While we often think about the immunization of children, in recent years, there are more and more vaccinations for adults. According to the ImmunizeBC website (immunizebc.ca), as we get older, some of our vaccination protection may wane or there may be some vaccinations available now that were not available when we were children. The list of available vaccinations is long. Whether you need a booster shot or a first immunization will depend on factors such as your age, job, health, and immunization history. Check on your immunization status and, if needed, get your vaccinations updated today.

An intimate relationship with nature is built into the human psyche; a clean and positive environment affects our physical body, mind, intuition, and higher self. Spirituality has the power to check greed, it elevates one’s consciousness, and it opens our eyes to the beauty of nature (Sri Sri Ravi Shankar). Locally, greed is predominant, as developers and civic leaders have no connection with nature or animal protection. People move to our valley because of the beauty, but our beauty is fast disappearing. It is time to make a stand and develop with nature in mind. It can and must be done.

In April of 2009, an abstract was published on PubMed.gov titled, “Hepatoprotective and curative properties of Kombucha tea against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity”. This study was performed by the Department of Biotechnology at Bharathiar University in India. The study evaluated and compared hepatoprotective and curative properties of kombucha tea, black tea, and enzyme processed tea against CCl4-induced toxicity, using male albino rats as an experimental model. All three of the tea preparations showed potential to revert the induced toxicity, yet kombucha tea was found to be more efficient than the other teas were. Fermentation-generated antioxidant molecules were suspected as the reason.

Sports injuries are very common amongst people with active lifestyles. Many professional sports teams have acupuncturists on staff to decrease healing times and resolve stubborn ailments. But the use of acupuncture to treat acute injuries from intense or repetitive physical activity began centuries ago. It was and still is one of the primary means of quick healing for the ancient martial arts. Specific acupuncture styles and techniques were developed to stop pain and dramatically increase recovery time. This tradition continues today, and its use has expanded into competitive athletics that result in similar injuries.

Q: What are the best sunglasses to get this summer?
A: Sunglass lenses can be optimized for vision, comfort, protection, and performance. For instance, prescription polarized lenses in a brownish tint with anti-reflection properties and UV/blue light filters would be great to use for long road trips as well as spending time on the water on sunny days. Another thing to think about is frame choice – some frames give more coverage than other frames do, and a properly fitted frame will be a better investment than a trendy one that doesn’t fit well or hold the prescription lenses adequately.

Symptoms of an underactive stomach include bloating and gas, diarrhea and/or constipation, undigested food in the stool, candidiasis, chronic dysbiosis (imbalanced gut flora), and mineral deficiency (most commonly iron and zinc). Individuals may also experience increasing food sensitivities/allergies; nausea after taking supplements; weak, peeling, cracked fingernails; and dull hair or hair loss as a result of stomach acid deficiency. Improving symptoms of an underactive stomach can be done using raw, unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar. Add one tablespoon to a cup of room temperature or hot water (cold water inhibits digestion), and drink it 15 to 30 minutes before meals.