Q: How bad is it for your eyes to open them under water?

A: In short, prolonged exposure to water can be irritating or dangerous in many ways. Contact lenses can be easily lost. Chlorine from pools can inflame the ocular surfaces. Freshwater itself can cause edema in the eye just from the lack of salinity. Water from hot tubs, outdoor freshwater and sea water can carry all sorts of infectious microorganisms. The human eye doesn’t focus well under water, so the vision is blurry. Try to use swim goggles or masks when you know you’ll be needing to see underwater.

Arthritis can be quite a debilitating affliction. This had been known especially by one of the ladies who works at Green Valley Aromatherapy, as her father Brian was dealing with a severe case. Her father’s arthritis had gotten so severe that he was unable to fully enjoy his life. We decided it was time to make a blend specifically for arthritis. It contains Eucalyptus, Sweet Birch, Clove Bud, Rosemary, and Camphor essential oils; all mixed into an emu oil base. All of these have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help ease the pain of arthritis. Now, Brian can fully enjoy life without the hindrance of arthritis to hold him back.

At Ocean Chiropractic, Dr. Patrick Johnson and his team specialize in Chiropractic care using the Koren Specific and Torque Release Techniques. Along with Chiropractic care, Ocean Chiropractic is proud to offer a unique approach to custom orthotics and foot rehabilitation to the residents of the Comox Valley. As a chiropractor, Dr. Pat is trained to assess whether orthotics are right for you. “Our mission is to empower our practice members to make healthy and informed decisions and we will work collaboratively with you to develop a treatment plan to restore your health. We also strive to serve, love, heal and transform you beyond your greatest expectations.”

The first step is to assess the home, perhaps with help from an occupational therapist. It’s possible that your residence isn’t suited for senior living – maybe it’s too large or too remote, for instance. In that case, you can think about alternatives, such as a different home, a retirement residence or assisted living facility. Often, homes can be made safer with modifications. Small, inexpensive changes that can make a big difference to a senior’s comfort and safety include installing railings and grab bars; improving lighting for hallways and staircases; eliminating tripping hazards; changing doorknobs and cabinet pulls to lever handles; adding higher toilet seats; and widening doorways to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

Meet Heather Green, owner of BodyWell Remedial Exercise & Registered Massage Therapy. Growing up on the Island, Heather spent her time dancing and playing music with her friends. She’s always been creative and applies this skill to work as an RMT; opening and running a practice and creating tailored video-led home care sequences for her clientele who are interested. She hopes to help people get creative in how they see, move and feel in their bodies and grow their independence and confidence in managing their wellness. Heather is eager to learn, and alongside her continued education for massage therapy, is currently studying therapeutic yoga to integrate a new approach into her practice.

For many people, identifying a purpose can cause significant distress, as our purpose can vary throughout our lifespan, and mean very different things. However, we all need a purpose in life to be well. Whether this be from our relational roles within a family, to our jobs, or even the things of which we do with intention. When we find our purpose, we start to notice a change in ourselves, as we increase attention to accomplishing purpose. As you embark on a New Year, I encourage you to explore what purpose do you want this New Year to have?

Prolozone Therapy is an injection technique similar to Prolotherapy that uses ozone. Joints heal much more quickly because ozone is a highly reactive molecule & when injected into a joint capsule it is able to stimulate the fibroblastic joint repairing abilities. This allows for a healing environment within the joint to develop and results in increased range of motion and decreased pain. Because Prolozone has the ability in many cases to actually correct the pathology of the disorder, there is a 75% chance for the chronic pain sufferer to become permanently pain free. By repairing the connective tissue this is all that is needed to permanently reverse chronic pain.

There are quite a selection of natural and pure essential oils which are antibacterial, helping to prevent the spread of germs. Flu particles can remain viable on objects for 48 hours – spreading with every sneeze, hug and hello! Diffusing oils into the air in your home will help to destroy these particles before they find a host. If you already have a cold, add them to a warm bath, and inhale the aromas. Terminator is a blend of antibacterial essential oils all chosen to help you through flu season – keep some on a tissue in your pocket for relief!

For most people, the Christmas holidays are a time of celebration and good cheer. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way at this time of year. For some, the holidays can be a sad time if there has been a past trauma or if they are depressed. If you feel sad, lonely, or become depressed during the holidays, don’t struggle alone. Talk to your health care professional or reach out to family and friends. If you don’t feel you can share your situation with anyone you know, call a support line. Help is a call or text away. 14-Hour Crisis Line in the Comox Valley: 1-888-494-3888.