Do you wake up dreading the day coming on with its responsibilities like an overwhelming wave? The Japanese Acupuncture medical system recognizes that feeling that way can be linked to two possible physiological patterns. One is an immune system weakness, and the other is a low functioning thyroid gland. In both cases, there are Japanese Acupuncture treatment protocols that are painless, effective and very relaxing! Why is it important to address the issue? The Japanese research shows that long term immune weakness leads to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and thyroid gland imbalance leads to adrenal fatigue. Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs such as Ginseng, Astragalus, and Cordyceps can improve the immune functions. For thyroid issues, we often recommend seaweeds such as Kelp. However, please see a Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner, who can tailor both the treatment and herbal combination to your unique health needs. (Ref: Kiiko Matsumoto, Strategies, Vol.1)
Community News
How to Teach Children about Financial Health
Are you ready to give your kids “the talk”? Many families struggle helping their children learn about money management and financial health. A parent is the primary source for a child’s financial education, but most are reluctant to give the “money talk” as they fear their own personal financial situations make them a poor role model. To open a discussion about finance, allow children to be responsible for saving and spending their own money. A small allowance and piggy bank provide opportunities to start learning about long-term financial stability. Together, you can learn how to save for a goal, balance income and expenses, budget purchases, and learn about the effects of interest. It is never too late for parents to set a positive example, and nurture positive financial techniques. Take the first step towards a healthier future for you and your family by seeking help from a debt specialist.
Dentures Jeopardizing Your Health?
Many people are not aware that by not making frequent visits to their Denturist Office (every 2-3 years), their overall oral health may be jeopardized making their denture wearing ability and comfort harder to achieve. Changes occur in both the bone structure and soft tissues of your mouth. Usually, a simple reline or rebase can refit the denture to the gums causing a more comfortable and tighter fit. However, between the 5-8 year mark, the actual denture teeth may be worn down enough to cause damage to your tempo mandibular joint from over closing. This over closing can also lead to cracking of the corners of the lips, aging of the face, or even headaches. Denturists are your denture specialists and are trained to spot these problems and correct them.
IQ and Nutrition
What if you could increase your child’s IQ with nutrition? Inhabitants of a tiny island off the coast of Japan have the highest IQ scores in the world and produce seven times as many geniuses as any other place in the world. Seniors living there don’t seem to struggle with cognitive decline either. The secret: DHA, an essential fatty acid found in fish, krill, squid and some algae. The brain is made mostly of fat, 60% of which is DHA. DHA is found in mother’s milk and has long been recognized as aiding IQ scores in children. Almost everyone nowadays is deficient in DHA. This may be one of the reasons for the increased rates of ADHD, learning disabilities and autism as well as increasing rates of Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related cognitive problems.
Vitamin C is Not Ascorbic Acid
Mass-produced Vitamin C is a synthetic replication of one part of Vitamin C. It can be irritating and hard on the system. Vitamin C in its whole-food, natural form is a powerful antioxidant and water-soluble vitamin that needs to be eaten as food regularly; brightly coloured fruits and vegetables are a good source. Cosmetic applications often include Vitamin C as a fat-soluble, lab-altered version (e.g.,; Ester C, Liposomal Vit C). These versions of Vitamin C can oxidize (especially with sun exposure) and create more damage the longer you use them. The solution? Topically, look for products in air-free dispensers (not oxidized!) that contain food sources like Camu Camu or Ascerola Cherry. Or.. for a more youthful, brighter complexion, rub your organic fruit peel on your skin every day!
Feeling Anxious or Jumpy?
Anxiety is a normal response to life stress — when we encounter situations we don’t want, we tend to either run away, feel frozen in place, or to stay and fight. We do whatever we can to manage the situation. But sometimes anxiety sticks around — we have trouble sleeping maybe, or with concentration, or with eating. Sometimes we experience panicky feelings. Our minds rev up as we try to problem solve, or our body tells us that things aren’t settled yet. You might want help processing what is happening to you. Counseling is a safe, non-judgemental place to talk freely, learn new calming techniques, and explore new approaches to whatever is on your mind.
