Over the last decade, there have been huge increases in ADHD, Autism, the number of people on anti-depressants and on disability receiving treatment for mental illness according to Dr. Julia Rucklidge, PhD, Professor of Clinical Psychology, speaker at 2013 TedTalk. Fortunately, 60-80% of patients respond favourably when given micronutrients either in addition to or instead of medications. Micronutrients are essential dietary elements that are needed in very small quantities. They include copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, magnesium, iron, cobalt and chromium. I encourage you to watch Dr. Julia’s presentation in full; TedXChristchurch.com/Julia-Rucklidge
Community News
Holiday Wishes
With all the hustle and bustle of deadlines and meetings, we sometimes forget to take the time to reflect on the important things in our lives; our health, our family and our friends. We are grateful for these and many things that we take for granted; clean air, water from the tap and feelings of wellbeing. With Christmas just around the corner, we want to take the opportunity to wish our many readers, advertisers and friends, Peace, Happiness and Good Health this Holiday Season.
Make a Committment to a Healthy Weight
Many overweight people think that they have a healthy diet and don’t understand what causes them to gain weight. Living at an unhealthy weight is a long term health hazard. This can be overcome by learning how to make smarter lifestyle choices. The first step to overcoming a weight problem is to understand what caused the weight gain in the first place. The next step is to use that knowledge to loose the excess weight and then maintain a stable weight for life. Once you have made a commitment to weight loss, look for a program that offers ongoing support that will help you achieve your goal.
Take a Deep Breath: The Counsellor Cliché
When counsellors say “deep breath”, there is a physiological reason why this can help with things like stress and anxiety. Super-short form, we have two systems at play here: the “GO” system, (Sympathetic Nervous System) and the “SLOW” system, (Parasympathetic Nervous System). When we are anxious, the “GO” system kicks in increasing our heart-rate, muscle tension, and making our breathing shallow and rapid. Deep belly breathing tells the body that there is no need to be so stressed right now, and invites the “SLOW” system back on board. So, as we approach the Holiday Season, breathe on!
Heal with Prolozone
Modern western medicine is built on a “diagnosis paradigm”, wherein therapies are initiated based upon the diagnosis. In other words, the diagnosis, rather than the patient determines the treatment. Ozone, like most natural therapies, works by correcting homeostatic imbalances in the body of each individual patient, and is not directed at any particular clinical diagnosis. Ozone therapy itself does not produce the healing effect; instead, it induces the body’s innate healing mechanisms to create the healing effect. Thus, unlike medications and herbs, it can be successfully used in essentially every medical condition regardless of the diagnosis.
What is Caregiver Burn Out?
If you are a care giver of a loved one, it’s important to also take care of yourself. Signs of burn out are: withdrawal from family and friends; feeling blue, irritable and helpless; changes in sleep patterns; getting sick more often; and feelings of resentment. What can you do to support yourself? Talk to a trusted friend or co-worker; set reasonable goals; be realistic about your loved one’s disease, especially if it is a progressive disease such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. Use respite care services when you need a break or while you are assessing care plan changes.
What not to buy for Christmas!?
A popular woman’s magazine ranked socks as the number 2 item on the list of things men definitely do not want for Christmas. What do they know? What could be better than sharing the feeling of wellbeing with someone you love? When you fill the man of your life’s Christmas stockings with the right socks, he will enjoy a gift of wearable technology that can reduce pain, increase strength and endurance and increase stability and balance for months to come. And to make sure that you are fair in your gift giving, don’t forget the women in your life. They too will thank Santa Clause for the socks.
Health Benefits of Volunteering
Do you volunteer? If so, there are many compelling reasons to keep it up! You may already know about the positive effects that volunteering has on mental health including lowering stress, anxiety and depression, and increasing social connection. But did you know that volunteers might also be rewarded with better physical health? This includes both lowering blood pressure and a longer lifespan. Greek philosopher Aristotle was onto this many years ago surmising that the essence of life is “To serve others and do good.” And if this research is any indication, serving others may be exactly what the doctor ordered.
“What do you want for Christmas?”
We all dread that question! If we don’t give a detailed list, we set ourselves up for racy black undies three sizes too small. It is the thought that counts right? Here is a perfect solution to getting what you want for Christmas, in the right size. A good lingerie shop keeps a customer “Wish List”. Go and try on a selection of things that you would love to receive as a gift and add them to your wish list. Then, give the store’s card to your significant other and say “They know what I want!”.
Don’t Let Stress Rule Your Life
STOP take a breath; disengage from your stress and overwhelm. Ask yourself what really matters? Will this issue matter 6 months or a year from now? All too often we get caught up in the moment but it doesn’t have to be that way. Give yourself relief to restore your vitality and focus. Try massage, meditation and walks in nature to help release your physical and mental pain. It’s time for you to get back in the driver’s seat of your life. Explore what really makes you feel good in your heart; what it is that makes it sing like a symphony and then do it!
Tips for Staying Active
This time of year, the darkness coupled with the colder weather, can really challenge our resolve to stay active. Here are a few tips to keep us motivated: 1. Sign up for a fitness or yoga program with Nanaimo Parks and Recreation. If you have registered for a class, you are more likely to show up. 2. Buddy Up – Make a commitment with a friend, family member or even the family dog. You are more likely to follow through on workout commitments if others are with you. 3. Set a Goal – Get 10,000 steps every day for three months. A self-regulated challenge is often enough to keep us moving.
