Q: I often forget or misplace my prescription eyedrops for allergies, which drives me crazy in the spring when my eyes get itchy! Is there any drug-free remedy for this?
A: It would be wise to include some bottles of non-expired lubricating eyedrops (artificial tears) in your first aid kit, or get a few bottles for various locations in your home or work. These are handy for many situations, including allergies (to help wash out allergens), and are not as expensive as prescription allergy eyedrops. You could also try a cold compress on your closed eyes. Note that some types of non-prescription antihistamine eyedrops may not work very quickly, so try to avoid overusing them.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is associated with an increased risk of kidney damage, heart attacks and stroke. The most accurate way to measure blood pressure is at home using a home blood pressure monitor. Home blood pressure monitors are easy to use. It is important that the cuff of the blood pressure monitor fits you properly. Most home blood pressure machines will keep a record of your measurements, so you can share them with your health care provider. High blood pressure responds well to treatment so know your numbers and seek treatment if needed.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) include numbness and tingling, and/or a burning sensation in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the palm on the thumb side, and a loss of dexterity in that hand. Causes of CTS include injury with swelling of the wrist, overuse of the forearm muscles, and position of the wrist while sleeping. Massage therapy can be a great non-invasive way to treat CTS. Your massage therapist will help you discover the reason for your CTS, provide appropriate hands-on treatment, provide you with instructions for self-care, and refer you to another practitioner if necessary.

Among its beneficial constituents, kombucha contains glucuronic acid. This molecule binds toxins for removal. It is not found elsewhere in nature, except for its production by a healthy liver. Due to its presence in kombucha, a system cleanse can result if the body is overly toxic when a significant exogenous supply is introduced. Until your unique system has acclimated to kombucha, taking it slow by graduating your consumption, from 1 up to 4 fluid ounces per day as a guideline, will ensure that you avoid inducing Herxheimer reaction, also known as a “healing crisis”. Moderation is the key to enjoyment!

Things you can do to make your home safer and reduce the risk of falling:
Remove tripping hazards like clutter, small throw rugs • Keep items you use the most easily accessible • Improve lighting to ensure you can see your path when walking, especially at night • Install grab bars in the bathroom and ensure your home has handrails on all staircases • Wear non-slip shoes both inside and outside of the house • Get a Home Safety Assessment if you are at risk of falling; an Occupational Therapist can help to advise you on making your home safer.

Is your skin blemished by acne, blackheads and congestion? The Ultrasonic facial treatment is recommended for all skin types and is a drug-free, chemical-free and gentle alternative to traditional methods. Pores that have become blocked by oils create an environment for bacterial growth. The sound waves from Ultrasonic can dissolve and extract these oils, even if the congestion is deep under the skin. After treatment with a natural product, the ultrasound is used to create channels in the skin for better nutrient absorption. A blue LED lamp reduces any propionibacterium acnes left under the skin. Most people experience a considerable difference after only one treatment.

Ozone therapy in combination with injection therapy results in about 75% of chronic pain sufferers to become permanently pain-free. Chronic pain occurs in areas of the body that contain ligaments, cartilage or articular surfaces which typically have only 1/10th the circulation that is seen in other connective tissues. This makes them especially vulnerable to the effects of decreased oxygen utilization and aging, which further compromises circulation. When these areas become traumatized a significant amount of edema and inflammation only serve to further decrease circulation. Prolozone therapy with procaine, natural anti-inflammatory medications, vitamins & minerals and ozone gives the tissues what they need to heal. And as they heal, the circulation to the area is re-established.

Ted Andrews, in his book “Nature-Speak”, deals with the importance of allowing nature into our lives. Developing our openness and communication with nature gives us the opportunity for inner guidance and answers to life’s questions. Spend quality time in nature identifying plants and trees and study their unique qualities. Quiet your mind, attune your senses, feel the earth, gaze at cloud formations, and listen. Greet a tree or animal. Read tales and myths of plants and animals. Honour and appreciate the natural world. Your connection with the spirit world will intensify.