Community News
Does Your Dog Have Hot Spots?

They’re commonly known as hot spots, but the medical term for those bare, inflamed, red areas you often see on dogs is acute moist dermatitis — a bacterial skin infection. Anything that irritates your dog’s skin enough to make him scratch or chew can lead to pain and infection. A hot spot’s location can help your vet diagnose its cause. Fleas, for example, may be the source of a hip hot spot, while a hot spot at the ear might point to ear problems. Treating hot spots may involve shaving and cleaning the irritated area, antibiotics, steroids, or topical medications, depending on how bad the hot spots are, and how much pain your pooch is in. Healthy skin is the key to preventing hot spots! If your pooch has a thick, heavy coat, groom him regularly to prevent his coat from matting. Matted fur traps moisture and parasites, creating the ideal environment for hot spots.

Lisa Tustin, Professional Pet Services

 

Successful Love Stories

“I joined Camelot Introductions and thought I would not have a match and could go on with my happy single life knowing that I had tried and it wasn’t meant for me. Then, we were introduced and one year and one month later, we were married! Lianne gave good advice and continues to support us. I have never been happier in my life, with all the ups and downs, there is nowhere else I’d rather be than with my husband. I love him so much.” ~ M.

“I joined Camelot Introductions and met the love of my life (my soulmate). Richard was my first match. I felt an instant connection with Lianne. She is so intuitive! Richard and I met 2-1/2 years ago; got engaged on April 24 and our wedding day was on August 22. I am so thankful to Lianne. What a wonderful journey it has been!” ~ Liliane.

Camelot Introductions, CamelotIntroductions.com

6 Ways to Alkalize Your Body

Did you know that your immunity is based on how alkaline your diet is? Having an overly acidic diet eventually leads to a weakened state, and our bodies become susceptible to disease. Here are six ways to alkalize – and healthify – your body!

1. Drink plenty of water. Drink half your body weight in ounces every day to keep your body systems regulated. For an extra boost in alkalinity – add lemon!

2. Trade coffee for tea. Green tea is highly alkaline. Try jasmine, sencha or matcha.

3. Kick that sugar habit. Use stevia, coconut sugar or small amounts of honey in place of sugar.

4. Eat more greens. Vegetables are highly alkaline and oxygen rich. Consume fresh green vegetables often as possible.

5. Move. Exercise to create more oxygen and qi flow in the body and to avoid stagnation.

6. Reduce stress. Meditate as often as possible, practice deep breathing, do yoga, and get plenty of sleep.

Care At Home Pharmacy, CareAtHomePharmacy.ca

Clean Eating: Cantaloupe & Cucumber Salad

Here’s a refreshing side salad for a change of pace. It’s delicious served with a spicy grilled chicken, tofu, or fish. Or serve this over a bed of leafy greens with extra dressing on the side. Gently fold together 1/2 small cantaloupe and 1 medium cucumber (cut into 1/2 inch chunks), 1/2 cup crumbled feta, and 6 big basil leaves (sliced thinly). Whisk and add to salad: 1 tbsp olive oil, 2-3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and freshly ground salt and pepper to taste. Top with 2 tbsp sunflower seeds. (This is the perfect place to showcase your gourmet balsamic vinegars and good quality olive oil. Skip the salt and sprinkle with a little Fleur de Sel for some drama!)

Lisa Kehler, OffYourPlateNutrition.ca

Book Club: The Dirt Cure

Growing Healthy Kids with Food Straight from Soil. In the tradition of Michael Pollan, Mark Hyman, and Andrew Weil, pioneering integrative pediatric neurologist Maya Shetreat-Klein, MD, reveals the shocking contents of children’s food, how it’s seriously harming their bodies and brains, and what we can do about it.

