Community News
Diabetes & Alzheimer’s Disease 

Research shows a link between Type 2 Diabetes and an increased risk for Alzheimer’s Disease. High levels of insulin, insulin resistance and high blood sugar are hallmark features in people with Type 2 Diabetes. These features are associated with low grade inflammation in the body and brain. New research links inflammation with protein abnormalities in the brain called beta amyloid plaques and tau-protein tangles. Current hypothesis is that the presence of these 2 neurotoxic proteins is associated with a loss of nerve functioning that presents itself as Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest that controlling or preventing type 2 Diabetes can reduce the risk or severity of Alzheimer’s Disease later in life. Struggling with Diabetes or know someone who is? A few sessions with a Diabetes Educator can help lower blood sugar levels and lower risks of toxic effects on the body and brain long-term. You can manage diabetes instead of diabetes managing you!

Mathilda Prinsloo, www.seniorcarepharmacypractice.com

8 Ways to Radiant Skin

1) From the holistic perspective, feeding yourself quality ingredients is the way to look and feel your best.
2) Talk nice to yourself. You are already a beautiful creature! When you know this from the heart, it shows on your skin. That kind of confidence cannot be bought.
3) Get to know yourself spiritually, you are part of limitless potential and you can do whatever your heart desires.
4) Believe in who you are.
5) Feed yourself with good books, music and loved ones.
6) Go into nature and take deep breaths. Sit and breathe, walk your dog and breath, ski and breath, do something to calm the mind and get oxygen into the body.
7) Take time for you.
8) Eat healthy, get exercise, and do not over do anything.

Lori Cohen, Optima Organics, www.immortellerevolution.ca

Chocolate Hemp Snackers 

Need a quick pick-me-up that’s loaded with protein, fibre, and is a little bit sweet?  Try a Chocolate Hemp Snacker.  Hemp Snackers are the innovative crunchy macaroon-like energy bar listing organic hemp seed as the #1 ingredient.  Full of protein, fibre, Omega 3’s and 6’s, inulin, antioxidants, and magnesium, they’re a snack you can feel good about eating.  Because they’re dehydrated at low temperatures rather than baked, they’re crunchy and easy for your body to digest. We chose organic Canadian maple sugar to sweeten them with, both for the unique flavour as well as the nutritional benefits. Only 150 Calories per one bar.

Natalie Dueck, www.rawnata.com

Cardio Screens Lifeline to Health 

February is Heart and Stroke Awareness Month. Remarkable progress has been made tackling cardiovascular disease in Canada over the past 60 years with death rates declining by more than 75 per cent. This has largely been due to research advances in surgical procedures, drug therapies and prevention efforts. Yet despite our progress, heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death here in Canada. An estimated 1.6 million Canadians are living with heart disease or the effects of a stroke. In 2011, more than 66,000 Canadians died from heart disease or stroke. That’s one person every 7 minutes. In that year, almost 14,000 Canadians died as the result of a heart attack. By adopting a healthier lifestyle, you can delay the onset of heart disease or stroke by as much as 14 years! Cardiovascular screening is a reliable way to know your possible risk factors for a heart attack or stroke. Get your screening done today!

Rick Drury, www.scoopandsave.com

What is Your Mouth Telling You?

The state of your mouth can offer valuable insights into your dental, oral and overall health.  Any bleeding when you brush your gums is a sign that you should see your dentist.  Unhealthy gums can affect your overall health.  Atherosclerosis, clogging of the arteries, has a strong link to gum disease.  Pain on biting might mean a cracked tooth.  Sugar sensitivity usually indicates a cavity.  Tenderness to cold might just need a change of toothpaste.  Tenderness to hot is likely to be more serious.  The pulp of your tooth can become inflamed for many reasons.  The only way to find out, for sure, what’s going on is to see your dentist.  Bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene.  A good electric toothbrush, flossing and scraping your tongue all help.  Throat infections also cause bad breath.  Don’t assume that problems will resolve by themselves.  See a dentist at least once a year. Remember: “You don’t have to floss all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep!” Dr.

