Community News
Words to Live By

There are greater things to be achieved in every New Year, and each and everyone must prepare themselves to be great, not by words of the mouth, but by a lot of sacrifices. – Michael Bassey Johnson

Laughter is the Best Medicine

My Doctor told me I should cut more carbs. So, I bought a new pizza knife. FUN FACT: Cutting carbs from your diet may help improve or even prevent serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

Clean Eating: Eatmore Sprouts Mixed-Bean Salsa

Ingredients: 6 small-medium ripe tomatoes, 1 green bell pepper, 1 red, yellow, or orange bell pepper, 1 ripe yet firm Avocado, 1 small red onion, 225g package of Eatmore Mixed Bean Sprouts, 1 jalapeno pepper, 2 cloves of garlic (crushed) handful of chopped fresh cilantro, Juice of one lime. Dice all ingredients and combine in a bowl with Eatmore Mixed Bean Sprouts. This recipe is best prepared a couple of hours in advance to allow the flavours to mingle. Remove from fridge before serving at room temperature. Serve with organic tortilla chips or Belgium Endive leaves for dipping.

Grandma’s Home Remedy

Chicken Noodle Soup for Colds. This well-loved, homemade comfort food is perfect for any chilly day when your cold won’t go away. The carrots, celery, parsley, onions and chicken are loaded with nutrients to boost your family’s immune system and have you back on your feet in no time. A bowl of soup is packed with electrolytes that will hydrate you and your loved ones throughout the day. Delicious steam clears runny noses and sore throats and brings warm sensations to your skin. It’s no wonder this has been a family staple for generations.

Book Club: The Year of Less

The Year of Less: In her late twenties, author Cait Flanders found herself stuck in the consumerism cycle that grips so many of us: earn more, buy more, want more, rinse, repeat. Blending Cait’s compelling story with inspiring insight and practical guidance, The Year of Less will leave you questioning what you’re holding on to in your own life—and, quite possibly, lead you to find your own path of less.

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Every human possesses this advanced physiological system that is already making cannabinoid-like structures that foster cellular balance throughout nearly every biological system in the body. Research seems to indicate that the ECS might function more properly and efficiently through the introduction of hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD. The ECS is involved in regulating a variety of physiological and cognitive processes including fertility, appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. The endocannabinoid system acts as a bridge between the body and mind. By understanding this system, we begin to see a mechanism that explains how states of consciousness can promote health or disease.

Acupuncture for Menstrual Pain

Menstrual pain, also called dysmenorrhea, comes in many shapes and forms, and that is because each and every one of us is unique. There are several ways to combat menstrual pain; however, many of these methods come with uncomfortable side effects. A proper diagnosis with a registered traditional Chinese medicine practitioner can help balance out hormones with acupuncture treatment. By treating the body’s chi, the hormones will naturally balance themselves out. In a recent Australian study, acupuncture was found to provide significant menstrual pain relief, and the relief was increased by more frequent acupuncture sessions.

Knee Replacements Outside of Hospitals

Total knee replacement is the most definitive treatment for advanced osteoarthritis. This procedure is typically done in a hospital setting, with 3-5 days of hospital stay. In recent years, it has become clear that healthy individuals can be discharged from the hospital on the day of their surgery, to safely and conveniently recover at home. Having surgery done at a medical centre provides a welcome alternative to hospitals. This can help reduce complications associated with hospitalization, and for many patients, the convenience and comfort of being at home with family is much preferred over the rustle and bustle of a busy surgical ward.

Lasers for Smoking Cessation?

Tobacco, in the form of cigarettes, is the most addictive drug in the world. It is true that one of the benefits of smoking is the brief relief of internal tension; unfortunately, within 20 minutes the tension is back stronger than before, demanding another fix. Low level laser (soft laser) therapy is safe, easy, and can be highly effective – well documented 85 to 94% success rate, when it comes to quitting smoking. It is also an affordable option, as it costs less than buying one month’s worth of cigarettes (for the average smoker). Low level laser therapy sessions take about an hour and doesn’t require any pills, patches, or gum to be effective.

Pets and the Holiday Season

Christmas is coming and so are dangers for your pets. Cats like to climb Christmas trees and chew on garland and tinsel, and that can damage their intestines. Dogs like all of the foods we like – including leftovers and raw foods, and that can give them pancreatitis, diarrhea, and vomiting. Pets only want your love and attention as a present – GIVE it to them. And don’t forget, if you have been putting off a dental cleaning for your pet, book it now so that holiday company isn’t “blown away” by your pet’s bad breath.