by Deborah Rogers –
It has been a bad season for flu. Anecdotally I’ve heard of many people who’ve been hit hard, and spent days in bed. Well, this Christmas I had my first taste of flu for a long time, and boy, did it wipe me out! The fever and respiratory issues were one thing, but the total exhaustion afterwards was unlike anything I’ve experienced. Stuck in bed, then on the couch, by the end of week two I was starting to despair that I’d ever feel like moving again! Lucky for me then that my convalescence coincided with the February issue’s Day Out.
You might remember (OK, you might not!) for last year’s Health & Wellness issue I challenged myself to a week of workouts at Panorama Recreation. I was in no fit state for such an energetic activity this year – instead I’m approaching health from a different angle.
On Cook Street, near the corner of Fort Street, is Hydrate IV Wellness Centre. I made an appointment with Kristen Bovee, owner and naturopathic doctor, to sample an IV infusion treatment. (Disclosure: I’m not recommending this type of treatment for anyone; I’m just presenting my experience.) Wellness has become something of a buzzword these past few years, but my observation of Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula is that residents have always been open to the idea of health and wellness as something individuals should pursue. You can take the number of physiotherapists, chiropractors, RMTs, acupuncture practitioners, naturopaths and vitamin stores as informal evidence of this. Put those alongside the numerous yoga studios, gyms and personal trainers and I think it would be hard to dispute that people here are eager to look after their own health, and don’t mind looking outside of the medical system to do it.
IV therapy is having a bit of a moment internationally with clinics proliferating around the globe. Kristen has been offering this service for many years though, although the idea of a dedicated clinic is fairly new for her. We did an intake interview where I answered questions about my health and lifestyle, and together identified where I might be lacking in nutrients, and the treatment that would best help me. There are various vitamin and mineral formulations to choose from. You could go for an “Energy-Blast” packed full of B vitamins and amino acids, or a “Hangover Cure” with electrolytes to help you shake off a big night out. It’s also possible to get formulations specific to a health condition you might be suffering. I selected an “Immune Boosting” bag, to try and shake off the last of the flu and get me back to my usual healthy self.
I’m a little bit wimpy about needles, so I opted to look away as Kristen got me hooked up to the IV. It was no big deal though, just the usual pin prick, and pressure feeling. Soon enough the bright yellow bag was dripping into the IV tube, and infusing my system with a high dose of vitamins. Kristen had cautioned me that I might get a strange taste in the mouth, and that really was the only noticeable thing as I relaxed back in the chair, feet up, and a magazine in hand.
It was a very chilled experience for me, and I let my mind wander and body relax. Posters on the wall promoted a pre- or post-New Year’s infusion and I could see the appeal. In this age of trying to have it all, and do it all, I like the idea of setting aside a quiet moment to prioritize feeling healthy. Whether the treatment hastened my recovery I can’t say for sure, but I definitely experienced a feeling of euphoria as I left the clinic. I was super-charged for the New Year, and all the experiences that lie ahead!
What do you want to see Deb do next? Send your ideas or invitations to news@seasidemagazine.ca.
