Q: I’ve just made a resolution to quit smoking. Is there any benefit to eye health with that?

A: Congratulations on setting your goal! You’ll be happy to know that quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration, two common eye diseases. Cataracts (clouding of the internal lens of the eye) can haze or fog the vision in a variety of ways and smoking quickens this normal age-related process. Macular degeneration involves the deterioration of the central retina and does not affect everyone, but occurs more often in smokers compared to non-smokers. Your eyes might feel better too, since smoking can cause ocular irritation and feelings of dryness in the eyes. All of these eye problems can be profoundly annoying, if not disabling. Sometimes people need multiple methods and motivations to quit. Use your eyes as one extra reason to stay smoke-free.

Mosaic Vision Care, www.mosaicvisioncare.com

NOW® Vitamin B-12 Instant Energy packets make it easier than ever to get the vitamin B-12 your body needs in order to stay sharp, focused and well-fueled throughout the day. Each convenient packet contains a total of 2000 mcg (from three forms of fast-acting B-12), along with other important nutrients that can help keep you alert and energized. Now Vitamin B-12 provides a unique blend of ingredients that support energy production and cellular metabolism without the use of sugar, caffeine or stimulants. This means you can get a healthy boost without the unwanted jitters and caffeine-crashes. Vitamin B-12 is especially effective for seniors, athletes, vegetarians, students, or anyone who is feeling exhausted and run down. Convenient single serving packets travel well, are easily dissolved in water, taste good and are sweetened with Xylitol. An instant source of on-the-go energy, when you need it most!

Jeanie Bruneau, Certified Professional Cancer Coach, Registered Nutritional Consulting Practitioner

coming soon!

Many people don’t realize how managing money issues could lead to weakened immune system which could develop into other health conditions. Studies show that chronic stress can suppress the immune system and we know that debt is a huge source of chronic stress. Money worries may keep you awake at night, which can also impair your body’s ability to fight off infection. It could lead to anxiety, raise your blood pressure and have a risk of heart disease and stroke. It’s been also been linked to depression. Research also shows,  that debt really does have serious impacts on psychological health. It can also be a pain in the neck—literally. Surveys found that people with high levels of “debt stress” are more likely to have muscle tension, neck and back pain, ulcers or digestive tract problems, and suffer heart attacks.

Derek L. Chase & Associates
www.chasesekulich.com

Most people love a massage. Not everyone can afford to have regular massage therapy and not everyone likes to be touched by a stranger, even if they are a professional. So, learning a few massage techniques to help people you know and love might just be what they need. You might even find you enjoy giving massage as it enhances your human connection. A few well-placed squeezes, kneads and strokes can lead to a very satisfying feeling for someone suffering a headache or sore back at work or at home. Learn the terms effleurage, petrissage and tapotement and how to apply them. Discover how each style of massage can affect the circulation and nervous system in a different way. Taking a massage class can help you understand more about your body. It is a life skill worth learning.

Roxanne Derkson, Registered Massage Therapist, Owner ViVi Therapy Massage Supply Store
www.vivitherapy.com

If you are feeling sick, tired or stressed, Immune 7® is an excellent solution to improve how your body responds to life with all its highs and lows. This potent formula contains 6 certified organic full spectrum micronized mushrooms that provide the immune system with the elements necessary to prevent disease.  Each capsule contains Sun Mushroom, Cordyceps, Red Reishi, Maitake, Shitake, and Coriolus. The benefits of Immune 7® include: Broad spectrum immune activity, cold and flu prevention and therapy, is effective for serious conditions and diseases, and also recharges adrenal glands and hormones. The company who formulates this product is Purica the Nutraceutical Medicine Co. from Duncan, Vancouver Island.  When you are not feeling your best and need something that will get you back up and running again, try Immune 7® and support a local Vancouver Island company at the same time.

Lindy Berkowitz
www.thriftyfoods.com

According to Dr Janet Travell, specialist in musculoskeletal pain, “It is now becoming clear that tension headaches are usually due to trigger points.” Trigger points are small knots that develop in muscles. These knots allow pain to travel to different areas of the body, often nowhere near the knot itself. For example, trigger points at the top of your neck can send pain directly to your eye. Although you may get some relief with a relaxation massage, long-term relief depends on correctly identifying and treating specific trigger points which are responsible for your pain. Trigger points can often be eliminated quickly and easily, sometimes within one or two treatments. Research shows that not only is massage effective at eliminating headaches, but the relief can last for months. As well, regular massage can actually retrain your nervous system to decrease the tension in your muscles on a more permanent basis.

Katie White
www.courtenaymassagetherapy.com

You probably know turmeric as the main spice in curry.  But the root of turmeric is also used widely to make medicine. Turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existance. Many high quality studies show that it has major benefits for your body and brain. Turmeric is used for arthritis, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems and gallbladder disorders. It is also used for headaches, bronchitis, colds, lung infections, fibromyalgia, depression, fever, menstrual problems, and cancer. If you want to experience the full effects, then you need to take an extract that contains significant amounts of curcumin, which is the main active ingredient in turmeric. Unfortunately, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. It helps if you consume black pepper with it, which contains piperine, a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2000%.

Lance Pace
www.omnicareforpeopleathome.com

Last summer I was surprised by an unexpected bit of nature. One lone petunia had planted itself in a crack in the pavement and had found enough water and nutrients to burst out in a lovely bloom. This sparked my thoughts about the story of Viktor Frankl.  During WWII, Viktor survived 3 years in a concentration camp. During a long trek on foot through freezing temperatures Viktor decided he could go on no longer. However, at that exact moment Viktor had a profound revelation. He saw a vision of himself speaking to a large crowd about how he had survived. In an instant, his whole demeanour changed. The pain became a catalyst for a triumphant recovery.  He lived to fulfill that vision and went on to become one of the world’s great psychotherapists and gave so much hope and vitality to the global community. When we take the time to “notice” aspects of our life that have been overlooked, we can discover powerful new meaning in our lives.

Terri Czegledi
www.comoxvalleycounselling.com