Community News
Snoring?

Snoring is a topic that is well known to many of us and our spouses.  If you have tried all of the pillows, mouth guards and gadgets advertised, you may want to try these simple and effective suggestions so that you can get a really good night’s rest.

Here are our choices for the most effective essential oils for snoring. Sage, Thyme, Marjoram, Lavender, and Cedarwood.

Diffusers are really a terrific way to use the following essential oils at night time.

Sage Oil

One of the best things about sage oil is the effect that it can have on the respiratory tracts. It can relieve inflammation, while also helping to quickly soothe sinus infections, making it an effective solution for acute snoring that is caused by a temporary illness.

How to Use – You can blend 5 drops of sage oil in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and rub it on your chest or neck before going to sleep. This can help clear out your sinuses while you sleep and boost your immune system against the underlying infection.  (Also, great for hot flashes 😊)

Another really great way to use this oil is to add 4-5 drops to your diffuser.

Thyme Oil

If your snoring often causes you to wake up multiple times per night, you may need to find a deeper level of sleep! Thyme oil is known to soothe the body and nervous system, leading to uninterrupted and deeper sleep, which is really important if you want to get rid of your snoring.

How to Use – Mix equal parts thyme oil with olive oil and apply it to the wrists and the bottom of the feet before you go to sleep.

You can also add thyme oil to your diffuser for use during the night.

Lavender Oil

This legendary essential oil can be used for everything from sleeplessness to cardiovascular problems and specifically addresses many of the causes of snoring. This oil is among the most popular natural remedies for snoring.

How to Use – Some people choose to place a few drops of this essential oil on their pillow at night to promote clear breathing and stress-free sleep.

Diffusing is one of the most effective ways to use this oil.  Add 4-5 drops into your diffuser before bed time.

Cedarwood Oil 

By stimulating both the immune and respiratory systems, this oil can quickly counter the factors that lead to snoring. It can reduce inflammation to keep the airways open and calm the mind to deliver higher-quality sleep.

How to Use – This underused oil can be blended with thyme oil, lavender oil and coconut oil then applied to the neck, chest, wrists or feet before bed.

Marjoram Oil 

This sinus-clearing oil has been wildly popular in traditional medicine for its ability to stop snoring – often after only a few nights of regular use. Armed with antioxidants and stimulating active ingredients, this oil is closely linked with treatment for sleep apnea, which is one of the main causes of snoring.

How to Use – Mix 4-5 drops of marjoram oil with 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil and apply it to the outer rim of the nostrils, or directly above the top lip. If that is too intense of an aroma, simply apply it to the neck and chest before sleep.

If you would like to share your success story with us please email us at [email protected]

Please do not use this information as a substitute for medial care.

 

 

Who thinks about suicide?

How common is it to think about suicide?  About a plan to stop your life; to die and leave all of this?  Do you suddenly find yourself thinking about suicide and wonder how you got there?  Well, you’re not alone. Many people report they think about suicide and possible plans. It is estimated that 5% of the Canadian population has thoughts of suicide at one time or another (ASIST BC Crisis Centre).  Does that mean we’re all depressed? Or doing such a bad job of managing of our lives that we need to escape?

No. We are certainly not all depressed and most people with depression do not die by suicide or think about it all the time….and no, most of us may have one or two things in our lives we are struggling with, but our life overall is normal and acceptable. Thinking about suicide may start with thinking of a way to escape difficulty, sorrow, shame or guilt. Loss of people we love, relationships, jobs and money are all possible reasons to want to escape the feeling and the problem.  We are wired to find solutions to our problems and for most of we naturally reach out, talk to someone, and together we have the ability to find solutions other than death. Some people, however, do not have someone that will listen to them when they mention their thoughts of suicide as a way to end the problem.

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. I urge you to become aware of the commonness of thinking about suicide and seriously listen to someone that is hinting or talking about suicide, ending it all, or not having a choice.  We absolutely cannot make someone suicide by asking them if they are thinking about killing themselves.  Think about yourself.  If you have had thoughts of suicide, it started long before someone asked about it.  It was your idea – not theirs.  Let’s try to prevent a suicide by LISTENING to someone’s story, and trying to find a solution other than death.

