After summer, it’s typical for us to consider new tech devices for back-to-school or work requirements. As a result, it’s an opportune time to review all the subscriptions, apps, and user terms you’ve agreed to during the past year. Just as it is wise to review the status of any service fees and monthly debits once a year, it’s good to review renewable download agreements. Should you have younger tech users, it’s important to remind them about employing an antivirus program and practicing personal security habits to protect their privacy, especially when using social media.

Abakhan and Associates Inc., Abakhan.com

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the most common behavioural disorder in children, is being diagnosed in epidemic proportions. Approximately 11% of children 4-17 years of age are being diagnosed with ADHD. About 70% of these youngsters are given stimulant medications such as Ritalin. These medications can be helpful, but do not address the underlying causes of ADHD. From a naturopathic perspective, common causes include nutritional deficiencies, especially mineral deficiencies, fatty acid deficiencies, food sensitivities, and traumas to the developing brain by chemicals or stress. The brain is dependent on certain nutrients for optimal function. A hair mineral analysis is a quick way to assess mineral status. I love the supplement EMPowerplus Advanced by True Hope, available in most health food stores. Made up of 36 clinically proven vitamins, minerals, and amino acids and antioxidants, EMPowerplus Advanced is scientifically proven to effectively treat ADHD.

Dr. Anke Zimmermann, BSc, ND, FCAH, DrZimmermann.org

Do you hear noise in your ears that other people can’t hear? Annoying sounds, like ringing, buzzing, whistling, whooshing, or hissing? If so, you are not alone. Over 3 million Canadians suffer from tinnitus – a condition characterized by sounds that originate from within, rather than from outside of, your ears. Tinnitus takes on many forms. The most common “garden-variety” type produces soft-to-loud ringing, humming or rushing water sounds. Tonal tinnitus causes a constant chiming sound, like a musical note played over and over again. Pulsatile tinnitus produces sound that pulsates in time with one’s heartbeat. Mixed tinnitus causes multiple noises to be heard simultaneously. Objective tinnitus is extremely rare, and produces noise heard not only by the affected individual, but by others as well!

Jeff Germain, IslandBeltone.com

In May of this year, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada released information advising that Canadian youth (15-yearolds surveyed) are among the world’s top-performing students in terms of financial literacy, according to a report published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). On average, students with a bank account had higher financial literacy than students who didn’t. Four out of five Canadian students said if they did not have enough money to buy something they really wanted, they would either save up to buy it, or would not buy it. Notably, the findings indicated that discussing money matters with parents is associated with higher financial literacy; students who did so once or twice a week scored highest. Bravo, students! Reviewing our finances and discussing them with our significant others puts us in the know with respect to our money, and that’s always a good thing.

Abakhan & Associates Inc., Abakhan.com

Many cat owners feel a bit guilty about keeping their cats inside and worry they are depriving them of their natural instincts. If this is you, take comfort in knowing that since cats have been domesticated, it is not essential that they experience the great outdoors to have a healthy life.  After all, their wonderful owners provide their food, water, and sleeping quarters! They no longer have to hunt for their supper nor a warm place to curl up for the night. If you allow your cat to experience the outdoors without restrictions, it can be very easy for it to pick up a disease, be exposed to poisonous substances, or get injured by a predator or a vehicle. Playing regularly with your cat and providing it with entertaining toys can easily satisfy your cat’s stalking instinct, keep it stimulated, and provide the exercise it needs to stay purr-fectly healthy and happy!

HappyPaws.ca

How do you care for yourself when you are uncertain? Some lucky people don’t doubt themselves. But for the rest of us, we can sometimes privately tell ourselves an uncomfortable story about who we really are. Maybe we don’t want to hear this story, but we believe it anyway. For all sorts of reasons, we may feel not good enough, or wonder what is wrong with us. Doubt, self-blame, self-sabotage, anxious behaviour, and lack of confidence can come up. And we may struggle in our relationships to feel heard and valued. You can learn to support yourself through these feelings. Self-confidence arises in part from self-compassion. And self-compassion supports our resilience through difficult life experiences. Counselling can be a safe place to learn this skill, find new ways to appreciate yourself, and rediscover your confidence.

MaryMunro.ca