The Comox Valley Lifeline Society, a non-profit organization, has been providing an easy-to-use personal emergency response system to the Cowichan Valley since 1988. The Society was established because the membership believed that people deserved the dignity to live on their own and have access to immediate help in an emergency situation. If you experience a fall or other emergency in your home, every second counts. Delays can jeopardize your recovery and your independence. Lifeline quickly connects you to a trained Response Associate, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at the push of a button. You are never alone and help is always there when you need it. Denise Metcalfe, ED, ComoxValleyLifeline.com
Carrots are Candy!
Yes, that is what people say after eliminating sugar from their daily diet. Rewards of reducing sugar consumption are improved sleep, better memory, higher and more stable energy levels, weight loss, better digestive function, and better overall well-being.
Did you know that some form of sugar is in almost every packaged food item? Even purchased soup broths have added sugar. Sugar is the master of disguise.
It can be challenging to remove sugar from your diet. To succeed, find a program that provides recipes focusing on nutrient-dense foods, along with guidelines and support to help you significantly change your taste and cravings for sugar. Removing sugar from your diet will change you!
Kimi Nakamura, Yoga 10 Studio, Yoga10Studio.com,
CourtenayMassageTherapy.com
Benefits of Drinking Kombucha Regularly
There are so many benefits of drinking 4 oz of quality raw kombucha daily! The chief benefit is intake of probiotics. Adequate gut micro-flora is essential for effective digestion, including production of vitamin B12 and K2, for example, as well as for proper immune function and even brain health. Hundreds of poor health conditions can be reversed by boosting the gut micro-biome. If you consume coffee, bathe in chlorinated water, use oral contraception, consume antibiotic laden meat/dairy, were birthed by C-section, or take a topical or internal antibiotic, for instance, then you are most likely in need of regular probiotic supplementation.
Optimum Wellness Factor, www.zenmomentkombucha.ca
Take Care of Your “Winter” Body
Winter is the darkest, dampest, and coldest time of year; however, this isn’t always a bad thing. In nature, winter is a time of hibernation. For people, it is a time of introspection. Following basic health recommendations for winter can keep you healthy. Dress appropriately (wool). Eat cooked or warmed foods, such as soups and stews, and use spices such as ginger or cinnamon. Avoid copious amounts of raw vegetables, juices, or chilled foods and beverages. Go to sleep earlier and sleep in later for rejuvenation.
Dr. Ross Ralph, Dr. TCM, R.Ac., DOMP., Courtenay Healing Centre, CourtenayHealing.ca
Living with Diabetic Neuropathy?
One of the complications that may occur with diabetes is a gradual loss of sensation in your feet. If this happens, you may become unable to feel small stones or pressure areas inside your shoes. Sores can develop without you knowing and can quickly become a serious problem. Prevention of sores and open wounds includes using seamless socks, seamless footwear, and custom molded foot orthotics to provide an even distribution of pressure under the feet and position the feet optimally inside the shoes. Ensuring your feet are protected against skin breakdown is the best course of action in keeping them healthy for years to come.
B.D. Mitchell Prosthetics and Orthotics, MitchellPandO.com
Benefits of Dog Ownership
Research supports the statement that ‘people who own dogs live longer’, and pet owners have some great advantages in balancing daily living. Your dog gets your day started with a much-needed walk, and possibly a couple more throughout the day. You are loved unconditionally by your furry friend. You take time to groom, train, talk to, and play with your dog – social interaction that can offset hours spent on the computer and phone. A dog can change your life, add to your life, give you a life, and extend your life! Not a bad thing to consider. Barbara Guidetti, Happy Paws Pet Food, HappyPaws.ca
Lose Weight & Still Enjoy Wine!
Research suggests people who follow a Mediterranean diet lose 52% more weight than the standard low-fat diet because it isn’t just a fad or limited list of foods. It’s a lifestyle based on a balanced approach to your meals, which focuses on produce, healthy fats, whole grains, legumes, fish, and even some red wine. Committing to losing weight for three months using the Mediterranean diet as a base, along with three booster products and three lifestyle changes, guarantees results. And there is no meal skipping! Look and feel great for all of your holiday parties and events!
Lisa – Modere, LiveClean.Market
Book Club:
The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact
by Chip Heath, Dan Heath
Many of the defining moments in our lives are the result of accident or luck—but why would we leave our most meaningful, memorable moments to chance when we can create them? The Power of Moments shows us how to be the author of richer experiences.
3-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies
These flour-less almond butter cookies are SO good, and made with only 3 ingredients (1 cup almond butter, 6 Tbsp raw sugar, and 1 large egg)! Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray two nonstick baking sheets lightly with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, mix the almond butter, sugar, and egg until well combined. Spoon 1 level tablespoon of the mixture about 1 inch apart onto baking sheets. Flatten the mounds with the tines of a fork, making a crosshatch pattern on the cookies. Bake until golden around the edges, about 10 minutes.
SkinnyTaste.com
A Puppy for Christmas!
A new pet can be a wonderful holiday gift, but it can also be a challenging surprise. There’s no denying the comfort and joy of a puppy in the house, but a new pet means a whole lot of responsibility that one should always consider beforehand. Also, remember that these little ones have just left their ‘mommy’, so try to keep the Christmas excitement on the quieter side, with lots of time for extra cuddles with puppy! It is important to be prepared for the financial and personal commitments of raising a puppy to become a happy and healthy member of your family, and the rewards are endless!
Happy Paws Pet Food, HappyPaws.ca
Happy Paws Pet Food, www.happypaws.ca
Gifts to Give Yourself
Christmas is the season of giving, of not only gifts, but also our time and energy. If we are not careful, we can quickly find ourselves overwhelmed by all the hustle and bustle of the season. To help you stay grounded and grateful, and truly make the most of each day, consider giving yourself the following gifts: presence, silence, and self-compassion. Presence will help you focus on the moment and keep your mind from wandering. Silence is essential for recharging your batteries and reflecting on all for which you are grateful. Self-compassion will help comfort you when the reality of the season does not match the idealized version you wish to be true.


