Community News
Improve Your Focus & Concentration

Very often, the brain and nervous system become fatigued and overloaded. Much like a computer receiving too much data all at once, the brain can become overwhelmed, slow down, or even crash. This can result in an inability to focus, brain fog, memory loss, ADD/ADHD-like symptoms, a “wired” feeling, or the inability to cope with daily life. The key to turning these conditions around is to give the body what it needs to strengthen specific areas of the brain and nervous system. This can be achieved naturally with specialized nutritional formulations, which will replenish the body and alleviate symptoms.

Time to Move!

We all know exercise is important, but how much exercise should we be getting? According to the Canadian physical activity guidelines, most adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more, to achieve health benefits. Muscle and bone strengthening activities using major muscle groups should be done at least 2 days a week. Start by finding something you enjoy doing, like a new sport, a walking club, or a walking/cycling commute to work. A physiotherapist can also help you achieve your exercise goals!

Clearing up Keto Confusion

There is often some confusion between the ketosis of the keto diet and diabetic ketoacidosis. Diet ketosis is a metabolic state of low sugar levels and low to normal insulin levels, with moderate ketone levels in the blood secondary to the keto diet. Ketoacidosis is a state of extremely high glucose levels secondary to either low insulin levels or insulin resistance in diabetics. Diabetics cannot utilize glucose, so they excrete it in the urine. This causes hyperosmolality, and to sustain energy, the fat cells break down into high levels of ketones. Since they are acidic, this causes acidosis.

Seniors’ Nutrition

As people age, proper nutrition can become a challenge. For example, seniors may have smaller appetites, making it difficult to eat enough to ensure good nutrition. They may also have health conditions that change their sense of taste or smell, making some foods unappealing. In addition, seniors who once cooked big, healthy meals for family can find themselves uninspired by the thought of cooking for one or two. But good nutrition is important at every stage of life. Seniors should focus on eating a variety of foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, with some whole grains and protein to help ensure they are getting the nutrients they need.

The Value of Self-Worth

Self-worth is often mistaken for self-esteem, yet the two qualities are quite different. Self-esteem is a measure of how you feel about yourself at any given time. Your self-worth is your right to be here on Earth. You are born worthy, not to be defined by your intelligence, looks, talent, or accomplishments. Each time you treat yourself kindly, listen to your personal boundaries, allow your needs to be met, and respect yourself, you are honouring your innate value. Seeing your mistakes and failures as a part of the journey allows you to learn and grow.

Keep Your Cat’s Mind Sharp

Cats kept indoors live much longer than cats that roam outside, but they also need more stimulation to keep their minds sharp. From kittenhood, you should provide your cat with things that keep them mentally fit, such as scratching posts, a variety of toys, and puzzles for play and mealtime. As cats age, continue to spend time playing with them, and keep them occupied with access to a window and vertical spaces for them to climb. You can also work on training your cat throughout their lifetime when it comes to things like walking on a leash, for example.

How Going Nuts Could Save Your Life

A recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health found that people who eat a handful of nuts per day are 20 percent less likely to die early than those who skip them. In addition to lower early death rates, the researchers found that people who consumed seven or more handful-sized servings per week saw a 25 percent reduction in death from cardiovascular disease, and an 11 percent reduction in death from cancers. Each nut has a unique profile and features different benefits: walnuts for the heart; almonds for weight loss and pistachios for brain health. Go nuts for nuts!

Learning Difficulty or Vision Problem?

When a vision 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, the signs can easily be mistaken for learning difficulties and/or attention problems. Children don’t know how they are supposed to see, so the only way they can tell you they have a vision problem is with their behaviour. One of the signs of a vision problem is a short attention span when it comes to reading and learning. A developmental vision evaluation could open the door to your child’s success.

Need Cosmetic Dentures?

Teeth have three main functions: chewing food, lip support, and speech. The loss of your teeth can have negative effects on your self-confidence and your overall quality of life. Since your teeth provide structure and support to your cheeks, tooth loss can result in the sagging of your face. It is essential that your missing teeth are replaced as soon as possible. A new set of cosmetic dentures can instantly improve your appearance and remove facial flaws. Age is inevitable, but cosmetic dentures can help brighten your smile and make you feel young again!

Hemp Oil for Health

Hemp seed carrier oil contains high volumes of linoleic acids, also known as omega-6. These acids offer a variety of health benefits, and hemp seed carrier oil can be used in a few different ways. When applied topically, hemp seed carrier oil can refresh and strengthen the skin, even out the complexion, as well as promote wound healing. It can also calm scalp inflammation and condition hair to improve its texture. Hemp seed carrier oil can act medicinally, facilitating the healing of infections, improving circulation, promoting the body’s detoxification, easing muscle and joint pain, and balancing hormones.

The Stress/Sleep Connection

Stress is the number one cause of sleep difficulties. If you don’t sleep enough at night, your body actually boosts your level of stress hormones. The brain chemicals connected with deep sleep are the same ones that tell he body to stop the production of stress hormones. As a result, when you don’t sleep well, your body keeps pumping out those hormones. The many costs of lack of sleep include but aren’t limited to:
• Brain and nervous system functioning. Your memory actually worsens.
• Poor metabolic functioning
• Lowered immune system functioning
• Higher chances of obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Risk of cancer rises
• Poor mood stabilization