Judging ourselves and others can feel empowering, as if we are sorting out the world and freeing ourselves from the constraints of the people and situations that fail to measure up to whatever external standard we are using. However, this book argues that judgment is a trap, putting us on a hamster wheel as we continually strive to meet an arbitrary set of expectations rather than being true to ourselves. Drawing deeply on the author’s struggle to follow her own unique path through life, this book empowers readers to abandon judgment and allow themselves to pursue a life that transcends the short-sighted and self-serving expectations that our society imposes upon them.
Community News
Seniors and Stress
Chronic stress is harmful to people of all ages, but its impact on older adults can be particularly severe, increasing the risk of age-related diseases, hastening cognitive decline, and even triggering falls. Stressors that are common amongst the elderly include loss of control, personal loss, declining health, financial worries, personal safety, and loss of independence. To reduce stress, get regular exercise, eat balanced meals to ensure the mind and body are properly fueled, and ask for help. Talking with a trusted family member, friend, or healthcare professional, at the very least, releases pent-up stress and may even lead to a solution.
Controlling High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) often goes unrecognized and untreated because there are no symptoms. Your pharmacist can help you reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke by: 1. Reviewing your medications, helping you take them as prescribed and managing potential side effects. 2. Teaching you how to use a blood pressure monitor properly and testing your blood pressure regularly. 3. Advising you how to maintain a healthy weight, and follow a low-sodium diet. 4. Guiding you through a step-by-step smoking cessation plan. Speak with your pharmacist today to learn more about how to keep your blood pressure under control.
Healing Your Gut
Numerous studies have demonstrated links between gut health and the immune system, brain health, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, skin conditions, and cancer. Many facets of modern life such as high stress levels, too little sleep, eating processed and high-sugar foods, and taking antibiotics can all damage our gut microbiome. When it comes to maintaining your microbiome, nothing is more important than what you eat and drink. The internal environment of your gut is directly dictated by what you put in your mouth. Probiotics, fermented foods, natural fats, greens, fruits, and insoluble fiber-rich foods help restore your microbiome and gut-brain signaling.
Jaw Pain
If you are experiencing pain or tenderness in or around the ear, jaw joint or the muscles of the jaw, face or temples you may have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Those with TMJ disorders often have problems with clicking or popping in the jaw. Difficulty with opening and closing of the mouth along with pain when yawning or chewing. If you or your doctor/dentist suspect a TMJ disorder seek the assistance of a physiotherapist who can prescribe exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles. Physiotherapists can also apply mobilization techniques to assist with stiffness and educate regarding the condition. Doug Treloar, BMR, PT
Pure Water for Pregnancy
Prenatal and postnatal infants have very weak immune systems, so the purity and safety of the water they ingest are extremely important. Typical chlorine or UV-light disinfection methods used by municipalities and bottlers are ineffective at eliminating the toughest bacteria and pathogens from tap and bottled water. Bottled water, although an essential disinfection method for preparing baby formula, can concentrate some harmful chemicals like nitrates or lead. Bottled and tap water often contain carcinogenic disinfection by-products like bromate or tri-halomethanes (THMs), which have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriages, birth defects, and low birth weights.
Shoulder Pain Relief
To eliminate the pain of frozen shoulder or rotator cuff injuries and to regenerate the joint, especially with osteo-arthritic elements; acupuncture and Prolozone injection therapy are my treatment protocols. Hypoxia or the inadequacy of cellular oxygen reaching the body’s tissues causes degeneration in the ligaments. Prolozone is excellent for all forms of musculo-skeletal and joint pain including chronic neck & back pain, rotator cuff injuries, degenerative, arthritic hips,knees, degenerated discs, shoulder and elbow pain. Because in many cases Prolozone actually corrects the pathology of the disorder, there is a 75% chance for the chronic pain sufferer to becoming permanently pain free.
Ask The Expert
Q: I can never get my glasses clean, even when I try soap and water. What’s going on?
A: If your lenses seem permanently dirty, they might be damaged with small scratches or the coating might be wearing down. Another possibility
is that your own perspiration or facial oils may be smearing the lenses. Sometimes oils and grit can
lodge in between the lenses and the frame, and you made need to bring them to your optician to get
them cleaned properly. You may want to invest in some good quality lens cleaning solution and cloths.
Gambling Prevention Services
The BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program offer Prevention Services including: •Education and information for students in grades 5 to 12 •Training for student leadership programs and peer helpers •Information sessions for parent groups, ESL classes, college and university classes, community groups, and treatment programs •Drama projects and awareness booths for older adult populations •Training for community professionals •On-campus awareness initiatives for college and university students •Culturally relevant gambling awareness programs for Aboriginal, Asian, South Asian and other populations. We will work with your group to ensure messaging regarding responsible and/or problem gambling awareness meets your group’s needs.
Product Spotlight: Essential Smile
Did you know that essential oils can be used to maintain the health of your gums? Essential oils can be a great alternative to traditional toothpaste, which may have harmful chemicals in them. There are many essential oils that have pain-relieving abilities, one of them being Clove Bud.
Marjoram, Origanum, Peppermint, and Spearmint essential oils all have antiseptic properties, which help kill the germs that cause tooth decay and disease. Myrrh essential oil is also an antiseptic and can help soothe and heal damaged tissue. At Green Valley Aromatherapy, Barb has created a product called Essential Smile, which contains these essential oils along with fractionated coconut oil.
Diabetic-Related Athlete’s Foot
Are your feet peeling, cracking, blistering, itching or burning? Athlete’s foot is a common fungal skin infection, usually beginning between your toes. This can be severe ailment for a Diabetic, who has a weaker circulatory system and impaired immune system presenting a higher risk for infection. If you are diabetic or have circulation issues foot care should be a part of your daily routine: inspect the areas between the toes and if possible, the undersides of the feet. Visit your local Pharmacist to learn more about non-prescription topical creams, powders and sprays available for treatment.
