Community News
Aloe Benefits

We have talked about what you should look for in a quality highly active Aloe Vera and the over 200 active ingredients in Aloe Vera, so let’s list some symptoms and/or ailments which may benefit from using Aloe on a daily basis: Internally: Eyes, ears nose & throat ailments; Digestive Tract; Respiratory tract; Genito-urinary tract, Arthritis; Rheumatism; Diabetes (both types); Liver detoxification; Builds the immune systems; High blood pressure; Lowers cholesterol. Externally: Antiperspirant; Skin conditions; Rashes; Infections; Wounds; Sun or age spots; Anti-aging; Eye conditions; Burns.

The preceding should not be considered all that the Aloe can help, but in fact, when we come up against an illness or a topical affliction, we should be asking ourselves: “What will Aloe do?” From the book: – “Remarkable Aloe – by Dr. Ivan Danhof”. Known as the ‘Grandfather of Aloe’.

Maureen Glowasky, www.maureenglowasky.com

Book Club: The Awakened Introvert

Practical Mindfulness Skills to Help You Maximize Your Strengths and Thrive in a Loud and Crazy World by Arnie Kozak.

In a world that favors the outgoing, gregarious extrovert, being an introvert can be difficult. But the truth is that introverts have distinct advantages—as long as they know how to use them. Unlike extroverts, who draw their energy from social interaction, your energy comes from quiet reflection. Is it any wonder then, that mindfulness can help you hone your natural talents?

Introverts are powerful observers and creators. If you are an introvert, this book will show you how to tap into your inherent introvert strengths and “awaken” your potential using mindfulness meditations and cognitive behavioral techniques.

www.newharbinger.com/awakened-introvert

Clean Eating: Spicy Hummus

Place ½ cup of roasted sesame seeds, squeeze ½ lemon, 1tsp sea salt and ¼ cup olive oil in a food processor.

Blend until paste.

Add 5 cloves crushed garlic, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 2 Tbsp chili flakes, ½ tsp black pepper, squeeze in the other ½ lemon, and 1 can drained & rinsed organic chickpeas.

Blend and slowly add approx. ¼ cup water to desired consistency.

Garish with paprika.

Enjoy!

Pet Health Spotlight

Upholding high standards of Holistic Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Radica Raj continues the legacy of an integrative facility created by Dr. Marlene Smith. Dr. Raj facilitates integrative holistic approaches such as Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Homotoxicology, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chiropractic care. Coupled with these practices, she also offers diagnostic and conventional medicine including laboratory blood tests, vaccines, urinalyses, fecal tests and cytology. Dr. Raj is continuing to expand into the cutting-edge field of Regenerative Medicine. She has paved the way for veterinary practice in the Comox Valley by becoming the first veterinarian on the Island to offer Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich plasma therapy for dogs and cats. Due to her recent joining of the on-call emergency group, Dr. Raj is now available on-call some nights and weekends for emergency services. Dr. Raj and Phoenix Rising are proud to be a part of the Veterinary Community in the Comox Valley.

www.PhoenixRisingVet.ca

Health Benefits of Weight Loss

Research shows that if you lose at least 10% of your unhealthy body weight, the chances of your general health improving are enormous. Weight loss may improve survival in those who have an obesity related illness, especially Type 2 Diabetes. Even losing just 10% of your body weigh can decrease your blood sugar levels and can also prevent your chances of becoming diabetic, if weight loss is sustained. Weight loss helps all of your vital organs function properly, making what you once thought as a simple body process, such as breathing, a lot easier to do. People who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea can experience improved sleeping patterns and less daytime sleepiness. You can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, dementia, and more, just by losing 10%.

Kristin Bjarnason, www.successweightloss.ca

A Little Gratitude Goes a Long Way!

