Today, people of all ages get dentures because they have no or very few remaining natural teeth. You may think that dentures are just for seniors however that is not the case. If you need dentures, it is normal to worry that they will look unnatural, affect your speech, won’t let you eat your favorite foods or will fall out of your mouth while talking or eating. With the right set of dentures, and the care of a skilled denturist, you do not have to worry about any of these things. Modern dentures look amazingly natural and function almost like natural, healthy teeth.

When our body is in physical and mental distress as a result of daily activities and stressors, it may try to adapt by realignment or protective readjustments. Unfortunately, these adaptations may result in more problems. A manual osteopathic practitioner works with your body to enable it to successfully manage physical and mental stress without any subsequence problems. In most states of stress or disease, we find a related low oxygen state. Giving the body a shot of ozone helps it heal faster as the cells get a boost of oxygen and nutrients which are elements the cells need to work normally.

Blepharitis causes inflammation of the eyelids that results in red, burning and irritated eyes. Dust, dandruff and eye make-up can clog the oil gland openings along eyelid rims which leads to styes, infection and inflammation. Flakes and debris can also accumulate along the bases of the eyelashes. Treatment involves daily warm washcloths or medicated eyelid pads to gently scrub the crusty material from the eyelashes as well as light massage to encourage unclogging of the oil gland openings. While there is no cure for blepharitis, daily hygiene can improve eyelid health as well as tear quality for more comfortable eyes.

The skin is an organ that we wear on the outside to protect what is inside. It helps us stay warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot. A healthy skin is vital for survival. Allergies and sensitivities are on the rise, with 1 in 5 adults suffering from allergies. What we put on our skin and on our face is just as important as what we put into our body. To avoid harmful chemicals and allergens, use skin products made with pure organic essential oils and natural ingredients to hydrate, nourish, pamper and repair your skin – naturally.

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

For many seniors, living alone may directly affect how often they engage in social activities. Social interactions often decrease as we age, which is why it is important to be involved in social activities as often as possible. The more active you are, the better you will feel in many ways both physically and mentally. If you are finding yourself lonely, while living on your own, you may want to connect with others by joining groups; such as, volunteering with organizations including a local senior centre. Another solution is to consider moving to a seniors’ residence which is ideally suited to create many opportunities for social interaction and fun on a daily basis.

To stay well and to fight off the cold and flu bugs this season, it is important to support your body. Eating a balanced diet with ample veggies and fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and moderate complex carbohydrates provides energy and helps you feel well. Try to cut out the processed sugars as these lower immunity and increase inflammation. In our modern world with all its stress, adding supplements to a healthy, balanced diet and making time for meal preparation will help your body stay healthy at this time of the year. Stay well and feel great this autumn and winter!

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of age-related blindness world-wide. Although there is no cure, early detection and preventative measures can delay or reduce vision loss. The central part of the retina at the back of the eye can become damaged over time due to Ultra-Violet radiation from the sun, smoking and/or poor nutrition. This results in the development of central blind spots and blurred or distorted vision. Symptoms progress slowly in the “dry” form and more rapidly in the “wet” form. Prevention of macular degeneration includes stopping smoking, good nutrition, regular exercise and wearing good quality UV blocking sunglasses.