Happy New Year to everyone! Hopefully you are all having a wonderful start to 2017.
For many, a new year marks a time for new beginnings. In this week's Q&A we speak with a local physiotherapist who's embarking on a new endeavour in 2017. Juliet Sarjeant has spent her career working at the Saskatoon Health Region; and is now excited to be starting a private practice part-time at McInnes Physiotherapy - starting tomorrow. As you will read further down, Juliet is looking forward to reconnecting with the Brainsport community in the months ahead.
Q&A with Juliet Sarjeant
Tara: What was your motivation for venturing into private practice at this time in your career?
Juliet: I’m looking forward to starting work in private practice primarily to broaden my client base. At the health region, I only see women with urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. At McInnes Physiotherapy, I’m hoping to continue working with those women, but also those with bowel dysfunction and pelvic pain. In addition, I’ll be able to help men and children who are struggling with similar problems.
Tara: You specialize in treating women with pelvic floor problems, which is often something female runners struggle with after pregnancy. Would you mind telling us a bit more about how physiotherapy can help women with this issue?
Juliet: Female runners commonly encounter pelvic floor dysfunction, like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse or pelvic pain. Just as an orthopaedic physiotherapist can help runners with foot, hip and knee problems, a pelvic health physiotherapist can assess and treat conditions related to the pelvic floor. We’re trained to do internal vaginal and/or rectal examinations to properly assess the function of the pelvic floor. With the help of a physiotherapist, women may be able to return to running at any stage of life, post-partum or otherwise.
Tara: Are there any preventative measures pregnant, or soon-to-be-pregnant, runners can take in order to minimize their chances of developing pelvic floor complications?
Juliet: In popular culture, people often talk about "doing their Kegels" to alleviate pelvic floor dysfunction. However, not everyone knows how to find their Kegel muscles (aka pelvic floor muscles), and not everyone needs to strengthen them. In fact, a significant portion of my current practice is made up of women who need to relax their pelvic floors, not tighten them! The best way to prepare for, or to maintain a healthy pregnancy is to visit a pelvic health physiotherapist.
Tara: Would you mind speaking a bit about the stigma surrounding the diagnoses and treatment of this particular issue, and why it's important to rid of any misconceptions?
Juliet: The reality is that as many as one third of women will sometimes leak urine - that is a lot of women who are not talking about their problems. Take a look at your local supermarket or drugstore - there are whole aisles filled with incontinence products for both men and women! In fact, as men reach the age of 65, they are just as likely as women to suffer from urine leakage. While pelvic organ prolapse, bowel dysfunction and pelvic pain aren't quite as prevalent, many women and men are struggling with these problems as well. We need to talk about our problems related to pelvic health because there are options for treatment, including physiotherapy, that can dramatically improve one's quality of life.
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Juliet: I’m excited to expand my practice and am really looking forward to being in the same building as Brainsport. I have been friends with Brian for approximately 20 years, used to attend Running Club in my pre-child years and am hoping to get reconnected to the Brainsport community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Brainsport Brainfreeze
The 9th Annual Brainfreeze, in support of the U of S Cross Country Team, is set for Sunday March 5, 2017! This year there will be the addition of a 5K race, along with the 10K and half-marathon distances. Start time is 10 a.m. in front of Brainsport (also the finish). Register by going to www.brainsport.ca.
Just Tri-it - Triathlon Training
Ladies, have you ever wondered what it would be like to do a triathlon? Are you looking for a fun and challenging spring training program? The Just Tri-it program gives you eight weeks of swim, bike and run training, plus entry into the Makin It Happen Triathlon, where you can show off your new skills. Registration is now open, and it always sells out! Learn more and register click here.
Learn to Pole Walk (Nordic Walking)
Looking for a fun and effective way to get in shape and stay healthy through the winter? If so, maybe Nordic Walking is right for you. Classes are being held January 8, 15 and 29 at the Saskatoon Field House from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Instructors, David and Sheila Taylor, will teach you about the different types of poles, how to size the poles, proper Nordic Walking technique, and how to use the poles going up or down hills. To register go to
Breath Move Be - Yoga for Runners
Breath Move Be is back with more yoga for runners in the new year. Join in this runner specific yoga class starting January 10 through February 28. Classes will be held at Namaskar Yoga Studio on Tuesday nights from 6:05 to 7:05. For more information and to register email Leanne at
Triathlon Training
Transition Sport and Fitness is offering Distance Group, or Personalized Coaching for anyone wanting to take their swim, bike, or run training to the next level.
Visit www.transitionsportandfitness.cafor more info on all programs.
Start2Finish
Every week, at one of Saskatoon's community schools, volunteers and children come together for a running and reading program called Start2Finish. The program aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing ongoing educational support to Saskatoon's at-risk children. You run, read, and share a word of the day with the group of kids. Start2Finish not only allows you the opportunity to give back to the community, and gain a rewarding experience, but also allows you to help children grow in a positive way. If you are interested in giving a couple hours of your time email http:
Product of the Week
New Balance's latest in stock!
This week we're going big, with multiple products! We have a stellar lineup of new shoes from New Balance now in stock for both men and women. Start the new year out right with a new pair of New Balance! Come on in to the store and our staff will be sure to get you in the right fit. There's plenty to choose from!
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara