Blackheads, also referred to as “open comedones”, are small spots on the skin that surface when oil and dead skin clog the pores.
You may be tempted to pick, pop, and poke to get rid of blackheads quickly. There are better ways, so resist the urge.
If you are prone to blackheads and pore congestion, opt for oil-free makeup, lotions, and sunscreen. Home peels and exfoliation products can remove blackheads using active ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic acid.
Regular monthly professional treatments will keep your skin clear and healthy. A good treatment provides exfoliation, as well as softening and drawing out the blackheads. Chris Laidlaw, DMK Skincare, DMKSkinCare.ca
Expressive Arts at Home
Formal expressive therapies should be facilitated by a professional, but that doesn’t mean your children can’t have fun with the expressive arts at home! Encourage them to explore their creative side with their siblings or friends. Let them paint; play with clay, playdough, or puppets; sing a song; or improvise with a tambourine, rattle, or drum. Incorporating the expressive arts into your child’s life can have such great benefits, particularly if mental or behavioural challenges are present. But they aren’t just for coping; they also have great effects on a child’s normal development. Sophie Von Herrmann, Expressive Arts Therapist, B.Ed., M.A., VictoriaExpressiveTherapies.ca
Change isn’t Easy
“No, not this year,” you say. “Resolutions don’t work for me anyway.” But have you ever spent any time discovering WHY? Change is a very big deal. To change something about ourselves and then maintain the change, we need intention, determination, a detailed plan, support, and patience. We need to know ourselves and prepare for our weak moments. We need a rescue plan if we fall off our change horse. Counsellors are equipped for supporting change with you. Include at least one session with a counsellor when you are planning the details of your change. It can make all the difference! Barbara Gilmore, clinical counsellor, BGilmoreCounselling.com
Lose Weight & Still Enjoy Wine!
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
Community Notice
NOW HIRING. LOOKING FOR CAREGIVERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
We are a community-based agency that provides person and family-centered supports for people with diverse abilities on Vancouver Island.
We are now hiring for the following shifts in your area: Shelbourne/Hillside area.
We are a 24-hour/7 days a week group home with a number of different shifts to be filled. If you are caring, flexible, passionate, and motivated to learn, we want you to be part of our team! No experience is required, we train the right people! IntegraSupportServices.com
Send resumes to: [email protected]
Victoria’s Premier Seed Exchange & Garden Show
Feb. 17, 2018, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Victoria Seedy Saturday hosted by the James Bay Market Society on You will find local seed, plants, and Master Gardeners, more than 65 local exhibitors, and 16 expert speakers at the Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas Street. JamesBayMarket.com
What is Biohacking?
These days, it seems like you can hack nearly anything to get the most bang for your buck. If only we could hack our own bodies, right? Welcome to the world of biohacking! Biohacking is the process of making changes to your lifestyle in order to “hack” your body’s biology and feel your best. Everything we put into our bodies affects how we behave. By biohacking yourself, you can transform your body to feel like the best possible version of yourself. Come meet the experts at the 27th Annual Victoria Health Show to learn about the latest trends, products, and services to help you live your best life ever! PV Events, PVEvents.ca
Beat Illness with Naturopathic Approaches
1. Hydrate. Water, water with lemon or frozen fruit, caffeine-free herbal teas, and soups.
2. Eat lots of fruits and veggies, healthy fats and adequate protein, fibre, and minimal simple sugars.
3. Get enough sleep so healing can occur.
4. Practice good hygiene through frequent hand washing, and for sinuses, use a Neti pot.
5. Get moderate to vigorous exercise 30-60 minutes a day.
6. Sweat. Go to a sauna or have a bath with Epsom salts.
7. Meditate. Use breathing exercises to relax the mind and decrease cortisol that contributes to the stress response.
8. Practice self-care to manage stress through dancing, yoga, or time spent with loved ones.
9. Use supplements to boost the immune system if your lifestyle isn’t as healthy as it should be. Dr. Ana Cvitko, ND, Healthy by Nature, DrAnaCvitkoND.com
What to Ask an HVAC Company
Before selecting an HVAC company to work in your home, there are a number of factors you need to take into consideration. Heating, cooling, and hot water systems are critical for your family’s well-being and should be given an appropriate amount of attention. Here are five questions you should ask before you hire someone.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? How much experience do you have? Can you supply references? Do you offer warranties and guarantees? What do you charge?
4 Seasons Heating, Cooling & Electrical., ServiceMyHome.ca
Lose Weight & Still Enjoy Wine!
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!
Valdine – Modere, Valdine.ca
Community Event
Jan. 13 & Jan. 27. Emotional Eating Workshop with PR Coaching & Consulting. Petra Rapmund Certified Life Motivate, Positivity & Transformation Coach. 204-612-2795 [email protected]. PRCoachingAndConsulting.com


