Spring is upon us, a time for rejuvenation, and a time to reconnect with Nature. It is imperative that we do. For centuries indigenous peoples have been in harmony with the universal spirit in plants, animals, rocks, and water. This energy is all around us and now there is a worldwide awakening for the knowledge and understanding of plant intelligence. Each of us have the opportunity to connect with plants on a spiritual level, to work in harmony with Nature and to receive their direction and healing. If you have a longing to share this energy with plants on a deeper level, “Plant Spirit Healing” by Pam Montgomery is a must read.

Although its amount appears significant in kombucha, cane sugar is food for the culture. Cane sugar is sucrose, a disaccharide. Yeast converts sucrose into its monosaccharide components, fructose and glucose, resulting in a lower glycemic impact. The yeast further digests these simple sugars, producing carbon dioxide and ethanol. Most ethanol gasses off and some is food for beneficial bacteria, which produce acetic acid. There is typically very little sugar remaining by the time the sweet tea becomes kombucha. However, since sugar appears on the ingredient list in order of descending measure, regardless of its having been converted, this does cause some confusion.

Here are five ways you can keep your lymph system working in top order and experience better health: 1. Massage – Stimulates flow through the lymphatic capillaries that are located just under the skin. 2. Dry Brushing – Boosts lymph flow by stimulating sweat glands and supporting circulation below the skin. 3. Exercise and Yoga – Movement and muscle contraction will assist lymphatic circulation. 4. Anti-Inflammatory Diet – Consuming a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and full of healthy fats is critical to support a healthy immune system. 5. Hydrate – The lymphatic system is primarily composed of water and must be hydrated to function at the highest level.

Q: I’m going on a scuba diving vacation next month. I’m also getting more far-sighted and I’m not sure if I’m seeing as well as I would like for diving. What are my vision correction options? A: It would be nice, and likely safer, if you can see your gauges and paperwork clearly when you’re on an expedition. You’ve got a few options. If you’re able, disposable contact lenses would be the most functional and least expensive. You can wear them with your diving mask. Additionally, some contact lenses have built-in UV protection. Another option is having prescription lenses made for your dive mask, but you may be limited to which masks you can use, and you’d have to bring other glasses on the boat. Thirdly, you can think about laser vision correction. There’s not enough space here to discuss that, but you’re really short on time for that. Also, far-sightedness is generally much more difficult to correct with laser surgery that near-sightedness.

The reason chronic pain and degeneration only occur in joints and ligaments instead of other tissues, and why older people don’t heal as reliably as younger people do, has to do with decreased oxygen utilization. When there is trauma, the edema and inflammation cause a further localized decrease in oxygen utilization, which serves as a foundation for chronic pain and degeneration. The chronic pain leads to a further decrease in oxygen utilization. Break that cycle with ozone therapy, which maximizes oxygen absorption, so the cells and tissues can begin to do what they usually do so well – heal themselves.

April 7, 10:30 a.m. 28 DAY Food Evolution! Yoga 10 Studio. Pre-registration required: www.yoga10studio.com

April 10, 12-4 p.m. Come celebrate Courtenay Massage Therapy’s Birthday Party! There will be snacks, drinks, and prizes to be won! All are welcome!

Does the person sitting next to you have bromodosis? Smelly feet is a very common medical condition from buildup of sweat resulting in bacteria growth on the skin. Your feet have more sweat glands than any other part of your body with naturally occurring bacteria to help break down sweat. Bad odor forms when bacteria and sweat is allowed to build up. Some simple tips to prevent bromodosis includes using a scrub brush to wash your feet at least once a day, keeping toenails short and alternating between two pairs of shoes. Look for well-fitting socks made with antimicrobial fibers to keep your feet sweet smelling all day.

Which is your longest toe? If you answered “the second toe”, intelligence is not necessarily indicated, but a predisposition to certain foot ailments is. Up to 30% of the population has inherited this structure. The medical term for this is “Morton’s Toe”, and it is actually the result of a shortened first metatarsal bone and not a long second toe. This foot structure makes you more prone to stress fractures, metatarsalgia, over-pronation, and bunions. All of these symptoms can be reduced or prevented with proper support from a custom foot orthotic, designed specifically for this foot structure.