Medication mix-ups can and do happen. It’s easy for people to lose track of what they are taking and how often they are taking it. Asking a pharmacist questions is a powerful action that can improve medication safety, they are an expert in medications. Patients are also a very important partner in medication safety. Ask questions every time a new medication is prescribed, given or purchased. A full understanding of all aspects of medication is so important to help patients manage their health. Questions save lives, it’s safe to ask.
Community News
Gut Feeling
Poor gut health has been linked to fatigue, mood disorders like depression and anxiety, and a variety of conditions associated with nutrient deficiencies, such as anemia. Fibre is a great way to keep things regular and increase the elimination of toxins and waste from your digestive tract. Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and grasses. If reaching the recommended 10 servings of vegetables per day seems unattainable, consider adding a greens powder to your daily routine to make things easier. Look for a product that is gluten-free, contains probiotics, and is cold-pressed, as this maintains enzymes that improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
ADHD vs. Visual Dysfunction
Children diagnosed with Learning-Related Visual Dysfunction and children diagnosed with ADHD experience many of the same signs and symptoms:
• Failure to pay close attention to details or making careless mistakes
• Difficulty sustaining attention
• Failure to follow through on instructions or to finish work
• Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
• Fidgeting in seat or having trouble staying seated. As a result, unfortunately, children can sometimes be misdiagnosed. A developmental eye evaluation can determine whether a Learning-Related Visual Dysfunction is causing behavior that may otherwise be attributed to ADHD.
Optimize Your Health
Optimize your neurology and you optimize your health! Did you know that the metatarsal area of your foot has over 10,000 nerve receptors? Their main purpose in life is to report back to your brain, via your nervous system, what is happening in your body. A neurological problem, such as MS, Parkinson’s, and Fibromyalgia can compromise messaging to the brain. Voxxlife HPT helps to improve that communication. VOXX HPT is a very specific sequence and pattern of neuroreceptor activation on the bottom of the feet that triggers a signal that aides in the brainstem reaching homeostasis. Voxxlife is a proud “cause-partner” with the Canadian MS Society.
Keep Your Joints Happy
Many of us have an old injury, or joint that tends to stiffen up with a change in weather. With an increase in barometric pressure or humidity, especially in these nasty cold spells we’ve been experiencing, our joints get cold and cranky just like the rest of us. These changes cause the “synovial fluid” in our joints to increase in viscosity, causing inflammation. A few easy ways to keep our joints happy is with extra layers of warmth. For examples: Wearing Long John’s, a knee or elbow sleeve, tensor bandage or even putting your clothes in the dryer before putting them on. Stay warm out there!
The Wonders of Aloe Vera
Humans have used aloe vera therapeutically for over 5,000 years. It is truly a medicinal plant, full of nutritional benefits. It contains 20 minerals, 19 of the 20 amino acids required by the body, and 12 vitamins. Aloe vera also provides the enzymes lipases and proteases, which aid in digestion; saponins, which are substances that exert a powerful anti-microbial effect against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeast; and salicylic acid, which when used topically helps to break down dead tissue. When taken orally, aloe vera acts as an anti-inflammatory. No wonder it is used for such a wide range of remedies.
Tips for Improving Mental Health
Studies show that people with untreated mental health problems visit a doctor twice as often as people who receive mental health care. One study of people with anxiety disorders showed that after psychological treatment, medical visits decreased 90%. Excessive anxiety, depression and stress can contribute to physical problems including heart disease, ulcers, headaches and musculoskeletal problems. Here are some ways to take care of your mental health:
• Exercise: Exercise reduces symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety.
• Ask For Help: Assess your mental health and ask for help if needed.
• Have Fun: Do something you are passionate once a week.
Words to Live By
“Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.” -General George Patton
Book Club: Hack Your Anxiety
How to Make Anxiety Work for You in Life, Love, and All That You Do. What if anxiety is not a monster to be tamed, but a resource to be tapped? In this revolutionary book, Dr. Alicia Clark recognizes anxiety as the unsung hero in the path to success and happiness. It can become the motivating force that will lead to a better you, and The Anxiety Advantage aims to restore anxiety to its rightful place as a positive resource. Reclaim your anxiety as a powerful energy source, and bring yourself peace, growth and success.
Words to Live By
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”
-John Wooden
Clean Eating: Matcha Green Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients: 2 frozen ripe bananas, 1/4 cup chopped ripe pineapple, 3/4 cup coconut milk, 2 tsp matcha green tea powder, 1 cup organic spinach or kale. Topping ideas: berries, coconut flakes, banana slices, chia seeds, almonds. Instructions: Add frozen banana slices, pineapple, coconut milk, matcha powder, and spinach to a blender and blend on high until creamy and smooth. Enjoy!
