Community News
Meet Your Practitioner – Dr Michael Sorsdahl

Dr. Michael Sorsdahl brings over 15 years of experience in both group and individual counselling/psychotherapy, focusing on helping individuals of all walks of life overcome mental health challenges, transitioning into inspired career/life balanced living. “I am invested in providing you an experience designed uniquely for you, allowing us to create a complimentary plan to achieve your desired results. Highly experienced in PTSD/trauma therapy, military culture, couples, career counselling, LGBTQ+ and Men’s Issues, I believe my integrated and holistic approach will provide you with the greatest chance of success. Together we will move forward to new areas of understandings in life and healthy living.

Seniors and Stress

Chronic stress is harmful to people of all ages, but its impact on older adults can be particularly severe, increasing the risk of age-related diseases, hastening cognitive decline and even triggering falls. Stressors that are common amongst the elderly include: loss of control, personal loss, declining health, financial worries, personal safety and loss of independence. To reduce stress, get regular exercise, eat balanced meals to ensure the mind and body are properly fueled and ask for help. Talking with a trusted family member, friend or healthcare professional, at the very least, releases pent-up stress and may even lead to a solution.

Can Everyday Activities Cause Hearing Loss?

We are exposed to noise on a daily basis that can contribute to hearing loss. The risk of damaging your hearing increases with the sound intensity which is measured in decibels (dB) rather than the loudness of the sound. Examples of everyday activities, and their corresponding decibel levels • Normal conversation – 60 dB • City traffic (from inside car)-80-85 dB • Listening to music on your smartphone, especially at maximum volume-105–110 dB • Standing beside/near sirens-120 dB. Noise above 85 dB over a prolonged period may start to damage your hearing. Learn how to protect your hearing health!

Acupuncture for Sports & Work Injuries

Acupuncture, best known for its ability and effectiveness to treat pain, releases endorphin levels and diminishes the nervous system’s pain response while increasing circulation to the affected area. It can also decrease inflammation and swelling, relax muscles and stops muscle spasms. Acupuncture can effectively treat the following pain conditions: Arthritis, Back Pain, Neck Pain, Sciatica, Headaches, Fibromyalgia, Sprains, Tennis/Golfers Elbow, Knee Pain, Joint Pain, Frozen Shoulder, Carpal Tunnel, and more! If you have suffered from a sports or work related injury, and would like to book an appointment, please contact us!

Open House – Canadian School of Natural Nutrition

Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN) has been educating Registered Holistic Nutritionists across Canada since 1994. Our Vancouver Island school in Nanaimo opened in 2012 followed by the Victoria school in 2017. The curriculum consists of 17 hard sciences and social sciences courses. Intakes are in March and September for the one year (day) program or two year (evening) program both resulting in the R.H.N. designation. CSNN offers a Holistic Culinary Certificate program in addition to the Natural Nutrition Program and a “The Fundamentals of Nutrition” course which consists of seven classes. Learn more at our Open House on June 1st in Nanaimo.

Do We Need to Clean Our Ears?

The outer ear can benefit from a good cleaning now and then but in most cases, there is no need to clean the ear canal with a cotton swab. During showers, enough water enters the ear canal to loosen any wax. The skin in your ear canal grows in an outward, spiral pattern. As it sloughs off, ear wax goes with it. Someone with heavy wax build-up may need a trip to the doctor. If you think wax could be affecting your hearing, contact your hearing professional. They can assess the situation by looking inside your ear with an otoscope and suggest your best course of action.

“Floaters” in Your Eyes?

Most people have “floaters” – small pieces of tissue inside their eyes that can be seen against white snow or plain backgrounds. These floaters move with eye movements but remain otherwise stable throughout life. However, a sudden onset of new or increased floaters particularly accompanied by flashes of light are a cause for concern. Be sure to visit your eye care professional as soon as possible for a dilated fundus exam to rule out a retinal detachment!

How Many Times Do You Chew Your Food?

Do you ever count how many times you chew your food before you swallow? If no, try it! Eating slowly is a massive part of a healthy diet even if the food you are eating isn’t classified as “healthy”. Why? Chewing allows your teeth and saliva to begin digestion so you can use the nutrients from the food to fuel your body. Eating slowly also helps to ease bloating and digestive problems, increases enjoyment, and helps you to avoid overeating. If you currently take 3-5 chews aim for 8-10 and build your way up to 20-30 overtime. Happy slow eating!

What is in Your Skin Care Product?

Today we want to know what’s inside our skin care products and there is a huge demand for safe, natural beauty products. The term organic refers to something that was produced without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, GMOs, sewage, ionizing radiation, as well as antibiotics and growth hormones. Natural means something that originally “existed in” or was “derived from” nature. When looking for skin care chose those made from natural organic ingredients and are free from Parabens, Phthalates, Sulfates, PEG compounds, Petrochemicals & Mineral Oils, Ethoxylated Ingredients, as well as Synthetic Fragrances & Colors.

Make Your Home Safer

Things you can do to make your home safer and reduce the risk of falling:
Remove tripping hazards like clutter, small throw rugs • Keep items you use the most easily accessible • Improve lighting to ensure you can see your path when walking, especially at night • Install grab bars in the bathroom and ensure your home has handrails on all staircases • Wear non-slip shoes both inside and outside of the house • Get a Home Safety Assessment if you are at risk of falling; an Occupational Therapist can help to advise you on making your home safer.

Mamma Mia! – The Musical

On a Greek island paradise, where the sun always shines, the audience is propelled into this beautiful and funny tale of love, friendship, and identity. Mamma Mia! resonates with almost everyone. There are so many themes and situations packed into this musical that people from all walks of life can relate to: identity, the generation gap, the loss of a parent, a mother-daughter relationship and romance to name a few. The performance leaves you singing and dancing to iconic ABBA hits. Mamma Mia! is the musical sensation you won’t want to miss! Tickets available now, on stage May 24 – August 31.