Covid19 has shaken us, disrupted our routines, and as per public health order closures, rendered our favourite casinos and gaming centres inaccessible. As a result, some players may have altered their gambling habits by migrating to online platforms. This shift in play may heighten risk factors such as isolation, unchecked substance use, lack of in-person connections as well as the use of credit to gamble. The Responsible & Problem Gambling Program remains committed to serving the people of BC 24/7. Our support services include outreach, education and counselling services, are FREE of charge, and available by phone, text, web chat, or in person.

When your knees chronically hurt you are told they are a sign of aging and degeneration, which is very true … but did you know there is a method of treatment to regenerate your knees? Prolozone therapy results in about 75% of chronic pain sufferers to become permanently pain free. Chronic pain occurs in areas of the body that are especially vulnerable to the effects of decreased oxygen utilization and aging. Prolozone therapy with procaine, natural anti-inflammatory medications, vitamins & minerals and ozone gives the tissues what they need to heal. And as they heal, the circulation to the knees is re-established.

Our natural evolutionary response when we get stressed, or as seasons change is to ensure we have adequate energy for the next challenge. During this time, we often crave sugary treats, from pumpkin spiced lattes, to our kids hallowe’en stash. However, because sweets helps to provide us raw energy, and is a natural pain response to stress; it’s very easy to get hooked on it! As kids young and old alike are excited for treats this month, it may help to be aware of this craving, to check-in with our stress levels before we consume those tricky treats.

You probably don’t have to look very far in your circle to find someone with a breathing difficulty that has to use metered dose inhalers (like Ventolin or Flovent) If you are one of those people, you can get improved effect from your inhalers using a simple spacer device on the inhaler. The technique for using a spacer device is a little different, but when used properly it can increase the amount of medication that gets to the lungs by up to 70% and help to decrease side effects.

The normal skin growth cycle is 28 days for a middle–aged adult and can slow down to 60 days or longer in our 50’s and 60’s. As the process slows, dead cells accumulate on the surface of the skin, causing the skin to look dull and thick. Bacteria can become trapped causing blemishes and breakouts. As we grow older, vellus hair or “peach fuzz’ also become more troublesome. Increasing your skin cycle with a regular skincare routine and medical facials will ensure that the outer surface of skin is made of newer skin cells, leading to a softer and more luminous looking skin.

During these times we must take care of our emotional health. Strength training provides similar improvements in depression as anti-depressant medications. Currently, it is not known if this is because people feel better when they are stronger of if strength training produces a helpful biochemical change to the brain. It is most likely a combination of the two. Strength training helps to ease stress and anxiety by reducing stress, it helps sharpen brainpower and increasing self-esteem. Lifting your mood can help relieve depression, boost your energy level helping you cope better with whatever comes your way in the run of a day.