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Monday 9am - 6pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 6pm Thursday 9am - 6pm Friday 8am - 4pm

http://www.healthworkscentre.com/

Health Works Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, 357 King Street, Midland, ON (2026)

07/31/2026

POISON IVY MYTHS AND
TREATMENTS

Myth #1: Scratching poison ivy blisters will spread the rash.
Fact: The rash is caused by the urushiol oil found in poison ivy, oak and sumac and is not spread by the fluid in the blisters. If you have the urushiol oil on your hands and you scratch your nose or wipe your forehead, you may spread the oil and hence the rash. Avoid excessive scratching and make sure your fingernails and hands are clean.
Myth #2: Poison ivy rash is “contagious.”
Fact: The rash is a reaction to urushiol oil found in poison ivy, oak and sumac. The rash cannot pass from person to person, but urushiol can be spread by contact, even with exposed clothing or pets.
Myth #3: Once allergic, always allergic to poison ivy.
Fact: A person's sensitivity to urushiol changes over time, and even from season to season. People who were sensitive to poison ivy as children may not be allergic as adults and vice versa.
Myth #4: I've been in contact with poison ivy before and I'm not allergic to it.
Fact: If a person has come in contact with poison ivy once and did not get a rash, it does not mean that he or she will always be immune. The first contact, which can occur without a person ever knowing, may create a hypersensitivity to the urushiol oil without causing a rash.
Myth #5: Dead poison ivy plants are no longer toxic.
Fact: Urushiol oil stays active on any surface, including dead plants, for up to five years or longer.
Myth #6: You can catch poison ivy rash by being near the plants.
Fact: Direct contact with urushiol oil is needed. However, it is important to stay away from forest fires, direct burning or anything that causes the oil to become airborne such as a lawnmower or w**d whacker.
Myth #7: Keeping covered outdoors will prevent poison ivy rash.
Fact: While keeping covered in the outdoors is crucial, it is not a foolproof way to protect your skin against developing a poison ivy rash. Urushiol oil can stick to clothes, shoes, garden tools and sporting equipment that you touch, and inadvertently spread to uncovered parts of your body.
Myth #8: You have to touch a poison ivy, oak or sumac plant to get a rash.
Fact: The most common way people contract an allergic rash from these plants is by touching an item that has urushiol oil on it, including garden tools, camping equipment, boots and even pet fur. Since urushiol can stay active for years, it’s important to wash any item that has come in contact with poison oak, ivy or sumac with soap and water.
Myth #9: “Leaves of three, leave them be.”
Fact: This is true for poison ivy, but not poison oak and poison sumac. Although poison ivy has 3 leaves per cluster, poison oak has 3 to 5 leaves, and poison sumac has 7 to 13 leaves on a branch.
Poison Ivy can grow with a plant stem, in a vine or with a woody stem - all will cause the reaction. The main thing is it has three smooth edged leaves.

How to treat poison ivy?

Sunlight (bar) soap seems to work well at removing the oils that transfer onto your skin when you come into contact with the plant- maybe because it is a strong soap with no oils or moisturizers added to it. Wash your skin right away with the Sunlight soap and DO NOT use hot water. Never use hot water on poison ivy, only cool to lukewarm. Once you have poison ivy do not expose it to water or excessive moisture.

Bragg’s apple cider vinegar (which is an organic product) works great at taking away the itch. Bragg’s has an enzyme in it that breaks down urushiol oil. Put some on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area. Do not substitute the brand. Go to your local health food store for this item.

Jewelw**d Cream can also be used to help with the itching.

Apis Mellifica is derived from the posion of honey bees. It goes through a process that turns it into a medicine that is used for a cure for various ailments. This will help with any pain and swelling. Take pills as directed on the container.

Rhus Toxicodendron is derived from poison ivy itself. It is used to help your body fight off poison ivy. Take pills as directed on the container.

Go and See Glen at Georgian Health Foods at 268 King Street for all your poison ivy remedy requirements. The stores phone number is (705) 245-2922.

If any of these treatments worsen or irritate your rash, discontinue their use and try another treatment.

