All types of acne can scar; some mild, some severe…but all scars are like diamonds; they are forever.
Modern acne scar therapy with skin resurfacing by lasers, radio frequency, and microneedling can reduce the scarring, but usually a 50 percent improvement is seen as a good result, and the cost can be significant. It follows then that early, active treatment of acne to prevent scarring makes the most sense. Yet it is hard to see a dermatologist, even to get a referral, until the acne is advanced, and scarring has been established. The impact of acne is not limited to physical scarring; the emotional and psychological scars can run much deeper…with social, self-esteem, and even employment consequences. Seek help with acne as soon as you can.
Community News
Learning About SAD
It is really difficult for most of us to get through the grey, dark winter days of November to March. Feeling changes such as a loss in energy, focus, concentration, passions, and hope, and increases in feelings of stress, worry, and guilt are typical symptoms of depression. If this is your experience, you have to live through a lot of invisible pain that many people cannot understand. Knowing about Seasonal Affective (or Adjustment) Disorder (SAD) may be a key to happier days. Contact a counsellor, your GP, or the Canadian Mental Health Association (www.cmha.bc.ca) to learn about SAD treatment.
Product Review: Pure Green Energy
Kickstart your day with a super clean, raw and nutritionally dense organic drink that increases alertness and stamina. Coconut MCT, Maca super-food, Matcha green tea and many other key juiced powders, together with zero calorie Monk fruit, and even human strain probiotics round out this fantastic Kickstarter! A health-packed alternative to coffee & conventional energy-boosting drinks, PURE GREEN ENERGY gives vigor without potentially harmful effects of excess stimulants. It is also a perfect pre-and-post-workout supplement to replenish essential nutrients, improve cardio performance, and revive your workday energy drain.
Denture Care When Travelling
You want your smile to look its best no matter where you are, and having an organized plan for denture care can ensure that it will. Choose your meals and beverages carefully, bring along your own ‘denture friendly’ snacks for flights and long drives, pack the right cleaning products and tools, and remember to stick to your daily routine for the best results. Be proactive by taking the time to see your denturist before you travel. He can ensure your denture fits properly and is functioning as it should, which can help you avoid bigger problems while away from home.
Community Event
Sugar Plum Fair
Nov. 18. 1:30-3:30 pm.
6 Daykin St.
All are welcome to a fun-filled afternoon at The Hamlets at Deer Park. There is something special for everyone in your family! Visits with Santa, FREE horse & carriage rides, shop local vendors for festive gifts, hot cocoa, snacks and more! Bring your winter spirit and cheer to this festive event. Donations to the Food Bank appreciated. For more information call 403-309-6333.
Strong & Steady
Did you know that falls are the most common cause of injury in Canada? According to a recent Canadian study, exercise can cut your chance of falling in half. If you are unsteady on your feet due to age or other health challenges, the Red Deer Primary Care Network’s Strong & Steady four-week program can help you. Learn exercises in a group setting to increase your strength, flexibility, and balance. Call 403-343-9100 to register. You can also ask your family doctor or PCN health care professional for a referral.
Portion Control Shortcut
Want to know a great way to help with portion control and make yourself eat more slowly? Try cutting your food into smaller pieces! You’ll feel like you’re actually eating more food and it will slow you down as you eat. Any time I go out for sushi, I ask the chef to cut it into smaller pieces than they normally do. Give this a try at home or at restaurants and you’ll see a noticeable difference. In addition, put your fork down between bites. This little habit improves digestion and nutrient absorption, meaning fewer cravings later!
Hibernation, Not Only for Bears!
As we head full speed into winter, now is the time to work on a keystone habit, SLEEP. How many times have you nodded off in a meeting, felt sluggish while driving, or “hit the wall” in the afternoon? This is largely due to ignoring our body’s calls to rest. The best time frame for your body to rest is between 10 pm-6 am. Trouble falling asleep? Try a journal or notepad by your bed, remove all screens from your room, have a digestion-friendly light supper at 6 pm, and a breathing meditation to ease into slumber.
Exciting Mortar & Pesto News
Mortar & Pesto is now an official Advanced Orthomolecular Research (AOR) Pro Dispensary. AOR’s line of products has a large volume of research supporting the health safety and effectiveness of each formulation. Well-researched and evidence-based therapies, these products offer some of the most effective natural options available in Canada. AOR offers a unique approach to personalized nutrition. Available through prescription only, Mortar & Pesto Natural Pharmacy will assess which AOR Pro line formulation will best suit your individual needs. Everyone’s biology is different, and it is so important to find out what your body needs to thrive.
Plantar Wart Prevention
Plantar warts appear on the soles of your feet and toes and are spread by contact with moist, well-traveled surfaces like public showers and washrooms. Caused by HPV (type 1), the skin around the wart forms and thickens so it feels like a marble in your shoe. Prevention is key. I tell my patients to always wear flip flops in public change rooms and at the pool. Treatment varies depending on the physician, but it usually requires several visits two weeks apart. A wart can get better on its own after 2 years, but it can feel like a lot longer!
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.
