Newsletter August 2025: Power Your Performance
- Dr. Brenda Tapp
- Aug 1
- 9 min read
Dr. Tapp's Thought's
I’ve always been a bit of a gadget person. If there’s a new piece of equipment, a modern tool, or a device promising better results, I’m curious. But I’m also naturally skeptical. When lasers for pain and injury recovery first hit the scene, I’ll admit—I didn’t buy into the hype.
It sounded like one of those “too good to be true” trends destined to fade away. But I kept reading. I stayed on top of the research. And the more I dug into the science, the more I realized just how fascinating it really is. Lasers don’t just make an injury feel better in the moment—they can actually accelerate recovery at the cellular level. It’s mind-blowing what’s possible when modern technology meets solid evidence. So yes, I bought two lasers.
The first is a laser acupuncture machine developed by a German oncologist. I saw it showcased at several conferences, and even dragged Mike along to one in Arizona (he loves to golf and the warm weather). We both tried it out, and I was convinced. I even purchased special attachments designed to deliver laser therapy intravenously! Unfortunately, the College of Naturopaths of Ontario later updated our regulations, stating we’re not permitted to perform that procedure. Bummer! But I still use the laser for acupuncture, and it’s been fantastic.
The second laser I bought is the Weber Laser Watch. It looks a bit like an Apple Watch, but it’s more substantial and shines various laser colors (yes—there’s more than just red or infrared!) onto the thin skin of your wrist to irradiate your blood for systemic effects. Right—if it’s a cool gadget, I’m in. But here’s the thing: when it comes to tools and gadgets, you have to be cautious. Just because something sounds like the latest miracle cure doesn’t mean it’s effective—or safe. Take LED light devices, for example. They’ve become a popular, more affordable option for home use. And here’s the interesting part: while the early research in photobiomodulation (light therapy) started with lasers, direct comparison studies now show that LEDs can be just as effective—when the dosimetry is right. So, what’s dosimetry? It’s the set of key treatment parameters that determine whether light therapy actually works:
Wavelength
Power of the device
Exposure time
Whether the light is pulsed or continuous
The number of treatments
And how much time you leave between sessions
When these factors are carefully chosen, both lasers and LEDs can deliver impressive benefits: reduced pain, improved tissue repair, and faster recovery.The problem? Many at-home LED devices don’t allow you to control or optimize these settings—so the results can be underwhelming.Lasers produce a more focused, coherent light beam, while LEDs have the advantage of being more affordable and covering larger areas. But the real takeaway? It’s less about whether the device says laser or LED—and more about how it’s used.Our laser therapist, Marg Eggleton, is an absolute magician with her laser treatments. Keep reading this newsletter to learn more from her.
Ps. We love Weber laser and Bioflex at our office. We have no financial ties to these companies, we do not sell their products, we just love them because they’re great.
Recipe:
Chicken, Kale & Sweet Potato Skillet (20 minutes - 7 ingredients)
Ingredients:
8 1/16 ozs - Extra Lean Ground Chicken
1 tsp - Dried Chives
1/2 tsp - Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp - Sea Salt (divided)
1 tbsp - Coconut Oil
1 whole - Sweet Potato(medium, peeled and diced)
1 cup - Kale Leaves (finely chopped)
How to make:
Heat a skillet or pan over medium heat.
Add the chicken to the pan, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it is cooked through and no longer pink, season with the chives, garlic powder, and half of the salt. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Add the coconut oil to the pan. Add the sweet potatoes and cook for eight to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the sweet potatoes are tender and browned.
Add the kale and the cooked chicken to the pan with the sweet potatoes and continue to cook for one to two minutes until the kale has wilted and the chicken has warmed through. Season with the remaining salt. Divide between plates and enjoy!
Did you know that proper post-workout nutrition can cut recovery time in half? This meal plan is packed with whole foods that support muscle repair, reduce inflammation, and boost energy—perfect for anyone diving into summer sports like golf, soccer, or kayaking.
Tip: Aim to eat within 30–60 minutes post-activity. A balanced meal with lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats helps your body rebuild and bounce back faster. Try meals featuring:
Salmon or tofu for omega-3s and protein
Sweet potatoes or quinoa for muscle-fueling carbs
Leafy greens for antioxidants and magnesium
🎁 Just for You: We’re giving you this recovery-friendly meal plan FREE—because summer is too short to spend sore on the sidelines!
