As we move from the wet and cool spring months into our warmer and sunnier summer months, we are reminded of renewal and growth. A sure way of bringing some clarity in life and making room for growth is through spring cleaning. When we de-clutter our surroundings, we help to de-clutter our minds, and therefore better engage in the world around us. Take the time through the warmer month of June and do that spring cleaning of your surroundings and mind!
Community News
Meet the BC-Grown Aronia Berry
The Aronia berry is dark purple, about the size of a blueberry, with three times the anti-oxidants. Its outstanding nutritional and pharmacological properties are well documented. Aronia berries contain high levels of antioxidants which research has shown may help in reducing inflammation, free radical damage, and blood glucose in diabetics. Local BC Aronia berries are available frozen to make wonderful smoothies. You can also purchase delicious local Aronia berry juice, jams and bottles of vinegar. When dried, they are excellent in cereal, trail mix and salads. Aronia Berries Are Antioxidant Gold™
Balance and Stability Issues?
Lack of stability and balance can keep us from enjoying a walk in nature or playing with our grandchildren. Lack of stability and balance also account for a large portion of foot, leg and back pain issues. VoxxLife socks, insoles and patches can help. These products are made using Human Performance Technology (HPT) which is based on 50 years of research in Neuromuscular Science, Chiropractic Neurology and Reflexology. HPT optimizes the user’s stability and balance at the nervous system level. Additional benefits include; enhanced pain relief and management, especially PDN pain and improved mobility.
Freedom on Wheels: Mobility Scooters
With good weather upon us, it’s the perfect time to consider a mobility scooter. Scooters lower the risk of injury and increase independence, providing more opportunities for socializing and the freedom to do what you want. Mobility scooters offer a sense of safety and the ability to access places previously out of reach. For those who already have a scooter, book a 25-point Safety Inspection & Battery Testing for only $99. We come to you. The offer expires June 30.
Join the WellnessHub Today
Are you a health care practitioner? Do you have a health and wellness business? If so, you want to get a listing on the WellnessHub – Basic listings are FREE. The WellnessHub is Vancouver Island’s local online health and wellness resource. It features practitioners, businesses, health tips, a monthly contest and much more. Monthly memberships are available for people who want extra exposure. The WellnessHub is supported in print, social media, radio and more. We work with you to get your message out to your potential customers. The Hub attracts thousands of local visitors every month.
Healthy Low-Carb Broccoli Salad
A delicious high-protein salad that’s gluten-free and perfect for summer! INGREDIENTS: 3 cups broccoli, chopped; 1/3 cup red onion, chopped; 3 slices cooked bacon, chopped; 2 tbsp sunflower seeds; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; stevia to taste ~1/8 to 1/4 tsp. DIRECTIONS: Roughly chop cooked bacon and add to a bowl with the broccoli and red onion. In a blender, blend the yogurt, apple cider vinegar and stevia. Pour the mixture over the broccoli mixture. Stir to combine, and sprinkle the sunflower seeds on top. Refrigerate 30 minutes prior to serving. Enjoy!
Treating Heat-Related Health Problems
Summer is here and so is the heat! While many people enjoy the hot weather, it’s important to be proactive and safe when the temperature starts to rise. Some common heat-related issues include 1) Dehydration – weakness, headache and fainting. Drink more water and electrolytes. 2) Heat stroke – body temp. of 40°C or higher, fast pulse, hot and dry skin. Cool down with shade/AC and water and get medical attention. 3) Heat exhaustion – heavy sweating, weakness, nausea. Cool down with shade/AC and drink plenty of fluids. 4) Heat syncope – fainting caused by high temperatures. Lie down with your feet up and drink plenty of water.
Prevent Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Hearing is a vital sense that allows us to connect with the world around us. However, it’s easy to take it for granted. According to a report by the World Health Organization, hearing loss is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue worldwide, affecting an estimated 1.5 billion people.
There are many factors that can contribute to hearing loss. One of the leading causes of hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Loud noises are encountered everywhere in your daily routine, from the sounds of busy traffic, construction sites, concerts, listening to music and even the TV.
