Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of the brain. It is a condition in which a person engages in use of a substance or in a behaviour for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behaviour, despite detrimental consequences. There is scientific evidence that the addictive substances and behaviours share a key neurobiological feature—they intensely activate brain pathways of reward and reinforcement, many of which involve the neurotransmitter dopamine. Studies show that there are genetic factors, making some people more susceptible to addiction. Are you or someone you love suffering from addiction and looking for help?
Community News
Success Stories: Ocean Chiropractic & Orthotics
“I see Dr. Johnson at Ocean Chiropractic for regular chiropractic treatments and asked him one day about my sore feet. I have advanced bunions and he suggested I try custom rehabilitative orthotics to keep my bunions from progressing. He took the time to explain how they worked and what I needed to do to help strengthen my feet! I would highly recommend talking to Dr. Pat about how orthotics could help you.” – Marilyn O.
Time to Reflect and Take Stock
Fall is my favourite time of year, I know many of you feel the same way. It’s a season both of reflection and of action, as the change of season often brings a change of activities. It’s also a time of ‘getting back to business’ for many and a good time to turn ones attention to financial planning matters. Given the state of global affairs, it would also be a good time to do a detailed review of your investments. This year has (until recently) seen spectacular returns across many asset classes, what comes next is never certain.
A Fresh Perspective
While setbacks are discouraging, they are a normal part of every healing process. Remember that ‘bad days’ are temporary, and with time and effort, you will take steps forward again. In the meantime, use ‘bad days’ as an opportunity to reflect on how far you’ve come. This used to be your everyday state. The fact that you no longer feel this way all the time proves your body is capable of improving! Similarly, use the ‘good days’ as inspiration and hope for what’s to come. Eventually, that good day will be your new normal.
Acupuncture for Back to School
Getting back to school can be an exciting time for kids and parents, but it can also bring about additional stressors that can impact your health. Emotions like frustration, anxiety, and sadness can affect everything from sleep quantity and quality, to our ability to cope with change. These emotions can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, and dizziness due to the disrupted circulation of blood and qi (vital energy). Acupuncture can get the flow of blood and qi moving again throughout the body to help the body and mind become balanced during this often-stressful time.
Relieving Back-to-School Stress and Anxiety
Aromatherapy can help: To a tissue add 10-15 drops of Grapefruit essential oil and place this tissue in the bottom of the school backpack – relieves stress and mental fatigue while bringing peace and relaxation. Add 5 drops of Spearmint essential oil into each gym shoe to keep them fresh – and help with nausea and digestive problems. Keep a few drops of Rosemary essential oil on a tissue in your pocket and pull out when needed – Rosemary can help with respiratory problems and is considered a brain stimulant. Send your children to school with the tools they need to succeed!
Treat & Prevent Osteoporosis with Strength-Training
In addition to helping you stay lean and strong, a whole-body workout that includes resistance training will help strengthen your bones. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center reports that regular exercise is essential for treating and preventing osteoporosis. Bone is living tissue that can be strengthened with weight-bearing and weight training exercises. Exercising also helps us maintain muscle strength, coordination, and balance, which in turn helps to prevent falls and related fractures.
Mental Health Resources
Did you know that the Canadian Mental Health Association has information online regarding different mental health issues? As well, your local Canadian Mental Health Association branch can answer any questions you may have and provide services to the public. Workshops and courses are another great way to learn about these issues. The Canadian Mental Health Association along with other organizations in your community offer this service. Research what organizations are around you and call them to find out times, dates and whether courses are available for free at a cost. Visit your local library to take advantage of free resources or head to a bookstore or shop online to purchase.
Music and Palliative Care
Caroline’s dad was in palliative care. She wanted to continue singing to him as she had been at home, but he was no longer responding verbally or otherwise. Would he, could he hear her? As hearing is the last of our five senses to fail, he would likely hear! Research in music and medicine also shows that select music decreases the body’s stress response. In the case of family being unable to make the music happen on their own, a certified music therapist is trained to support the family through music and a caring presence during this time.
Wellness of “Real Wellth”
As we develop the concept of this new term “Real Wellth”, it is important to remember this is not a mis-spelling, it is an introduction of a new concept. The definition of “Wellth” is a connection between Wellness and Health (hence the conjunction of words). In the last tip, we focused on understanding what themes “wellness” has in our society today. These themes emphasize the need for consistent active engagement in one’s own personal growth to build personal wellness. Be Self-Full, and prioritize your wellness everyday!
Come Row With Us!
Quench Coastal Adventures is more than rowing, it is an experience that will quench your desire for fitness, adventure, nature and connection. Coastal rowing is the new rowing sport, the boats are stable, robust, wind and wave ready, so new rowers can learn with fun and safety. Quench combines the ingenuity of these boat designs with a holistic approach to wellness and all this against the beautiful backdrop of the Salish Sea. If you have ever wanted to try rowing, come row with us. This is wellness at it’s natural finest!
