Insufficient sleep has been linked to obesity, diabetes, depression and cardiovascular disease. Most experts have concluded that getting enough high-quality sleep may be as important to health and well- being as nutrition and exercise. Massage Therapy has been proven to calm the nervous system, and therefore, lessen anxiety, depression, stress, and aches or pains. Many people say they have a more restful and deeper sleep after having a massage. Insomnia is often associated with a lack of serotonin. Studies have shown that massage increases serotonin, which increases the melatonin and helps circadian rhythms to reset. Circadian cycles are the internal periodic rhythms that profoundly affect sleep and wakefulness. This rhythm is what keeps us healed and whole. Regular sessions of massage, either weekly, every 2-weeks or monthly, can greatly improve not only sleep problems but allow a deeper rest time, providing a more positive outlook on life.

Katie White RMT, HTP, CYT, Courtenay Massage Therapy, courtenaymassagetherapy.com

Last year around this time I touched on some benefits of Frankincense. The following points will give you ideas of how to use Myrrh essential oil (dilute!) 1. Used topically to help relieve colds and coughs. 2. Used topically to relieve minor skin irritation 3. Used topically to relieve cuts 4. Used topically to relieve bruises 5. Used topically to relieve burns 6. Used for symptomatic relief of eczema and dermatitis 7. Powerful cleansing properties, especially for the mouth and throat 8. Add one to two drops to toothpaste for added cleansing benefits 9. Put one drop in two ounces of water and gargle for an effective mouth rinse 10. Soothing to the skin; promotes a smooth, youthful-looking complexion 11. Add one drop to your lotion/moisturizer to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 12. Diffuse to promote awareness.

Nelson Meggitt, www.optimumwellnessfactor.ca

Research shows that losing 10% or more of your unhealthy body weight can improve your general health, and survival in those who have an obesity-related illness, especially Type 2 Diabetes. Losing 10% of your body weight can help to decrease your blood sugar levels and prevent your chances of becoming diabetic. Many healthcare practitioners offer the protocol to their patients to help them lose weight and as a result, reverse metabolic syndrome – the cluster of conditions including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels that are often pre-cursors to heart disease, stroke and Type 2 Diabetes. The Ideal Protein Protocol is a four-phase, low carbohydrate, moderate protein, ketogenic weight management solution. A healthier lifestyle education is a key component of the method, which features personalized, one-on-one coaching and a protocol to promote losing fat while maintaining lean muscle mass.

Alma Naranjo, Success Weight Loss, www.successweightloss.ca

Oxygen is the lifeblood of the cellular system; without it there would be no you! Ozone is a supercharged form of oxygen that contains an extra atom; a typical oxygen molecule contains two (O2), while ozone contains three (O3). When treatment is applied, this extra atom breaks off after 20-30 minutes inside the body and does more than just oxygenate cells; these oxygen singlets are free to bind and destroy any viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, molds, yeasts and any abnormal tissue cells it finds in the body. These abnormal cells absolutely hate ozone, so disease simply doesn’t stand a chance! Once these abnormal cells are oxidized and eliminated from the body, they are replaced with healthy cells. Ozone therapy in conjunction with injection therapy is used to treat and eliminate chronic pain resulting from nerve injuries, degenerative joints, and ligaments.
Dr. Sterling Desmond, Dr. TCM, R.Ac., EvolveWithDesera.com

“I want to eat better/be healthier.” Sound familiar? One of the most common New Year’s Resolutions we as a culture make, and fail to achieve every year, is based on our diet. Unfortunately, the reason for failure is often simply that the change is too drastic and does not easily work into our current lifestyle. Try to make things simple for yourself: Locate local businesses on one of your regular routes that provide fresh, locally sourced options and connect with them online to regularly see deals and features. Join a group of like-minded individuals that can offer support, in person, online or even through an app. Add recipe sharing sites that fit with your resolution to your daily feed for meal inspiration. Subscribe to newsletters or magazines that will encourage you to stay on track. Start by setting small goals and work towards them – when you reach them, reward yourself!

Cakebread Artisan Bakery, www.cakebread.ca

This foot condition is first noticed as a tingling or burning sensation in two of your outer toes. Sometimes there is a sharp, stabbing pain in the ball of the foot. Symptoms are usually only felt when weight is on the foot. When you sit down and put your feet up, the sensation disappears. What is happening is one of the arches in your foot (there are 3 arches) is dropping, and the bones have shifted and are pinching a nerve. Wearing shoes with good support around the heel and a wide toe area will sometimes relieve your symptoms. A metatarsal pad placed in the correct position may also relieve your symptoms for a while. The long-term solution is a custom foot orthotic to correct the bone alignment and remove the pressure. If left untreated for too long this condition may become chronic and require injection or surgical intervention.

Diane Calder, BSc KIN, CPed(C), Pedorthist. B.D Mitchell Prosthetics and Orthotics, www.mitchellpando.com