The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable!
Here are some steps you can take to protect your hearing from loud noises:
Wear earplugs or earmuffs:
Sounds are considered harmful when they exceed 85 dB, which is similar to the loudness of heavy traffic.
Exposure to loud noises can damage the sensory hair cells in the cochlea. The cochlea is a shell-like organ in the inner ear where sounds are converted into electrical signals. This damage can lead to both hearing loss and the development of tinnitus, which is characterized by a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. Wearing earplugs or earmuffs can be a simple yet effective way to protect your ears.
However, it’s important to choose the right type of earplugs or earmuffs for your needs. Make sure they are comfortable to wear, fit well, and provide adequate noise reduction. If you’re not sure which type to choose, consult a hearing healthcare professional or audiologist who can recommend the best option for you.
Turn down the volume:
It’s also important to be mindful of our listening habits. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.1 billion young people are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to loud music or noise through headphones or earphones.
If you’re someone who enjoys listening to music or podcasts through headphones, try to keep the volume at a reasonable level. As a general rule of thumb, if someone can hear the music coming from your headphones while standing beside you, the volume is too high! A good way to ensure that your volume is at a safe level is to use the 60/60 rule. This rule recommends listening to music at no more than 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time. Afterward, give your ears a break for at least 5-10 minutes to recover.
Take breaks:
If you’re exposed to loud noises for extended periods, take breaks in quieter environments to give your ears time to recover. Taking just a five-minute break every hour can significantly reduce the risk of hearing damage from loud noise exposure. So, if you’re in a loud environment for a prolonged period, try to take short breaks regularly to give your ears a chance to recover.
While hearing loss prevention is important, it’s also essential to get regular hearing tests. Many people don’t realize that hearing tests are just as important as regular physical exams or dental checkups.
Hearing tests are essential because they can detect hearing loss early on, which is crucial for effective treatment. The earlier hearing loss is detected, the better the chances are for successful treatment.
It’s worth noting that hearing loss can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Untreated hearing loss can lead to a decline in cognitive function, making it more challenging to perform daily tasks and affecting memory, attention, and decision-making skills.
Research conducted by the National Library of Medicine has demonstrated that individuals who take action to address their hearing loss at an early stage are more likely to experience positive outcomes, such as enhanced communication abilities, improved quality of life, and a lower risk of cognitive decline.
Your ears are essential to your quality of life, and we want to help you LoveYourEars by taking care of them properly.
Book a free hearing test and take the first step towards better hearing today!
Sources: World Health Organization (WHO)
Freedom on Wheels: Mobility Scooters
With good weather upon us, it’s the perfect time to consider a mobility scooter. Scooters lower the risk of injury and increase independence, providing more opportunities for socializing and the freedom to do what you want. Mobility scooters offer a sense of safety and the ability to access places previously out of reach. For those who already have a scooter, book a 25-point Safety Inspection & Battery Testing for only $99. We come to you. The offer expires June 30.
Meet the BC-Grown Aronia Berry
The Aronia berry is dark purple, about the size of a blueberry, with three times the anti-oxidants. Its outstanding nutritional and pharmacological properties are well documented. Aronia berries contain high levels of antioxidants which research has shown may help in reducing inflammation, free radical damage, and blood glucose in diabetics. Local BC Aronia berries are available frozen to make wonderful smoothies. You can also purchase delicious local Aronia berry juice, jams and bottles of vinegar. When dried, they are excellent in cereal, trail mix and salads. Aronia Berries Are Antioxidant Gold™
Book Club: The Five Second Rule
In The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage, Mel Robbins talks about an important tool that can help readers learn to push themselves, instead of relying on teachers, friends, parents, coaches, and mentors for motivation. Find out what makes a “push moment” and how it will enrich your life and move you forward on the path to success. This powerful tool takes just five seconds and once it becomes a habit, is a simple but effective solution when it comes to our tendency to hold ourselves back and keep ourselves from happiness.
