October in Canada encourages us to think about being thankful. Indeed, gratitude is a common inclusion in counselling and self-help resources. It is well documented that recognizing what we are grateful for makes us feel better; and it can last a while, too!. Is gratitude simply declaring and appreciating that our situation is better for a reason? Or is it actually the act of receiving something? Or is gratitude in the emotional realm along with indescribable unconditional love? Perhaps not answered yet, but whatever and wherever it is, genuinely acknowledging gratitude is good for our mental health and wellness. Thanks!

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a symptom, not a disease. Causes include: exposure to loud noises, ear wax blockage, and reaction to medications, but it can also be caused by hearing loss. When you address the hearing loss, you can also remedy the tinnitus if a hearing aid is prescribed, as it can help reduce the perception of the ringing and discomfort. If you have ringing in your ears you should let a doctor know and have a hearing test to see if there is hearing loss as well.

Magnetic and electric fields of energy that occur as a result of electrical wiring errors is a known stressor of our immune systems. Our bodies are controlled by exquisitely small currents and voltages. These natural currents of energy are easily disrupted by the very large induced currents in our bodies that are a result of unnatural, manmade electricity. Humans have evolved and remained healthy as a result of welcoming natural radiations from the sun. Manmade energy, because it is so different from natural radiations, is not helpful for the function of our cells. Unfortunately, our bodies cannot identify bad electromagnetic energy and they welcome this energy into the cells, which may result in illness.

When someone has moderate hearing loss they will hear relatively well if you are talking to them face to face in a quiet environment but will not hear well if you are walking away from them, in a different room, or if noise is present. People with hearing loss may be unaware of the extent of it: that’s where loved ones come in. Family members who have grown frustrated with them not being able to hear are the ones to prompt them to get a hearing test. Encourage them to have their hearing tested, you will be doing them and yourself a big favour in the long run.

We are often on a quest for improvement, striving for an ideal of a better version of ourselves. What if we could feel good about how our skin and health feel right now? What if we were to shift our thinking and focus on honouring how our skin serves us so well, protecting us from external pathogens, yet sensitive enough to feel the light touch of a breeze. Focus on ways to view self care as something you find pleasure in, rather than a chore. By finding joy in the process of our daily routine, we can use it as a time to ease tension and gain acceptance of ourselves.

Life can get sticky sometimes – maybe it’s a job you don’t want, or you notice you’re not doing the stuff that will help you feel okay. Or maybe you are finding other people really hard to bear. We can struggle to be effective at times, and blame ourselves – or we feel blamed by the people who are getting us down to begin with! How to change your circumstances? Counselling can be a safe and neutral place to consider your options – whether you want to find new boundaries, bounce back, act in new ways, find acceptance, or support yourself better.

It’s important for seniors to keep their feet in good condition so they can remain mobile. There are several things you can do to keep your feet feeling their best. Ensure that you wear good quality running shoes or shoes that are specifically designed for walking. Have your foot care professional treat your corns, callouses, and ingrown nails, as well as evaluate your foot mechanics for any structural imbalances. Gentle exercises and stretching of your feet and legs can reduce tightness, improve mobility and flexibility, and increase circulation. Finally, get involved in a walking program to keep you moving!