Acupuncture is the treatment of choice for Sciatica; an excruciatingly painful condition. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body; it carries sensory and motor information down to the legs.  Most people present with a sharp pain running down the back of the upper thigh and in very severe cases, reaching the foot. It can also involve a pain which runs down the side of the leg or less often, a pain which runs down the front of the leg.  The exact position of the pain determines the choice of the acupuncture points to be used. The longer you put up with the pain (grin and bear it), the more muscles and structures are affected and more treatment is required to deal with the problem.

Elaine Murphy, Reg. Acupuncturist, MA, RAc

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/GreatSocksForALL

Wellness is an active, lifelong process of making decisions to help you live a more balanced and fulfilled life. It is the result of deliberate effort of caring for ourselves; eating well, exercising, obtaining preventative medical care and treating chronic medical conditions. Why do we seek wellness?   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 half way 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.

I.Ostman
Facebook.com/VoxxSocksForALL

Essential oils are great for travel. They are small enough to fit in your carry-on, and powerful enough for your needs on the go! Lavender is considered the “Swiss army knife” of oils. It can be used for minor skin irritations, cuts, burns, muscle and joint pain, headache, you name it! Thieves blend is great to support you while away. Apply to bottoms of feet daily. Add to spray bottle of water and spray any surface you would like clean. If you find certain forms of travel stressful, try applying Stress Away blend behind ears, on temples, across shoulders for some instant “Ahh”!

Denise MacKinnon, Young Living, Facebook.com/SimpleHealthIdeas

The importance of your gut biome to your overall health is something that scientific research has only recently brought to light. The microbiome is the healthy bacteria in your body and your gut. When your gut microbiome is balanced, you stay healthy and you have a lot of energy. Unfortunately this healthy bacteria is being attacked daily by poor diet, nutrient deficient foods, environmental toxins, and lifestyle stress. Signs of poor biome are gas, bloating, inability to lose weight, poor sleep, hormonal imbalances, poor concentration, joint pain, blood sugar imbalance, inflammation, depression and anxiety to list a few. On the upside, there is so much you can do to repair and help your biome to heal and restore good health. These include removing the sugar and processed foods from your diet and replacing them with vegetables and low-sugar fruits. Your gut will thank you!

Tammy Phye, R.A., EOT
LifestyleHarmony.ca

Self-care is often seen as selfish however, if we do not care for ourselves, we run the danger of losing who we are. We put our children, our family, work and friends ahead of our own needs. Who will they have if you lose YOU? Self-care does not have to be done alone. You can do it along with the other important people in your life. Self-care is more about how you feel when you are doing it rather than what you are doing. If you love to walk, take the children on a walk through the park. Get your friends together for a Mani, Pedi, Appies night for an evening of pampering without the expense of the spa. These are little things that you can do to help stay true to yourself. Loving yourself is the only sure fire way that life’s little ups and downs can be managed in a healthy and productive way.

Jaclyn Younger, RTC, InnerCare Therapeutic Counselling, Inner-Care.com

Let’s face it, we all have odors we could do without but masking pet odors with the fake scent of “Red Velvet Chocolate Cake” is not how nature intended us to breathe. The air in any household is already being inundated with unhealthy chemicals (VOC’s) off-gassing from glues and building materials that make up your home’s interior. Fortunately, there are healthier alternatives to freshen air. The use of naturally derived charcoals is one solution that will absorb pre-existing chemicals and eliminate odors to leave your space scent-free. The most absorbent of these charcoals come from sustainable bamboo or coconut shells. After a year of deodorization use, they can be mixed into your garden soil to benefit your plant life. Breathing clean air is your right and charcoal is the natural choice to free your air of odors.

Christopher Tio, Owner
Aircoal.com

The Pharmacy at Home Program is perfect for people who struggle with managing their medications or have challenges visiting the pharmacy. For no additional charge, a pharmacist will visit you in your own home. The pharmacist will identify all the prescription and non-prescription medication that you are taking, discuss how the medications are best taken and create a medication management plan to address any issues that you may have. The immediate benefits of the Pharmacy at Home Program are improved quality of life, peace of mind for your family members who know that you are in good hands and increased collaboration with community health services. The long term benefits include being able to stay in your own home for a longer period of time, reduced number of hospital visits and admissions and improved quality of life for your caregiver.

Mel & Kristen Azcarraga, Owners/Pharmacists, Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, 4186A Departure Bay Rd, Facebook.com/MS0332