Having a home that you are happy in is extremely important to your overall well-being. There are several factors that you should consider when purchasing a home. The main ones are budget, size and location. Other considerations are also important. Are you purchasing a home where you are going to live into your 80s or 90s? If so, consider a rancher with no stairs. Also consider if the hallways and doorways are wide enough for a walker or a wheelchair. Is the house in an area accessible by public transportation or close to amenities such as a grocery store, drug store or activity centre? This becomes vital if driving becomes difficult in the future. One of the most important things when purchasing a home is to hire a real estate professional. She will work with you and help you find the perfect house for you.

Rita Callan, Realtor, REMAX First Realty, RitaCallan.ca

Refined carbohydrates are plant based products, mostly grains like wheat, corn and rice that have been stripped of their fiber, vitamins and minerals. Sometimes, they are referred to as “empty calories”. Because they digest quickly and easily, they release a large amount of sugar.  This results in a rapid rise in blood sugar level that is harmful to the body and can result in high cholesterol or chronic inflammation. Eating a healthy diet of whole foods, lean meats, fruits and vegetables is the best way to avoid refined carbohydrates. Unfortunately, for many of us, this is not realistic. Help is available. Emulin+ is the world’s first carbohydrate manager. It contains a patented botanical mix called Emulin^® that helps our body better manage the large number of refined carbohydrates; starch and sugar that we consume in our diets.

Irene Booth, Global Leader and Distributor, iGalenLife.ca

Education, open and shame-free discussions are key to moving through any issue, problem gambling included. The BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program is committed to raising awareness about potential problem gambling issues by offering workshops and educational opportunities to all British Columbians. Our prevention services are tailored to meet you and your organisation’s needs including school  presentations, training for student leadership programs and peer helpers as well as on campus initiatives. We work in and with community, offering information sessions for parent/community groups, seniors, supportive recovery and treatment programs. Training for community professionals including culturally relevant gambling awareness programs for Aboriginal, Asian, South Asian among other populations is also offered. Call the BC Problem Gambling Help Line at 1.888.795.6111 or email us at info@bcresponsiblegambling.ca for a referral to a prevention Service provider in your area.

bcresponsiblegambling.ca

A friend went to visit her elderly aunt and described the scene at the breakfast table; “There were at least 10 bottles of vitamins and supplements by her plate. She opened each one, and after reading the directions, counted out the number of pills. She then explained that they had to be taken in a certain order, some with juice, others with water. I cannot imagine how she could keep up that regime.”  Like my friend’s aunt, we need balanced nutrition for good health, proper energy levels and successful weight management. In today’s busy world, it can be difficult to ensure consistent, ongoing nourishment for our bodies; choosing the right supplement makes a big difference. Look for an all-in-one formula that is easy to consume and combines core vitamins, minerals and antioxidants with phytonutrients from fruits and vegetables.

Cheryle Cook, Independent Consultant, Zurvita, Facebook.com/ZealBTheChange

The key to worry-free travel is being prepared.  This is especially true if you have any medical or mobility issues.  Talk to your doctor before booking your holiday about any health related issues.  Ask about health services available at your destination.  Your travel professional can help you book a holiday that makes traveling easy for you.  Before leaving, get a copy of prescriptions and advice on medications from your pharmacist. Ensure that all your vaccinations are up to date.  Leave a photocopy of your passport, medical information and travel documentation with a family member. On the day of your travel, give yourself plenty of time and plan to get to the airport early. Your vacation doesn’t need to be a struggle — your trip can be filled with fully accessible hotel accommodations, accessible tourist attractions, and wonderful accessible travel experiences.

Lynn Alexander, CWT Oceanside Travel, www.Oceanside.Travel

Moving to a new home can be stressful for anyone. For a person suffering with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, the transition can be that much harder. When moving into a new home, residents are encouraged to bring their favorite photos and trinkets with them. These are strategically placed to welcome residents home to familiar items with positive associations. Items such as a favorite quilted comforter, stuffed animal or treasured vase really help people feel at home. It is also suggested that their rooms are enhanced with familiar furnishings and framed photos of family and friends. Employing these methods help make the transition less difficult for residents and their families.

Lianne Ketcheson, Nanaimo Memory and Complex Care, NanaimoMemoryCare.com

Ozone has remarkable versatility for disease management because of the increased oxygen utilization at a cellular level. Since ozone therapy is a biological response therapy, similar to homeopathic therapy, the success of the treatment is dependent on the practitioner’s skill and judgment. The proper integration of all other skills including acupuncture, detoxification, nutrition, Chinese herbal & homeopathic medicines, stress management and allopathic medicine, is often necessary in order to have a successful outcome using ozone therapy. I have many patients who follow my recommendations using ozone therapies to resolve a specific acute or chronic ailment and then continue with ozone treatments as an anti-aging tool.  My patients report increased energy, increased stamina, increased resistance to cold and flu’s and an overall increase sense of well-being. I recommend these anti-aging remedy treatments for all patients when they reach their 60th Birthday.

Dr. Sterling Desmond, Dr. TCM, R.Ac., EvolveWithDesera.com

By now, many of us have heard about leaky gut syndrome and the effects it has on our health.  It is widely thought to be the reason for increased auto immune diseases, symptoms of the brain such as depression, anxiety, ADHD as well as IBS, Crohn’s and colitis. Known causes of leaky gut:

1) Frequent usage of antibiotics

2) Consumption of alcohol

3) Use of antacids & some prescription medications

4) High blood sugars

5) Diet high in processed food

6) Stress

Fortunately, there are many ways to heal a leaky gut:

1) Eliminate processed foods & food allergens

2) Consume bone broth, Pro-biotics and Vitamin U (found in cabbage juice)

3) Decrease stress

4) Eliminate cold drinks with meals

R.H.N.s are trained to assist with healing leaky gut syndrome. We work with many health professionals to help you and your family regain health.

Cheryl Prince R.H.N., LPN, CherylPrince.com