I am currently in the process of changing office locations, and wanted to make sure I gave everyone 30 days notice of this change. My new clinic address is as follows:

Dundas University Health Clinic
438 University Avenue, Suite 104
416.598.4999
Visit their website

Please note that bookings for this office should be made with their reception staff at the number above.

My Availability for May (both clinics)

First, the most important thing: If you already have an appointment booked with me in May, your appointment is still on! If you need to change it, just let me know.

For the month of May, I will still be working at my current location, Halcyon Health, 677 Dupont St. However, I will only be available part time, on the following dates:

Monday May 10, Tuesday May 11
Monday May 17, Tuesday May 18
Tuesday May 25

Online booking is still fully functional for those dates. Please feel welcome to book an appointment. New clients are not being accepted at Halcyon – please contact Dundas University Health Clinic if you are a new client and would like to book in to see me.

I will also be available part time at my new office (see above for contact information). My hours there will be as follows:

Friday May 7th: 10-6

Thursday May 13: 10-5
Friday May 14: 10-6

Wednesday May 19: 10-6
Thursday May 20: 10-5
Friday May 21: 10-6

Wednesday May 26: 10-6
Thursday May 27: 10-5
Friday May 28: 10-6

Effective June 1st, I will be working full time at the new office with the following hours:

Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 10-6pm
Thursday: 10-5pm

After June 1st, my website will still be maintained (including contact information), but my online booking will no longer be available. I know this has been a popular service, and I apologize for any inconvenience this causes. The reception staff at Dundas University Health are very responsive, however, and will be sure to answer your calls promptly.

Fee Schedule and Services

The fees for massage therapy at Halcyon and at my new office are the same (eg – a 1 hour treatment is $85 with GST included). There will be a tax increase as of July 1st – as I’m sure you all know, that’s the date the HST goes into effect. Therefore, the total cost of the massage will increase in July, but only due to the tax – the before-tax price will not change.

I will no longer be offering Hot Stone massage, but all other kinds of massage (pregnancy, deep tissue, sports, etc) will be available.

I will likely be offering more infant massage classes in the future, but at the present time there are none scheduled.

Client Records (Charts)

For those of you who continue to see me at the new clinic, you will need to fill out a new health history at your first visit. This is because the new office has its own filing system. I apologize if that causes any inconvenience.

If anyone wants a copy of their current file, please contact me. In most cases you would not need a copy unless you wanted one – any other health practitioners you see will start their own file. After my current office closes, the files will be stored in a secure, locked location within my home, where only I will have access to them. Per College of Massage Therapist regulations, I must maintain a copy of your records for 10 years.

After June 1st, I will still be available at my current email address if you have any questions or concerns, or require something from your massage records.

Thank you all for being wonderful clients over the last two years! I hope to see you at my new location.

Some very basic advice for the beginner:

- Always warm up before a run. This can be something as simple as going for a short walk and stretching.
- Make sure you have proper running shoes. You don’t have to spend a ton on them, but they should be shoes made for running and not for cross-training, walking, or any other sport. Not sure where to get shoes? For basic shoes, any sports store will do – just make sure you take the time to try on several pair and walk around in them to see if they’re comfortable. If you’re looking to spend a bit more, my favourite shop in Toronto is The Runners Shop, located on Bloor Street West, across from the ROM.
- Keep hydrated, especially if it is hot outside. It is best to drink some water before you go for your run, and then drink small sips of water during.
- Don’t push yourself too hard! Just start out with a nice, easy pace, and take a short walk break when you need to.
- The Running Room has great clinics for both beginner runners (Learn to Run is particularly popular) as well as seasoned runners who are looking to train up to a new distance and/or improve their time.

Think you might want to try competing? It’s a ton of fun and often the events are fundraisers for great charities. Just a small selection of the runs coming up in Toronto this year:

May: Sporting Life 10K
June: Toronto Challenge 5K run/walk
July: Acura 10 miler and 5K
August: Toronto Women’s 10K and 5K
September: Toronto Waterfront Marathon/Half/5K
October: Goodlife Toronto Marathon/Half/5K/Relay

This means that the tax rate you pay on many goods and services will increase as of that date. If you only paid GST on something before, you will now have to pay the combined GST+PST rate (the HST) which is 13% tax.

Because Registered Massage Therapists are required to charge GST on their services in Ontario, that means my fees will be increasing as of July 1st. Please note that the fee increase will ONLY cover the new tax rate – this is not a fee increase that I will benefit from.

More details will be coming within the next couple of months. Thanks for your understanding.