07/27/2026

Overview
Swimmer’s itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain microscopic parasites that infect some birds and mammals. These parasites are released from infected snails into fresh and salt water (such as lakes, ponds, and oceans). While the parasite’s preferred host is the specific bird or mammal, if the parasite comes into contact with a swimmer, it burrows into the skin causing an allergic reaction and rash. Swimmer’s itch is found throughout the world and is more frequent during summer months.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include
• tingling, burning, or itching of the skin
• small reddish pimples
• small blisters
Within minutes to days after swimming in contaminated water, you may experience tingling, burning, or itching of the skin. Small reddish pimples appear within twelve hours. Pimples may develop into small blisters. Scratching the areas may result in secondary bacterial infections. Itching may last up to a week or more but will gradually go away.
Because swimmer’s itch is caused by an allergic reaction to infection, the more often you swim or wade in contaminated water, the more likely you are to develop more serious symptoms. The greater the number of exposures to contaminated water, the more intense and immediate symptoms of swimmer’s itch will be.
Be aware that swimmer's itch is not the only rash that may occur after swimming in fresh or salt water.
Exposure risks
Anyone who swims or wades in infested water may be at risk. Larvae are more likely to be present in shallow water by the shoreline. Children are most often affected because they tend to swim, wade, and play in the shallow water more than adults. Also, they are less likely to towel dry themselves when leaving the water.
Water safety after outbreaks
Many factors must be present for swimmer’s itch to become a problem in water. Since these factors change (sometimes within a swim season), swimmer’s itch will not always be a problem. However, there is no way to know how long water may be unsafe. Larvae generally survive for 24 hours once they are released from the snail. However, an infected snail will continue to produce cercariae throughout the remainder of its life. For future snails to become infected, migratory birds or mammals in the area must also be infected so the lifecycle can continue.
Swimming pools
As long as your swimming pool is well maintained and chlorinated, there is no risk of swimmer’s itch. The appropriate snails must be present in order for swimmer’s itch to occur.
How it spreads
The adult parasite lives in the blood of infected animals such as ducks, geese, gulls, swans, and certain mammals such as muskrats and raccoons. The parasites produce eggs that are passed in the f***s of infected birds or mammals.
If the eggs land in or are washed into the water, the eggs hatch, releasing small, free-swimming microscopic larvae. These larvae swim in the water in search of a certain species of aquatic snail.
If the larvae find one of these snails, they infect the snail, multiply and undergo further development. Infected snails release a different type of microscopic larvae (or cercariae, hence the name cercarial dermatitis) into the water. This larval form then swims about searching for a suitable host (bird, muskrat) to continue the lifecycle. Although humans are not suitable hosts, the microscopic larvae burrow into the swimmer’s skin, and may cause an allergic reaction and rash. Because these larvae cannot develop inside a human, they soon die.
Reducing risk
To reduce the likelihood of developing swimmer’s itch
• Do not swim in areas where swimmer's itch is a known problem or where signs have been posted warning of unsafe water.
• Do not swim near or wade in marshy areas where snails are commonly found.
• Towel dry or shower immediately after leaving the water.
• Do not attract birds (e.g., by feeding them) to areas where people are swimming.
• Encourage health officials to post signs on shorelines where swimmer's itch is a current problem.
Treatment
Most cases of swimmer’s itch do not require medical attention. If you have a rash, you may try the following for relief:
• Use corticosteroid cream
• Apply cool compresses to the affected areas
• Bathe in Epsom salts or baking soda
• Soak in colloidal oatmeal baths
• Apply baking soda paste to the rash (made by stirring water into baking soda until it reaches a paste-like consistency)
• Use an anti-itch lotion
Though difficult, try not to scratch. Scratching may cause the rash to become infected. If itching is severe, your health care provider may suggest prescription-strength lotions or creams to lessen your symptoms.
Government of Canada

07/24/2026

We have 3 pairs of Vionic boots left in different colours and sizes. They were regularly $250.00 and we are selling them for $140.00. They all have a built-in orthotic so are great for your feet. Come in and see them.

07/20/2026

Thermography will be held at Health Works on Tuesday September 15th, 2026. This is a great diagnostic tool. Call 1-800-403-2041 to book your appointment.

07/17/2026

Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in blood clotting, wound healing, and bone health. People who don’t have enough vitamin K in their system are at greater risk of increased bleeding and bone fractures.
While the body can produce a small amount of vitamin K, it’s important to obtain it through other sources, too.
This article explains more about the importance of vitamin K, what happens if you’re deficient, and possible options to get what you need.
What is vitamin K?
Vitamin K is a group of vitamins that share similar chemical structures. Two different forms of vitamin K are most commonly found in the human diet.
Vitamin K1, the predominant dietary form of vitamin K, is also known as phylloquinone. You can find it in plant foods such as leafy greens. Vitamin K2 — also called menaquinone — is found in some animal products and fermented foods. Your gut bacteria also produce it.
The body absorbs vitamin K1 and K2 at different rates, which can affect the health benefits they each offer. More research is still needed, but you can learn more about vitamin K1 and K2 here.
One other important thing to note is that vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, so when you consume extra quantities it is stored in the liver and other body tissues.
Is vitamin K the same as potassium?
Vitamin K and potassium are both essential nutrients and help in many of the same body functions. But vitamin K and potassium aren’t the same thing.
Potassium is a mineral with its own unique chemical composition, not a vitamin. It functions as an electrolyte helping the body maintain a proper water balance and blood pressure.
While the body can produce small amounts of vitamin K, you have to obtain all of the body’s potassium from foods and supplements. You can read more about the differences between vitamin K and potassium here.
What are the benefits of vitamin K
Vitamin K is essential in supporting blood clotting. It also plays an important role in bone and heart health. People who are deficient in vitamin K are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis and heart disease.
Between 8–31% of people have vitamin K deficiency.
What are the symptoms of vitamin K deficiency?
Serious vitamin K deficiency is rare, but symptoms can include:
• hemorrhaging or uncontrolled bleeding
• bruising
• nosebleeds
• dark stools with blood in them
• small bruises under the fingernails
Those at a higher risk of vitamin K deficiency include:
• newborns who haven’t received a vitamin K injection
• people with conditions such as celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, and short bowel syndrome that affect the amount of nutrients absorbed
• those who have had weight loss surgery
What foods have vitamin K in them?
Foods that contain vitamin K include:
• leafy greens (ex. kale, spinach, lettuce)
• Brussel sprouts
• broccoli
• cauliflower
• vegetable oils
• blueberries
• figs
• eggs
Are vitamin K supplements effective?
Most people can get enough vitamin K through a balanced diet, making vitamin K supplements unnecessary. Also, the liver stores extra vitamin K, which can eliminate the need for daily consumption.
Vitamin K supplements can be an effective way to increase levels of this essential nutrient in the body if health conditions or medications prevent sufficient absorption through food consumption.
Who needs to avoid vitamin K?
Current research is insufficient to prove serious complications from consuming too much vitamin K.
But certain medications can affect vitamin K needs including:
• blood thinners such as Warfarin
• antibiotics
• bile acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine and colestipol, which are used to lower cholesterol levels
• weight loss drugs such as Orlistat
If you’re taking any medications, it’s important to talk with your doctor about how they may affect your nutrient needs.
Takeaway
Vitamin K is an essential nutrient necessary for blood clotting and bone health.
While the body can produce a small amount of this essential nutrient, you should consume the majority of it through foods such as leafy greens and vegetable oils.
Although vitamin K deficiency is rare, you may experience bruising problems and increased bleeding if you don’t consume enough. Your doctor can advise you whether vitamin K supplements would be beneficial.
Healthline

