Did you know that dogs and cats are attracted to the smell of ear wax? This includes the ear wax found on your hearing aids. Unfortunately, most people learn this only after the pet has already destroyed the hearing aid device. To protect your hearing aids, remember to store them in the factory box OR a dry-aid jar to keep them away from possible pet damage.

It is often said “Laughter is the Best Medicine”. This time of year on the West Coast is often very dull and grey, making it at times, difficult to keep a positive outlook. We often feel isolated as we spend more time indoors during poor weather. Research indicates that laughter is a powerful antidote to conflict, depression, pain and stress. When we laugh, it triggers the release of endorphins known as the “feel good” hormone. With the release of the endorphins there is an improvement in our mood thus improving our general wellbeing.

Vitamin D is considered an essential vitamin, meaning our bodies need to take it on a regular bases. As a fat based vitamin, we store vitamin D in our adipose tissue until needed. Living above the equator, Canadians are at great risk of becoming Vitamin D deficient, especially in the winter. Deficiencies have been linked to numerous diseases including, Alzheimers, osteoporosis, diabetes and some cancers. Signs you may need to increase your vitamin D include; depression, bone and muscle aches, hair loss, slow healing and fatigue. If you suspect you are low, contact your health care professional as supplementation may be necessary.

With the holidays over, we are looking forward to the renewal of spring! A medical grade chemical peel is a great way to renew your skin by improving skin texture and tone. By using a blend of acids chosen for your particular skin type and needs, they induce exfoliation and stimulate new cell growth. This process causes superficial layers of dead skin to peel, revealing a smoother, healthier, and improved, radiant complexion. Chemical peels can be done in a series or seasonally. Complimentary consultation are available with professional, licensed medical estheticians.

Oxygen is the lifeblood of the cellular system. Ozone is a supercharged form of oxygen that contains an extra atom. When treatment is applied, this extra atom breaks off inside the body and does more than just oxygenate cells. These oxygen singlets are free to bind and destroy any viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, molds, yeasts and abnormal tissue cells. Once these abnormal cells are oxidized and eliminated from the body, they are replaced with healthy cells. Ozone therapy in conjunction with injection therapy is used to treat and eliminate chronic pain resulting from nerve injuries, degenerative joints and ligaments.

Complex Care that provides medically complex and specialized services is much needed in the community. This type of care is essential for individuals suffering from many chronic health issues and functional limitations. If you or your loved one is physically dependant with medical needs that require professional nursing care, it is time to look for a planned program that will retain or improve functional ability. When choosing complex care for a loved one, it is important to maintain their quality of life. Look for one with comfortable living space and an individual care plan with 24 hour support in place.

Do you enjoy working in your garden but find some of the work required to be too much? As we age, operating some yard equipment and climbing ladders can become dangerous. But we still want the yard and trees to look good and be cared for. Enjoy your garden again by hiring help to do the heavy work such as digging, pruning the trees and hauling away the debris. Your fruit trees will look their best and produce bountiful fruit when they have been pruned by a professional. January is a good time to have your fruit trees pruned.

When you have made the decision to move a loved one into a long term care community, here are some tips to help with the transition: – Be open with family members – talk about the decision; – Arrange for your loved one to visit the community where they will be going; – Determine what can be done before moving day such as preparing their room with personal items and labeling clothing; – Take moving day off and spend it with them; and – Introduce your loved one to the staff members. Keeping these tips in mind will help make the move easier for everyone.

With our busy lives we want a skin care regime that is simple and effective. Choose a product line that provides ideal skin care with four easy steps: 1) Cleanse, 2) Eye treatment, 3) Antioxidant Serum for the day or Retinol Serum for night and 4) Moisturizer. Look for a skin care line with the highest standard of ingredients that has been developed for all skin types. Riversol, Alumier, Cellex- C and Vivier offer medical grade quality. Skin care should protect your skin, while fighting multiple signs of aging that includes fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage.

Prolozone or Ozone Therapy has remarkable functions for immune management because of the increased oxygen utilization at a cellular level. Patients report increased energy, increased stamina, increased resistance to cold and flu’s, the disappearance of unresolved symptoms and an overall increased sense of well-being. The success of the ozone treatment is dependent on the practitioner’s skill, judgment & the proper integration of other skills including, nutrition, natural medicines, acupuncture, detoxification. Many patients follow these recommendations to resolve a specific acute or chronic ailment and then continue periodically with ozone treatments as an immune system seasonal tune-up.