‘Tis the season for freezing temperatures and slippery conditions that can lead to falls; falls that can result in serious injuries. In addition to obvious hazardous environmental conditions, the winter months bring with them unique characteristics and combinations of conditions that contribute to a higher risk of falling. Hypothermia, vitamin D deficiencies, and winter risks being brought indoors are among them. Work to help prevent winter falls by wearing footwear that provides a good grip, dressing warmly (try layering your clothes), talking to your doctor about vitamin D supplements, and cleaning up any puddles from any precipitation you’ve tracked inside your home.

Are you seeking ways to overcome emotional trauma? Do you have trouble letting go and moving on with your life? Living with the steady underlying stress of fight-or-flight can be exhausting. Survival mode is a phase that helps save your life in short term situations; it should not last throughout your life. Using a method from a course called “A Three Staged Approach to Treating Emotional Trauma with Acupuncture”, an acupuncturist can, in a safe and effective way, help your body to work through and release the trauma.

Like natural teeth, dentures can attract plaque, become stained, and collect food particles that can cause bad breath. They need to be cleaned daily to remove plaque and calculus. At home, dentures can be cleaned with over the counter cleaners and gentle bushing with a specialized denture brush. Ordinary toothbrushes and commercial toothpastes are too abrasive and can damage the surface of your dentures. When the plaque has hardened to calculus it will need to be removed at a denture clinic, so be sure to clean your dentures properly.

The GAM Info Rep is a new service offered by the BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program. GAM Info Reps are part of your Gaming & Gambling support services. Like any advisor, the GAM Info Rep is there to support you with your distinct needs every step of the way. Whether you need to inquire about counselling services, legal services, housing, community health, debt management or any other support service, the GAM Info Rep is there to help. Your GAM Info Rep in the Cowichan Valley is Shannon Husk. 250-588-3861

We have all seen ads proclaiming ‘miracles’. What really works is a special formula of pure organic anti-oxidant essential oils with NO FILLERS, bursting with vitamins and essential fatty acids to troubleshoot problem areas like pigmentation, wrinkles and dry skin. The DOUBLE DOUBLE range of products is rich and anti-ageing. For maximum benefits use with BREATHE products which were formulated for all skin types. They lock in moisture, tone and plump the skin and provide nourishment and hydration. They smooth the complexion and brighten dull skin. Most skincare products contain fillers, even those described as ‘natural’. Make sure to read the label. Look for skincare products with no nasty chemicals, preservatives or artificial fragrance.

How would you like to look after all your gift giving needs and support a worthwhile cause at the same time? The Clements Centre for Community Living is pleased to present The Holiday Bazaar on November 10th, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at 5856 Clements Street, Duncan. Come and shop for hand and homemade products ranging from pottery to jewelry and baked goods; all made by local vendors as well as clients and caregivers of the centre. Enjoy a Soup and Sandwich lunch for only $5.00 in the dining room. Clements Centre has 175 adults with developmental disabilities. The Holiday Bazaar helps fund adult services and support for them.

Kickstart your day with a super clean, raw and nutritionally dense organic drink that increases alertness and stamina. Coconut MCT, Maca super-food, Matcha green tea and many other key juiced powders, together with zero calorie Monk fruit, and even human strain probiotics round out this fantastic Kickstarter! A health-packed alternative to coffee & conventional energy-boosting drinks, PURE GREEN ENERGY gives vigor without potentially harmful effects of excess stimulants. It is also a perfect pre-and-post-workout supplement to replenish essential nutrients, improve cardio performance, and revive your workday energy drain.

You have probably been told to bundle up in cold weather so that you don’t become sick. The truth is, cold weather or not, it takes exposure to a virus or bacteria to cause an infection. In fact, going outside and getting more physical activity can prevent sickness. One reason why infections may become more prevalent during cold, wet weather is that more people spend time indoors, clustering together and increasing the likelihood of transmission from one person to another. Getting more rest is a good thing to help a weakened immune system. Your local healthfood/supplement store can also advise you on how to keep your immune system healthy.