Black seed (Nigella sativa) is the new preferred therapeutic oil prized for its immune-boosting and antibacterial benefits to reduce respiratory, viral, and digestive ailments. Studies show that this versatile oil can regulate the immune system, balance blood sugar, and has anti-cancer activity (Butt et al, 2010). Even though it’s known for its medicinal power, it can be used in food and as a digestive. Look for a cold-pressed black seed oil on its own, and for a synergistic blend, use oregano oil and black seed oil together. Look for a combination with vitamins A and D added to give your immune system the best tools to beat the bugs!

Cassie Irwin, Enerex.ca

Fitness is a life long journey. It can’t be earned in one workout, gained by eating well for one week, or through one eight hour sleep. The long-term benefits only come to those who stick with the plan, adapt as life changes, and most importantly enjoy the ride. We call this building healthy habits. Imagine if you ate one apple a day and did 20-30 minutes of varied physical activity 3 days per week. Over one year that would be 365 apples and 78 hours of physical activity accumulated through your habits. Focus on making only one change every 2-4 weeks and watch your life change.

Tyler Buck, Nutrition Coach, Trainer, BoundlessFitnessandNutrition.ca

Looking for something special to do for Mothers’ Day?  On Sunday May 12th, take a self-guided tour of seven spectacular gardens in the Cowichan Valley.  It is the 25th Anniversary of the Cowichan Family Life Association Garden Tour Fundraiser.  There will be two master gardeners on hand at each garden to answer your questions and garden expert Helen Chestnut will be at the Tea Garden. Tickets are $25 each and include refreshments at the Tea Garden. The Tea Garden also features accomplished local Artists and musicians. See website for a list of ticket outlets.

Tina Short, CowichanFamilyLife.org/garden-tour-fund-raiser

To keep you smiling, your dentures need care. 

• Every day – Rinse your mouth and dentures after every meal. Clean your dentures by soaking them in a cleanser that kills bacteria.
• Once a year – Visit your Denturist to check your overall oral tissue health and condition of the dentures

• Every 2 years – Have your dentures relined to keep them fitting properly.  Your gums are constantly changing and your Denturist can reline or rebase the denture to compensate for the change.

• Every 5 to 8 years – replace your dentures to keep the fit and function of your dentures working optimally, while taking care of your oral health.

Robert Fortunat, Denturist & Certified BPS Master, Duncan Dental (1992) Ltd., DuncanDentures.ca

Do you wish your contact lenses could block UV rays AND turn dark when outdoors to reduce glare due to sunlight? Acuvue Oasys with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology are now available! These contact lenses contain a filter that senses the amount of light entering the eye and automatically darkens or lightens to maximize comfort. Ask us about this exciting new option!

Dr. Karen McClinchey, Optometrist, IRIS Duncan, iris.ca

Mother’s Day comes only once a year, so show your mom (or the mother of your children) how grateful you are that she is in your life. Chocolates, flowers and brunch are conventional ways to celebrate the day.  This year – why not try something different? What mother would not love to receive something EXTRA SPECIAL – luxurious skincare products that hydrate, nourish and pamper her skin?  Look for natural, handcrafted skin products made with the purest organic essential oils, without harmful chemicals or allergens. That SPECIAL WOMAN in your life deserves them.

Feisty Ferdy Organic Skin Care, FeistyFerdy.ca

Hearing loss can set in gradually over many years.  Some sounds get quieter, while soft and high-pitched sounds like consonants can be harder to hear.  When someone talks, you don’t hear each word clearly and thus, they seem to ‘mumble’. It may also sound like people are talking too fast because the ears didn’t pick up every sound causing the brain to take longer to put the pieces together. Having a hearing aid tuned to your specific hearing loss will allow you to hear those soft sounds that you would otherwise miss, reducing the cognitive load and frustrations.

NexGen Hearing, NexGenHearing.com

Here are some tips for spring wellness: • Drink lemon or apple cider vinegar water first thing in morning. • Cut out processed sugar and junk food and limit gluten, dairy, and meat consumption. • Include fermented, probiotic-rich foods in your diet. • Drink at least 10 glasses of water and herbal teas such as dandelion, nettle ginger, turmeric, tulsi, and green every day. • Consider taking an occasional dose of aloe vera and/or milk thistle. • Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetable and maybe add in a daily greens powder like moringa or chlorella.

Tina Foster, RHN, Essential Remedies, EssentialRemedies.ca