This meal plan is for inspiration and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. If you feel this approach may benefit you, be sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Clinic News
Relax, Reset, Recharge Webinar
The date is fast approaching! Don’t miss your chance to join Courtney Cartmel, Acupuncturist, for an evening dedicated to stress support and holistic self-care.
Whether you're curious about acupuncture or just looking to feel more grounded, this webinar is your mid-summer invitation to slow down, reconnect, and recharge. Grab a cozy seat and a cup of tea—we’ll see you online.
What You’ll Learn:
✨ How acupuncture supports emotional balance and stress relief
✨ Easy, follow-along acupressure demos you can do at home
✨ Breathwork techniques to calm your nervous system anytime, anywhere
✨ Nutrition and lifestyle tips to support long-term resilience
✨ PLUS: A downloadable handout with take-home info and DIY practices
(This webinar has already happened but you can watch the replay)
The Sex Ed Every Woman Needs and Deserves Webinar
Did you miss our recent webinar with Dr. Brenda Tapp, ND and special guest Kari Russell? No worries—there’s still time to catch the replay! In this candid, no-filter conversation, they dive into what really impacts women’s desire, what you can actually do about it, and so much more.
Here’s the recording – grab a coffee, get comfy, and tune in when it works for you!
Trust us—you don’t want to miss this one.
Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 – We’re Honoured!
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with our community—PCNM has been recognized in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards, and it’s all thanks to your incredible support!
🏆 Best Holistic/Alternative Medicine/Healing – DIAMOND
🏆 Best Naturopathic Clinic – DIAMOND
🥈 Best Nutritional Services – PLATINUM
🥈 Best Naturopath – Dr. Brenda Tapp, ND – PLATINUM
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who voted for us and continues to support our clinic. It’s an honour to be part of your wellness journey, and we’re committed to continuing to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to our community.
Thank you for trusting us with your health!
Here’s the Truth: Preventing and Managing Summer Sports Injuries: How to Stay Active Safely
Summer in Canada is short and sweet—and many of us make the most of it by getting outdoors, whether it's gardening, water sports, baseball, soccer, golf, or joining community leagues and events. While staying active is a fantastic way to support both mental and physical wellness, jumping into seasonal sports too quickly can lead to injury—especially if we’re using muscles that have been dormant for months.
Let’s explore why these injuries happen, how to manage them effectively, and most importantly, how to prevent them from sidelining your summer.
The Risk of “Weekend Warrior” Injuries
Picture this: you’re out on the water, tubing or waterskiing, feeling great—until a sudden pull or fall results in a sore shoulder or aching knee. Or maybe you’ve just returned to the golf course, only to find that after a few swings, your arm or lower back begins to throb. This is common when muscles, joints, and ligaments that haven’t been used for a while are suddenly pushed to perform at full capacity. Sports that require full-body engagement, like water skiing or golf, can especially strain areas like the shoulders, forearms, back, and knees. And often, the signs of injury don’t appear right away—they creep in later that evening or the next day, with stiffness, swelling, and pain that are hard to ignore.
What Happens During an Injury?
When a muscle or ligament is strained, bruised, or torn, fluid begins to accumulate around the site of the injury. This swelling can put pressure on surrounding tissues, causing cramping and pain. Your body quickly reacts by sending white blood cells to the area to kickstart the healing process. Early intervention is key. Applying a cold compress, frozen bean bag, or even a chilled water bottle immediately helps reduce inflammation. Cold therapy constricts the blood vessels, slowing the bleeding and minimizing swelling. For acute injuries, we recommend the R.I.C.E. protocol:
Rest – Stop the activity to prevent further damage.
Ice – Apply cold packs for 15–20 minutes at a time.
Compression – Use an elastic bandage to minimize swelling.
Elevation – Raise the injured area above heart level when possible.
It’s also essential to seek medical assessment to rule out more serious injuries, such as broken bones or torn ligaments.
Advanced Healing with Laser Therapy
Once the injury is assessed, laser therapy can be an excellent option to support healing. Laser treatments work at the cellular level to:
Reduce inflammation quickly
Boost oxygen and circulation to damaged tissue
Stimulate endorphin production (your body’s natural pain relief)
Accelerate the repair of soft tissue, often cutting healing time in half
The sooner treatment begins post-injury, the more effective it will be in preventing further tissue damage and promoting full recovery.
