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.

Welcome, February. Did you know that “Februa” in Latin, means “to cleanse”? If you are new to cleansing, it can be frightening, but it doesn’t have to be. You can start with small steps like avoiding coffee, starting your day with a glass of water, and drinking a minimum of 1.5L of water throughout the day. A cleanse is like a “reset button”, it helps the body do exactly what it is designed to do: clear out toxins and keep you healthy. Not one type of cleansing technique fits everyone, if you are considering cleansing and wish for support, feel free to connect with me.

Many seniors, whether they need short term or long-term care, prefer remaining in a place most familiar to them – their home. By removing elderly loved ones from their home we often take away years of memories, relationships with neighbors and communities which can lead to a decline in health and leave them feeling sad and isolated. If Mom or Dad is willing to explore the idea of home care, involve them in the process and remember to take it slow at first. Home is still the safest place to receive care!

Being physically active is a major step toward good heart health. It’s one of your most effective tools for strengthening the heart muscle, keeping your weight under control and warding off the artery damage from high cholesterol, high blood sugar and high blood pressure that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Doing aerobics or resistance training will help reduce your risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death in Canada.

Using essential oils to relax, reduce stress, and alleviate snoring can help increase the likelihood of a good night’s sleep. Did you know Green Valley essential oil blends are made right here in the Comox Valley? Try our Tranquility or Insomnia blends. Chamomile has a soothing effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress, depression, and aggravation. Lavender relaxes, soothes, and restores peace to mind and body. At nighttime, diffuse essential oils in the bedroom, add to your bath, shake onto a cotton ball tucked into your pillow, or rub onto the soles of your feet with a carrier oil. Cover with some fuzzy bed socks for a cozy feel.

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.

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.