Spring is in the air! Along with all the lovely tree, grass and weed pollens! Allergies are incredibly common in our pets, especially here on the coast, and can be divided into four known categories; Contact, Flea, Food and Inhalant. When discussing inhalant allergies, we can’t forget mold or mildew, and of course our favourite tiny cosmopolitan pyroglyphid, the dust mite! Unfortunately, the clinical signs of all allergic reactions are commonly shared, and in cases tend to overlap, but each type can manifest its own unique characteristics. The most common type of allergy in our region, next to flea contact dermatitis, is the inhalant type, also called ‘atopy’. For reasons obvious to the seasonally suffering human, allergies are just as misery-inducing in our pets. Itchy, raw and irritated skin, watering eyes, nasal discharge, and congestion make up but a few symptoms that should inspire a visit to your veterinarian.

Happy Paws Pet Food, www.happypaws.ca

Current and historical research point toward obesity as a major factor in a long list of diseases and painful conditions. Fortunately, the issue is now balanced by programs that have emerged, such as the Ideal Protein Protocol. This protocol is designed to provide major assistance to those wishing to lose weight and to increase the body’s ability to lose fat. It does so without causing the loss of muscle mass. The “secret” would seem to lie in the fact that the protocol provides each participant with tools and resources for weight loss, education, and maintenance that are easy to incorporate into their daily life. In addition to losing fat at a steady predictable pace, the protocol works to reduce food cravings, improve energy, and allow participants to naturally control their appetite. The Ideal Protein Protocol, which incorporates one-on-one weekly coaching, has been shown to result in improved blood sugar, reduced blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels.

Alma, www.successweightloss.ca

Q: I lost my glasses when I was visiting Arizona this winter, and I got some new ones there. But I do not see as well as with my other glasses. What could be the problem? The prescription is the same.

A: Sorry to hear that! I wouldn’t be able to really solve your specific problem, but your newer lenses could be somehow misaligned or shaped differently than what you’re used to. Or, your new lenses might be made from a less-transparent material, or perhaps there is a problem with the lens coating. This is assuming that your eyes haven’t somehow become worse while you were travelling. All of these issues can be addressed at your next eye exam.

Dr. Alex Kennedy, www.mosaicvisioncare.com

Integrated patient-centered clinic is the way of the future. A patient-centered clinic is a way of thinking and doing things that see patients as an equals, collaborating in planning and developing treatment strategies and options. Active listening and respecting patient’s values, while carefully communicating gives patients hope. Being heard and listened to are essentials for patients to build their trust and belief in their healing. We are passionate and have worked hard at being knowledgeable about our medicine, techniques and methods that we offer. However, our patient may not share our enthusiasm. In reality, patients only want to know if we can help them confidently and effectively. Taking the time to listen to our patients, enables us to diagnosis and provide the services needed. With patientcentered care we ask what their expectations are; what are they expecting to get out of the consultation and treatments. The key is to listen closely for their answer.

Dr. Ross Ralph, Courtenay Healing Centre Inc. www.courtenayhealing.ca

Autism Spectrum Disorders are on the rise with one in 68 children now being diagnosed. These are serious, potentially life-long conditions, which place a great deal of financial and emotional stress on families and society at large. Homeopathy can help to reduce and manage common autistic symptoms that are hard on families, especially eating, digestive and sleep problems as well as behavioural issues such as rigidity and hyperactivity. Homeopathy can also be used to identify the numerous causative factors of autism. If the homeopathic form of a substance which contributed to the condition is given, the child may have a brief healing reaction and then improve. Such substances can include antibiotics, vaccines, pesticides, car exhaust fumes, medications during or before pregnancy and ultrasounds. If you have a child with autism or a related developmental disorder please consider homeopathy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Dr. Anke Zimmermann, ND, FCAH, www.drzimmermann.org

With 40 years of experience researching and developing Sacred Geometry tools, Gregory Hoag, scientist and creator of the I.Connect, can certainly answer this question in greater detail than I can. However, in my understanding, the I.Connect, can be described as a small but powerful, personal hand-held device containing miniature sacred geometric forms acting as antennae for metaphysical frequencies (information) originating from higher dimensions or Source. The intention of this ingenious device is to facilitate grounding, clearing and balancing the user’s personal energetic and electromagnetic fields, for improved communication from their Higher Self. One effect of carrying this device is strengthening one’s Life Force and Aura as may be witnessed by Kirlian photography. You can hear more in Greg’s own words by searching YouTube for “Sacred Geometry Tool to Connect With Higher Dimensions.”

Nelson Meggitt, www.optimumwellnessfactor.ca

Ideal Protein is a medically designed weight loss program that was developed over 20 years ago by physician Dr. Tran Tien Chanh. It balances the body’s food intake for efficient fat-burning and helps to reverse the imbalance in insulin that occur with the typical Western diet that contributes to weight gain and metabolic syndrome. This expert-led, data-driven program coupled with turn-key coaching from healthcare professionals is designed to move patients toward an ideal weight, lipid profile, cholesterol and insulin balance. Ideal Protein’s medically developed weight loss method tackles the root cause of weight gain – the body’s overproduction of insulin – by limiting consumption of sugars in the form of fats and carbohydrates. Dieters receive one-on-one coaching and monitoring through the weight loss experience, as well as support with healthy recipes, daily coaching videos, and educational seminars.

Alma Naranjo, www.successweightloss.ca

Diaphragmatic Breathing is all about breathing more with the diaphragm and less with upper chest or accessory muscles. This can be achieved through simple breathing exercises focusing on inhaling through the lower torso and abdomen to break the habit of overusing the upper chest and neck. Overuse of these accessory muscles often leads to long-term discomfort, neck pain and frequent headaches making it even harder to break the pain tension cycle. Breathing patterns are habitual. It is very apparent when clients practice meditation or yoga by the way they take their first breath on the table. Those who know how to breath effectively are often more ready to release muscle tension in their body making the work of a therapist more effective. Changing habits involve a degree of discipline and guidance. Guidance could be through Soma Yoga, Meditation or frequent visits with a health care practitioner that works well for your individual needs.

Tim Rhodes, RMT, www.courtenaymassagetherapy.com