West Coast winters provide a uniquely varied range of weather challenges for us and our pets. Arctic winds and snow one moment, replaced by torrential rains the next. Be prepared for all of Mother Nature’s whims. Be sure to have enough food, water and medications on hand for a minimum of 5 days. Younger and older animals are more susceptible to the cold. Extremes in temperature and humidity can adversely affect conditions such as arthritis, and pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances may have a harder time regulating their body temperature. It’s an unfortunate but common belief that dogs and cats are resistant to cold and wet weather because of their fur, however like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside. No pet should be left outside for long periods of time in very wet and/or below-freezing weather.

Puntledge Veterinary Clinic, www.puntledgevet.ca

Q: I was watching the new Star Wars movie and shortly afterward I got some weird shimmering kaleidoscope-like images in my vision for half an hour. What’s up with that?

A: It sounds like you experienced an aura which are typical with a migraine. However, these auras are often painless events, perhaps for the majority of people who experience them. It’s not usually an eye problem. The effect occurs because of some subtle irritation in the visual part of the brain, which is actually near the back of the head. For instance, a sudden change in blood pressure or blood sugar may be enough to alter the circulation in that part of the brain. Other known causes would be food sensitivities or stress. Since these auras appear differently for everyone, it’s worth investigating with your eye doctor just to rule out the effect happening because of internal eye problems.

Dr. Alex Kennedy, www.mosaicvisioncare.com

BioSil® supports hair, skin and nail health, and helps in the formation of collagen. Collagen is the key protein for creating smooth skin, thick hair, and resilient nails. During youth, you have a rich abundance of collagen. This ideal collagen condition gives skin elasticity and helps create strong hair. But starting at age 21, collagen diminishes by 1% per year. By age 30, the signs of reduced collagen become visible. BioSil®’s patented formula is clinically proven to make genuine collagen regeneration a reality. BioSil® “turns on” the body’s actual collagen-generating cells. It has been tested in rigorous trials for both efficacy and safety. It is important to note that BioSil® is not made out of collagen, it generates collagen. There’s a big difference. When you ingest collagen, the human body breaks it down and uses it as food. By contrast, BioSil®’s patented formula helps your body generate its own for stronger, healthier hair, skin and nails!

Jeanie Bruenau, www.pno.ca

Anger is simply an emotion that occurs as a reaction, also called a trigger, in response to an uncomfortable situation. If we view it as simply a secondary emotion or physiological reaction, also called “fight or flight” response (faster heartbeat, adrenaline rush, feeling hot and tense) we can begin to think as to what the anger is about, in effect using it as information. In undertaking anger counselling the goal is to uncover the “primary” emotion. What is driving the anger? Is it fear? Is it frustration? Or sadness, guilt, jealousy, disappointment? Once the underlying emotion(s) are identified then we can begin to problem solve. This is done by identifying triggers (when does it happen? Where? Who is around?). It’s much like detective work and with the help of a qualified counsellor the “anger cycle” can be identified and healthy measures can be put in place to ensure your anger isn’t destructive, but rather a useful piece of information to solve internal conflicts.

Rod Chant, www.marriageandfamilytherapy.ca

From indigestion, bloating and belching to heartburn, acid reflux and ulcers, gastrointestinal issues affect many of us. Even occasional nausea, constipation, bad breath and food sensitivities can be symptoms of an irritated GI system.

Before reaching for an over-the-counter medication, or even self-prescribing a natural medicine, let’s consider some possible underlying causes of your digestive issues.

GI disorders are commonly associated with mental stress over prolonged periods, like that work project that consumed you for weeks on end or the all-day cram sessions that were so intense you forget to eat. Even emotional stress, such as frustration or anxiety, can wreak havoc on your digestive system. Anything you can do to reduce stress will be beneficial.

What you eat and – just as importantly – what you don’t can also be a factor. Beware of fad diets and faux-healthy trends. People are depriving themselves of so much nutrition these days, reducing this and eliminating that, yet collectively we’re less healthy than ever. Eat whole, nutrient-rich foods, and try to balance your fat (30%), carbohydrates (40%) and proteins (40%). GI issues can be complex and are very seldom solved with a quick-fix diet.

On a broader level, I suggest we change our relationship with food. It seems we rarely turn off our electronic devices long enough to actually enjoy our food. To taste it. To make eating a fun, social experience. How we eat, and our mindset about food, affects our digestion.

Finally, look into herbal remedies. Western medicine typically involves pharmaceuticals, many of which have side effects over time. While often relieving symptoms, they do not provide a cure. Chinese herbal medicine can offer the same benefits while also restoring normal GI functions and promoting better digestion.

Any doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine will be happy to chat with you about how you can improve your digestion and quality of life.

Dr. Brigitte Tetrault, www.courtenayhealingcentre.ca