Community News
Who Thinks About Suicide?

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. It is estimated that 5% of the Canadian population has thoughts of suicide at some time. Loss of people we love, relationships, jobs, and money are all reasons to want to escape a problem that seems insurmountable. We are wired to solve our problems and, for most of us, we naturally reach out, talk to someone, and together find solutions other than death. I urge you to become aware of the commonness of thinking about suicide and seriously LISTEN to someone who is talking about suicide.

How common is it to think about suicide? About a plan to stop your life; to die and leave all of this? Do you suddenly find yourself thinking about suicide and wonder how you got there? Well, you’re not alone. Many people report they think about suicide and possible plans. It is estimated that 5% of the Canadian population has thoughts of suicide at one time or another (ASIST -Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of BC). Does that mean we’re all depressed? Or doing such a bad job of managing of our lives that we need to escape?

No. We are certainly not all depressed and most people with depression do not die by suicide or think about it all the time….and no, most of us may have one or two things in our lives we are struggling with, but our life overall is normal and acceptable. Thinking about suicide may start with thinking of a way to escape difficulty, sorrow, shame or guilt. Loss of people we love, relationships, jobs and money are all possible reasons to want to escape the feeling and the problem. We are wired to find solutions to our problems and for most of we naturally reach out, talk to someone, and together we have the ability to find solutions other than death. Some people, however, do not have someone that will listen to them when they mention their thoughts of suicide as a way to end the problem.

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. I urge you to become aware of the commonness of thinking about suicide and seriously listen to someone that is hinting or talking about suicide, ending it all, or not having a choice. We absolutely cannot make someone suicide by asking them if they are thinking about killing themselves. Think about yourself. If you have had thoughts of suicide, it started long before someone asked about it. It was your idea – not theirs. Let’s try to prevent a suicide by LISTENING to someone’s story, and trying to find a solution other than death.

Barbara Gilmore is a registered counsellor in Victoria BC region that discusses suicide in your life. Why did someone die? Why do I want to die?

Help available in BC:

• 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) – 24 hours a day

• Online Crisis Chat – CrisisCentreChat.ca

B. Gilmore Clinical Counselling, BGilmoreCounselling.com

Welcome to Wellnessnews

We are proud to launch the Cowichan Valley edition of the Wellnessnews; our third edition on Central Vancouver Island! To us, Healthy Living means making positive choices and taking ownership and action to improve and enrich our lives in all key areas; physical, mental and spiritual. In order to achieve Healthy Living, we need information about positive health practices and a guide to the resources available to us. Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® strives to be the resource that showcases local health practitioners and businesses that can help the people in our communities achieve their goal of health and wellness.

Teresa Ostman and Isabella Ostman
Publishers Wellnessnews Central Vancouver Island
Wellnessnews.ca
1.888.284.3235

Fight Illness and Disease with Ionized Water

Oxidative stress is the build-up of free radicals inside the cells of our body. This is normal; most of it comes from food digestion. Our body naturally produces enzymes to clean up those free radicals and keeps us relatively healthy, especially when we’re younger. As we age, we have higher levels of oxidative stress, more than what our bodies can handle. This is what leads to illness and disease. Consuming great tasting ionized water can help. It is a powerful antioxidant that lowers oxidative stress in our cells. Ionized water makes cells healthy.

Nick Romanovsky, Best H2O, Facebook.com/Eauionizer

Proper Nutrition for Long Term Health

A friend went to visit her elderly aunt and described the scene at the breakfast table; “There were at least 10 bottles of vitamins and supplements by her plate. She opened each one and counted out the pills. She explained that they had to be taken in a certain order, some with juice, others with water. I cannot imagine how she could keep up that regime.” Like my friend’s aunt, we need balanced nutrition for good health, proper energy levels and successful weight management. Choosing the right supplement is important. Look for an all-in-one formula that is easy to consume and combines core vitamins, minerals and antioxidants with phytonutrients from fruits and vegetables.

Dorothy Spencer, Independent Consultant, Zurvita, Facebook.com/ZealBTheChange

All Is Well When Your Feet Feel Good!

