What is an exfoliant? An exfoliant is a product that helps detach the outer layers of the skin, removing trapped debris and clearing the way for oils to flow naturally. Enzymatic exfoliation is a plant active based therapy, mainly from fruits. Why exfoliate? Exfoliation is an important tool against rough and dull skin. Also, dead cell proteins will clog the pores, increasing the chance of breakouts and acne. Enzymatic exfoliation is gentle and has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it particularly good for sensitive skin. Enzymes work at a deeper level; improved smoothness and texture, and minimized lines and wrinkles result from regular enzyme exfoliation. Christopher Laidlaw, DMK Skincare, DmkSkinCentres.com
Singing to Your Baby
New parents often wonder how they can use music at home for their newborns, even if the parents don’t have any musical skills. Regardless of culture or place of birth, some aspects of childhood are universal. Lullabies were sung to us and all children sing, dance, and play rhyming games. That part of our lives may seem distant by the time we have children of our own, but there is a warehouse of songs, games, and music in our memories. Reconnect with the songs you once loved as a child and share them with your newborn. Your singing doesn’t have to be professional; it just has to come from your heart.
Get Your Mouth Checked!
An oral health exam is critical to the maintenance of your overall wellbeing. You should have your mouth checked at least once a year for prevention and treatment of any ailments. Even if you don’t have any live teeth, it’s important to make sure there are no signs of infections or early signs of cancer, growths, or cysts, and that your dentures are fitting you well. Leaving problems untreated usually leads to pain, periodontal disease, or tooth loss, and could make treatment more difficult, so it’s best to deal with problems early, or, if possible, prevent them.
3 Ways to Bio-Hack Your Health
1. Change your eating routine
Intermittent fasting is a great way to do this, and can be a way to lose weight, normalize insulin sensitivity, and balance hormones.
2. Ground yourself with nature
How often do you walk barefoot in the grass? Try grounding as your next bio-hack, as it can reduce inflammation by lowering stress on the body and can improve sleep.
3. Zone out
Meditation can be the ultimate brain hack if you do it regularly. If you feel that you can’t shut down your thoughts or stop your brain, try guided meditation.
Balanced Love
February brings love to mind, and that’s a good thing! Love creates, nourishes, rewards, and defines us. It affects how we communicate, both outwardly and inwardly. Influences from the parental, nurturing love of childhood; sexual intimate love of adulthood; demanding love of family and friends; and especially self-love might be out of balance and causing difficulties. Avoiding or suppressing old love issues clearly affects the present – your ‘baggage’.
Fortunately, even a small amount of awareness and acceptance about these love relationships can change the energy of a relationship. Don’t wait to connect with a counsellor.
Set the Stage for Your Child’s Future
Struggling with a child who is acting out? Or frustrated with school? Overly anxious or shutting down? Begin to bring some ease into your life together by finding a safe outlet for your child’s inner world through creative play and the arts. Imagine your child engaging with paint, puppets, or drums; the healing begins. Acquire tools that will support your child developmentally, strengthen your relationship, and help create a sense of peace and centeredness in your world at home. Rearranging your child’s stage now will deeply impact their coming years.
Breathwork – 2018 Wellness Trend
Do you know what one of the biggest health and wellness trends is for 2018? Breathwork is conscious, controlled breathing done for relaxation, meditation or therapeutic purposes. In their book “The Healing Power of Breath”, doctors Richard P. Brown and Patricia L. Gerbarg write, “By changing the patterns of breathing, it is possible to reduce stress, calm an agitated mind and improve physical health and endurance.” Nanaimo Parks and Recreation has many programs, including a variety of yoga and fitness classes that incorporate better breathing techniques. Check out our Activity Guide, visit our website at www.nanaimo.ca or call us at 250.756.5200 for details.
Benefits of Seeing a Counselling Psychologist
Counselling Psychologists can help you: – Feel heard. One of the first steps to personal wellness is finding someone you can trust who will listen to you non-judgmentally. They are trained to support you unobtrusively, allowing you to sort through feelings and beliefs and find your own way to solving your problems. – Be accepted. A good therapist will be able to accept you compassionately and share empathy with you. This means they will be able to understand your feelings and your underlying needs, helping you to gain insight and new perspective. – Heal. They can give you tools and skills to support you on your path to a full and satisfying life.
Live Your Greatness
Life and health are gifts that don’t last forever. Saver them, appreciate and care for them as though they are your most cherished assets because they are. What would you love to do but have never done? Imagine what it would be like and the impact on your life. Set a plan in place as if your life depends on it, never give up on the possibility. Connect with the plan daily, never lose faith in it and soon it will be yours. Live the dreams you were born to experience, the ones buried deep within your heart. Let yourself live your greatness!
Breathwork Breathing Exercises
Pursed Lip Breathing Method – With relaxed shoulders, take a normal breath in for 2 counts. Then with puckered lips exhale, for about 4 counts and repeat. 4-7-8 Method – Exhale through your mouth, close it and inhale through your nose for 4 counts. Hold the breath for 7 counts, release for 8 counts. Repeat at least three times. Belly Breathing Method – With shoulders back, place one hand on your chest and one on your belly. As you breathe in deeply for about 2 seconds, you feel the air expanding your stomach, breathe out slowly through your lips. Parks and Recreation has programs including a variety of yoga and fitness classes that incorporate better breathing techniques.
Wellnessnews Women’s Expo – February 10
The Wellnessnews Women’s Expo is the place to Explore, Indulge, Escape & Shop. It will be a day of fun and new approaches to nutrition, fitness and overall wellbeing. Bring your girlfriends, mom and neighbours to visit over 80 exhibits, indulge in pampering in the Diva Oasis, participate in the activity area and attend sessions on Nutrition/Healthy Aging. The Expo is FREE. VIP tickets can be found where you get your Wellnessnews, from an exhibitors or off our website. While not required to attend, tickets redeemed raise funds to help women in our communities. See you on February 10th at the VI Conference Centre in Nanaimo.


