It’s said the best investment in life is your self-care. This year stop spending money, time and energy on trivial things and reinforce your positive wellness habits. “Atomic Habits” author James Clear suggests there are habits that have a high rate of return in life such as sleeping 8+ hours each day, lifting weights 3x week, going for a walk each day, saving at least 10 percent of your income, reading every day, and drinking more water and less of everything else. What habits work best for an improved you in 2020?

Enjoy your trip knowing you can you can rely upon the travel insurance you purchased. When completing the application process, take your time, provide answers that you know are accurate, even if you must check with your doctor or pharmacist. If a claim for coverage is denied, you may have to deal with service providers seeking tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars for uninsured medical bills. In that case, you should seek a legal opinion regarding the basis for the denial of coverage by the insurer, and about your legal obligation to pay the amounts claimed by the service provider.

Whether you’re struggling with a disc bulge, stenosis, muscle strain, or even leg pain associated with a herniated disc, there are several ways you can wind down your discomfort and match your unique symptoms with the approach that is right for you. A good back specialist will ask very specific questions to interpret the triggers to zero in on a specific mechanism of pain. Once triggers are understood, the objective is to avoid them and adapt new ways to move – to sit, tie your shoes, sleep, brush your teeth, lift your children, walk, etc.

Despite the name, when you get painful blisters called cold sores they are caused by a virus, but not the kind that makes you sniffle and sneeze. They happen because of an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). You can’t cure HSV or a cold sore, but you can alleviate the pain it causes by avoiding spicy or acidic foods, applying ice, and using over-the-counter remedies. Look for medicines that contain numbing agents such as phenol and menthol to reduce cracking and soften scabs. Talk to your Central Alberta Co-op pharmacist if you have questions.

Someone who is fearful of falls may start to avoid everyday activities by staying home and doing less. This lack of activity leads to the loss of strength, reduced muscle tone, and loss of coordination and balance. This deterioration of your physical being increases the risk of falling and, when a fall does occur, the fear is further heightened. Turn your fear of falling into positive actions: remain active, exercise regularly, use assistive devices such as walkers or grab bars, wear sensible shoes and consider participating in a group session with others who are anxious about falling.

The stress over holiday travel, preparations, gifts, finances, and for some having to be with relatives that we are holding ill feelings towards can make what should be a festive, joyous time of year, a time of tension, overwhelm, guilt, financial stress and for some sadness. We can get stuck in the routines of what we have always done instead of adopting ways to support ourselves over the season. Emotional Wellness coaching and EFT/Tapping are great ways to let go of non-serving beliefs, embrace new perspectives, and forgive so that you can have peace.

• If the shoe fits, wear it. During the holiday season, don’t compromise comfort and safety when picking the right shoes to wear. Be proactive, protective and preventive with your selection of appropriate shoes for the occasion.
• Don’t overindulge in holiday cheer. Your feet can feel the effects of too much holiday cheer – overindulging in certain foods high in uric acid can cause painful gout attacks in your feet.
• Listen to your feet. Don’t let foot pain ruin your holiday fun; inspect your feet regularly for any evidence of ingrown toenails, bruising, swelling, blisters, dry skin or calluses.