Date: Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Time: 1pm. Class will be 1-1.5 hours in length, depending on the number of registrants and the mood of the babies.
Location: Right here at Halcyon Health, 677 Dupont, 2nd Floor.
Cost: $45 for one baby and up to two adults*
Supplies you’ll need: Just your standard ‘out and about with baby’ stuff – extra diapers, a changing pad, receiving blankets if you use them, etc. Comfortable mats, pillows, oil (canola) and sheets will be provided. You may wish to bring clothing/blankets for your baby that you don’t mind getting a little oil on.
Registration deadline: Friday, March 26, 2010. Please note pre-registration and payment is required.

This is a great class for parents and their baby (aged newborn to crawling), but it’s also fun for other caregivers – grandparents, aunts and uncles, close friends, etc. If you are a single parent or your partner doesn’t want to attend, you are welcome to bring one other adult who is important in your baby’s life!

Benefits of massage for infants and children include increased bonding, reducing stress and increasing relaxation, stimulation of the systems of the body, helping with colic and gas, and helping regulate sleeping patterns.

If you are currently pregnant and would like to take the class before having your baby, that is possible too – we’ll just teach you using a doll or a teddy bear. Just let me know when you register so I can make sure I have a doll for you (or you can bring you own if you prefer).

The cost includes the price of an infant massage booklet, which is yours to keep and refer to at home. Payment must be sent at the time of registration in order to hold your spot in the class. You can either arrange a time with me to pay in person (Visa, Mastercard, Debit, cash or cheque are all ok), mail me a cheque, or send me an Interac email money transfer for the class fee.

To register, either email me, or self-register with my online booking. Please click here to access my online booking, then click on ‘Event’ in the top menu, then click the arrow to choose ‘March’ (if needed), then click on the ‘Infant Massage Class’ link that appears on the 30th.

Please note: Due to space limitations, we cannot accommodate large strollers. Because the clinic is located up a flight of stairs, I recommend just bringing your car seat, or a sling or other ‘baby wearing’ device.

If you have questions about this class, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

This class requires a minimum of 2 registrations, maximum of 8. If the minimum is not met by the registration deadline, the class will be cancelled, and anyone who has registered will receive a full refund.

*There is special pricing for twins – please contact me for details.

Please note this course is not designed as an infant massage instructor’s course. Skills learned in this class are to be used on your own children or the children of family or friends only.

MP Olivia Chow and Friends of Christie Pits Park are having their yearly Family Day skating party. There will be games, activities for kids, free hot chocolate and pizza, and of course lots of skating! It’s from 1-3pm.

If you go, enjoy it!

Melissa Melnitzer, our physician who specializes in psychotherapy, has started a new blog called Oprah and Beyond. She was inspired by both O Magazine and Oprah’s announced departure from television, and wanted to have a place to post light and fun reflections with a bit of a pop culture twist, complementing the concept she has developed with her 15 minute beginnings blog.

Tiina Veer, our yoga instructor and fellow RMT, will be continuing to teach her Yoga for Round Bodies class in the new year. She is likely going to offer it as a weekly class starting in January. All the details will be available on Halcyon’s website in the new year.

Tiina and Melissa will also be doing a one day self-care retreat on Saturday, January 30th. This workshop involves both reflective writing and guided relaxation and helps you work towards personal well-being for 2010! All the details are available here.

And finally, Halcyon now has a variety of yoga classes available to you, including Iyengar and Restorative.

Hope you all enjoy your New Year’s holiday plans and hope to see you in 2010!

Date: Thursday, January 14th
Time: 11am. Class will be 1-1.5 hours in length, depending on the number of registrants and the mood of the babies.
Location: Right here at Halcyon Health, 677 Dupont, 2nd Floor.
Cost: $45 per family (baby plus up to two adults)*.
Supplies you’ll need: Just your standard ‘out and about with baby’ stuff – extra diapers, a changing pad, receiving blankets if you use them, etc. Comfortable mats, pillows, oil (canola) and sheets will be provided. You may wish to bring clothing/blankets for your baby that you don’t mind getting a little oil on.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, January 12th.

This is a great class for parents and their baby (aged newborn to crawling), but it’s also fun for other caregivers – grandparents, aunts and uncles, close friends, etc. If you are a single parent or your partner doesn’t want to attend, you are welcome to bring one other adult who is important in your baby’s life!

Benefits of massage for infants and children include increased bonding, reducing stress and increasing relaxation, stimulation of the systems of the body, helping with colic and gas, and helping regulate sleeping patterns.

If you are currently pregnant and would like to take the class before having your baby, that is possible too – we’ll just teach you using a doll or a teddy bear. Just let me know when you register so I can make sure I have a doll for you (or you can bring you own if you prefer).

The cost includes the price of an infant massage booklet, which is yours to keep and refer to at home. Payment must be sent at the time of registration in order to hold your spot in the class. You can either arrange a time with me to pay in person (Visa, Mastercard, Debit, cash or cheque are all ok), mail me a cheque, or send me an Interac email money transfer for the class fee.

