We all want to be healthy, however many people disregard their oral cavity and teeth (whether real or false). The body is a holistic and interconnected system, one that can only function optimally if everything runs smoothly. Old or ill-fitting dentures can cause an array of health issues. From headaches, digestive problems, temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ), and hearing loss. Also social isolation may occur if you are unhappy with your smile because of missing teeth or old dentures. It’s imperative to see the right specialist for any health issues. When it comes to dentures see a denturist first.

Follow these three guidelines to reduce your risk of experiencing harm from gambling. 1: Gamble no more than 1% of household income: For example, a Household income of $70,000 before tax should gamble no more than $58 per month. 2: Gamble no more than 4 days per month, which works out to roughly once a week. 3: Avoid regularly gambling at more than 2 types of games: For example, lotteries and slots, OR scratch tickets and bingo, OR poker and VLT’s. Three or more forms of gambling substantially increase the risk of developing a gambling problem. Check them out at GamblingGuidelines.ca #LRGG.

TMJ can be caused by a combination of muscle tension (teeth grinding), anatomical problems, and injury. The symptoms include everything from headaches, neck/shoulder pain, and dizziness to pain whilst chewing or opening your mouth. Fortunately, for those suffering from TMJ, acupuncture is extremely helpful. A recent study of patients receiving acupuncture for TMJ indicated that 85% benefited with an average reduction in pain intensity of 75%. The primary reason acupuncture is preferred is because it seeks to resolve the origin of a condition. We treat the root cause – stress, muscle tension, system imbalances, as well as the pain in the jaw area, all in one treatment.

There are reflex points on your feet that correspond with every part of your body. Through the application of pressure on these reflexes using specific hand and finger techniques, reflexology therapy can help relieve tension, improve blood circulation, and support the body’s efforts to function optimally. The benefits of reflexology include its ability to stimulate nerve function, increase energy, boost circulation, induce a deep state of relaxation and eliminate toxins from the body. Your feet will love the pampering and you may feel calm and a sense of well-being.

Q: I hate my plastic frames. I have to keep pushing them up and tilting my head back to see my computer screen with my progressive lenses. Would a metal frame be better, so they’d fit better? A: Maybe, but you’d likely do much better with lenses which are mostly focused for your screen instead of trying to use the small screen-distance section in your progressives. You would need a separate frame, but you’d get a wider view of your screen, and it would be easier on your neck.