Our offices are closed for Victoria Day Monday. We hope you are all able to enjoy the long weekend with loved ones! Offices will reopen Tuesday May 21st at 9am, no orders will be processed or sent until Tuesday.

Looking for simple ways to naturally boost your body’s circulation? Focus on these simple — yet impactful — daily habits today.  

 

Exercising daily, getting enough rest, and eating a heart-healthy diet that is low in fat and high in fiber will all help enhance your everyday health and circulation. In addition, incorporating superfoods and natural vitamins or supplements that are renowned for their circulation-boosting properties is a great idea, too.

These are all common “good health” habits that you’ve heard time and again and may (or may not) already be incorporating in your daily life. But here are three more that may be new to you!

 

DRY BRUSHING  

 

Dry brushing is an age-old technique of brushing the skin’s surface in a specific pattern (starting at the extremities and brushing the body inwards towards the heart) with a bristled dry brush. Most often, it is done on dry skin before your morning shower and many people find it gives them an energy boost. The best part is it takes less than 10 minutes to do! 

 

                     

 

Proponents of dry-brushing say it stimulates the lymph system and helps the body rid itself of toxins, improves skin health (smoothing skin, reducing cellulite and clearing the pores), boosts energy levels, and increases circulation.

I love it and have noticed definite boosts in energy levels and improved skin health. Try it and see for yourself!

 

REBOUNDING


Rebounding is a simple aerobic activity that anyone can participate in, no matter their age or fitness level. This gentle exercise is easy on the joints and consists of bouncing on an exercise ball or jumping on a mini trampoline to help boost circulation.

 

                                               


Now, hold up… If you are picturing a slew of leotard-clad ladies bouncing around to beat-poppin’ 80’s tunes in leg warmers and headbands, it may be time to readjust your thoughts on this (re)emerging mode of fitness. Though I definitely won’t judge if you do decide to get jazzed up in neon with your girlfriends for the occasion, rebounding is also something you can do from the comfort of your own home to help boost your circulation and mood.   

Rebounding stimulates blood flow throughout the body and aids the heart and lymphatic system. It also helps reduce the occurrence of unhealthy veins and builds muscle tone in the lower extremities.

  1. COMPRESSION APPAREL


    From extreme endurance athletic endeavors to a standard walk to work, one of the most highly researched and proven treatments for boosting your circulation is quality compression apparel.

    Medical and performance compression socks, leggings and stockings help manage pain and swelling in your legs, alleviating discomfort and improving blood flow.
    Research-based evidence shows that compression socks aid in the stabilization of lower leg muscles and oxygen delivery. Targeted compression zones in them also decrease the risk of Achilles injuries, shin splints, muscle fatigue and blood clots by improving circulation.  

            

     

    As a bonus, compression socks are usually covered under most extended health care plans when prescribed by a medical professional. Plus, companies like Lunatik Athletiks now offer medical and performance compression socks in beautiful patterns to suit your unique personality by being fashionable and funk-tional!

 

Taking care of your circulation can be quick, functional and fun!

 

As a mother of three, business owner and longtime health advocate, my goal is to offer you easy steps that will help get you to your goal, while encouraging you to have fun along the way.

From personal experience, I have learned that when we’re in good health, we feel rejuvenated and ready to conquer our next journey. Reach out to me if I can help you on your path!

 

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Kelly Roth is the Founder/CEO of Lunatik Athletiks, a “Designer Compression” company in the medical and athletic market.

After completing Ironman Austria in 2011, the importance of a holistic approach to health and self care became very clear to Kelly. Caring for body, mind and soul with things that inspire us and bring joy to everyday living is the foundation that her company, Lunatik Athletiks, was built on.

Each and every day, the Lunatiks team encourages and promotes preventative medicine while helping their clients achieve optimal leg health and a higher quality of living.

When you hear “vein clots” or “heart attack”, you may picture someone who struggles with eating healthy, has diabetes, or lives a sedentary lifestyle. While these top factors will absolutely contribute to the quality of your health and circulation, there are many other lifestyle choices and circumstances that can cause serious circulatory conditions to develop.

Why is circulation important?

Among all the critical functions of the body, your blood circulation is one of the most important of all. It’s what makes your body work! Supplying oxygen to the brain and organs, your circulation also assists with cell growth and promotes healthier skin. If blood and oxygen aren’t flowing through your body with ease, a host of circulatory conditions and symptoms will arise.

These common factors can contribute to circulatory conditions:

Sitting at a desk for long periods of time, or having limited movement abilities…
Being on birth control pills, having diabetes, or smoking…
Having pre-existing conditions like Raynaud’s Syndrome, or being pregnant…
Bodily injury, undergoing surgery, or being on bedrest…

Any of these circumstances can lead to poor circulation, thrombosis / blood clots, and varicose veins. They can also wreak havoc on the quality of your overall well-being and everyday quality of living.

Do you have signs & symptoms of poor circulation?

