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Education, open and shame-free discussions are key to moving through any issue, problem gambling included. The BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program is committed to raising awareness about potential problem gambling issues by offering workshops and educational opportunities to all British Columbians. Our prevention services are tailored to meet you and your organisation’s needs including school  presentations, training for student leadership programs and peer helpers as well as on campus initiatives. We work in and with community, offering information sessions for parent/community groups, seniors, supportive recovery and treatment programs. Training for community professionals including culturally relevant gambling awareness programs for Aboriginal, Asian, South Asian among other populations is also offered. Call the BC Problem Gambling Help Line at 1.888.795.6111 or email us at info@bcresponsiblegambling.ca for a referral to a prevention Service provider in your area.

bcresponsiblegambling.ca

Proper Nutrition for Long Term Health

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 after reading the directions, counted out the number of pills. She then 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. In today’s busy world, it can be difficult to ensure consistent, ongoing nourishment for our bodies; choosing the right supplement makes a big difference. 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.

Cheryle Cook, Independent Consultant, Zurvita, Facebook.com/ZealBTheChange

Getting Ready for the Big Trip

The key to worry-free travel is being prepared.  This is especially true if you have any medical or mobility issues.  Talk to your doctor before booking your holiday about any health related issues.  Ask about health services available at your destination.  Your travel professional can help you book a holiday that makes traveling easy for you.  Before leaving, get a copy of prescriptions and advice on medications from your pharmacist. Ensure that all your vaccinations are up to date.  Leave a photocopy of your passport, medical information and travel documentation with a family member. On the day of your travel, give yourself plenty of time and plan to get to the airport early. Your vacation doesn’t need to be a struggle — your trip can be filled with fully accessible hotel accommodations, accessible tourist attractions, and wonderful accessible travel experiences.

Lynn Alexander, CWT Oceanside Travel, www.Oceanside.Travel

Easing the Transition to a New Home

Moving to a new home can be stressful for anyone. For a person suffering with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, the transition can be that much harder. When moving into a new home, residents are encouraged to bring their favorite photos and trinkets with them. These are strategically placed to welcome residents home to familiar items with positive associations. Items such as a favorite quilted comforter, stuffed animal or treasured vase really help people feel at home. It is also suggested that their rooms are enhanced with familiar furnishings and framed photos of family and friends. Employing these methods help make the transition less difficult for residents and their families.

Lianne Ketcheson, Nanaimo Memory and Complex Care, NanaimoMemoryCare.com

Anti-Aging Remedies

Ozone has remarkable versatility for disease management because of the increased oxygen utilization at a cellular level. 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. The proper integration of all other skills including acupuncture, detoxification, nutrition, Chinese herbal & homeopathic medicines, stress management and allopathic medicine, is often necessary in order to have a successful outcome using ozone therapy. I have many patients who follow my recommendations using ozone therapies to resolve a specific acute or chronic ailment and then continue with ozone treatments as an anti-aging tool.  My patients report increased energy, increased stamina, increased resistance to cold and flu’s and an overall increase sense of well-being. I recommend these anti-aging remedy treatments for all patients when they reach their 60th Birthday.

Dr. Sterling Desmond, Dr. TCM, R.Ac., EvolveWithDesera.com

Digestive Health

By now, many of us have heard about leaky gut syndrome and the effects it has on our health.  It is widely thought to be the reason for increased auto immune diseases, symptoms of the brain such as depression, anxiety, ADHD as well as IBS, Crohn’s and colitis. Known causes of leaky gut:

1) Frequent usage of antibiotics

2) Consumption of alcohol

3) Use of antacids & some prescription medications

4) High blood sugars

5) Diet high in processed food

6) Stress

Fortunately, there are many ways to heal a leaky gut:

1) Eliminate processed foods & food allergens

2) Consume bone broth, Pro-biotics and Vitamin U (found in cabbage juice)

3) Decrease stress

4) Eliminate cold drinks with meals

R.H.N.s are trained to assist with healing leaky gut syndrome. We work with many health professionals to help you and your family regain health.

Cheryl Prince R.H.N., LPN, CherylPrince.com

Clean Eating: Cantaloupe & Cucumber Salad

Here’s a refreshing side salad for a change of pace. It’s delicious served with a spicy grilled chicken, tofu, or fish. Or serve this over a bed of leafy greens with extra dressing on the side. Gently fold together 1/2 small cantaloupe and 1 medium cucumber (cut into 1/2 inch chunks), 1/2 cup crumbled feta, and 6 big basil leaves (sliced thinly). Whisk and add to salad: 1 tbsp olive oil, 2-3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and freshly ground salt and pepper to taste. Top with 2 tbsp sunflower seeds. (This is the perfect place to showcase your gourmet balsamic vinegars and good quality olive oil. Skip the salt and sprinkle with a little Fleur de Sel for some drama!)

Lisa Kehler, OffYourPlateNutrition.ca

Book Club: The Dirt Cure

Growing Healthy Kids with Food Straight from Soil. In the tradition of Michael Pollan, Mark Hyman, and Andrew Weil, pioneering integrative pediatric neurologist Maya Shetreat-Klein, MD, reveals the shocking contents of children’s food, how it’s seriously harming their bodies and brains, and what we can do about it.

Maya Shetreat-Klein, MD, Dirtcure.com

Risk Factors Associated with Gambling

In today’s stress-riddled fast-paced world, with so many people suffering from anxiety and depression, how do you maintain your balance to avoid developing addictions such as gambling? It starts by being aware of risk factors associated with gambling addictions. These include having had a big win early in our gambling history, having had a recent loss or change, such as divorce or death of a loved one or having financial problems. Gambling becomes a concern if you find that you use it to escape from problems or to get relief from anxiety or if it is causes you to ignore your physical and emotional health. If some of the things are making you wonder if you have a problem with gambling, take heart. You have more control over your life than you may realize. In fact, recognizing that you may have a problem is powerful and can be the first step in reaching out for help.

Karen Hlady, Community Engagement & Prevention Service Provider, Gambling Awareness Program, BCResponsibleGambling.ca

Super Charged Oxygen Treats Chronic Pain

Oxygen is the lifeblood of the cellular system; without it there would be no you! Ozone is a supercharged form of oxygen that contains an extra atom; a typical oxygen molecule contains two (O2), while ozone contains three (O3). When treatment is applied, this extra atom breaks off after 20-30 minutes 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 any abnormal tissue cells it finds in the body. These abnormal cells absolutely hate ozone so disease simply doesn’t stand a chance! 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.

Dr. Sterling Desmond, Dr. TCM, R.Ac., EvolveWithDesera.com

What is Holistic Nutrition?

Holistic Nutrition is an integrated look at health that incorporates the whole person – body, mind and spirit. It explores how diet, supplements, lifestyle choices, the health of our minds and spirituality all contribute to, or prevent, many diseases and poor health conditions. Holistic nutrition takes a look at all of these components and strives to find a balance amongst them, using evidence-based science and taking into consideration the health of the individual, society and the health of the planet. Natural nutrients have properties that are best described by these words: “live, natural, good quality”. These simple words can serve as a guide to everyone wishing to improve their health.

Dona Bradley, R.H.N., Manager/CSNN Vancouver Island, csnn.ca/vancouverisland