Gratitude is one of the fastest and most effective ways to change your mood. When you’re feeling heavy, overwhelmed with difficulties or frustrated with what you don’t have, one of the quickest and easiest ways to change this is to focus on what you DO have! Here’s an easy exercise to add into our day: just notice what you feel grateful for. Especially when you’re frustrated or feeling like things aren’t going your way, try this practice to change up your energy. What we focus on expands, so the more we focus on what lights us up and makes us happy to be here, the better! Gratitude is a key in life to attracting what we want. Here’s an exercise to try: at the end of each day write down 3 things that happened for which you are grateful. Do this for 21 days. See how this feels and what happens!

Light Body Healing Works,  www.lightbodyhealingworks.com

Colon Hydrotherapy

Colon hydrotherapy is a great way to help improve your overall health and wellness. Through a process called “autointoxication”, toxins from fecal matter get absorbed and re-circulated into the bloodstream. As the toxins re-circulate, the body’s systems become overburdened which puts the body at risk for serious health conditions. Colon hydrotherapy helps to maintain regularity, kick-start weight loss, decrease colon cancer, maintain PH balance of the bloodstream and create an overall increase in well-being. During the one hour session, purified and pressure regulated water is introduced and released from the colon. This allows for the toxins, parasites and waste to be flushed out of your body. During the treatment, we provide a relaxing, comfortable experience after which many clients feel refreshed.

Kelly Wood, Island Colon Cleanse, www.islandcoloncleanse.com

Exercise the Best Medicine

Don’t be surprised if instead of a prescription for pills, your doctor fills one out for exercise. Especially if you’re inactive. It is extremely important that everyone exercise at least three times per week. Regular exercise not only controls weight, exercise combats health conditions and diseases. Studies show how exercise improves mood, boosts energy, and promotes better sleep. Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits and have fun. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you haven’t exercised for a long time, have chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis, or you have any concerns.

Curves Comox, www.Curves.com

Bzzzzz….

The #1 new superfood is BEE POLLEN. It is loaded with nutrition, helps increase energy, fights acne and alleviates depression. Are you looking to improve your metabolism and weight loss efforts? Then bee pollen is a must have superfood for you. It will help you to eat less food and to balance cravings. It is the perfect anti-wrinkle food with high levels of collagen repairing Vitamin C and skin protecting Vitamin E, which provides an internal form of sun protection. It supplies B Vitamins assisting with stress relief, hormone balancing, and cleansing toxins from the body. Bee pollen makes a perfect snack – try it with 2 tbsp yogurt and 1 tsp bee pollen. Please note: If you have a known or suspected pollen or bee allergy, avoid this product. If you are new to it, start with 1tsp a day, or every few days.

Martina Vantuchova
www.martinavantuchova.com

How Much Water Should I Drink?

A simple rule of thumb is half your body weight in ounces. It’s safe to say most people probably aren’t drinking that much, and almost no one is drinking too much. “But how do I actually do it?” Here are a few tips to help you make the change: Eat more vegetables. They’ve got water built in. Make your total consumption visible. Fill a large bottle with your daily goal amount, and try to finish it all in a day. Something that holds 2 litres is a good place to start. Tie water to another habit. Making your morning coffee? Drink a glass of water. Having a glass of wine? Drink a glass of water. Taking a bathroom break? Drink a glass of water. Replace another beverage with water. Drink water instead of pop, alcohol, coffee, juice or milk.

Dr. Ruth Hitchcock, East St. Paul Family Chiropractic
www.espfamilychiro.com

Ask The Expert

What is channelling?  Channelling is the ability to connect into higher consciousnesses to those that are in non-human form (angels, spirit guides), and to be able to hear their messages.  Many people do not believe channelling is a legitimate ability and I too, would believe it was a farce if it weren’t for the day nine years ago when I accidentally heard Archangel Michael give me explicit instructions to pass on to a client.   A cynic myself, it was hard to deny the authenticity as my client confirmed it was ‘bang on’.  I of course did consider that perhaps I was schizophrenic or ‘hearing voices’ but soon realized that the voices were from loving guides who simply wanted to help us here on earth to have a better experience.  Over these many years, my cynicism has turned to gratitude as I become a better person from their teachings.

Maureen Becker, Source Within
www.sourcewithin.com