It’s officially cold season, and not just for people. While dogs can’t “catch” a cold from their humans (the viruses that cause colds in people are generally species-specific), many viruses do infect dogs, such as canine adenovirus type 2, canine respiratory coronavirus, and canine parainfluenza virus. It’s important to see your veterinarian if your dog is ill, but the HB Naturals Cold & Congestion Essential Oils Blend is a natural and effective remedy to be used in conjunction with traditional veterinary care. The natural ingredients found in this product include Eucalyptus radiata, Cinnamomum camphora (Ravintsara), Melaleuca quinquenervia bs. viridiflora (Niaouli), and Cannabis sativa (hemp seed) oil.

Reiki has been found to be a complementary therapy that can play an important role in a patient’s post-operative care.   A research study done in 2000 at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut indicated that Reiki improved patient sleep by 86%, reduced pain by 78%, reduced nausea by 80%, and reduced anxiety during pregnancy by 94%.   The deep relaxation experienced can also improve circulation by allowing more blood flow to areas that are currently being treated.

Over 800 hospitals in the USA now include this energy therapy as a regular part of their patient service programs, often with their own Reiki-trained physicians, nurses, and support staff!

Dr. Mehmet Oz, one of the most respected cardiovascular surgeons in the States, makes use of Reiki practitioners before, during and after surgery and says, “Reiki has become a sought-after healing art among patients and mainstream medical professionals.”

There are also a number of well-designed, reputable scientific studies that have been done that provide evidence showing Reiki has a therapeutic effect on the body, not just a psychological one.

Even so, for every scientific study, there seems to be exponentially more anecdotal references to this fact as more and more people discover for themselves Reiki’s beneficial effects pre and post surgery.

• Stress/anxiety reduction
• Less medication needed
• Improved sleep
• Better appetite
• Less nausea
• Earlier discharge from hospital
• More positive outlook
• Reduction in side effects from drugs/procedures

Ingredients:
– 1 ½ c water (if too thick add another ½ cup)
– 1 ½ c carrots (cut in 1” chunks before measuring), or fresh carrot juice
– 1 green onion
– 5 Tbsp coconut (shredded, unsweetened)
– 1 tsp turmeric
– ½ tsp sea salt
– 1 Tbsp lemon juice
– 1 date
– 2 Tbsp fresh lemongrass (finely chopped)
– 1 Tbsp fresh ginger (finely chopped)
– 1 avocado –half to blend and half cut into pieces for topping
– 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro
Blend all ingredients, except avocado and cilantro, until smooth. Add half avocado and blend. Pour into serving bowl. Makes 3 ½ cups. Sprinkle top with avocado pieces and minced cilantro.
From Uncooking with RawRose by Rose Vasile. Available at your local Rawthentic Eatery.

Place ½ cup of roasted sesame seeds, squeeze ½ lemon, 1t sea salt and ¼ cup olive oil in a food processer. Blend until paste. Add; 5 cloves crushed garlic, ½t cayenne pepper, 2T chili flakes, ½t black pepper, squeeze in the other ½ lemon, and 1 can drained & rinsed organic chickpeas. Blend and slowly add approx. ¼ c water to the consistency. Garish with paprika.

Kayla MacDonald, R.H.N., on-staff Nutritionist for Edible Island Whole Foods Market

Creating a solid foundation for a well balanced diet is vital to achieve optimal nutrient status, while meeting your daily fibre, protein and fat requirements for good health. In general, our dietary focus should be to include high quality proteins from a variety of sources, healthy fats including omegas, saturated fats and unrefined plant based oils, and of course, a wide variety of fruit and vegetables.

It is widely accepted that eating fresh produce is one of the most important components of a healthy diet, and a good rule of thumb is to eat “from the rainbow”. This means eating a variety of vegetables of different coloured flesh – everything from reds, oranges and yellows, to deep blues and purples. This is because each colour generally has a corresponding nutrient that it is rich in – for example, orange foods tend to be high in beta carotene, and dark blue or purple foods such as blueberries are highest in antioxidants. The deeper pigmentation of the fruit or vegetable is often indicative of the nutrient density of the food. One colour that is particularly beneficial to include on your plate is green.

Greens include everything from culinary herbs to sprouts to dark leafy greens. These mineral rich vegetables are loaded with calcium and magnesium, which are essential for structural (bones, joints) and dental health. Magnesium also acts as a muscle relaxant, which relieves muscle cramping and restless legs, and is often beneficial for anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Greens are also high in B vitamins, particularly folate, which is important for DNA and RNA synthesis, cell division, and prevention of birth defects. Greens are vital for vegans or vegetarians, as they contain both vitamin K and iron, two of the most common deficiencies in plant based diets. Greens are also high in fibre, but low in sugar and carbohydrates, which makes them perfect for balancing blood sugar, improving insulin sensitivity, and aiding weight management. Fibre also helps promote proper digestion and elimination.

Incorporating more greens into your diet does not have to be a chore. I get it, not everybody loves kale – in fact, the plant gets a bad reputation, often because it’s picked when it’s woody, bitter and out of season. Baby kale or winter kale is a much more tender, sweet option than woody curly kale grown in the heat of summer. But the options are endless – try spinach, different lettuces, mizuna, arugula, mustard greens, dandelion greens, broccoli leaves, watercress, chard, collards. Depending on the green, they can be eaten raw, steamed, or even placed strategically in foods so you can’t taste them. This can be a great option for kids (or stubborn husbands) – try blending spinach or lettuce into a fruit smoothie, or adding a handful of greens into your next soup or spaghetti sauce. Zucchini muffins count, too!

The first step to optimizing your overall health is adding more plants into your diet. Always opt for fresh, seasonal foods that have been grown locally. Start with adding a few cups of greens to your plate every day, whether that be cooked, raw, blended, stir fried, or stewed. Greens powders, liquids, and capsules are also available, which are a great option for picky eaters or busy bodies who aren’t always able to get time in the kitchen. But as always, health and nutrition begins on your plate!

Kayla MacDonald, R.H.N.

Reiki is a gentle but powerful energy healing technique used for relaxation, stress reduction and balance that can promote healing on many levels. It is typically given by ‘laying on of hands’ as you lie on a massage table fully clothed. This higher frequency, positive energy flows through the hands of the practitioner into your energy field releasing ‘energy blockages’ by lifting and transforming lower frequency energies such as worry, fear, anger and anxiety. The deep relaxation experienced with Reiki can have many beneficial effects including more calm/stillness to the body & mind, better sleep, reduced stress & pain and reduction of overwhelm and anxiety.

What is the best diet strategy for weight loss? The answer depends on your weight loss goals. Unfortunately, the evidence is conflicting about what strategies work best. At the end of the day, the best diet for you is the one that you can faithfully follow for a lifetime to help you to reach your optimal weight and allows you to not feel hungry or deprived. Medications can also contribute to weight gain, so have a pharmacist review your medications to ensure a medication is not contributing to unwanted weight.