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.

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!

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!

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.

Black seed (Nigella sativa) is the new preferred therapeutic oil prized for its immune-boosting and antibacterial benefits to reduce respiratory, viral, and digestive ailments. Studies show that this versatile oil can regulate the immune system, balance blood sugar, and has anti-cancer activity (Butt et al, 2010). Even though it’s known for its medicinal power, it can be used in food and as a digestive. Look for a cold-pressed black seed oil on its own, and for a synergistic blend, use oregano oil and black seed oil together. Look for a combination with vitamins A and D added to give your immune system the best tools to beat the bugs!

Cassie Irwin, Enerex.ca

Fitness is a life long journey. It can’t be earned in one workout, gained by eating well for one week, or through one eight hour sleep. The long-term benefits only come to those who stick with the plan, adapt as life changes, and most importantly enjoy the ride. We call this building healthy habits. Imagine if you ate one apple a day and did 20-30 minutes of varied physical activity 3 days per week. Over one year that would be 365 apples and 78 hours of physical activity accumulated through your habits. Focus on making only one change every 2-4 weeks and watch your life change.

Tyler Buck, Nutrition Coach, Trainer, BoundlessFitnessandNutrition.ca

Looking for something special to do for Mothers’ Day?  On Sunday May 12th, take a self-guided tour of seven spectacular gardens in the Cowichan Valley.  It is the 25th Anniversary of the Cowichan Family Life Association Garden Tour Fundraiser.  There will be two master gardeners on hand at each garden to answer your questions and garden expert Helen Chestnut will be at the Tea Garden. Tickets are $25 each and include refreshments at the Tea Garden. The Tea Garden also features accomplished local Artists and musicians. See website for a list of ticket outlets.

Tina Short, CowichanFamilyLife.org/garden-tour-fund-raiser

To keep you smiling, your dentures need care. 

• Every day – Rinse your mouth and dentures after every meal. Clean your dentures by soaking them in a cleanser that kills bacteria.
• Once a year – Visit your Denturist to check your overall oral tissue health and condition of the dentures

• Every 2 years – Have your dentures relined to keep them fitting properly.  Your gums are constantly changing and your Denturist can reline or rebase the denture to compensate for the change.

• Every 5 to 8 years – replace your dentures to keep the fit and function of your dentures working optimally, while taking care of your oral health.

Robert Fortunat, Denturist & Certified BPS Master, Duncan Dental (1992) Ltd., DuncanDentures.ca

Do you wish your contact lenses could block UV rays AND turn dark when outdoors to reduce glare due to sunlight? Acuvue Oasys with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology are now available! These contact lenses contain a filter that senses the amount of light entering the eye and automatically darkens or lightens to maximize comfort. Ask us about this exciting new option!

Dr. Karen McClinchey, Optometrist, IRIS Duncan, iris.ca