We know quality counts, and we’ve all experienced having what seemed like a good deal at the outset, turn into not such a good deal. Quality and purity are especially important when it comes to products that we use aromatically, on our person, or as dietary supplements. Sadly, essential oil quality and purity are not as carefully regulated as we might think. According to some experts, the majority of essential oils on the retail market are adulterated in some fashion. What qualifies an essential oil as being “pure therapeutic grade” is a recognized standard of independent third party testing that incorporates methods such as Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry. Pure essential oils from particular plant species, grown in the optimum conditions, and provided through ethical processes are well worth the price. As with all purchase decisions, it pays to get educated first!

Green tea extract is a powerful fat burner loaded with beneficial antioxidants called catechins that help support immune function, cardiovascular health, and fat loss. Studies show that regular consumption of green tea extract has a positive effect on overall health and to your dietary habits. It also contains 2% to 4% caffeine, which affects thinking and alertness, increases urine output and may improve the function of brain messengers. The addition of caffeine to the potent mix of catechins revs up your production of noradrenaline, pumping you with feel good confidence, stimulating the nervous system, heart, and muscles by increasing the release of certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. To safely incorporate green tea extract into your weight loss regimen, consider drinking plenty of water. One of the active ingredients in SlimROAST weight loss coffee from Valentus – The Healthiest Coffee on the Planet!

Dysfunction in the Sacroiliac Joint (also called the SI Joint) causes low back pain. The SI Joint is located between the sacrum and base of the spine. When the SI Joint ligaments are damaged or compensating for any inhibited muscles, the SI Joint may become inflamed and irritated. Degenerative disease, falls, trauma and childbirth may be potential causes of SI Joint Syndrome. In addition to lower back pain, SI Joint problems may also cause pain in the groin, hip, thigh, as well as pain that radiates into the buttocks and down the path of the sciatic nerve. SI Joint dysfunction is often overlooked as the cause of suffering. To avoid unnecessary frustration, pain, and surgery, SI Joint Syndrome should be considered in any low back diagnosis. Acupuncture, Osteopathic Manual Therapy, and Prolotherapy are effective, non-surgical treatments that can not only help you manage your pain but also help you attain optimal health.

Inappropriate footwear can increase an elderly person’s chance of a fall. Many people purchase the wrong footwear because they want to help their aging parent by finding something that is easy to put on, and they think that softer is better. Not true. As we age, our motor and sensory skills decline. Our loss of proprioception skills (one’s ability to sense where our limbs are in space) makes us feel less sure of our footing and therefore less balanced. Loose fitting, soft-soled footwear do not provide appropriate signals to the feet to inform them of where they are in relation to the ground. Properly fitting, sturdy shoes with non-skid soles provide more direct contact between the ground and the foot, sending sharper signals to the brain. Choosing lace-up or velcro closure shoes instead of slip-ons ensures the best stabilization of the foot within the shoe.

Remember those summer days as a kid when mosquitoes would come out in the early evening to interrupt your fun? As a farm boy who loved to run around in bare feet and cut-off jeans, preferring the coolness and sense of freedom over feeling protected from the bugs, I was an easy target. I still remember how my head would spin, and my senses cringe when my mother pulled out the old spray-bomb of bug repellent and covered me in a small cloud of noxious chemicals. Granted, there was less awareness of natural alternatives back then, and she was only doing what she thought was best. I’m sure glad that now when I want to extend my gardening pleasure well into the evening, I can reach for a safe and effective blend of essential oils that is so simple to use.

Q: What’s the best colour tint for sunglass lenses?

A: The short answer is: choose brown to enhance your perception of pleasant colours like greens and reds, or choose grey to limit brightness without altering colour perception. There are other, equally important attributes to sunglasses. Lens materials can affect transparency and durability. Polarised lenses reduce glarish reflections from shiny surfaces like icy roads or sun on the water. Ultraviolet protection is necessary to prevent short and long term damage to the eyes. Photochromic tints get darker in brighter light and can increase the functionality of the lens. The size and shape of the lens is important for adequate coverage. An anti-reflective coating on the back surface of the lens can reduce reflections from behind the wearer. The general style of the sunglasses is important too, in that they should not be embarrassing to the point of not wearing them.

The following are suggestions to get you started on managing the stress in your life:

1. Use relaxation techniques – Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or massage.
2. Exercise – Physical activity is one of the most effective stress remedies around!
3. Manage time effectively- Do essential tasks and prioritize the others.
4. Get enough rest, sleep and “me” time.
5. Talk with others – Talk with friends, professional counsellors, support groups or relatives about what is bothering you.
6. Volunteer work can be an effective and satisfying stress reducer.
7. Work off your stress – Get physically active, dig in the garden, start a project or hobby.
8. Tackle one thing at a time – Don’t try to do too much at once.
9. Don’t be too competitive.
10. Make the first move to be friendly.

Have some fun!! Laugh and be with people you enjoy!

Your lymphatic system works like a “drain” to keep toxins moving out of your body. A clogged system can result in poor health and disease. Here are five ways you can keep your lymph system working in top order and experience better health: 1. Massage- Lymphatic massage is gentle using very little pressure to move and stretch the skin to stimulate flow through the lymphatic capillaries that are located just under the skin. 2. Dry Brushing-This technique boosts lymph flow by stimulating sweat glands and supporting circulation below the skin. 3. Exercise & Yoga- Unlike the circulatory system, lymph does not have a pump to keep it moving. Movement and muscle contraction will assist lymphatic circulation. 4. Anti-Inflammatory Diet- Consuming a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and full of healthy fats is critical to support a healthy immune system. 5. Hydrate- The lymphatic system is primarily composed of water and must be hydrated to function at the highest level.