Summertime is usually holiday time, and we have more ‘face time’ with the people we love. How do your relationships with people you care about feel when you are not pressured by busy work days and agendas? Hopefully, they feel enjoyable and enhanced. However, a noticeable paradox within communication is that we can talk and not be heard; and listen, yet miss the message. What is happening? Probably an overwhelming emotional attachment to some part of the communication that suddenly demands a reaction – often a defensive response. Relationship counselling can address this problem. Connect with a counsellor to help identify and resolve communication difficulties.

Laptop computers should never be used on your lap, especially if the computer is wireless. If you are pregnant, the fetus can be exposed to wireless radiation at levels shown to be harmful in scientific research. Children should never use a laptop computer if it is functioning on its wireless mode. There are clear associations between the use of wireless technology and childhood autism. Safe use of a laptop would include placing the computer on a flat surface as far as practically possible from the user, having it connected to the internet by a cable, and using a wired mouse.

Struggling with a child who is acting out? Or frustrated with school? Overly anxious or shutting down? Begin to bring some ease into your life together by finding a safe outlet for your child’s inner world through creative play and the arts. Imagine your child engaging with paint, puppets, or drums; the healing begins. Acquire tools that will support your child developmentally, strengthen your relationship, and help create a sense of peace and centeredness in your world at home. Rearranging your child’s stage now will deeply impact their coming years.

Is it selfish to steal away from your loved ones for some precious time for yourself? It is important to remember that taking time to nurture oneself is worthwhile for so many reasons. Here are just a few: Whether relaxing with music, sharing a meal with a close friend, walking in nature, meditating, or swimming, a shift in focus can bring new perspectives. The change in routine, scenery, and company can be a great boost to one’s physical, mental, and spiritual health.

An oral health exam is critical to the maintenance of your overall wellbeing. You should have your mouth checked at least once a year for prevention and treatment of any ailments. Even if you don’t have any live teeth, it’s important to make sure there are no signs of infections or early signs of cancer, growths, or cysts, and that your dentures are fitting you well. Leaving problems untreated usually leads to pain, periodontal disease, or tooth loss, and could make treatment more difficult, so it’s best to deal with problems early, or, if possible, prevent them.

During the month of August, it’s easy to overspend on summertime activities. However, just because it’s summer break, you can’t take a break from your budget. According to a survey by Chartered Professional Accountants Canada, 56% of Canadians plan to spend more this summer compared to last – meaning now more than ever is a great time to re-evaluate your income and expenses and adjust your budget to reflect any additional summer expenses. If your August budget is tight on excess cash, take advantage of free activities and events in your community instead of relying on credit to fund expensive activities.

Proper functioning of our skin cells is the foundation of healthy skin, and healthy skin is beautiful skin! As our outermost defence layer, our skin is susceptible to damage: scars caused by acne and burns, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, and of course wrinkles and fine lines. Micro-needling can treat the root of this damage. During a treatment, special micro-needles are used to create thousands of micro lesions in the dermis, and this stimulates growth factors that induce collagen and elastin production in the skin, improving the function of the cells and thus the texture and appearance!

Recent studies by Dr. Frank Lin at John Hopkins University found that participants with hearing loss were significantly more likely to develop dementia. Compared to participants with normal hearing, the risk of dementia doubled among those with mild hearing loss, tripled among those with moderate hearing loss and increased fivefold among those with severe hearing loss. This result is too serious to ignore, so if you or someone close to you suspects that a hearing loss may exist, a free hearing test will confirm what level of loss is present, so it can be addressed before it gets worse.

Wouldn’t it be nice to feel truly confident, ready to meet life’s challenges? Honestly, many people do not feel this way about themselves and their place in the world! An event, a bad situation, or even a loss can undermine our security. It’s easy to get discouraged, but rebuilding your confidence is an act of bravery and resilience. Counselling can be a safe and neutral place to consider how best to reclaim yourself and your life.