Community News
Anxiety and Learning Difficulties

Many students with learning difficulties have average to above-average intelligence, but as they move through the school system, demands increase. They are expected to understand things more quickly, express themselves at a deeper level, and grasp vague concepts, all of which relies less on memory, and more on applying knowledge. At this stage, students may find it difficult to keep up with their peers, which can lead to increased anxiety and self-doubt. Getting to the bottom of a student’s learning difficulties, and working to grow and change their brains, can increase their confidence and decrease their anxiety.

Causes of Black Toenails

Q: Why is my toenail “black”? A: A black toenail is usually caused by a blood blister underneath the nail. The collection of blood under the nail discolours it and in some cases can cause pressure and pain. If there is pain due to the increased pressure, your family doctor or podiatrist will need to drain the blood. The best way to prevent black toenails is to ensure that you have proper fitting shoes, meaning the toe box should be wide enough and the shoes long enough so that your toes don’t bump against the sides or end of the

Fentanyl is Stealing Our Kids

The opioid crisis is rapidly escalating, and not showing any signs of slowing down soon. We must protect our “kids” — which, by the way, our kids are always our kids, no matter their age or ours. Please listen and don’t react or preach. Make a safe space for drug use conversations. If they are going to use anyway, for example, encourage them not to use alone. Love them, support them, try and get them to help. A good listening ear from a non-judgmental counsellor may be just what they need.

Deworming for Pet Health

Is your dog or cat hunting wildlife or pests? If so, see your vet for a thorough deworming of your pet every three months. Worms and parasites can reduce absorption of nutrients and lead to protein loss and anemia in your pet. Some parasites can also be passed to humans. Have your vet use the strongest dewormer available to rid the body of all roundworms, tapeworms, and giardia parasites. Even if your dog just frequents areas contaminated with other dogs’ feces, summer is a season of parasites; stop it with a good deworming, and flea and tick prevention protocol.

Leaving Dependency Behind

Many drug and alcohol addictions stem from a lack of healthy coping mechanisms when dealing with life’s numerous stressors. Drugs and alcohol provide short-term escape solutions, but often lead to long-term health complications. Laser acupuncture can help with symptoms of withdrawal associated with drug and alcohol addictions, such as cravings, body aches, headaches, nausea, sweating, and muscle cramps, making the process of quitting less stressful. Coupled with lifestyle changes such as the use of nutritional supplements and beneficial herbs, and exercise, laser acupuncture can lead you on a road to recovery that will include more self-care and better coping skills.

Ease the Pain of Downsizing

Moving into a retirement home often involves downsizing and making tricky decisions. When assisting others it is important to realize the sentimental attachment individuals have to things. So, be patient and understanding. Remind the individuals that the memories are always there no matter what. When reviewing items, always ask what is of low to high importance and organize accordingly. Sometimes it helps with decisions if an alternate home can take the item where it can continue to be utilized or gives others the happiness that it brought the current owner. Other downsizing methods include advertising items for sale or having a yard sale.

Know the Risk Factors

In today’s stress-riddled world, maintaining a balanced lifestyle is quite challenging, including staving off addictive behaviours like gambling. Be aware of the risk factors, including having experienced a big win early in our gambling history, and/or recent loss or change, and/or financial difficulties. Gambling behaviour is concerning when used as an escapist activity, anxiety-relief and/or distracting us from our families and health. You have more control over your life than you realize. In fact, recognizing a problem is powerful and is the first step in healing. Reach out for help!

Healthy Individuality

The concept of Healthy-Individuality is based on the fact that each person has unique food and lifestyle needs. One person’s food is another person’s poison. That is why, in the long run, fad diets tend to fail. Health practitioners working on the principle of Healthy-Individuality, will support you to make positive changes that are based on your unique needs, lifestyle, preferences and ancestral background. A personalized, holistic approach ensures that you will have great success!

Choosing a Denturist

Your dentures do not last forever so it is important to choose a denturist with whom you feel comfortable! Dentures need to be checked and cleaned regularly so you will have an ongoing relationship with your denturist. Don’t make your decision based on price alone. You need to know more than the dollar value to make an informed and educated decision. Dentures are not all fabricated using the same materials or techniques. Ask your family doctor or dentist who they would recommend. Schedule a consultation to meet the denturist and ask questions. All dentures are not created equally and neither are denturists.

Sleep well and Recharge

A good night’s sleep is essential for feeling refreshed and re-energized. Not only will it boost your mood and leave you looking fresher, getting enough quality zee’s helps reset your body and its organs. Adequate sleep is a key component to a healthy lifestyle and benefits your weight, heart, mind and memory and so much more! A regular sleep schedule helps your immune system to quell inflammation and disease and also regulates hormones. If you are having trouble falling or staying asleep, and have already nixed the afternoon caffeine and shut off the pre-bedtime screens, come in for some natural herbal advice.

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.