The pair of socks you are wearing can make a difference in how you feel during your day. Have you ever had a pair that were too tight around the calf and left an ugly red welt? Or the ones that fall down and work their way under your foot? Traditional cotton socks hold water and keep feet clammy and wet and not smelling very nice. To improve your day, wear socks that have a soft touch top and an ergonomic y-heel that keeps the heel from slipping. Look for socks that guard against blisters with moisture resistance and anti-bacterial protection. The right socks can also provide stability, support and increase balance.

I.Ostman, VOXX Life Socks, Facebook.com/VoxxSocksForALL

Is Your Sleep Affecting Your Weight?

Are you one of the 30% of people with sleep issues? Inadequate sleep has many implications on your health, one of which is difficulty losing weight. Inadequate sleep slows down the metabolism; increases the huger hormone and the stress hormone which may lead to late night snacking. It also causes decreases in frontal lobe activity resulting in lack of self-control and poor decision making. Insulin levels become out of balance and the body stores more calories as fat. This then leads to increased levels of fatigue and less motivation for exercise and life. Luckily there are natural and healthy ways to improve sleep and lose weight.

Tammy Phye, RA, EOT, LifestyleHarmony.ca

Every Breath You Take

Each of the 20 breaths you take per minute supplies essential oxygen to your body’s cells while dispelling carbon dioxide. This helps revitalize your entire body from the respiratory system to your digestive system. How you feel, your energy level, clarity of mind and mood is dependent on how well your bodily systems are functioning. Breathing clean air that is free of unhealthy chemicals and gases helps maintain a healthy body and a happier mindset. Using products with activated charcoals in your home helps absorb odours and chemicals that prevent you from making every breath you take clean and revitalizing.

Christopher Tio, Owner, Aircoal.com

Urban Poling Your Way to Better Health

Evidence based research relating to older adults identify Urban poling (Nordic walking), with the proper training, as a healthy activity suited for improving quality of life. Proven benefits include increased balance & stability, increase in mobility and improved strength. A 2011 study on Nordic walking with Parkinson’s clients found pain, balance and health related quality of life were improved. If it has been suggested to you that you need a cane but the stigma of a cane is not for you, why not try Urban poles. They are sporty, fun, easy to use and facilitate a more fluid gait.

D’Arcy Boulton, Registered Physiotherapist, BastionPhysio.com

Can Hypnotherapy Help with My Anxiety?

Hypnotherapy is a therapy that uses your subconscious mind to correct imbalanced thinking. By removing negative limiting beliefs, it can help you move forward with your life in a positive way. When other forms of therapy have been unsuccessful, many clients find hypnotherapy to be the key for lifelong change. Hypnotherapy can be an effective treatment in reducing feelings of anxiety by changing the individual’s thoughts and feelings associated with it. Hypnotherapy can also help with many other issues including depression, disordered eating, anger issues and understanding your life’s purpose.

Germana Rovinelli, Cert. Clinical Hypnotherapist, Germana.ca

Dementia Affects 45 Million People Globally

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a collection of signs and symptoms from dozens of conditions. One of these, Alzheimer’s, accounts for 70% of all dementias; usually in people over 65 years of age. Each disease affects specific types of cells in particular parts of the brain at different stages and presents differently in each individual. Dementia is most common with aging; 90-95% of people affected are over 65. 30-40% of the cases of dementia have genetic risk factors. Quality of life for people affected is greatly increased by having access to specialized services and programs.

Lianne Ketcheson, Nanaimo Memory and Complex Care, NanaimoMemoryCare.com

I Want to Ride My Bicycle!

Riding a bicycle has many health benefits. Getting outside, taking deep breaths of fresh air and feeling the rhythm of your legs are all so good for you. Bicycling on a regular basis has been shown to improve heart health, muscle and bone strength, joint flexibility and reduce stress. An electric bike makes all of these benefits more accessible. The power assistance eliminates stress on your knees and hips and allows you to use as much of your own energy as you like. Hills become easy-peasy and barriers to riding disappear. You get more exercise because it’s so much fun you’ll want to ride it everywhere.

Ruby Berry, Pedego Electric Bikes, PedegoQualicumBeach.ca