Smoking cigarettes is the single most preventable cause of premature death in Canada. Acupuncture is an evidence-based approach shown to reduce cravings and withdrawal
symptoms associated with smoking. By regulating the nervous system and disengaging the physiological stress response, it provides the person with a feeling of calm and
increased ability to cope. Studies show that people who use acupuncture in addition to education and counselling are more likely to succeed in becoming a non-smoker. Patients who used acupuncture also reported significant improvement in pain management, concentration, sleep, and energy compared to those who did not receive needles. Acupuncture is recognized as a best practice in the treatment of smoking cessation.

Q: Could you come up with a good new year’s resolution for one’s eyes this year? A: Sure, but this would be a “hard ask” for many: cut back on the use of screens as the pandemic winds down. Not really because they’re directly harmful to your eyes, but users tend to do a couple of things that become really problematic over time. The first is habitually staring at a screen, which reduces blinking, which inhibits proper lubrication of the eyes, and a cascade of irritation. The second is poor posture or tension from trying to get a screen in focus, either by improperly focused glasses, squinting, screen position, or inadequate lighting.

Your body is about 60% water.
Water represents a critical nutrient whose absence will be lethal within days. Water’s importance for the prevention of nutrition-related non-communicable diseases is a scientific fact. But how much? I’m sure you’ve felt some of the effects of your cells being dehydrated, including headaches, feeling foggy, constipation, and feeling sluggish physically and mentally. How much water you need to stay healthy is affected by your health, activity, and environment. Drinking at least half your body weight in ounces is a good star and as a bonus can help with weight loss and increased metabolism.

Disease-causing microorganisms are around us 24/7 in our homes, nature and at work. They even exist inside of us and when their populations are in balance, they are essential in keeping us healthy! It is our immune system that keeps microorganisms in check, so we do not get sick. We have the power to improve and maintain a healthy immune system through proper diet, exercise, and mental wellness. Consider doing a health audit on your lifestyle and assess if you are implementing best practises to keep your immune system strong this winter.

Work 2 Wellness is an exciting School District 71 employee program that is committed to educating and supporting employees and their families in various lifestyle areas. W2W is proud to partner with over 75 local businesses in an effort to foster positive lifestyle changes by offering great discounts to wellness programs, activities, retail, resources, and services for all SD71 employees. To become a W2W partner or learn more about the W2W program contact at work2.wellness@sd71.bc.ca”

Physical and emotional wellbeing impacts our energy, learning, focus, motivation, time management, communication, our personal and professional relationships, and even our waistlines. During the past three decades, developments in biology, neurology, and psychology have demonstrated the mind-body connection and proven total wellbeing must incorporate ALL dimensions of our lives. Empowered, you learn and understand how and why you make choices, develop more clarity about personal responsibility for our personal and professional lives. Resulting in creating a wellbeing that is continuing toward higher levels of health and optimal living with ongoing awareness and action.

Are you a caregiver to your children and your aging parents? If so, you’re part of the “sandwich generation,” a group of adults who are “sandwiched” between caregiving responsibilities for their young and elderly loved ones. This generation of caregivers has its own unique stresses and challenges, spending on average about three hours per day on unpaid care while also working full-time. These challenges can take a toll on this group’s health, finances, and emotions. Thankfully, home care agencies can help relieve some of the stress by providing quality care for senior loved ones in their own homes.

Over time, healthy skin cells become unable to renew themselves normally. This may be due to a skin problem or a consequence of sun exposure or aging. LED light recharges these cells, energising them to heal and rejuvenate faster, promoting healing from the inside out. The cell metabolism then builds collagen, increases elasticity, boosts circulation, accelerates tissue repair or kills bacteria. Laboratory studies have shown up to 150 to 200 per cent faster skin cell regeneration and increased hydration up to 600%. LED therapy is suitable for all skin types. It can also be used to treat inflammatory problems such as acne and rosacea.