Numbness & tingling in extremities
Cold hands & feet
Swelling in lower extremities
Memory loss
Difficulty concentrating
Digestive issues
Fatigue
Joint pain & muscle cramping
Skin colour changes
Varicose veins

If you are troubled by any of these symptoms, please seek the advice of a medical professional. When you meet with your doctor, they can examine you and assess your whole body health, taking into account any pre-existing conditions and ongoing symptoms.

Some circulatory conditions may require prescription drugs or aspirin. In severe cases, or if you suffer from a critical circulatory disease, surgery may be required. Whatever the case, your doctor will be able to recommend the best treatment plan for you.

Stay tuned! In my next post, I’ll be sharing three powerful treatments to boost your circulation naturally.

Please note that our offices will be closed for Good Friday, April 19th, and we will reopen Monday April 22nd for regular business. No orders will be processed after 2pm EST Thursday April 18th. Thank you for your business and Happy Easter.

 

Botox injections, fillers, facelifts, creams, lasers and liposuction… oh my! 

In a society where $445 billion is spent in the beauty industry, the majority of our population seems to be more concerned with preserving a youthful appearance instead of actually achieving and maintaining whole-body health for the long-term.

And this statistic resonates with many of us, doesn’t it? I mean, we’ve all been told to live in the now. To enjoy every single moment to its fullest before life passes us by, right? So, because we’re all on “borrowed time”, many people opt for quick fixes to look and feel our best right now.

But what if we decided to implement a few simple habits in our daily routines that will help naturally preserve that youthful glow we’re all seeking, energize us with inner vitality, and help reduce our risk of chronic illness and disease… while still allowing us to live our best life?

As the old proverb goes, “where there is a will, there is a way.”

And it may be a lot easier than you think. So let’s dive in!

 

FACT: To truly heal and thrive, we need to address the root cause of symptoms. Not just apply a band-aid solution or quick fix.

 

My friends, I’m a huge believer that everyone deserves to look and feel their best, enjoy their life to the fullest, and spend their money and time as they wish. But we all know that beauty and vitality are much more than skin deep.

Although living life unabashedly (with little concern towards repercussions of less-healthy actions) may certainly paint the picture of a life that looks and feels good on the outside, it’s proven that healthy lifestyle choices and “good genes” play a much stronger role in supporting whole-body health.

Bottom line? If you don’t nourish your body, mind and spirit with good things, chronic disease and illness are likely to creep in.

DID YOU KNOW?

“Cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) and lung disease are the leading causes of preventable death and disability in Canada.” ~ Public Health Agency of Cancer

As scary as this is, the good news is that we can dramatically reduce our risks of “The Big Four” chronic illnesses by swapping out unhealthy habits for more positive daily practices, and focus on healthier choices each day.

We can absolutely make the most of this one wild and beautiful life — living it to the fullest — while also achieving optimal health, reducing our risks of disease, and aging gracefully. Here’s how!

1. Be physically active every day. Find an activity you like and keep moving! Exercise is 100% beneficial for whole body healing, affecting everything from your cells, weight, mood, breathing and sleep. Simply move your body in any way that feels good to you, and do it often. In turn, you’ll be taking steps to help reduce your risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and lung disease.    

 

 

 

 

 

2. Embrace naps. Scientific evidence has shown that those who have a regular snooze are 37% less likely to die from heart disease than those who are lacking those extra zzz’s. Sleep is when your body heals and repairs on all levels, so rest whenever (and wherever) you can!

 

 

 

 

 

3. Adopt a Mediterranean diet. Eating a colourful, nutrient-rich diet full of fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, olive oil and fish can help prevent the onset of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Mediterranean cuisine boasts foods rich in Omegas which can also help enhance your skin and mood for that youthful glow you’re seeking!

 

 

 

 

 

4. Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke. Avoiding cigarettes and smoke of any kind can help reduce your risks of chronic respiratory and heart disease, circulatory conditions, and cancer. Remember: it’s never too late to quit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Avoid or limit alcohol intake. Too much alcohol puts strain on the detox organs, elevates blood pressure, and can cause a host of other health concerns and chronic diseases. Eliminate alcohol or limit the amount you consume on a regular basis and you’ll help reduce your risks long-term.

6. Let go of grudges. Harbouring ill feelings towards others can cause serious health concerns for the person holding the grudge, too. Let it go.

Obviously there are many factors that help aid prevention and treatment of aging-related disease and illness, and each of The Big Four chronic conditions share common risk factors tied to your everyday health habits.

Eliminating poor practices and adding in healthy new habits can slow aging at the cellular level, adding years to your life and life to your years.

 

 

Although we have all heard tales of spirited old folks who live boldly to advanced ages in life, full of whiskey and vigour, not giving a damn about anything, and being remembered for it all — there’s obviously more to “living your best life” than that.

So… what is it worth to you?

Does a life well-lived mean surviving to the ripe ol’ age of 100 with a host of wild adventures behind you? Does it mean feeling vibrant and being free of chronic illness? Having the ability to care for yourself without disability? Feeling loved and cared for as you spend time with your family and grandchildren for years to come?

To me, living my best life means going through each day with increased energy, vitality, joy, awareness, and ease. It means spending time with those I cherish most and feeling loved in return. It means helping inspire and educate others on how they can live their best life, too.

