Proper functioning of our skin cells is the foundation of healthy skin, and healthy skin is beautiful skin! As our outermost defence layer, our skin is susceptible to damage: scars caused by acne and burns, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, and of course wrinkles and fine lines. Micro-needling can treat the root of this damage. During a treatment, special micro-needles are used to create thousands of micro lesions in the dermis, and this stimulates growth factors that induce collagen and elastin production in the skin, improving the function of the cells and thus the texture and appearance!
What Defines Addiction?
Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of the brain. It is a condition in which a person engages in use of a substance or in a behaviour for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behaviour, despite detrimental consequences. There is scientific evidence that the addictive substances and behaviours share a key neurobiological feature—they intensely activate brain pathways of reward and reinforcement, many of which involve the neurotransmitter dopamine. Studies show that there are genetic factors, making some people more susceptible to addiction. Are you or someone you love suffering from addiction and looking for help?
Counselling and Art Play
Not knowing where you belong or fit in the world can be really uncomfortable. It can affect your sense of self, the energy you have, the goals you set, and the way you relate and compare yourself to others. Mindful art play is one way to change that! Counselling and art play can help expose your inner critic, develop self-compassion, deal with difficult memories, open up your creativity and capacity to cope, and develop your sense of self. Counselling, along with art play, provides a safe and neutral place to explore your feelings and options.
Mental Health Resources
Did you know that the Canadian Mental Health Association has information online regarding different mental health issues? As well, your local Canadian Mental Health Association branch can answer any questions you may have and provide services to the public. Workshops and courses are another great way to learn about these issues. The Canadian Mental Health Association along with other organizations in your community offer this service. Research what organizations are around you and call them to find out times, dates and whether courses are available for free at a cost. Visit your local library to take advantage of free resources or head to a bookstore or shop online to purchase.
Contact Lens Wearers & Light Sensitivity
From computer screens to fluorescent lights many of us spend our days surrounded by bright light. Prolonged exposure means hours of squinting, eye strain and headaches. Did you know a whopping 64% of contact lens wearers are bothered by bright light daily? If you count yourself among this majority, we have some exciting news: ultra comfortable ACUVUE® OASYS contact lenses now come with Transitions™. Just like Transitions™ lenses for glasses, these contacts darken with light exposure without drastically changing the look of your beautiful natural eye colour. They also help with less squinting to bright light and reduced halos and starbursts at night.
Book Club: Beyond the Label
Beyond the Label offers a unique perspective on mental health: it shares the author’s own recovery from four major mental health conditions: anxiety, depression (attempted suicide), bulimia, and bipolar disorder type 1. The book outlines a detailed, step-by-step plan for how others can achieve optimal mental health. A combination of practical clinical experience and years of lived experience, the book shares insight into how diet, exercise, and sleep can be optimized for improved mental wellbeing, as well as strategies for coping with negative thoughts and emotions, and building self-love and compassion, among other skills.
Words to Live By
“The difficult is what takes a little time; the impossible is what takes a little longer.” – Fridtjof Nansen
Get Energized!
Boost your pre or post workout by incorporating chlorophyll-rich greens with Coconut MCT into your daily routine. Studies have shown when taken before exercising, Coconut MCT may reduce lactic acid build up and encourage the body to burn more fat instead of carbs for energy. These can be found in a greens powder formula at your health food store and added to smoothies or water. Taking it in the morning can also make you feel more energized throughout the day. Look for a greens product with Coconut MCT and Maca for sustained energy plus shelf-stable probiotics included to lighten your supplement load!
Cellular Health from the Inside Out
Our ability to stay healthy and have more energy relies on how well our cells function. And the function of every cell in the body relies on something called redox signaling—cellular messages that help protect, rejuvenate, and restore cells. As environmental toxins weaken our defenses, normal cellular function declines, and with it, the body’s ability to produce and maintain a proper balance of redox signaling molecules. Now there is a technology that can create and stabilize active redox signaling molecules in a consumable form. This proprietary process suspends these life-giving molecules in a pristine solution—a first-of-its-kind, cutting-edge health breakthrough. ShopAsea.com
When You’re Missing Teeth
Missing teeth due to an accident, genetics, disease, and other reasons can cause patients to experience various problems. People’s confidence can decrease from having teeth missing from their smile because they feel more self-conscious and insecure. Missing teeth can also cause people to chew differently, which may mean they are not breaking up food properly. This can result in choking problems, digestive problems, and issues with their jaw. Infections can develop in those who are missing teeth if bacteria collect in those areas, and speech can also be negatively affected. The good news is that the right dentures can eliminate these problems.
Eye Care for Teens
Teens are still developing so it’s very important that they receive proper eye care to ensure the best possible vision heading into adulthood. Unfortunately, many don’t. The behavioural problems experienced by “troubled” teens may sometimes be due to undiagnosed vision issues that aren’t identified during the school years. Teens should have proper vision testing to catch potential issues such as astigmatism, convergence insufficiency, and poor tracking that may cause more problems as they get older. As well as making sure that they have a balanced diet and are getting exercise, encourage your teens to wear sunglasses with UV protection and to protect their eyes when playing sports or using tools and equipment.