To register, either email me, or self-register with my online booking. Please click here to access my online booking, then click on ‘Event’ in the top menu, then click the arrow to choose ‘January’ (if needed), then click on the ‘Infant Massage Class’ link that appears on the 14th.

Please note: Due to space limitations, we cannot accommodate large strollers. Because the clinic is located up a flight of stairs, I recommend just bringing your car seat, or a sling or other ‘baby wearing’ device.

If you have questions about this class, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

This class requires a minimum of 2 registrations, maximum of 6. If the minimum is not met by the registration deadline, the class will be cancelled, and anyone who has registered will receive a full refund.

*If you have twins, please contact me for class cost details.

Now that we’re only a month away from the holidays, I thought I should post what my office hours will be like during late December and early January.

My office will be closed the following days:

December 24, 25, 26 & 27
December 31 & January 1st

I am available for appointments the following days and times during the week between Christmas and New Year’s:

Monday December 28th: 1 – 5:30pm
Tuesday December 29th: 1 – 7pm
Wednesday December 30th: 1 – 7pm

For those looking to book appointments during that week, I advise you to book early – that week tends to be very popular for bookings!

I will also be off on vacation the first week of January: from January 4th to January 10th inclusive.

Have a wonderful holiday season, no matter what you celebrate!

6-week introductory course with Kari Romaniuk

Tuesdays, 6:15-7:30pm
November 3 – December 8
$90 for the 6-class series

“Iyengar Yoga is a precise, systematic method of Yoga as developed by BKS Iyengar of Pune, India. The primary focus is on concentrated movements to fine tune the body and to increase mobility, stability, strength and alignment. The intense concentration draws the attention inward, quieting and integrating the mind and body. Iyengar Yoga is yoga for health. It involves techniques for the well-being of both body and mind.”
~Yoga Centre Toronto, www.yogacentretoronto.ca

“Iyengar Yoga is characterized by great attention to detail and precise focus on body alignment. [B.K.S.] Iyengar pioneered the use of “props” such as cushions, benches, blocks, straps, and even sand bags, which function as aids allowing beginners to experience asanas more easily and fully than might otherwise be possible without several years of practice… Standing poses are emphasized in Iyengar Yoga. They are said to build strong legs, increase general vitality, and improve circulation, coordination and balance… Iyengar teachers complete at least two years of rigorous training for the introductory certificate. They may complete subsequent… levels of certification, potentially entailing a decade or more of training.”
~www.wikipedia.org

Come and experience Iyengar yoga for your health and well-being, and welcome Kari to Halcyon!

Click here to register – choose ‘Classes and workshops’, go to the November calendar, then choose ‘Iyengar Yoga – 6 week intro – KARI’.

I will be offering my Infant Massage class one last time for 2009. Please note there will be a slight price increase for 2010, so this is the last chance to take this class at the current rate.

Date: Sunday, November 15, 2009
Time: 10:30am. Class will be 1-1.5 hours in length, depending on the number of registrants and the mood of the babies.
Location: Right here at Halcyon Health, 677 Dupont, 2nd Floor.
Cost: $35 per family (baby plus up to two adults)*.
Supplies you’ll need: Just your standard ‘out and about with baby’ stuff – extra diapers, a changing pad, receiving blankets if you use them, etc. Comfortable mats, pillows, oil (canola) and sheets will be provided. You may wish to bring clothing/blankets for your baby that you don’t mind getting a little oil on.
Registration deadline: Friday, November 13, 2009.

This is a great class for parents and their baby (aged newborn to crawling), but it’s also fun for other caregivers – grandparents, aunts and uncles, close friends, etc. If you are a single parent or your partner doesn’t want to attend, you are welcome to bring one other adult who is important in your baby’s life!

Benefits of massage for infants and children include increased bonding, reducing stress and increasing relaxation, stimulation of the systems of the body, helping with colic and gas, and helping regulate sleeping patterns.

If you are currently pregnant and would like to take the class before having your baby, that is possible too – we’ll just teach you using a doll or a teddy bear. Just let me know when you register so I can make sure I have a doll for you (or you can bring you own if you prefer).

The cost includes the price of an infant massage booklet, which is yours to keep and refer to at home. Payment must be sent at the time of registration in order to hold your spot in the class. You can either arrange a time with me to pay in person (Visa, Mastercard, Debit, cash or cheque are all ok), mail me a cheque, or send me an Interac email money transfer for the class fee.

To register, either email me, or self-register with my online booking. Please click here to access my online booking for this class.

Please note: Due to space limitations, we cannot accommodate large strollers. Because the clinic is located up a flight of stairs, I recommend just bringing your car seat, or a sling or other ‘baby wearing’ device.

If you have questions about this class, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

This class requires a minimum of 2 registrations, maximum of 6. If the minimum is not met by the registration deadline, the class will be cancelled, and anyone who has registered will receive a full refund.

*If you have twins, please contact me for class cost details.