07/13/2026

The Texting Hinge: Why Your Neck Always Feels Heavy and Tired
Freeze! Look at the exact angle of your head right now as you read this sentence on your phone. Are you looking straight ahead, or is your chin dropped heavily toward your chest? Do you constantly feel a deep, burning, exhausting ache at the absolute base of your neck that makes your head feel like it weighs 100 pounds by the end of the day?
Most people massage their neck muscles, hoping for relief, assuming they just have "muscle tension" from stress. But your muscles are only a symptom of a much deeper, structural failure. You are actively subjecting the primary stabilizing cables of your spine to a catastrophic mechanical process. Welcome to Cervical Ligament Creep. Let’s dive deeply into the elite 3D anatomical map above to witness the structural deformation you are causing right now.
The Anatomy: The Biological Rubber Bands
Your 10-to-12-pound skull balances on 7 delicate bones in your neck. To keep your head from literally snapping forward and falling off, the back of these bones are tightly woven together by thick, incredibly strong connective tissues called ligaments. These biological rubber bands are designed to hold your spine perfectly stable.
[Getty Images: Lateral cross-section of the cervical spine highlighting the posterior longitudinal ligament and interspinous ligaments]
The Biomechanics of the Glitch
When you drop your chin to look down at your smartphone, the physics of your skull drastically change. For every inch your head tilts forward, the gravitational weight on your neck multiplies! Looking down at a 60-degree angle turns your 12-pound head into a 60-pound bowling ball! The dynamic neon green arrow represents this relentless, crushing downward pull.
The Consequence: The Structural Deformation
Because your head is so heavy, the massive downward force violently overstretches the ligaments at the back of your neck (the vivid red tension zone)! If you hold this posture for hours a day, the ligaments undergo a phenomenon called "Creep"—they physically lose their elasticity and permanently stretch out! Because these biological rubber bands are now loose, your neck joints become wildly unstable (the bright red inflammation rings). The burning pain you feel is your neck muscles locking into a panic spasm to do the job of the destroyed ligaments!
[Shutterstock: High-definition 3D microscopic render showing collagen fiber deformation, plastic elongation, and micro-tearing in ligament tissue]
How to Break the Cycle
The "T-Rex" Scroll: Bring the screen to your eyes! Tuck your elbows into your ribs and hold your phone up at eye level to shut off the gravitational pull.
Stop Stretching a Stretched Neck: If the back of your neck burns, DO NOT pull your head forward to stretch it! Do "Chin Tucks" (pulling your head straight backward) to build stabilizing muscle armor.
The Towel Roll Support: When lying down, place a tightly rolled hand towel directly under the curve of your neck to force the spine back into its natural arch.
Save this crucial structural breakdown to save your spine, and tag someone addicted to their phone!

Medical Anatomy

07/10/2026

For the month of July the Hydro Therapy Bed will be half price. This is a great way to treat yourself to a relaxing massage without hands on. Call 705-526-6900 to book an appointment.

06/15/2026

Thermography will be held at Health Works on Tuesday June 16th, 2026 and there are still appointments available. Call 1-800-403-2041 to book your appointment.

06/05/2026

For the month of June, Sockwell compression socks are 10% off. The socks come in a variety of colours and styles. These socks help with swelling and tired achy feeling legs. Come in and see them today.

Health Works Chiropractic & Wellness Centre

07/31/2026

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Monday	9am - 6pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	8am - 4pm