The body has three sources of energy from which it draws to meet its metabolic needs: carbohydrates, muscle and fat. Chronologically the body will first draw on its carbohydrate reserve before turning to muscle and fat. On a ketogenic diet, your entire body switches its fuel supply to run almost entirely on fat. Insulin levels become low and fat burning increases. This is great for weight loss. The fastest way into Ketosis is by fasting but it is not possible to fast forever. A low-carb, or “keto” diet, can be eaten indefinitely as you are accessing your stored fat for fuel. Ketosis has the benefits of fasting – including weight loss – without having to starve yourself!

The Comox Valley Lifeline Society, a non-profit organization, has been providing an easy-to-use personal emergency response system to the Cowichan Valley since 1988. The Society was established because the membership believed that people deserved the dignity to live on their own and have access to immediate help in an emergency situation. If you experience a fall or other emergency in your home, every second counts. Delays can jeopardize your recovery and your independence. Lifeline quickly connects you to a trained Response Associate, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at the push of a button. You are never alone and help is always there when you need it.

Wellness is an active, lifelong process of making decisions to help you live a more balanced and fulfilled life. Healthier, happier people tend to live longer and have higher energy levels. A sense of wellness helps improve mood and can improve depression. A simple thing that can easily be incorporated into our day that will improve wellness is walking! It doesn’t matter if you can only make it halfway down the street. Make a commitment to walk every day and before you know it, you will have made it right around the block. Invest in proper walking shoes and socks for added support and comfort.

We are proud to launch the Cowichan Valley edition of the Wellnessnews; our third edition on Central Vancouver Island! To us, Healthy Living means making positive choices and taking ownership and action to improve and enrich our lives in all key areas; physical, mental and spiritual. In order to achieve Healthy Living, we need information about positive health practices and a guide to the resources available to us. Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® strives to be the resource that showcases local health practitioners and businesses that can help the people in our communities achieve their goal of health and wellness.

Teresa Ostman and Isabella Ostman
Publishers Wellnessnews Central Vancouver Island
Wellnessnews.ca
1.888.284.3235

Oxidative stress is the build-up of free radicals inside the cells of our body. This is normal; most of it comes from food digestion. Our body naturally produces enzymes to clean up those free radicals and keeps us relatively healthy, especially when we’re younger. As we age, we have higher levels of oxidative stress, more than what our bodies can handle. This is what leads to illness and disease. Consuming great tasting ionized water can help. It is a powerful antioxidant that lowers oxidative stress in our cells. Ionized water makes cells healthy.

Nick Romanovsky, Best H2O, Facebook.com/Eauionizer

A friend went to visit her elderly aunt and described the scene at the breakfast table; “There were at least 10 bottles of vitamins and supplements by her plate. She opened each one and counted out the pills. She explained that they had to be taken in a certain order, some with juice, others with water. I cannot imagine how she could keep up that regime.” Like my friend’s aunt, we need balanced nutrition for good health, proper energy levels and successful weight management. Choosing the right supplement is important. Look for an all-in-one formula that is easy to consume and combines core vitamins, minerals and antioxidants with phytonutrients from fruits and vegetables.

Dorothy Spencer, Independent Consultant, Zurvita, Facebook.com/ZealBTheChange

The pair of socks you are wearing can make a difference in how you feel during your day. Have you ever had a pair that were too tight around the calf and left an ugly red welt? Or the ones that fall down and work their way under your foot? Traditional cotton socks hold water and keep feet clammy and wet and not smelling very nice. To improve your day, wear socks that have a soft touch top and an ergonomic y-heel that keeps the heel from slipping. Look for socks that guard against blisters with moisture resistance and anti-bacterial protection. The right socks can also provide stability, support and increase balance.

I.Ostman, VOXX Life Socks, Facebook.com/VoxxSocksForALL