Winter is the darkest, dampest, and coldest time of year; however, this isn’t always a bad thing. In nature, winter is a time of hibernation. For people, it is a time of introspection. Following basic health recommendations for winter can keep you healthy. Dress appropriately (wool). Eat cooked or warmed foods, such as soups and stews, and use spices such as ginger or cinnamon. Avoid copious amounts of raw vegetables, juices, or chilled foods and beverages. Go to sleep earlier and sleep in later for rejuvenation.
Dr. Ross Ralph, Dr. TCM, R.Ac., DOMP., Courtenay Healing Centre, CourtenayHealing.ca

One of the complications that may occur with diabetes is a gradual loss of sensation in your feet. If this happens, you may become unable to feel small stones or pressure areas inside your shoes. Sores can develop without you knowing and can quickly become a serious problem. Prevention of sores and open wounds includes using seamless socks, seamless footwear, and custom molded foot orthotics to provide an even distribution of pressure under the feet and position the feet optimally inside the shoes. Ensuring your feet are protected against skin breakdown is the best course of action in keeping them healthy for years to come.
B.D. Mitchell Prosthetics and Orthotics, MitchellPandO.com

Research suggests people who follow a Mediterranean diet lose 52% more weight than the standard low-fat diet because it isn’t just a fad or limited list of foods. It’s a lifestyle based on a balanced approach to your meals, which focuses on produce, healthy fats, whole grains, legumes, fish, and even some red wine. Committing to losing weight for three months using the Mediterranean diet as a base, along with three booster products and three lifestyle changes, guarantees results. And there is no meal skipping! Look and feel great for all of your holiday parties and events!
Lisa – Modere, LiveClean.Market

Most of us take for granted the community that surrounds us. We have family, friends, co-workers, neighbours – people who help us celebrate life’s milestones, look out for us, and connect us to the broader life of our community. These circles of belonging are essential to our quality of life and studies show that they strongly affect our mental and physical wellbeing. But what if your circumstances exclude you from the life of your community? Having a developmental disability can do just that and the folks at L’Arche Comox Valley are passionate about creating community that includes everyone – with and without developmental disabilities. The I Belong! Campaign is about creating a space where that can happen. Our goal is the construction of a Centre for belonging that also includes residences for those able to live independently. Join us – support us! L’Arche Comox Valley

The Comox Valley Lifeline Society, a non-profit organization, has been providing an easy-to-use personal emergency response system to the Cowichan Valley since 1988. The Society was established because the membership believed that people deserved the dignity to live on their own and have access to immediate help in an emergency situation. If you experience a fall or other emergency in your home, every second counts. Delays can jeopardize your recovery and your independence. Lifeline quickly connects you to a trained Response Associate, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at the push of a button. You are never alone and help is always there when you need it. Denise Metcalfe, ED, ComoxValleyLifeline.com