The first weeks back after the holiday break can be hard on everyone in the family. If your child seems a little off in the first weeks of January, chances are that it’s a function of holiday comedown and fatigue. Their schedules and their sleep have been thrown off. After all the holiday anticipation, it’s back to reality with a return to routine and regular sleep. January on the Island can be dark and dreary with a distinct lack of sunshine. Exercise, going outside, getting more recess time or doing something after school with peers will help your kids beat ordinary winter doldrums.

Feeling like you could use a post-holiday detox? Try these simple, every day little tweaks: * Start your day with a glass or two of lemon or apple cider vinegar water. * Eat vegetables especially leafy greens and brassicas. * Limit red meat and heavy starches, and opt for leaner proteins like poultry, fish, sprouts, legumes, raw nuts and seeds. * Stay away from processed food and sugar. * Limit alcohol consumption. *Consume lots of turmeric, ginger – season your meals with herbs and spices and take milk thistle periodically.
Be well! Excellent health and happiness in the New Year to you!

Physical activity plays an important role in your health and quality of life by making you feel healthier and stronger. Being active helps to improve your balance, reduces your risk of falls and injuries and can help you stay independent longer. So take the initiative! It’s never too late to start and you don’t need to go to a gym to add a little exercise to your routine; consult your doctor and ask to learn more about exercises that can be done while sitting in your chair!

La Rosa Gardens in Ladysmith is a comfortable and affordable senior’s residence where seniors come first. This BC, family owned and operated residence is located on a beautifully landscaped property in a quiet residential area. A lively group of seniors welcome all newcomers. There is something for everyone and fun is always at the forefront. This includes a variety of exercise programs, games, music, and special events. They also go on outings to a variety of interesting destinations such as the Raptor Centre and regular trips for shopping. Once you get there you will wonder why you waited so long.

Today, people of all ages get dentures because they have no or very few remaining natural teeth. You may think that dentures are just for seniors however that is not the case. If you need dentures, it is normal to worry that they will look unnatural, affect your speech, won’t let you eat your favorite foods or will fall out of your mouth while talking or eating. With the right set of dentures, and the care of a skilled denturist, you do not have to worry about any of these things. Modern dentures look amazingly natural and function almost like natural, healthy teeth.

The skin is an organ that we wear on the outside to protect what is inside. It helps us stay warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot. A healthy skin is vital for survival. Allergies and sensitivities are on the rise, with 1 in 5 adults suffering from allergies. What we put on our skin and on our face is just as important as what we put into our body. To avoid harmful chemicals and allergens, use skin products made with pure organic essential oils and natural ingredients to hydrate, nourish, pamper and repair your skin – naturally.

For many seniors, living alone may directly affect how often they engage in social activities. Social interactions often decrease as we age, which is why it is important to be involved in social activities as often as possible. The more active you are, the better you will feel in many ways both physically and mentally. If you are finding yourself lonely, while living on your own, you may want to connect with others by joining groups; such as, volunteering with organizations including a local senior centre. Another solution is to consider moving to a seniors’ residence which is ideally suited to create many opportunities for social interaction and fun on a daily basis.

To stay well and to fight off the cold and flu bugs this season, it is important to support your body. Eating a balanced diet with ample veggies and fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and moderate complex carbohydrates provides energy and helps you feel well. Try to cut out the processed sugars as these lower immunity and increase inflammation. In our modern world with all its stress, adding supplements to a healthy, balanced diet and making time for meal preparation will help your body stay healthy at this time of the year. Stay well and feel great this autumn and winter!