The benefits of sitting quietly and going within are profound. The deep state of rest produced by meditation triggers the brain to release neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. These chemicals play many roles related to well-being, including increasing feelings of happiness, decreasing feelings of pain, and reducing the side effects of stress. Studies have found that meditation and mindfulness can decrease symptoms related to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood-related disorders, without side-effects that might be experienced while taking medications. Meditation can play an important role in maintaining and improving your mental health and well-being safely and effectively.
Community News
Acupuncture for Menopause Symptoms
Menopause can cause a number of uncomfortable emotional and physical symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. Some women may not want to or can’t use hormone replacement therapy, which is a common treatment for menopause symptoms. Recent studies in both Denmark and the United States suggest that acupuncture may help with symptoms of menopause. Women who received acupuncture sessions during the studies reported less severe and less frequent day and night sweats, general sweating, sleep problems, emotional and physical symptoms, and skin and hair problems compared to women who did not have acupuncture sessions during the studies.
Wealth & Well-Being
Selecting a Financial Advisor. If you’re shopping around for a new financial advisor or simply reviewing your relationship with your current advisor, there are some essential questions you should ask. 1) What qualifies you to provide financial advice? Ask about qualifications, continuing education, and areas of expertise. 2) What is your approach, and what services does it include? Discuss investment style and availability. 3) What am I paying for all of this? 4) What should my goals be, and how can you help me achieve them? Define your goals and create a plan. 5) How will we measure success? Ask the advisor for references.
Ask The Expert
Q: Are 3D glasses from the movie theatre OK to wear as sunglasses? I heard they are polarized.
A: Commonly these glasses have some UV protection, but they are not polarized the same way as polarized sunglasses, in which the lenses are oriented to reduce glare and bright reflections from horizontal surfaces like roads, ice, and water. You’ll do better to let the theatre keep their glasses and get something better suited for protection and function.
Product Review: pureAir 3000 with ODOGard®
Introducing the NEW pureAir 3000 with ODOGard®, the only purifier to combine both active and passive air purification technologies with the odor-eliminating power of ODOGard®. The advanced active technology includes ionization and a proprietary form of photocatalytic oxidation, active radiant catalysis (ARC®). In addition to reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the pureAir 3000 reduces allergens such as pollen, pet dander, smoke from wildfires, and odors caused by mold, bacteria, and other pollutants. Visit GTECANADA.CA to learn more and use the coupon code WN3K for a free pureAir 50 when you purchase a pureAir 3000 + ODOGard®.
Oral Health Month
April is Oral Health Month in Canada and a great reminder to practice good oral hygiene! Here are five tips for maintaining good oral health: 1) Make healthy food choices and limit sugary and highly acidic foods to avoid tooth decay and acid erosion. 2) Don’t smoke or use tobacco products, which can stain teeth, cause gum damage, give you bad breath, cause tooth loss, and even lead to oral cancer. 3) Brush twice and floss once daily. 4) Make note of any oral issues you have, including sensitivity, bleeding, pain, or strange lumps. 5) Visit your dentist regularly.
Get Mobile!
Do more of what you want – when you want. If you ever find yourself waiting around for people to assist you with daily tasks and errands, a mobility scooter could allow you to take matters into your own hands. Confinement can be the most depressing situation that people with mobility issues can experience. Nobody wants to stay inside for a long time, especially when it isn’t necessary. Electric scooters have come a long way and are now more affordable than ever. They provide the freedom to get around, they conserve physical energy, and they also provide you access to places you may not have previously been able to go.
Normal Forgetfulness or Dementia?
As we age, it’s normal to experience more frequent instances of memory loss. Some common symptoms of normal memory loss include transience, when the brain forgets some memories over time, and absentmindedness, where you may forget something because you weren’t focused on it. Other factors can also contribute to normal memory loss, such as depression and other mental health issues. Memory loss that involves the following can be cause for concern and should be addressed by a doctor: 1) Forgetting important information, like names. 2) Being extremely disoriented in unfamiliar environments. 3) Major personality changes like aggressiveness or impulsivity.
Ask The Expert
Q: I hate my plastic frames. I have to keep pushing them up and tilting my head back to see my computer screen with my progressive lenses. Would a metal frame be better, so they’d fit better? A: Maybe, but you’d likely do much better with lenses which are mostly focused for your screen instead of trying to use the small screen-distance section in your progressives. You would need a separate frame, but you’d get a wider view of your screen, and it would be easier on your neck.
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Life
We all want to be healthy, however many people disregard their oral cavity and teeth (whether real or false). The body is a holistic and interconnected system, one that can only function optimally if everything runs smoothly. Old or ill-fitting dentures can cause an array of health issues. From headaches, digestive problems, temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ), and hearing loss. Also social isolation may occur if you are unhappy with your smile because of missing teeth or old dentures. It’s imperative to see the right specialist for any health issues. When it comes to dentures see a denturist first.
Canada’s Low Risk Gambling Guidelines
Follow these three guidelines to reduce your risk of experiencing harm from gambling. 1: Gamble no more than 1% of household income: For example, a Household income of $70,000 before tax should gamble no more than $58 per month. 2: Gamble no more than 4 days per month, which works out to roughly once a week. 3: Avoid regularly gambling at more than 2 types of games: For example, lotteries and slots, OR scratch tickets and bingo, OR poker and VLT’s. Three or more forms of gambling substantially increase the risk of developing a gambling problem. Check them out at GamblingGuidelines.ca #LRGG.
