We hear a lot about concussions and professional sports, but concussions can also happen in minor sport and rec leagues. Today scientists are actively trying to determine the optimal way to recover from concussions. We tend to associate concussions with head trauma, like in hockey or football but don’t realize that concussions can occur without head trauma. If you are playing any sport and experience ear ringing, headaches, light sensitivity, blurred vision, irritability, changes in sleep patterns, or difficulty focusing attention or concentrating, you may have a concussion. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone you know, get assessed by a doctor.
Community News
Check out Nanaimo Harbour City Seniors
Are you or is your partner 60 years or older? Do you want to take up an existing hobby or try something new? Do you want to meet and socialize with a great group of people? If so, check out the many benefits of a membership with Nanaimo Harbour City Seniors. Annual membership is only $41.45 and includes access to many programs and services provided by Parks and Recreation. Participate in programs in arts, crafts, cards, games, dance, fitness, yoga, tai chi, language, music, sports and more! For more information, contact 250.755.7501, pick up our bi-monthly newsletter at City of Nanaimo recreation facilities or visit www.nanaimo.ca.
Seniors Matter – Let’s Celebrate Aging!
We often hear the negative about seniors in our society rather than celebrating them! Seniors offer wisdom and life experience integral to the fabric of a vibrant community. They contribute by shopping, usage of services (keep people employed) and by paying taxes. Seniors volunteer and make more charitable donations than any other age group. Many organizations could not function without them. Additionally, they help with babysitting, caregiving for spouses and friends, ultimately helping others to successfully “age in place”. Please take the time to acknowledge the contributions made by seniors. By making our community more age-friendly, we can all play a role in inspiring more intergenerational understanding and connection.
Meet the Practitioner – Tammy Phye
Tammy has been practicing massage therapy, holistic health and coaching for over 20 years. She entered this field after experiencing her own loss and burn-out. Tammy recognizes stress and life events can significantly affect health and well-being and that much can be done with a natural approach to restore health and harmony to life. She is passionate about her work and takes the time to help you evaluate what will best meet your needs and achieve your objectives. Her services include personalized programs, massage, therapeutic nutrition, meditation and various health programs to improve sleep, regain energy and more.
A Toy for Every Child at Christmas
Can you imagine being a parent dreading Christmas morning because there are no gifts under the tree for your child? Since 1982, The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive has been making sure that every child in Nanaimo has a new toy to unwrap on Christmas morning. It is the people, groups and businesses of Nanaimo, with the help of many volunteers, that make this happen. You can help by purchasing a toy or gift for a child aged newborn to 16 and dropping it off at one of the many drop off locations. Financial donations can be made through Canada Helps. You can make a child’s Christmas!
Meet Your Practitioner
Meet Michelle Oikonen from Lisa Reid Audiology. Michelle has been working in the hearing industry since 1995 and previously worked with Lisa Reid (Dr. Lisa Hirayama). Originally from Thunder Bay, Michelle received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba and then went on to Georgian College, where she graduated with Honours from the Communicative Disorders Assistant Program.
Her current area of special interest is advanced digital hearing instrument technology. Michelle looks forward to helping clients improve their quality of life through better hearing solutions, and Lisa Reid Audiology was thrilled to have her come aboard. LisaReid.ca
Have You Had Your Probiotic Today?
Probiotics play a key role in the body by improving gastrointestinal functions, enhancing immunity, regulating hormones, protecting us from food-borne illnesses, controlling overgrowth of bad bacteria, and assisting in vitamin production & nutrient absorption. Here’s what to look for in your probiotic:
1. High culture count – Culture count refers to the total amount of live bacterial cultures in a single serving i.e. 50 Billion cfu (colony forming units)
2. Number of strains – There are over a thousand strains of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Look for multiple strains of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
3. Make sure the capsule is designed to protect probiotics – Enteric coated capsules remain intact throughout the harsh stomach environment and begin dissolving in the intestine where the pH is more alkaline.
All of these factors can be found in the Ultimate Flora line of probiotics by Renew Life.
Aviva Natural Health Solutions, AvivaHealth.com
You Need an Autumn Massage if…
• You’ve been active this summer. Help your body recover before temperatures drop and joint pain increases.
• You’ve traveled long hours. Resulting in neck and back strain.
• Summer sandals have been your style staple. Without proper support, this can result in back pain.
• You’ve been gardening. Squatting and bending over can put stress on your body.
• You suffer from seasonal depression.
• You’ve been getting poor sleep.
Too often, we look at massage as a frivolous expense and ignore the powerful benefits it can have on our bodies and minds.
Fall is the perfect time to take care of yourself and to renew your energy. Julie Sagnes, RMT ParadiseBreeze.ca
Celebrate Medication Safety Week
Medication Safety Week (MSW) is Canada’s only national campaign to raise awareness of patient safety and related programs and initiatives. Thousands of healthcare professionals, patients, and their families will take part in events and activities related to medication safety in their organizations, facilities, and communities. MSW started in 2005 and is now an annual event to keep the issue of patient safety foremost in the minds of Canadians. Medication safety issues can impact health outcomes, length of stay in a healthcare facility, readmission rates, and overall costs to Canada’s healthcare system. Join us in celebrating Medication Safety Week, October 30 to November 8, 2017.
Care at Home Pharmacy, CareAtHomePharmacy.ca
Are You Allergic to Gluten?
Gluten allergies have been increasing dramatically and gluten has been linked to illnesses such as celiac disease. Gluten is found in various grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye, and is difficult to avoid because it is in many foods. Bioresonance therapy can be used to test for celiac disease and can improve your immune system so the body can heal itself. This therapy involves sending healthy frequencies into your body to increase its energy and improve your health. Bioresonance therapy is completely painless and non-invasive.
Dennis Ludwig, Evergreen Holistic Health Centre, [email protected]
Ins and Outs of ‘Gua Sha’
Gua sha is an Asian beauty technique used to clear the complexion. When we’re stressed, our body moves blood away from the skin to support the heart. If skin isn’t being nourished by blood, it doesn’t matter how good our diet is, radiance will be diminished and aging accelerated. What sets gua sha apart as a beauty treatment is its unique ability to get under the skin and pull toxicity out. Rather than applying a cream to the surface of your skin, you are activating your own body to do the work from the inside! Cheryl Fedeluk, CurrentExpressions.ca
