When your child struggles with schoolwork, despite all best efforts to help, it can be very difficult to figure out what is needed. When an eye coordination or eye tracking problem is at the root of a child’s struggles with learning, the signs are very easy to see – when you know what to look for. Unfortunately, these signs can easily be mistaken for learning difficulties or attention problems. One of the signs that a vision problem may be contributing to learning challenges is a short attention span when it comes to reading and near work. This behavior could easily be mistaken for ADHD and/or Dyslexia. A developmental vision evaluation could open the door to your child’s success.
Community News
Beauty Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is well known for its healing properties when it comes to sunburns, bug bites and other skin abrasions, but that is only the beginning. Did you know that Aloe Vera is a fantastic skincare ingredient? Aloe Vera is rich in vitamin C, E and beta carotene which gives it its nourishing and anti-ageing qualities. It can moisturize the skin without making it greasy, which makes it great for those with oily skin. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties also give it the ability to work wonders in reducing acne. Aloe Vera treats the cells on the epithelial level of the skin which is why it’s recommended by dermatologists to treat your problematic skin.
Wellness Tea of the Month
Brain Elixhir.
This brain-boosting tea is made with Japan’s second most common green tea and is characterized by a high content of antioxidants, minerals and trace elements, such as iron. It is significantly lower in caffeine compared to its counterpart Sencha, and it won’t leave you feeling jittery. Gingko is a powerful leaf that helps reduce stress and anxiety symptoms, all while boosting brain function. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginkgo is used in treating headaches and some forms of migraines. Papaya and cherries are rich in vitamin C and are packed with nutrients, improving your health in many ways.
Healthy Gut = Healthy Life
Did you know that there is a direct connection between the immune system and nutrition? The intestinal tract is the main route of contact with the external environment and is a pathway that contains microbiomes that aids digestion as well as the absorption of nutrients. This makes it critical for us to consume a balanced diet with the right nutrients while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you consume an adequate amount of protein such a fish and lean meats. It’s also important to maintain a daily intake of vitamins and phytonutrients, especially Vitamin C. Increase your intake of probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids as they enhance the functions of immune cells.
Pet Nutrition Tips
Cats and dogs have very different nutritional needs, but there are a few simple tips to help you decide what is best for your pet and budget.
1) Feed what you can afford. All types of food have some nutritional value. Raw is often viewed as best, then canned, then dry kibble. Research for the best brands/least recalls.
2) Feed only species appropriate foods to your pets. Non-processed human food is often okay for them. Check an online guide for specific foods that may be harmful.
3) Feed small portions several times per day to maintain a healthy weight.
It’s Your Turn to Quit Smoking
Laser Therapy is an accu-pressure point therapy similar to acupuncture but without the dreaded needles. It is a modernized natural approach to help heal the body without the use of drugs. The entire procedure is external, and the laser treatment conducts low energy to accu-pressure points to your ears, face, hands, arm, legs, and feet. The first hurdle in quitting smoking is to get through the nicotine withdrawal phase, which people often dread. The laser treatments significantly reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, so people generally sail through this phase with greater ease and break their nicotine addiction.
Acupuncture for Less Anxiety
Many studies involving hundreds of patients have shown evidence that acupuncture can help treat anxiety and can have similar effects as talk therapy. Acupuncture can help the body relax in a variety of ways, including 1) prompting the parasympathetic nervous system to release signals for relaxation; 2) improving the heart rate variability, which helps the body cope with stress; 3) calming the hypothalamus, which releases neurochemicals when we are under stress; and 4) helping with the flow of endorphins, the body’s own “feel good” chemicals. Acupuncture can be considered as an effective alternative to traditional pharmacological and psychological treatments.
Boost Mental Health & Performance at Work
During this global pandemic, the need for mental health support has increased fourfold. As an employee, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to be vocal. If you are struggling, speak up or use the Wellness Together Canada free resources. Waiting causes longer term damage impacting productivity and quality of life. If you are an employer, ask how you can support your team every day. Then, make or get a Mental Health First Aid kit and put it somewhere visible to demonstrate mental health is just as important as physical health. Include things like motivational cards, mindfulness colouring sheets, stress balls, breathing exercises and general resilience tips.
Abs of Steel or Jelly Belly?
Your pelvis is a ring of bones held together by ligaments and muscles. These muscles engage every time you walk, sit, stand, run, or even breathe! Weak stabilizing muscles cause your pelvis to move too much and surrounding muscles contract to control the excess movement, leading to chronic muscle tightness. By strengthening the core, our bodies are able to withstand these forces without muscle spasms. Some of the best exercises for core involve maintaining a neutral spine position and resisting forces. Your physiotherapist can give you specific exercises to improve your strength, while relaxing other muscles through manual therapy techniques.
Mind Exercises for Seniors
It’s important for people of all ages to keep their brains healthy with regular workouts, but especially so for seniors. Here are five ways you can keep your mind sharp as you age: 1) Play a game. Try a sudoku, crossword, or jigsaw puzzle, or play a game of cards with friends. 2) Get moving. Regular exercise increases blood flow to your brain and increases neurons. 3) Listen to or play music. Science shows that music is a great brain booster. 4) Eat right. A healthy diet is crucial for cognitive health. 5) Learn something new. Keep your mind engaged!
What is a Hearing Evaluation Like?
To start, you will meet with a Hearing Care professional and a thorough history will be taken. An inspection of your ears will take place to confirm good ear health. You will be asked to respond to tones in a sound treated room. The tones tested are specific and range from the low to high frequencies that are important for hearing speech. You will undergo word testing to measure your communication abilities and how you hear speech in quiet and in noisy situations. Results are recorded to guide the Hearing Care Professional in forming a treatment plan if hearing loss is present.
