Community News
To the Heart of the Matter

Research shows that there are nerve fibres that directly link the heart to the brain. More specifically directly to the part of the brain called the amygdala (the part of the brain that is linked to our fight or flight emotions). The power of love is real, as is the power of love to heal yourself! When we open our hearts, free the past and forgive ourselves, we can create a new create a new life for ourselves. In this month where you’re surrounded by commercial symbols of love, why not start with loving yourself?

What Causes Flat Feet?

Flat feet or “fallen arches” are caused chiefly by weak flexor muscles. The major flexor muscles of the foot are meant to propel you forward by pushing against the earth behind you as you walk or run barefoot. However, lifelong use of shoes allows these muscles to atrophy and become weak. As these muscles weaken, they stretch out, allowing the ball of the foot to creep forward, resulting in the eventual collapse of the underside of the foot. Custom orthotics or dynamic rehabilitative orthotics are designed to recruit and strengthen the flexor muscles while you stand, walk, or run.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Health clinics worldwide are using hyperbaric oxygen to supplement cancer therapy. Recent studies have shown that HBOT in combination with the ketogenic diet increases mean survival time in mice models by up to 75%. This works by starving cancer cells of their main energy source, glucose, and introducing a high oxygen environment. When combined with current conventional treatments, results have been very promising. HBOT is also effective post radiation to prevent bone loss and small vessel damage. Prevention and a healthy lifestyle of consistent exercise, good nutrition, sleep, community involvement and HBOT contributes to improved health outcomes.

Top Skin Resolutions for 2019

Here are some important resolutions to protect your skin in the new year!
1. Examine your skin for irregularities monthly, with some help from a trusted friend or family member for those hard-to-see spots.
2. Choose wisely what time of day you go out in the sun. Be sure to wear adequate protection such as a large-brimmed hat and sunscreen with a CDA logo on the label that offers both UVB/UVA protection (SPF 50 for summer, SPF 30 year-round).
3. See a board-certified dermatologist once a year for a medical assessment of moles and skin cancer risk, as well as to learn about options for improving your skin’s appearance.

Painful Feelings

Painful feelings command our attention – they can be so uncomfortable, and incredibly inconvenient. But what are they telling us? Is it that something is missing in your life? Are the feelings a signal for change, say in a job or a relationship? Are you healing from a loss? And what do you do about these painful feelings? Is there anyone you can share them with? Counselling is a safe, supportive, unbiased place to consider your full experience, and to develop a plan for yourself.

Safely Sweet Nutrition

Do you struggle with your weight? Do you get confused about what foods to eat and portion sizes for sustainable weight loss? If you are ready to feel like your best self again, subscribe for free at Wellnessnews.ca to enter to win a 8-week weight loss program by Safely Sweet Nutrition. The program includes 8 group coaching calls with motivational interviewing, assessments, and weight loss techniques, as well as information on attainable weight loss strategies, Facebook group support, a personalized weight control diet (daily calorie goals + daily macronutrient targets), a sample meal plan/shopping list, a guided dietary protocol, bonus recipes/handouts, and so much more. Value: $170.00

Maximize Your Balance and Stability

Did you know that lack of stability and balance account for a large portion of foot and back pain issues? Today, wellness consumers want products to enhance their quality of life and are asking for natural, safe solutions for more energy, pain relief and enhanced mobility. VoxxLife socks and insoles with HPT optimize the user’s stability and balance at the nervous system level and provide relief from aches and pains with drug free proven technology. Voxx Human Performance Technology (HPT) is based on 45 Years of research in Neuromuscular Science, Chiropractic Neurology and Reflexology. Come test your balance at the Wellnessnews Women’s Expo on February 9th at the VI Conference Centre.

Multi-Sensory Experiences

The Clements Centre offer a unique opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to explore, have fun and participate in an array of sensory experiences. Multi-sensory rooms have been used to enhance sensory development, increase hand/eye co-ordination, promote language development and encourage relaxation. Trust and relaxation are encouraged in the multi-sensory room by providing the space and time to enjoy sensations. The multi-sensory room is a therapeutic and recreational room designed to provide stimulation and relaxation through touch, light, and sound. The room is specifically designed to provide a variety of sensory experience to promote relaxation, leisure, learning, and fun for people with special needs.

Lotteries Most Popular Form of Gambling

According to the 2014 British Columbia Problem Gambling Prevalence Study, approximately 72.5% of British Columbians gamble. Lotteries remain the most popular form of gambling (81.6%), with 43.6% of gamblers naming it as their favourite form of gambling. Interestingly, when speaking with people in a community, very few individuals initially identify themselves as gamblers but at some point in the conversation, the person may say “Oh, but I buy lottery tickets every week.” This simple reflection exemplifies some of the myths and misunderstandings that surround what gambling is and is not, and who is stigmatised, and who isn’t. Food for thought …

Hearing Loss and the Risk of Falling

A study led by Frank Lin, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, suggests that hearing loss may also be a risk factor for a huge public health problem: falls. The study found that people with a 25-decibel hearing loss, classified as mild, were nearly three times more likely to have a history of falling. Every additional 10-decibels of hearing loss increased the chances of falling by 1.4 fold. If you or a family member are concerned about hearing loss, visit your local hearing specialist to take a free online hearing test.

Take Care of Your Ticker

Do you regularly consume processed foods? This may dampen your circulation causing oxidation of the arterial lining which in turn may lead to unwanted plaques and hardening. Denatured fats as opposed to natural fats are mainly to blame and are most often found in packaged, processed junk food. Stick to a whole foods natural diet high in phytonutrient-rich vegetables and greens. Drink plenty of water and drink herbal teas that support circulation and blood. Daily exercise and movement is vital for circulation and the pumping of your heart muscle. Some top nutrients to keep in mind are Omega 3s, coQ10, magnesium, and various bioflavonoids. Keep ticking happily!