The Power of Prevention: Warming Up and Conditioning
The best way to avoid injury is to prepare your body before jumping into activity—especially if you’ve been less active over the winter months. While some of us stay active in colder seasons, many sports require movement patterns and muscle engagement that are specific and not covered by general exercise routines.
Here’s how to prevent common summer sport injuries:
Warm up properly: Spend at least 5–10 minutes doing dynamic movements relevant to your sport.
Focus on range of motion: For golfers, for instance, arm windmills, gentle neck rotations, and hip swings can help loosen tight muscles and ligaments.
Start slow: Gradually increase intensity and duration. Muscles need time to adjust to new or repeated movement.
Strengthen supporting muscles: Many injuries occur not from a single action, but from overuse of weak or unconditioned muscles.
Stretch post-activity: This aids in recovery and helps maintain flexibility.
For example, try these neck mobility exercises before golf or paddle sports:
Turn your head slowly to the right, hold for 15 seconds. Repeat on the left.
Tilt your head to your chest, then backward. Do 15 reps slowly.
Swing your arms and hips gently to activate and warm up core muscles.
Listen to Your Body
Your body is incredibly intelligent—it will tell you when something’s wrong. Don’t ignore pain or discomfort. It's better to pause and assess than to push through and risk a more serious injury that could cut your season short. With a little preparation, smart recovery, and timely care, you can enjoy a safe, active, and injury-free summer! Let us know if you’d like help creating a warm-up routine tailored to your favourite sport—or if you're dealing with a nagging injury you’d like to resolve before it gets worse. We’re here to help you stay strong and keep doing what you love.
Marg Eggleton
Bioflex Laser Therapy
Dispensary Sales
For a limited time, we’re offering up to 60% off select professional-grade supplements. If you’ve been meaning to restock or try something new, this is a great opportunity to do ( only while supplies last)
Featured Supplements:
NFH - High-EPA SAP 60 softgels
High-potency Omega-3 (EPA-focused) for cardiovascular, mood, and inflammatory support.
Reg $77
Sale $30.80
NFH - Chromium SAP 60 caps
Supports healthy blood sugar metabolism and insulin function, ideal for those managing glucose levels.
Reg $22
Sale $8.80
AOR - Ortho Sleep 60 caps
Supports falling asleep faster, staying asleep longer, and improving sleep quality with natural ingredients like melatonin, GABA, and L-theanine.
Reg $45
Sale $18.00
New in Millbrook:
We’re Turning 2 — And You’re Invited to the Celebration! 🎉
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 2 amazing years since we opened our doors in beautiful downtown Millbrook — and we truly couldn’t have done it without YOU. Whether you’ve popped in for advice, a product recommendation, or just a familiar face and a warm chat, thank you for being part of our journey.
To celebrate, we’re throwing a party — and you’re invited!
Friday, August 1st!!! – All Day Long!
Join us for a day filled with:
✨ Exclusive special offers & discounts
✨ Delicious mocktail
✨ Swag bags & exciting prize giveaways
✨ B12 Happy Hour with Dr. Brenda Tapp from 4–5 PM!
Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time stopping by, we’d love to celebrate with you. Stay tuned for more details — but mark your calendar now!
Let’s make it a day to remember! 🥳
New Products
We’re excited to introduce a fresh lineup of Canadian-made products now available at our Millbrook location—just in time to support your wellness routine as we shift into fall. These new arrivals are thoughtfully crafted, environmentally conscious, and align with our mission to bring you high-quality, natural options you can feel good about using.
Oneka
Straight from Quebec, Oneka offers beautifully formulated hair and body care products infused with wild-harvested herbs. Free from synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals, these products are as gentle on your body as they are on the planet.
The Good Protein
Proudly Canadian, The Good Protein delivers clean, high-quality protein powders and snacks made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Perfect for supporting your active lifestyle or daily nutrition goals, their products come in delicious flavours that make healthy eating easy and enjoyable.
BITE Natural Bug Spray
This DEET-free bug spray is powered by essential oils and made with sensitive skin in mind. Safe for the whole family, BITE keeps the bugs away without the toxic ingredients or synthetic smells.
Sunna Tan
A Canadian favourite for natural sunless tanning! Sunna Tan offers clean, streak-free glow with products made from organic botanicals and free of parabens, synthetic dyes, or artificial fragrances. Glow safely—year-round.
These new additions are definitely worth checking out. Stop by our Millbrook clinic and explore what’s new—we can’t wait to sh
Upcoming Clinic Closures:
Monday August 4th Monday August 25th -September 1st
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