If you are seeking encouragement, guidance or resources on any of the above, please feel free to comment below or reach out to me via email. I’d love to hear from you.

The long wait is over ~ Lumber Jack is finally here! A Nylon, Lycra sock with a Merino Wool blend foot base. Available now in 20-30mmHG graduated compression. We hope you love it as much as we do!

Countdown to healthy, new habits

If you’re anything like me, you’re more than ready to escape hibernation and welcome in a new season of change. After the loooooooooong winter months, Spring’s gentle glimpses of regrowth will begin to inspire fresh commitments in people (myself included) to get back on track and make way for healthier habits.

You may already see the start of warmer weather as the perfect time to “spring clean” your home (as the saying goes), but did you know it’s also a wonderful chance to detox your body, mind and spirit? And it’s easier than you might think!

With the Spring Equinox happening on March 20th, I encourage you to consider rethinking old habits and welcoming in some new ones with these top four switches to revitalize your health.

Spring clean your kitchen.

Just as we swap out heavy, winter clothes for lighter spring styles in our closets, we should swap out heartier (aka. boxed) ingredients for fresher fare in our kitchens, too.

When taking inventory of what lies within your cupboards and fridge, clear out any junk that doesn’t serve your health goals, wipe down any areas that may not get cleaned regularly, and reorganize everything with accessibility in mind. The goal is to simplify your daily routine!

While spring cleaning your home, use the infamous KonMari Method to “tidy your space, transform your life.” Mindfully sort like items with like, toss anything expired, donate goods that you won’t use, and only keep things that will be used and spark joy.

Spring clean your eating regime.

Save time and money — while improving your health — by cutting back on dining out and making fresh, seasonal meals from home! Choose fresh or frozen first. Buy local and in season. Taste the rainbow (as in: the more colourful, the better!). Eat mindfully. Keep it simple. Organic lean meats or fish served with brightly coloured veggies and a healthy grain like quinoa is a satisfying, delicious and nutritious dinner — and quick to prepare!

Meal planning in a rut? Instead of boxed mac & cheese, try a homemade recipe like this one from Super Healthy Kids as a tasty comfort meal everyone is sure to love. Simply swapping out that orange processed powder for real cheese will uplevel the nutritional quotient. Looking for a bolder variation? Try this vegan mac & cheese recipe from Mallory Maddox that calls for butternut squash as a hidden health boost — it’s great for kids and grownups alike!

Remember, when meals are made with love, you can taste — and feel — the difference. 🙂

Spring clean your body.

Many people decide to do a cleanse in the spring to help detoxify the body and eliminate the sludge of winter “comfort foods” and all those holiday indulgences. Whether you believe in cleanses or not, making healthier choices for the body and gut is something everyone can, and should, do on the daily.

To start the detoxification process and spring clean your body, start by cutting back on alcohol, added sugars, processed foods, excess sodium, and additives from your diet. And, since the skin is our largest organ, don’t forget to take a look at the things you’re putting on your body (chemicals and toxins in your daily skin care products — body wash, lotions, deodorants, etc.), while also paying close attention to the things going in your body.

Simplify your daily habits and make healthier choices each day by choosing:

Spring clean your mood.

It’s been a dark, snowy, cold winter with many people hibernating indoors as they count down the days to warmer weather and sunshine. If you’ve been feeling low this winter, it could be seasonal depression, which can result from decreased levels of Vitamin D. Increase your daily dose of the sunshine vitamin by incorporating more foods like salmon and leafy greens in your diet, which are naturally rich in Vitamin D. You can also increase your intake of Omega 3’s which can elevate your mood and your skin health.

Don’t forget to bring the outdoors in! Fresh air enhances your mood and the energy in your home. So open up some windows, clear out any negative vibes, and enjoy nature’s healing energy. Consider picking up some seasonal plants, flowers or greenery that will thrive indoors to further boost your mood and well-being… It’s a proven pick-me-up and stress-reducer!

Spring’s fresh winds of change often inspire us to get outdoors and become more active again. Exercising is a great way to clear unwanted toxins from your body, build strength, enhance vitality, and boost your mood. If you’re looking to increase your steps each day, get creative and have some fun. Start a walking group on your lunch hour, take dance classes, try out indoor rock climbing, join a local baseball league with friends… The options are endless!

By reshaping your goal to simply feeling your best, and making small changes every day geared towards optimal health and vitality, you’ll be feeling fine in no time.

Remember, the hardest step is the first one out the door!

Finally the Stirr Up sock has arrived. It is just in time for spring, nice weather (hopefully soon), sandals, flip flops, yoga… the list goes on and on. We hope you love this toe-less/heel free sock. Note the reduced price of $45/pr. (why pay for the toes and heel) Order today!

We have now been replenished with the Medical grade Work it sock in size SR (and all other sizes). ~Order away!

Here at Lunatik Athletiks Inc, Family is the key to success! We are wishing you are your family a wonderful Family Day weekend. We will be closed Monday, February 18th, 2019 to spend a little extra time with our loved ones. Cheers to you and yours! We’ll be back Tuesday February 19th @ 9:00am.