George Cadigan, www.exclusvielydentures.ca

Budget Your Medication 

With Pharmacare deductibles once again beginning in April, we know that the cost of prescriptions is often difficult to manage for patients. Everyone should have access to good care and safe medication use. There are customized budget plans that are available. This allows you to remain on your medications and manage the expense throughout the year. Along with the budget, visiting pharmacists will visit you or your loved ones in the comfort of your own home on a regular basis. They will help you manage multiple or complex medications and collaborate with other members of your health care team to ensure your health needs are met. This gives you and your family peace of mind with the knowledge that this aspect of your life is taken care of and contributes to a positive quality of life. Better Health and Wellness can be achieved through medication management.

Care At Home Pharmacy, www.careathomepharmacy.ca

Fall Prevention for the Elderly

We have all fallen. Once, twice, or maybe even several times. But if you’re 65 years or older, falling can be detrimental. One out of every five falls will cause a serious injury such as a broken bone or a head injury. An older person who falls and hits their head should see their doctor A.S.A.P., as head injuries may be life-threatening. Did you know that falling once doubles your chance of falling again? Exercise to improve your balance and strengthen your muscles helps to prevent falls. Not wearing bifocal or multifocal glasses when you walk, especially on stairs, will make you less likely to fall. You can also make your home safer by removing loose rugs, adding handrails to stairs and hallways, and making sure you have adequate lighting in dark areas. Falls are not an inevitable part of life, even as a person gets older. You can take action to prevent falls.

Life Assure, www.lifeassure.com

Clean Eating: Quinoa “Breaded” Chicken Strips 

Ingredients: (Use organic products)

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
⅔ cup flour
1 tsp sea salt + ¼ tsp pepper
3 eggs + 2 Tbsp water
2 cups cooked quinoa

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and grease a baking sheet with Coconut Oil or Butter. In a small bowl whisk flour, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl whisk eggs and water. Place quinoa in a third bowl. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, then eggs, and lastly in the quinoa being sure to coat well.  Bake for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked. Serve with your favorite healthy dipping sauces!

Winter Hazards & Your Cat

It can be a scary situation. You get into your vehicle and you hear a faint sound. When you pop the hood, you’re able to see that a tiny kitten has crawled in. Year after year we see our share of cats who have been injured because they just wanted to keep warm. During the winter months, a kitten, who doesn’t have very much body fat, can get quite cold. When he feels the warmth coming from your engine, up he goes. It may seem like folklore, but there have been several instances of this happening. If you suspect a cat could get under your car, honk the horn or bang loudly on the hood before starting the engine. Ultimately, cats do seek shelter in and around vehicles and some are badly injured, burned, or killed when drivers fail to notice their presence. Always keeping your cats indoors is the best way to keep them safe from vehicle dangers.

Lisa Tustin, Veterinary Assistant

DIY Natural Deodorant

Traditional deodorants contain many harmful ingredients including aluminum. Aluminum is a known neurotoxin that has been linked to breast cancer and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Want to know how to make your own natural, aluminum-free deodorant that WORKS? Simple! All you need is: 3 Tbsp coconut oil, 4 Tbsp baking soda, 2 Tbsp shea butter, 2 tbsp corn starch and any essential oils (like lavender and tea tree). Make a double boiler by placing a glass jar in a small pot of water. Bring water to a simmer. Add coconut oil and shea butter to the jar and let melt. Turn off the heat, add the baking soda and cornstarch, and stir until smooth. Mix in essential oils and let cool. To use, just scoop a small amount from the jar and rub onto your armpits until absorbed. Some people transfer the deodorant to an old anti-perspirant tube to make application easier.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Beauty

If you’re only using apple cider vinegar in the kitchen, you’re missing out!  Apple cider vinegar is one of nature’s most powerful ingredients that offer many health and beauty benefits. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is rich in acetic, citric and malic acids as well as vitamins, enzymes, minerals and amino acids. For those struggling with acne or pimples, it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help keep your pores free from bacteria.  ACV increases blood flow to the skin and minimize pores. In addition, it helps restore and balance your skin’s pH, which is essential to prevent skin breakouts. To use: Mix 1 part raw, unfiltered ACV and 2 parts water in a bowl. Soak a cotton ball and apply it on the affected skin. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water. Reapply a few times daily for a few days.