As September arrives, shorter days, changing routines, and the return to school or work can bring added stress, anxiety, loneliness, or emotional distress. If you or someone you care about is struggling this fall, support is available. CRCL (pronounced “circle”), which stands for Crisis Response, Community-Led, provides a free mobile crisis response service in the Comox Valley for anyone aged 13 and older. Trained crisis responders offer compassionate, person-centered support when it is needed most. Save this number: CRCL Crisis Line 250-681-4878. For current hours and more information, visit avi.org/comox-valley-crcl

The quality of the air you breathe indoors plays an important role in your overall health and wellbeing. Dust, pollen, pet dander, mould spores, and other airborne particles can accumulate in your home’s ventilation system over time, potentially affecting indoor air quality. Cleaner indoor air may help create a more comfortable environment, especially for those with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory sensitivities. Regular maintenance of your heating and ventilation system, including professional duct cleaning when needed, is one way to support a healthier home. Small steps toward cleaner air can contribute to better breathing, improved comfort, and overall wellness year-round.

As fall brings shorter days and more time spent indoors, our surroundings can have a greater influence on how we feel. Clutter and disorganization can compete for our attention, making it harder to focus, relax, or feel settled. An orderly environment can help reduce distractions and create a greater sense of calm and control. Simple routines such as clearing surfaces, organizing everyday items, and creating comfortable spaces can also provide a sense of accomplishment and make daily tasks feel less overwhelming. A home or workspace does not need to be perfect. Small changes can support focus, reduce everyday stress, and encourage mental well-being.

At the centre of the gut skin axis, the connection between digestive health and skin wellness, trillions of microbes influence the body’s inflammatory responses. Fibre rich foods help gut bacteria produce beneficial compounds that support the intestinal barrier and skin function. An imbalanced microbiome may increase inflammation and contribute to concerns such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Supporting a diverse microbiome through nourishing foods, hydration, and healthy lifestyle choices can help maintain balance within the gut and skin. Naturopathic approaches often focus on restoring gut harmony to promote healthier skin.

Artificial intelligence is transforming today’s hearing aids by making conversations clearer and listening easier. Instead of simply making everything louder, AI helps identify speech, reduce background noise, and automatically adjust settings as you move between different environments. Whether you’re enjoying a family gathering, dining at a busy restaurant, or attending a community event, AI powered hearing aids work in real time to improve your listening experience. Best of all, they remain simple to use while giving you control over your settings. Book a hearing assessment to discover how the latest technology can help you hear with greater confidence every day.

Q: I got new glasses a year or two ago and now I can never get the lenses as clean as I would like. Any tips on good cleaning? A: It may be good to get your glasses inspected where you bought them. You could get the glasses cleaned well and obtain some appropriate cleaning products for yourself. The glasses should be checked for damage, and the frame ought to fit properly to ensure that the lenses aren’t too close to your skin or hair. Your immediate environment can also affect the cleanliness of your lenses. Time flies and your lenses might be older than you remember! If it hasn’t been too long and the lenses are somehow defective, they may be covered under a warranty. Come visit us at Mosaic Optometry to have us take a look!