Our immune system is an especially important part of overall health.

It is especially important to be mindful of our immune system during transitional times of the year, for instance, the beginning of a new school year when exposure to environmental threats increases. Many lifestyle factors can also weaken our immune system, including stress, lack of sleep, and exposure to toxicity, and poor nutrition. Managing each of these areas and adopting a model of consistency that actively supports the immune system is an excellent way to maintain health throughout the year.

Although the physiologic functioning of the immune system is complex, it can be broken down into two main parts—fixed and mobile immunity. Fixed immunity serves as the body’s first line of defense against potential threats by preventing harmful elements from ever entering circulation. This type of immunity is composed of the various protective barriers that exist between the delicate internal environment of the body and the outside environment, (for example, the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and skin). We also have mobile immunity that is activated if the body does become infected.

Specialized immune cells quickly congregate at the site of infection to initiate the healing process. The combined work of both aspects of immunity is critical for staying healthy.

Take proactive measures to enhance the body’s ability to protect itself.

Supporting our immune system can be easily achieved. We should focus on simple approaches that are easy to implement and easy to share with others. Among the greatest benefits of essential oils is that they are simple to apply and offer consistent benefits. Here are steps that can be used to support both fixed and mobile immunity and, in turn, maximize the health of your family during colder months:

Build Healthy Intestinal Flora:

The gastrointestinal (Gl) system plays a key role in fixed immunity. If health of the Gl tract is compromised, so is the immune system. A probiotic supplement is an excellent way to populate the Gl tract with beneficial microflora, thus enhancing immunity. * It’s important to use a probiotic supplement that bypasses the strong acidic environment of the stomach and releases the bacteria into the intestines where it will have the most substantial effect.

Diffuse Essential Oils Regularly:

Scientific studies demonstrate that diffusion of essential oils can purify and cleanse the air, providing added protection when the seasonal threats are high. I recommend diffusing essential oils which contain powerful cleansing properties every day. They purify the air we breathe and also deliver positive effects on the immune system.

Use Essential Oils to Clean Surfaces:

Frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, cell phones, and grocery carts can be more harmful during certain times of the year. Cleaning these surfaces often is an important part of minimizing exposure to harmful particles. Using some essential oils is a highly effective way to clean surfaces while preventing exposure to toxins. Our immunity is limited to its own ability to function properly. It is important to both minimize exposure to elements that may harm our immune system and to take proactive, consistent measures to enhance the body’s ability to protect itself. By developing a daily routine and integrating these tips into a model of consistency, we can easily, naturally and effectively keep our families healthy throughout all seasons of the year.

www.mydoterra.com/tomoepearson

Winter approaches and many people already feel the effects of shorter, darker and drearier days upon their energy levels and moods. For those unable to simply get away to sunny locations to recharge, sun exposure (when available), Vitamin D supplements, Happy Lamps and some good old chocolate are some common remedies. Did you know that essential oils can also be selected for their energetic qualities? If you are familiar with Chinese Medicine, of which essential oil use has long been a part, then you will likely have heard of the Five Elements and corresponding Five Virtues as well as Yin/ Yang. For example, most people will instinctively recognize that Oregano is warming or Yang while Peppermint is cooling or Yin. In this cool wet season, it’s then easy to understand why warming oils like Cinnamon, Clove and Ginger can be so comforting!

Nelson Meggitt, www.optimumwellnessfactor.ca

The winter months can be a difficult time. Shorter days and the demands of the holiday season can leave many of us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. One way you can approach this is by creating a plan to commit to a healthy lifestyle: 1. Exercise Daily. Do whatever movement that makes you happy, its even better with a friend. 2. Eat Light, Eat Fresh. incorporating high-quality foods into your meals such as vegetables, fruits, and other foods that are unprocessed and grow naturally. 3. Cultivate Your Brain’s Gratitude. When you wake up each morning, try starting the day off by listing three things you’re grateful for and follow this by picturing what you want to see happen next in your life. 4. Practice Stress Management. Try a yoga or meditation class. Schedule a massage or spa day.

Katie White RMT, HTP, CYT, courtenaymassagetherapy.com

Utilizing an integrated Eastern Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western Osteopathic Manual Therapy, and Neurofunctional Acupuncture multi-system, and bio-psycho models our goal is to get you back into the game with full restoration of health, function, and well-being. Our diagnostic approach does not seek to eliminate pain directly, but instead investigates clinically, the levels of dysfunction associated with a given pain pattern, by looking through the lens of neurological, biochemical, metabolic, muscular, and psycho-emotional levels. Examination and assessment we will determine which muscles are neurologically facilitated or inhibited, which myofascia kinetic chains are not working properly, which tendon/ligaments is injured and which peripheral nerves have developed mechanosensitivity. Specifically, we aim to balance any disturbed neurological activity at every level that has been identified. Understanding all these aspects allows us to design a patient-centred treatment plan.

Dr. Ross Ralph, Dr. TCM, R.Ac., DOMP Courtenay Healing Centre Inc. courtenayhealing.ca

Activity is important at all ages but especially during the growing years. Developing strong bones and muscles in childhood pays dividends by helping to prevent many health issues later in life. But not all kids enjoy playing sports and participating fully in gym class. Sometimes it is due to joint hyperflexibility. When a child’s feet and ankles are hyperflexible they may feel less stable and find it more challenging to participate in physical activities, and so they avoid it. These kids can be easily identified by having arches that look high when sitting but flatten out when standing barefoot. Feet that point outwards when standing or walking is another indicator. A proper arch support and stable footwear can improve joint positioning allowing them to get stronger and get more enjoyment from physical exercise. More activity leads to stronger bones and a healthier future as they age.

Diane Calder, Certified Pedorthist, mitchellpando.com

1 loaf Fig & Walnut Bread, cubed; 1 lb. Apple Pork Sausage; 1 c. Onion, chopped; 3/4 c. Celery, chopped; 3 tsp. fresh Sage, chopped; 2 tsp. fresh Rosemary, chopped; 1 tsp. fresh Thyme, chopped; 1 Apple, cored & diced; 1 c. dried Cranberries; 1/3 c. fresh Parsley, chopped; 1 c. Chicken or Turkey stock; 4 TBSP Butter, melted. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread bread cubes in a single layer on lage sheet and bake for 5 to 7 min., until evenly toasted. Set aside in large bowl. In a skillet, cook the sausage and onions over medium heat, until evenly browned. Add the celery and herbs; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Drain excess fat; pour mixture over toasted bread cubes. Add remaining ingredients to bowl and mix. Evenly fill a 9×13 greased casserole dish. Bake covered for 45 min; continue to bake uncovered for an additional 15min. Serves 10.

Cakebread Artisan Bakery, www.cakebread.ca

Have you ever noticed that after a thunderstorm the air has a poignant, fresh smell? This smell is ozone, a gas that is produced during natural circumstances. Ozone has the feel of being cleansed… and that is precisely what it does. It cleanses the atmosphere when nature produces it, and similarly it cleanses our bodies when we are exposed to it. We don’t have to wait for nature to make ozone; modern technology can produce highly concentrated ozone for effective, accelerative healing of chronic, degenerative diseases because it operates at the foundation level of the body: the body’s cells. Ozone enhances circulation & provides an oxygen-rich environment for cellular & tissue regeneration. It can be applied to the body in a variety of ways to accelerate healing & eliminate the pain of many conditions including, arthritic joints & muscles, spinal, E/N/T, immune. Just like nature, ozone therapy enhances your vitality.

Dr. Sterling Desmond, Dr. TCM, R.Ac., EvolveWithDesera.com