Whether it’s getting active, addressing injuries, or relaxing with a treatment, in this sponsored post “CityNews” speaks with experts about how to kick-start the new year right.

AFTER the hard year that has been, now’s the time to make changes for a healthier and more productive you in 2022.

Whether it’s getting active, addressing injuries or relaxing with a treatment, “CityNews” speaks with experts about how to kick-start the New Year right.

The trained experts in treating pain

WITH a trained team of physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, dietitians, nurses, mental health supports and Pilates classes starting soon, Arthritis ACT has the expertise to help people living with pain, says CEO Rebecca Davey.

“You don’t have to have arthritis to see us, we treat any type of pain or fatiguing condition,” she says.

“It’s our goal to help people remain at work, help them to keep doing the things they want to do in their life and keep them connected to the community and the people in their life that are important.”

Starting in February, Arthritis ACT will be running Pilates classes.

Having worked as a midwife and a nurse, Rebecca has a long background in treating pain, but for a long time she’s also suffered from severe arthritis.

“I completely understand what people are living with,” she says.

“I’ve had to go through those difficult choices and leave careers behind that I’ve loved because of the condition.

“But this work allows me to keep working with people and helping them to achieve their goals and feel more certain in their life.”

Rebecca says it’s incredibly rewarding to work with a team who help change people’s lives.

“We aim to keep you happy, healthy and living the fullest possible life regardless of the limitations you might have,” she says.

Arthritis ACT, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041, email info@arthritisact.org.au or visit arthritisact.org.au

How about a super, new year hairdo?

AMANDA Harrington opened Socialise Hair two years ago and has 15 years of experience in the hairdressing industry, 10 of which in Canberra.

“I had a passion from high school, it took me a few years of studying different things to realise that hairdressing was my dream.”

She says the staff at Socialise Hair are friendly and approachable, and have a wealth of knowledge and experience.

“We’re just a small salon with a great team and beautiful clients,” which Amanda says creates a really comfortable and happy atmosphere.

Socialise Hair provides cutting, styling and colouring services, as well as hair extensions and moisture and protein treatments.

The most rewarding part, Amanda says, is “making people feel beautiful.”

Socialise Hair, 117a Anthony Rolfe Avenue, Gungahlin. Call 0422 456690 or visit socialisehair.com.au

Doctor’s insights for staying fit and healthy

DR Alexander Burns of Orthopaedics ACT says that when it comes to staying active during these challenging times, the benefits can’t be overstated.

“Exercise helps with both physical and psychological health, reduces joint pain, maintains muscle strength, prevents osteoporosis and just helps us feel happier,” says Dr Burns.

“It’s important to start gently and graduate so as not to cause injury.

Resisted exercise, such as gym work, which needs to be suitable for a person’s individual age and condition, has been shown to reduce osteoporosis, and may also have effects in mental health and dementia prevention.

Dr Burns, an orthopaedic surgeon who has worked in private practice in Canberra since 2005, says there are many ways to stay active that can work for different people.

“Some things to consider may be core stability exercises, such as going to a Pilates class, joining a walking club or hydrotherapy class, joining a gym (fine for people of any age and ability level), and trying to reduce the intake of salt, fat and alcohol (without making life too miserable),” he says.

“Walking is an excellent form of exercise, and ideally 30 minutes four or five times a week is very beneficial.”

He also says being vaccinated against COVID 19, and having booster shots as recommended by the chief medical officer will help prevent or at least ameliorate the severity of a potentially very serious infection.

Orthopaedics ACT, Woden Specialist Medical Centre, Level 2, 90 Corinna Street, Phillip. Call 6221 9320 or visit orthoact.com.au

More bang for your exercise buck

A NEW, scientifically studied exercise technique called Nordic Walking is more effective than jogging but as gentle as walking, and is the perfect way to get in some regular exercise this year, says Capital Nordic Walking founder Kristen Pratt.

The technique, which keeps European cross-country skiers fit during their off season, uses specially designed poles that are planted behind the user to propel them along using the power of the upper body as well as the legs.

“It doubles the number of muscles being used and strengthened compared to walking and running, making it easy to get a high-intensity cardiovascular workout,” says Kristen.

“It strengthens arms, shoulders, back and core while also massively reducing strain on leg joints.”

Kristen says Nordic Walking is quickly growing in Canberra, beneficial to those who need some low-impact exercise and for those with a competitive spark.

“The great thing about Nordic walking is you don’t have to go very fast to get a good workout but competitive Nordic walkers can get up to speeds similar to running,” she says.

“For people who like walking, it can turbo charge your walk and for people who are really fit like runners and crossfitters, it’s a really good cross activity to build muscle because it is so low impact.”

Capital Nordic Walking, visit capitalnordicwalking.com.au