Benefits of Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract is a powerful fat burner loaded with beneficial antioxidants called catechins that help support immune function, cardiovascular health, and fat loss. Studies show that regular consumption of green tea extract has a positive effect on overall health and to your dietary habits. It also contains 2% to 4% caffeine, which affects thinking and alertness, increases urine output and may improve the function of brain messengers. The addition of caffeine to the potent mix of catechins revs up your production of noradrenaline, pumping you with feel good confidence, stimulating the nervous system, heart, and muscles by increasing the release of certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. To safely incorporate green tea extract into your weight loss regimen, consider drinking plenty of water. One of the active ingredients in SlimROAST weight loss coffee from Valentus – The Healthiest Coffee on the Planet!
Treatments for SI Joint Syndrome
Dysfunction in the Sacroiliac Joint (also called the SI Joint) causes low back pain. The SI Joint is located between the sacrum and base of the spine. When the SI Joint ligaments are damaged or compensating for any inhibited muscles, the SI Joint may become inflamed and irritated. Degenerative disease, falls, trauma and childbirth may be potential causes of SI Joint Syndrome. In addition to lower back pain, SI Joint problems may also cause pain in the groin, hip, thigh, as well as pain that radiates into the buttocks and down the path of the sciatic nerve. SI Joint dysfunction is often overlooked as the cause of suffering. To avoid unnecessary frustration, pain, and surgery, SI Joint Syndrome should be considered in any low back diagnosis. Acupuncture, Osteopathic Manual Therapy, and Prolotherapy are effective, non-surgical treatments that can not only help you manage your pain but also help you attain optimal health.
Reducing Elderly Falls
Inappropriate footwear can increase an elderly person’s chance of a fall. Many people purchase the wrong footwear because they want to help their aging parent by finding something that is easy to put on, and they think that softer is better. Not true. As we age, our motor and sensory skills decline. Our loss of proprioception skills (one’s ability to sense where our limbs are in space) makes us feel less sure of our footing and therefore less balanced. Loose fitting, soft-soled footwear do not provide appropriate signals to the feet to inform them of where they are in relation to the ground. Properly fitting, sturdy shoes with non-skid soles provide more direct contact between the ground and the foot, sending sharper signals to the brain. Choosing lace-up or velcro closure shoes instead of slip-ons ensures the best stabilization of the foot within the shoe.
Essential Oils – A Natural Choice!
Remember those summer days as a kid when mosquitoes would come out in the early evening to interrupt your fun? As a farm boy who loved to run around in bare feet and cut-off jeans, preferring the coolness and sense of freedom over feeling protected from the bugs, I was an easy target. I still remember how my head would spin, and my senses cringe when my mother pulled out the old spray-bomb of bug repellent and covered me in a small cloud of noxious chemicals. Granted, there was less awareness of natural alternatives back then, and she was only doing what she thought was best. I’m sure glad that now when I want to extend my gardening pleasure well into the evening, I can reach for a safe and effective blend of essential oils that is so simple to use.
Ask the Expert:
Q: What’s the best colour tint for sunglass lenses?
A: The short answer is: choose brown to enhance your perception of pleasant colours like greens and reds, or choose grey to limit brightness without altering colour perception. There are other, equally important attributes to sunglasses. Lens materials can affect transparency and durability. Polarised lenses reduce glarish reflections from shiny surfaces like icy roads or sun on the water. Ultraviolet protection is necessary to prevent short and long term damage to the eyes. Photochromic tints get darker in brighter light and can increase the functionality of the lens. The size and shape of the lens is important for adequate coverage. An anti-reflective coating on the back surface of the lens can reduce reflections from behind the wearer. The general style of the sunglasses is important too, in that they should not be embarrassing to the point of not wearing them.
