Hyperbaric oxygen is a powerful tool to help manage and reverse the complications of diabetes by increasing the amount of oxygen reaching the body tissues. The effects of elevated blood sugars are well documented: poor insulin control, weight gain, poor wound healing, eye damage, and organ dysfunction. Hyperbaric oxygen is a safe and proven method to help control and lower blood sugar, increase insulin sensitivity, and improve wound healing outcomes, even preventing the need for amputation in many cases if used early enough. Most importantly, the need for a healthy diet and consistent exercise is paramount in any healing program.
Soup up Your Gut
Our intestines are responsible for the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from the food and liquids we consume. In order to accomplish this, the gut lining must be semi-permeable. Sometimes this lining is more porous than it should be – a condition called leaky gut – which allows undigested food to enter the bloodstream. This causes inflammation, a potential root cause of most illness and disease including mental illness. One effective way to repair the gut lining (and warm up on a cold winter day) is to drink mineral and nutrient rich bone broth made from organic beef, chicken, or fish bones.
Does Your Spouse Need a Hearing Test?
Many people living with hearing loss are unaware that there is a problem. The number one reason prompting people to get their hearing checked are family members (you) who have grown frustrated with having to repeat themselves to their spouse. Kindly tell your spouse that for a period of one week you are going to inform them each time you need to repeat yourself. When your spouse is finally ready to come in for a complimentary hearing assessment, we will be happy to answer all their questions and concerns. “Today, I’m now wearing hearing aids…and oddly enough…my wife doesn’t seem to mumble anymore.” – Tony Parsons, NexGen Hearing Spokesperson
Spider Leg Veins
While spider veins typically don’t come with any pain or discomfort, many people are self-conscious about the appearance of them. Winter is a good time to treat them, so your legs look their best by summer time! Treatment options include sclerotherapy, with a special solution injected through a fine needle, or laser therapy. Sclerotherapy helps to reduce and eliminate the appearance of visual spider veins and is usually the best option to start with. Laser therapy tends to be more expensive, more painful, and less effective. Several visits may be required at about one-month intervals to clear those pesky veins.
Trust Yourself!
We all want to go through our lives being able to trust — to trust others, to trust ourselves, and to take on new challenges with confidence. However, sometimes we get set back, whether it be from a bad past relationship, a trauma, stress, or some uncomfortable memories that lead us to doubt ourselves. And it can be incredibly hard to let your guard down and open your life up to something new once that sense of safety is shaken. Counselling can provide a safe, neutral place to explore how to regain your trust and your confidence.
Happy New Year! Win a SPA-Cation in Tofino
A beachfront haven on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, Pacific Sands Beach Resort takes tranquility to the next level. Imagine a morning beach walk followed by a relaxing spa treatment. Then spend your evening cozy and fireside in the comfort of your oceanside suite. Includes: Two Nights in a One Bedroom Oceanside Suite. Your choice of a 60-minute Signature Massage or Facial at for Sacred Stone Spa 2ppl. Value $765.00. Simply subscribe for free to the online Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® edition to enter to win. Wellnessnews.ca
Reciprocity and Role Play
Suzie is a kindergartner who’s been acting out at home and at school. Her baby brother is 14 months old. These challenging behaviours began when the baby was a few months old and have escalated to the point that the school recommended therapeutic intervention. At music therapy sessions Suzie plays musical games with the therapist that are fun yet require reciprocity. While Suzie is engaged in playful activity she is acting and reacting, expressing emotions (via the puppets, instruments or dress up characters) and learning to cope with the reactions of others to her. Music therapy offers creative ways for people of all ages to work with a myriad of life challenges.
Making Resolutions Stick
“No, not this year,” you say. “No resolutions for me. They don’t work anyway.” Have you ever spent any time discovering WHY they “don’t work”?
Change is a very big deal. In order to change something about ourselves and then maintain the change, we need intention, determination, a detailed plan, support, and patience. We need to know ourselves and prepare for our weak moments. Finally, we need to include our rescue plan if we fall off our change horse.
Counsellors are equipped for supporting change with you. Consider including a couple of sessions with a counsellor when you are planning the details of your change.
Challenged With Your Child?
Do you have a child who is anxious or depressed? Are you struggling with a child who is acting out or defiant? Imagine acquiring the tools needed to support you with your child. And imagine your child having a creative outlet for his/her inner world, by engaging with paint, puppets or the drum. The expressive therapies encourage pent up emotions to be released in a safe and supportive setting, allowing your child to shift gradually to a happier place. Give your family an opportunity to create a sense of peace and healthy relationships in your world at home today.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Q: What did the pickle say to the sliced cucumber? A: Dill with it!
FUN FACT: Eating pickles increases good bacteria in your gut. A pickle can boost the probiotic content of any meal you eat. (find pickles without added sugar in the refrigerated section of your local health food store)
Words to Live By
New Year’s most glorious light is sweet hope! – Mehmet Murat ildan


