Stress is an inevitable part of day-to-day life, but when it becomes too frequent or intense, it can have negative effects on our minds and bodies. We feel it in our muscles as tension, and in our minds as frustration, anger, or anxiety. Laser acupuncture can be a useful tool in helping to manage stress levels. Non-invasive cold lasers are used to stimulate various acupressure points on the body, promoting increased relaxation that helps with decreased heart rate, lower blood pressure, stress reduction, and increased energy and tissue regeneration. While the treatment cannot alter a client’s life situation, it can improve their wellbeing, making it easier for them to take on life’s challenges.
Community News
Prolozone Helps Heal Colitis
Ozone therapy can be used very successfully on a regular basis for even the worst colitis cases, because it enhances circulation and provides an oxygen-rich environment for cellular rejuvenation. It can remove toxic deposits from the intestines and colon, restore acid/alkaline balance, and improve nutrient assimilation. For Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, it is an important adjunctive therapy to a good nutritional program, combined with detoxification procedures. Since ozone therapy is a biological response therapy, similar to homeopathic therapy, the success of the treatment is dependent on the practitioner’s skill and judgment.
Maintaining Balance
How does maintaining a balanced life work in today’s fast-paced and increasingly stress-riddled world? From a gambling literacy perspective, it starts by being aware of risk factors and knowing when we are vulnerable. This includes when we are suffering from emotional and/or financial stress, having suffered the loss of a loved one, the end of a job or relationship, or even experiencing a big win at a younger age. Living a balanced life has its challenges with or without gambling, but is not impossible. Reach out to friends, family, our helpline and counselling team! That’s what we’re here for!
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Summer is baseball season; in Canada, that means cheering for the Blue Jays. Scientists have found that being a sports fan is good for your emotional, psychological and social health. Benefits range from social connection to measurable increases in muscle nerve activity. In August, the Toronto Blue Jays are playing the Seattle Mariners in Seattle, WA. Why not join a group of Vancouver Island fans to support our Canadian baseball team? Skip the hassle of ferry line-ups and border crossing by taking a tour to the August games in Seattle.
You Need an Eye Care Professional
Many eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration have no early warning signs. A dilated eye exam is the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages. During the exam, eye drops are used to dilate the pupil to allow more light to enter the eye. This enables an eye care professional to view the back of the eyes and examine them for any signs of damage or disease. Your eye care professional is the only one who can determine if your eyes are healthy and if you are seeing your best.
Benefits of Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu is a Japanese hands-on therapeutic massage working the meridians and pressure points throughout the body. This non-invasive therapy addresses a wide range of body ailments such as muscle tension, stress, chronic pain and digestive issues. Shiatsu uses a firm steady pressure to release tension allowing the practitioner to probe deeper, stimulating circulation of vital nutrients. The practitioner is trained to recognize patterns of disharmony providing valuable insight and body awareness for the client.
Benefits of Fermented Foods
Eating fermented foods is an excellent way to get much needed probiotics into our bodies. The microflora found in fermented foods creates a protective lining for our intestines. It not only shields us from nasty pathogens like E.coli and C.difficile but also aids in digestion and keeps the microbiome in our intestines healthy and balanced. Examples of fermented foods include, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt and raw cheeses. The yogurt should be plain to ensure healthy bacteria, made from full fat (to absorb the minerals) and from grass fed animals (to ensure healthy omega 3’s CLA).
Support for Caregiver Burn Out
If you are a care giver of a loved one, it’s important to also take care of yourself. Signs of burn out are: withdrawal from family and friends; feeling blue, irritable and helpless; changes in sleep patterns; getting sick more often; and feelings of resentment. What can you do to support yourself? Talk to a trusted friend or co-worker; set reasonable goals; be realistic about your loved one’s disease, especially if it is a progressive disease such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. Use respite care services when you need a break or while you are assessing care plan changes.
Benefits of Nano Needling
Nano Needling is an intensive, pain-free transdermal delivery of active ingredients. It is a handheld skin care enhancement device with an array of pyramid-like Nano Pins. Each pin is smaller than a single strand of human hair. When these pins gently touch the skin, they create up to 40,000 invisible Nano channels per minutes. The skin cells then re-arrange themselves to allow nutrition to pass through the skin barrier. This increases the absorption of skin care products and effectively feeds the skin and stimulates collagen production. Nano needling is gentle and safe with instant results and minimal down time.
What to Look for in a Sunscreen?
Excessive sun exposure has been linked to skin cancer and is the number one cause of premature aging. Daily use of sunscreen is recommended. The SPF number indicates its effectiveness: higher number = higher protection. Use a minimum 30 SPF in summer months. Look for a sunscreen with UVA, UVB and high broad spectrum protection. Consider adding a UV app to your mobile device. Check it daily for the UV Index and have it remind you to reapply sunscreen. Another option for protecting your face is a mineral makeup. Glo Beauty Mineral Makeup uses pharmaceutical grade minerals and vitamins for UVA and UVB protection.
Community Profile: Comfort Keepers®
Comfort Keepers® helps clients maintain independence and quality of life with local, loving in-home care. Their caregivers travel to clients’ homes to provide care services and living assistance, allowing seniors and disabled individuals to live comfortably and independently. Providing long-term care for a loved one can be very taxing and time-consuming for family members. Comfort Keepers reduce this stress by providing a wide range of in home care services for seniors in Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo and surrounding areas. In-home elder care provides family members with peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are taken care of.
