The majority of the population has one leg that is longer than the other. This inequality results in uneven stress on the body and contributes to lower back, hip, and knee pain, as well as aggravation of arthritic hips and knees. While some cases of leg length discrepancy are due to actual differences in leg bone length, many cases are due to an imbalance in the muscle tension of the hip and leg. This imbalance is due to habitual movement patterns, emotional stress, and other repetitive activities of life. Gentle Somatic Body Movement Classes retrain the nervous system to relax these chronically tight muscles and reduce pain.

The theme for the 2019 Gambling Awareness Week is “Find Your Balance”, in support of maintaining a balanced outlook of the role gambling may play in our lives. In early May, be on the lookout for BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program community events in your area; ranging from sponsored swims, pop up community awareness booths and contests at community centers and other locations. Finding Our Balance in life can be challenging. Striking that balance is easier when we have a diverse array of activities in which to engage.

Dr. Daniela Jesin, ND Naturopathic Physician has a wealth of experience and is committed to guiding her patients in their quest to naturally achieve their personal vision of wellness. Completing her Naturopathic Medical training at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Dr. Jesin was a member of the clinical focus shift treating patients suffering with Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. She has treated patients at Brampton Civic Hospital; Canada’s only Integrative Naturopathic Clinic in a hospital setting. Dr. Jesin practices at Elegance Sculpting. Her services include cupping, acupuncture, allergy testing, chronic pain, hormone health, and more. She offers 15 minute complimentary consultations.

Listen to your body! What does it need? Ayurvedic medicine is one of the world’s oldest medical systems with a natural and holistic approach to physical and mental health. This broad approach of maintaining balance in the body mind encompasses diet, lifestyle, environment, body work, breathing techniques and mental practices. Ayurveda massage is done with warmed oil. By gently massaging the body, paying particular attention to the marma points, the flow of vital energy Prana that may have been blocked is released. Every Ayurveda massage begins with an initial consultation that includes pulse, tongue and an Ayurvedic constitution analyses.

Yates Memorial Services is a family owned business. Together, Rae and Barry Tuck and their son Bradd operate Yates. To be family owned means we provide a personal approach to meeting families’ needs. Barry started his funeral service career in Duncan, BC and has passionately been working in the profession for over 35 years. At Yates, we offer two large spaces for celebrations of life, traditional services, and receptions. As well, we have a beautiful 13-acre cemetery for traditional, green (ask us) or cremation burials. We are proud to offer the only on-site crematorium in the Oceanside area.

As we age, keeping our brain healthy is essential. Hyperbaric Oxygen can be used to improve Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Stroke, MS and Brain Injuries. Recent studies show that Hyperbaric Oxygen can substantially improve brain health and can prevent and stop the progression of these disorders. By increasing neuronal stem cells and decreasing brain inflammation, HBOT can improve memory, cognitive speed, brain fog, headaches and migraines. In combination with exercise and nutrition, regular HBOT can maintain and improve your brain health even as we get older. There is no limit to the brain’s plasticity and growth with the right environment.

Have you ever watched babies stretch their arms and legs as they wake up?  If so, you have witnessed pandiculation.  This is the nervous system’s natural way of waking up the sensory-motor system and preparing for movement.  As we age and develop habitual ways of standing and moving, this natural response becomes inhibited.  As muscles become tight and fail to release, tension and pain may result.  Our nervous system has learned to keep muscles tight, it can also learn to release those same muscles. Somatic exercises re-educate the brain to restore the natural mind-body pandiculation response.

Carol Meekes, at ease Somatics, ateaseSomatics.com

Looking for care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia? Nanaimo Memory & Complex Care provides a high standard of living for your loved one in a beautiful and relaxing environment.  Their building is designed to accommodate different levels of cognitive ability and to promote the highest level of independence possible. They feature private and companion suites in a pet-friendly environment.  The enclosed gardens and walking paths offer a place to stroll freely in nature to help create a sense of independence.  Nanaimo Memory & Complex Care offers both long-term residential or short-term respite care.

Heather Fisk, NanaimoMemoryCare.com

Take a trip back to Juno Beach with a WW2 veteran, in TheatreOne’s presentation of Jake’s Gift. Jake’s Gift tells the story of a Canadian World War II veteran’s reluctant return to Normandy, to find the grave of the brother who never came home. Jake encounters Isabelle, a precocious 10-year-old who’s inquisitive nature and charm challenge the old soldier to confront some long-ignored ghosts. At its heart, Jake’s Gift is about the legacy of remembrance and makes personal the story behind one soldier’s grave. VIU  Malaspina Theatre Thursday to Saturday, April 25-27 at 7:30pm, and Saturday, April 27 at 2pm.

TheatreOne, TheatreOne.org