday, February 24th. Dr. Hubert will be be available during her regular clinic hours while they are away in case there are any emergencies!
Matching Expectation with Reality
Recovering from any injury, big or small, can be overwhelming and difficult to accept. It is often marred with many ups and downs, and, because the body is just such an interesting entity, it can throw you a lot of curveballs and this commonly leads to frustration.
Many people enter the recovery process with expectations that don’t always align with reality.The time it takes to heal and the overall outcome can be influenced by various factors, including the duration of the condition and one’s age. Understanding these elements can help you set realistic goals and maintain a positive mindset throughout the process.
I have been fortunate through my life to not have many incidents or injuries. However when I’ve done something I’ve usually done it BIG! Thankfully there have only been two such incidents and, while that’s two too many, they have helped me shape the person I am and develop reasonable expectations.
(This picture is blurry because my wife took a picture against my wishes to commemorate the good and bad parts of life! – I was not impressed). Without boring you with too many details, in my first incident I landed up in the hospital (specifically cardiac care unit (CCU) at Peter Lougheed Centre) because they thought I had a heart attack. Quick back story: I was quite sick on and off for a few weeks with a couple fevers, I pushed myself, didn’t listen to my body, landed up with solid chest pains in urgent care, told me I had a heart attack, sent me by ambulance to PLC, did some more testing. It was determined I actually had myocarditis and pericarditis from this illness, NOT a heart attack, kept me for a few nights and then released me with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. I took 3 days off to rest and went back to work. Because I was young and healthy and active (38 at the time), I recovered quickly with no lasting effects.To this day, from this one incident, I have always been careful not to overdo it when I have gotten sick. I learned my lesson!
Fast forward to 2019:
This one was not my fault!! This was just one of those freak things that sometimes happens. I was at a trampoline park with my kids and we were about to leave and I jumped off a ledge (no, it was not that high, I’m not crazy) and as I came down my knees buckled, there were loud “crunches and pops” and I ruptured both of my patellar ligaments in each knee! The patellar ligament is the one ligament that connects the knee cap to your leg (tibia and femur). I ruptured the bottom on each. My knee caps migrated up into the front of the thigh. Yes, it was really gross. This required emergency surgery. I was shipped to Foothills Hospital where I had emergency knee surgery a few days later (big snowstorm, lots of car accident trauma, I was on a waiting list). After surgery I was closed up with 52 staples, put in zimmer braces (as seen in the picture under the gown) for 10 days. After those 10 days I had my staples removed, I was put into flexion-extension braces that limited my knee bending, and my road to recovery began.
Without getting into specifics, from the day of injury to the first day I was back in practice was only 6 weeks! I was wearing my bionic braces still but I was able to practice. While I was off work for my injury all I did was rehab all day long at home. If I wasn’t stretching and massaging my knees then I was lasering and strengthening them. I was healthy before the accident. I was motivated to recover. I had a positive mindset. I manifested my return to work quickly and I’ve never looked back. I am able to do most activities I did before the injury. I really had no idea how long it would take to get back work, none the less normal. Data shows it’s about 3 months per knee so that was a bit scary! But I had a positive outlook and my motivation propelled my recovery.
No matter what your injury or health challenge is, these are the four steps I applied and you should keep in mind in your recovery from any injury!
1. Set Realistic Goals
Rather than expecting an immediate return to full function, focus on small, achievable milestones. Celebrate improvements in mobility, pain reduction, and strength, even if they come gradually.
2. Listen to Your Body
Recovery is not always linear. Some days will feel better than others, and setbacks can happen. It’s important to listen to your body’s signals and avoid pushing too hard, which can lead to re-injury or prolonged healing time.
3. Be Patient and Consistent
Healing takes time. Adopting a long-term perspective and staying consistent with rehabilitation exercises, treatments, and healthy lifestyle choices can make a significant difference in the outcome.
4. Seek Professional Guidance
A healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, can provide personalized advice and treatment plans that align with your unique situation. Following expert recommendations can help you navigate the recovery process more effectively.
Recovery is a journey that requires patience, effort, and a realistic mindset. Matching your expectations with the reality of your body’s healing capabilities—taking into account t
A health care professional, such as a chiropractor, can provide personalized recommendations and treatment techniques that are appropriate for your particular situation. Following the recommendations of professionals can make the healing process less complicated.
Recovery is a process that requires patience, effort, and realism. Matching your expectations to the reality of your body’s capacity to heal—depending on the duration you have had your condition and your age—can enable you to stay motivated and achieve the best outcome possible. By setting realistic goals, listening to your body, and getting the right support, you can make steady progress in taking back your health and well-being.
The duration of your condition and your age—can help you stay motivated and achieve the best possible outcome. By setting achievable goals, listening to your body, and seeking the right support, you can make steady progress toward regaining your health and well-being.
Instant Pot Turkey Chili with Chick Peas
8
servings10
minutes20
minutesThis is such an awesome and easy recipe for a cold day that takes very minimal effort but maximizes taste! Did I mention it's so easy and quick to make? You will enjoy this I promise you!
Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
2 cups stock (any kind)
1 large onion diced
3 garlic cloves minced
1 can of chick peas (drained and rinsed well)
1 can of black eyed peas (or your choice of bean)
2 tsps chili powder
½ tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp paprika
¾ tsp salt
1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes and 1 can (6oz) tomato paste, all blended together
2 chopped green onions
1 cup shredded cheese
Directions
Turn instant pot on saute. Coat with oil and cook ground beef. If it becomes sticky to the bottom add a bit of the stock and deglaze it.
Once turkey is cooked, turn off instant pot. Add remaining ingredients and stir. Close instant pot and turn on high pressure for 20 minutes. Once done open valve for quick release. Serve and top with chopped green onions and shredded cheese. Enjoy!! Makes for great leftovers as well!
Please feel free to visit our Facebook page, Instagram page, and Tiktok channels! Drs. Jacqueline Boyd and Paul Bajor are the only husband and wife chiropractic team in Airdrie, Alberta. Their practice, Access Chiropractic and Wellness, is located at #120, 52 Gateway Drive NE in the north of Airdrie. They have been in practice in Airdrie since 2004 and in practice since 2001. They have two kids named Liam and Julia and have one of the largest family practices in Airdrie. They have a vested interest in keeping Airdrie and surrounding communities healthy because Airdrie is also their home.
Drs. Jacqueline Boyd and Paul Bajor are also both registered and active members of the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association).
