Community News
What Can a Holistic Nutritionist Do for You?

A holistic nutritionist interviews each person in depth and looks at them on a unique and individual basis to offer recommendations that will help them recover and re-establish optimal health. A foundational principle is that there is no one single diet for every person on the planet. A holistic nutritionist explores how diet, supplements, lifestyle choices, the health of the mind and spirituality all contribute to the onset or prevention of disease. Holistic nutrition practitioners aim to act as teachers and provide relevant, empirically based knowledge, support, and guidance so that their clients can make the best choices for their personal circumstances and goals.

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

Oils for Relaxation

Essential oils are amazing for enhancing relaxation. Simply smelling oils such as lavender, grapefruit, frankincense, neroli, cedarwood, or blends such as “Stress Away,” “Aromaease,” or “Deep Relief” can be enough to calm your nerves. You can add them to Epsom salts for a lovely bath, diffuse them, add your favorite to a spray bottle (plus water) and spray your linens. Try placing a drop on a cotton ball or clothes peg and placing it in your car vent. These are just a few ways to feel the beneficial effects of these pleasant aromas.

Denise MacKinnon, Young Living, Facebook.com/SimpleHealthIdeas

Patterns of Living

In the world around us we see patterns everywhere we turn. Although from a quick glance they may not be apparent to us, they are there. We also have patterns in our daily life and emotions that are generally not observed. It is what I refer to as the patterns of living. Patterns of living can develop as early as infancy and build from there. A pattern usually shows up in our lives when it wants to teach us something. We can figure out what we need to learn if we really search within us. We need to take a good look at our upbringing and also that of those closest to us. A Registered Therapeutic Counsellor is trained to help you determine what you need to heal. Once you know what that is, the healing can truly begin.

Jaclyn Younger, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, Inner-Care.com

Timely Diagnosis is Key to Recovery

The knee is one of the most common body parts to be injured.  We often hear about the career ending knee injuries of pro athletes but as we age, something as simple as a slip on an uneven surface can cause a life altering injury.  The main signs and symptoms of a knee injury are pain and swelling.  Medical assistance is required if initial RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression and elevation) does not alleviate the pain and bring down the swelling.  Depending on your doctor’s examination, you may need an X-ray to rule out any broken bones or an MRI scan to determine if the ligaments in the knee have been injured.  Obtaining a timely diagnosis is the key to effective treatment and recovery.

Nanaimo MRI Inc., NanaimoMRI.ca

Reduce Stress to Heal Bleeding Gums

I just listened to an interview with a very knowledgeable and dedicated retired dentist.  He believed that bacteria are the cause of bleeding gums and tooth decay. In my opinion, they are caused by an acidic pH level of the body fluids. The pH level in the mouth and stress affects the health of our teeth and gums. The more acidic our bodies are, the less effective our immune system is which allows bacteria to multiply.  Acidity causing foods are part of the problem. It is best to avoid sweets, carbs, alcohol and dairy. A body fluids pH level of 7 provides the right environment for the body to function. Only stomach fluids have to be acidic in order for proper digestion.  A peaceful life is beneficial for our immune system. To regain inner balance, walk in nature, meditate, avoid stressful news, go to an alternative health practitioner and have a WiFi free bedroom.

Anna Christine Doehring, RHFP, RCP, Energy-All-Around.com

Sciatica? Try Acupuncture

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

All Is Well When Your Feet Feel Good!

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

Do Kids Need Orthotics?

Many children and adolescents have flat feet but have no joint pains.  There are others who develop knee and/or arch pain that limits their ability to enjoy certain activities such as running or playing sports.  If there is pain, and an obvious fallen arch, foot orthotics in the shoes, either over-the-counter or custom, may be warranted taking into account family history and degree of severity.  If there is no pain, yet there is an obvious fallen arch then the question is whether to correct or not.  Many medical professionals believe that fallen arches will adversely affect the knees and hips and lead to early arthritic pain.  Correcting the foot posture early on is then seen as a preventative measure for future knee and hip joint health.  If you are concerned with your child’s foot alignment it is worth discussing the options with a biomechanical professional.

Diane Calder, BSc KIN, Certified Pedorthist, B.D. Mitchell Prosthetics & Orthotics, MitchellPando.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

Wellness – One Step at a Time!

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