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

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

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.

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.

Life Assure Medical Alert is Canada’s foremost provider of medical alert devices for seniors. Our goal is simple, to keep seniors safe and allows them to live comfortably in their homes while remaining independent. Life Assure provides state of the art technology with each one of our extremely affordable and reliable units. With Life Assure Medical Alert Units, you can have peace of mind knowing that at any time, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, help is available at the push of a button. Whether you need to contact a family member, friend, or the local paramedics, our team of highly trained and dedicated staff is available whenever you need. Our simple and low monthly prices provide premium services with no hidden charges or extra costs. Additionally, our lifetime guarantee makes it easy for you to maintain the lifestyle you enjoy, while also staying safe. Remain independent and protect your life with Life Assure

Medical Alert. Life Assure, www.lifeassure.com

by Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman, ND & Robert Ullman, ND
Ritalin-Free Kids offers a natural alternative to Ritalin and other drugs such as Adderal and Dexedrine for the treatment of ADHD. The authors describe their experiences with more than 400 ADHD patients whom they have treated. You will learn how lives have been dramatically changed and improved through the use of homeopathy. Before parents agree to give children stimulants, they should read this book. http://healthyhomeopathy.com

Dr. Anke Zimmermann, BSc, ND, FCAH, www.drzimmermann.org

Ingredients:

1/2 cup coconut flour (sifted)
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup coconut palm sugar (or any natural sweetener)
1/4 cup nut butter of choice (optional)
Cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Line a small baking tray with baking paper and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine your coconut flour and coconut palm sugar and mix well.
3. Add your applesauce and nut butter (if using it) and mix until a very thick batter is formed.
4. Transfer the batter to the lined baking tray, top with cinnamon and refrigerate for an hour or so, until it has firmed up slightly.
5. Cut into brownie-sized pieces and enjoy.

Note:

Depending on the brand of coconut flour, you may need more applesauce. Keep adding more in until a thick batter is formed- Firm but still quite moist. Brownies are best kept refrigerated and can be frozen.

www.thebigmansworld.com

It can be difficult to be a caregiver and manage multiple or complex medications for a loved one.  It is important to ensure medications are taken appropriately to help maintain good health.  A visiting pharmacist provides personal support with regular medication delivery and home consultations. The pharmacist reviews a client’s prescription drugs and over the counter medications to advise if there are any drug interactions and makes adjustments as necessary. This level of support can reduce emergency room visits and hospital stays and results in strong, trusting relationships between clients, caregivers and pharmacists.  The visiting pharmacist also provides seamless care for hospital discharge patients and works closely with other health professionals to deliver a high level of care to the client.  Care is tailored to specific individual needs such as assisting with blood pressure readings, adding medications as needed to adherence packaging and making changes in an timely manner.

Care At Home Pharmacy, www.careathomepharmacy.ca