Maya Shetreat-Klein, MD, Dirtcure.com

New Product Review

It’s time to say goodbye to allergens, pollen, dust, mold, pet hair – virtually all airborne pollutants, as the Blue Pure 211 WiFi enabled air purifier captures 99% of particles up to PM 2.5. With a single touch, turn the unit on/off, select fan speeds, and be alerted for filter changes. A digital display lets you see and control the air you breathe to make sure it’s virtually free of allergy or asthma triggers. Or download the Blueair Friend app and connect it for remote control using any smart device. The enhanced 360-degree air intake ensures no pollutant escapes the 540 sq. ft. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). Using just 60 watts on the highest fan speed, the Blue Pure 211 is 60% more energy efficient than other air purifiers in its class. Your home will become a clean-air haven with the Blue Pure 211.

Aviva Natural Health Solutions
AvivaHealth.com

Black Seed Oil

Black seed (Nigella sativa) is the new preferred therapeutic oil prized for its immune-boosting and antibacterial benefits to reduce respiratory, viral, and digestive ailments. This oil has been used medicinally in Middle Eastern cultures for millennia. Anecdotally, it’s been said to “cure everything except for death!” And the research is starting to back that up. Studies show that this versatile oil can regulate the immune system, benefit blood sugar, and has anti-cancer activity (Butt et al, 2010). Even though it’s known for its medicinal power, it can be used in cooking and food preparation. Look for a cold-pressed black seed oil and for a synergistic blend, use oregano oil and black seed oil together. Look for a combination with vitamins A and D added to give your immune system the best tools to beat the bugs!

Cassie Irwin
Enerex.ca

Summer and Vitamin D

Summer weather has finally arrived, and many of us are enjoying the longer summer days, and spending more time outside. Did you know that even with the summer weather, you might not be getting adequate amounts of vitamin D? Sunscreen can block up to 90% of the vitamin D conversion on sun-exposed skin, and clothing will prevent adequate vitamin D production as well. Individuals with digestive problems and autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis often require higher levels of vitamin D than the average person does. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone and muscle health, healthy immune function, and good mental health. We live in a climate of extremes, and ensuring you have optimal levels of vitamin D throughout the year is an easy way to support good health. Arranging seasonal, periodic testing and evaluation by your naturopathic doctor will ensure your levels are optimal all year long!

Dr. Cory Storm, ND
TheNatureDoctors.ca

Foundation of Mental Health

Did you know that our ability to experience happiness and satisfaction in life is related directly to our self-esteem? We learn to love ourselves to the extent that we have been loved. How we love and accept ourselves affects our relationships and our ability to love others. Our beliefs and the extent to which we value ourselves is a product of our past experiences, and influences how we feel about ourselves today. Low self-esteem may contribute to depression, anxiety, and decreased productivity and social interaction. The good news is that you can learn to change your beliefs about yourself. As your self-esteem increases, so does your enthusiasm, creativity, energy, and happiness. Self-esteem is the foundation of mental health! Take that first step towards building a healthy foundation by attending a Self-Love & Acceptance Group.

Tracy Sparham, BSW, RSW
sheatreewellness.com

What are Cataracts?

Behind the iris is a lens, which helps your eye focus light. In the majority of the population, this lens is transparent. However, aging, certain diseases, trauma to the eye, medications, and environmental factors such as air pollution and UV light can cause this lens to discolour or develop opacities. These changes are called cataracts and they affect the ability of the eye to focus light, much like a fingerprint on glasses or dirt on a window. If the cataract matures, many people notice blurry vision that is not correctable with glasses. Other symptoms of cataracts are glare, halos, and changes to colour vision. Once the vision loss is affecting daily activities, cataract surgery may be considered.

Dr. Ashley Britton, Independent Optometrist
Linden Ridge Eye Care
LREyeCare.ca

Get More from Vacations

Do you find it takes you up to three days to get into “vacation mode”? Summertime is vacation time, and your time away is far too precious to spend it trying to “hurry up and relax”. Once you do wind down, do you often get sick? The go-go-go nature of our lives means that once your system has a chance to calm down, your immunity also goes down the tubes at the same time, leading to illness or exhaustion. Floating therapy before your vacation can help you get your mind and body back into balance so that you can actually be more present on your vacation. And isn’t that what vacations are really for?

Leah & Brad, FloatCalm.com