It’s time to change the way we think about mental health and addictions care in BC. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in BC has launched its five point manifesto for better mental health and addictions care. As part of CMHA’s year-long b4stage4 campaign, the manifesto lays out a set of concrete and practical actions to improve the lives of people living with mental health and addictions problems. We would never knowingly wait until Stage 4 to intervene for cancer; we educate, screen, and take action in the early stages. b4stage4 is about preventing mental illness and addiction, and for those who are experiencing symptoms, intervening in the early years before people reach a crisis point. CMHA is calling on the public to take part in this conversation and support the b4stage4 campaign British Columbians are encouraged to register their support and sign the manifesto at www.b4stage4.ca

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is commonly seen in sports such as soccer, rugby, and skiing. Although many individuals initially recover well, the ongoing instability often prevents return to sports and leads to further knee injury, and the risk of developing future osteoarthritis becomes increased. Bracing is rarely sufficient. Surgical reconstruction performed early, within 3-6 weeks, helps to minimize the risk of further injury. ACL surgery should be treated as an urgent matter: assessment, diagnosis, and surgery can usually be completed within a few weeks. The athlete, elite, or weekend-warrior can then start early rehabilitation to maximize the benefits of the knee reconstruction.

Does your brain run a marathon when you’re trying to sleep? Or in the middle of the night, so you can’t get back to sleep? Sleep hygiene is super important, but frequently overlooked. Start by turning off all technology and most lights one hour before bed, then do something quiet (e.g., colouring). Turn down the temperature or open a window. Lavender drops on your pillowcase (or infused cotton balls near your bed) will tell your brain that it’s sleep time. Listening to guided meditation or creating your own visualization will also help to lull you into la-la land. Sleep tight!

Skin ages and becomes loose and less elastic as we grow older due to a reduction in fibroblast cells, which build the collagen proteins that keep our cells connected tightly. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a safe and chemical-free way to trigger new collagen production. A hand-controlled device with tiny, shallow needles punctures the outer layer of the skin at 1000 times per second to create mild damage that will stimulate your body to produce new collagen and elastin. This process can be used all over the body, not just on the face, to treat wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, and more!

Did you know that Health Canada now requires providers offering stem cell procedures to obtain formal approval through submitting a clinical trial application? Pagdin Health is the first clinic in Canada to submit a clinical trial application to Health Canada for using stem cells in osteoarthritis. If you are considering a stem cell treatment for osteoarthritis to a major joint (excluding neck and spine), we’ll give you a no obligation second opinion! Book your call with Dr. Pagdin by calling 250-717-3200.

When trying to lose weight, we go back to basics, planning meals and tracking performance. The same strategy can be applied to your investments. Baby boomers accumulated their wealth because they employed a buy-and-hold strategy, something we need to go back to. Investors need to increase their time horizons, and go back to a five-year plan instead of a one-year plan. In this age of instant news and information overload, we have lost the concept of long-term planning. Be a buyer far more than a seller of your stocks – this may mean some underperformers, but the overperformers will offset those.

The average weight gain over the holidays is only 1-2 pounds, so there’s no need to stress! Weight gain is usually associated with an increased consumption of rich foods and alcohol. The best course of action is to get back on track ASAP. Other important ways to support your detoxification systems are by drinking plenty of filtered water, increasing your vegetable intake (especially dark leafy greens), and avoiding rich foods. A seasonal detox can also help with detoxification and flushing toxins out. By getting your health back on track, there’s no reason to fret about having overindulged during the holidays.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year filled with joy and wellness! ~ Luci R, Publisher.