Barbara Gilmore is a registered counsellor in Victoria BC region that discusses suicide in your life. Why did someone die? Why do I want to die?

Barbara Gilmore

Clinical Counselling CPCA#3625

www.bgilmorecounselling.com 

Gut Feeling

Poor gut health has been linked to fatigue, mood disorders like depression and anxiety, and a variety of conditions associated with nutrient deficiencies, such as anemia. Fibre is a great way to keep things regular and increase the elimination of toxins and waste from your digestive tract. Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and grasses. If reaching the recommended 10 servings of vegetables per day seems unattainable, consider adding a greens powder to your daily routine to make things easier. Look for a product that is gluten-free, contains probiotics, and is juiced, as this maintains enzymes that improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients. By optimizing your gut, you can nourish your cells and boost your energy so you can fully dive into your favourite summertime activities!

Cassie Erwin, Enerex Botanicals Ltd. enerex.ca

Benefits of Aromatherapy Jewelry

Aromatherapy can be so effective at helping you feel better that people have come up with enormously creative ways to take advantage of its benefits. Aromatherapy diffuser bracelets and necklaces enable you to inhale the essential oil molecules on the go. This can help you be stimulated and energized, or focused and calm throughout the day. Add a drop of your favourite essential oil or blend to your bracelet or necklace before you leave home, and you are ready to enjoy the benefits. Feeling your jewelry around your wrist or neck will remind you to take a relaxing breath throughout the day. Enjoy!

Gut Feeling

Did you know that you can fight fatigue and depression by adding leafy greens, colorful fruits, and whole grains to your diet? Foods that are rich in natural nutrients will boost your gut health and eliminate toxins from your digestive tract. Another way to add leafy nutrients to your diet is through a greens powder. Look for a product that is gluten-free, contains probiotics, and is juiced, as this maintains enzymes that improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients. By optimizing your gut, you can nourish your cells and boost your energy so you can fully dive into your favourite summertime activities!

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.

Micro-Needling for Beautiful Skin

Proper functioning of our skin cells is the foundation of healthy skin, and healthy skin is beautiful skin! As our outermost defence layer, our skin is susceptible to damage: scars caused by acne and burns, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, and of course wrinkles and fine lines. Micro-needling can treat the root of this damage. During a treatment, special micro-needles are used to create thousands of micro lesions in the dermis, and this stimulates growth factors that induce collagen and elastin production in the skin, improving the function of the cells and thus the texture and appearance!

Summer Spending Tips

During the month of August, it’s easy to overspend on summertime activities. However, just because it’s summer break, you can’t take a break from your budget. According to a survey by Chartered Professional Accountants Canada, 56% of Canadians plan to spend more this summer compared to last – meaning now more than ever is a great time to re-evaluate your income and expenses and adjust your budget to reflect any additional summer expenses. If your August budget is tight on excess cash, take advantage of free activities and events in your community instead of relying on credit to fund expensive activities.

Healthy Eating for Seniors

All seniors should be mindful of nutrients and a balanced diet, as well as sodium and fluid intake. Nutrient-dense foods are a good way to go – high in vitamins and minerals, but low in calories and fat, like fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean meats, nuts, and eggs. Protein is not only available from meat, fish, and dairy, but also through nuts, beans, lentils, and quinoa. Legumes, flaxseed, whole grains, oats, fruits, and vegetables are also a great source of fibre, which promotes colon health. Lastly, drink plenty of fluids and reduce sodium intake.

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.

Can Hearing Loss Cause Dementia?

Recent studies by Dr. Frank Lin at John Hopkins University found that participants with hearing loss were significantly more likely to develop dementia. Compared to participants with normal hearing, the risk of dementia doubled among those with mild hearing loss, tripled among those with moderate hearing loss and increased fivefold among those with severe hearing loss. This result is too serious to ignore, so if you or someone close to you suspects that a hearing loss may exist, a free hearing test will confirm what level of loss is present, so it can be addressed before it gets worse.