Our bodies could use some support during the cold season, illness, and especially during times of increased stress. Adaptogenic herbs help your body adapt to stress and bring you back to balance. Here are a some roots for you to consider: *Astragalus – preventing cold/flu, coughs, heart health, immunity. *Ginseng – Panax(stimulating) or Siberian(more yin), both are used for stress, balance, immune support. *Maca – Peruvian ginseng, stress, stamina, libido and vitality. *Ashwaghanda – Indian ginseng, endocrine balance, depression, sleep, thyroid. *Valerian – sedative, sleep, anxiety and stress. While all these roots will support adrenals and immunity, talk to your local natural health advisor to determine which herbs are right for you.

Studies show that people who engage in meaningful, productive activities tend to live longer, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose. Getting out and being social leads to better health and lower rates of depression. Volunteering is a wonderful way of interacting with others in the community and keeping the brain working. Volunteering also has great social benefits. In 2019,
volunteers with the Auxiliary were instrumental in operating nine year-round services at the hospital and Cairnsmore Place, and together with equipment purchases & construction funding for Hospice, this provided over $250,000 in financial support. Please join us!

Our mind is our most important asset – more important than our house, bank account or stock portfolio. We insure our house and work hard to pad our bank account. To enhance our brainpower we need a brain workout. A vigorous and diverse mental life with mental challenges stimulates growth of new neurons and new connections between them. The brain is a complex organ with different parts in charge of different mental functions. Functions such as memory, attention, perception, decision making, or problem solving requires a whole network of brain regions rather than a single region.

‘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 bringing winter risks indoors is 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 you’ve tracked inside your home.

Here are some ideas to give a gift of wellbeing to your loved ones. *Diffusers and essential oils humidify and purify the air you breathe. Depending on the essential oils used, can provide a variety of health benefits including detoxification, respiratory, calming/sleep, and mood-boosting. Also a great way to scent a room. *Local Beeswax Candles, non-toxic to burn, provide wonderful scent, light, and ambiance. *Himalayan bath salts: relaxing lavender, stimulating grapefruit, or relieving eucalyptus *Handmade soaps:natural ingredients, nourishing oils/butters, essential oils and plants *Himalayan salt lamps: beautiful light, air cleansing, with many health benefits for whole family

As the days get shorter, and the nights get longer, many people start to feel the effects of the lack of light. Out on the West Coast of Canada, we also get a lot of overcast skies. These realities of our environment can sap our energy and bring about feelings of general moodiness. This is a normal experience for many people, and there are things you can do about it. Self-care at this time of year is important. One of the recommendations is to find a full spectrum light and get some quality time in front of it. Use it while reading, working at the computer, or even when watching television!

Your dentures are an investment that require care and attention. The fit and function of your dentures and oral tissues are an integral part of your well-being. An annual examination by your denturist will help maintain your denture(s) and oral tissues so they stay at their optimal performance. Your exam includes *Updating your medical and dental history chart *Examination of oral cavity as well as head and neck region *Tissue and bone assessment *Assessment of denture stability, structural integrity of denture and bite *Clean and polish denture if requested *Review oral hygiene care *Counsel on present or future procedures.