Community News
Exfoliate Naturally with Enzymes

What is an exfoliant? An exfoliant is a product that helps detach the outer layers of the skin, removing trapped debris and clearing the way for oils to flow naturally. Enzymatic exfoliation is a plant active based therapy, mainly from fruits. Why exfoliate? Exfoliation is an important tool against rough and dull skin. Also, dead cell proteins will clog the pores, increasing the chance of breakouts and acne. Enzymatic exfoliation is gentle and has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it particularly good for sensitive skin. Enzymes work at a deeper level; improved smoothness and texture, and minimized lines and wrinkles result from regular enzyme exfoliation. Christopher Laidlaw, DMK Skincare, DmkSkinCentres.com

3 Ways to Bio-Hack Your Health

1. Change your eating routine
Intermittent fasting is a great way to do this, and can be a way to lose weight, normalize insulin sensitivity, and balance hormones.
2. Ground yourself with nature
How often do you walk barefoot in the grass? Try grounding as your next bio-hack, as it can reduce inflammation by lowering stress on the body and can improve sleep.
3. Zone out
Meditation can be the ultimate brain hack if you do it regularly. If you feel that you can’t shut down your thoughts or stop your brain, try guided meditation.

Vegan Cashew “Cheese”

Are you interested in trying a vegan diet, but aren’t ready to give up all cheese? You must give this recipe a try! Here’s what you need: 3/4 cup raw cashews, 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, ¼ cup water, ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar, black pepper to taste. Here’s how to do it: Place cashews in a bowl with warm water and soak for at least 2 hours. Drain and add to food processor along with all other ingredients. Pulse until thoroughly combined. Enjoy this “cheesy” alternative!
Adapted from www.eatliveandplay.com

Don’t Be the Water Filter!

Disinfecting our drinking water for more than a century with chlorine ensured it was free of the microorganisms that can cause serious diseases, such as typhoid fever. To this day, chlorine remains the most commonly used drinking water disinfectant. However, chlorine has been shown to promote a generation of free radicals within the body. Drinking tap water has been linked to bladder, breast and bowel cancer; and long-term effects of drinking, bathing, and swimming in chlorinated water has been shown to cause malignant melanoma. According to Dr. Rona, M.D., chlorinated water destroys most of the intestinal flora–friendly bacteria that help not only with the digestion of food, but with the production of vitamins B12 and K. Chlorinated water has been shown to destroy vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids. All of these factors have been shown to result in skin irritations, including eczema, acne, and rashes. TotalWaterCleaners.com

Benefits of Dog Ownership

Research supports the statement that ‘people who own dogs live longer’, and pet owners have some great advantages in balancing daily living. Your dog gets your day started with a much-needed walk, and possibly a couple more throughout the day. You are loved unconditionally by your furry friend. You take time to groom, train, talk to, and play with your dog – social interaction that can offset hours spent on the computer and phone. A dog can change your life, add to your life, give you a life, and extend your life! Not a bad thing to consider. Barbara Guidetti, Happy Paws Pet Food, HappyPaws.ca

Make Peace with Family

Families can be amazing – sometimes! They can be our strength, or they can leave us feeling crummy – undermined, discouraged, saddened, powerless, trapped, guilty, or abandoned. We don’t always get the fair treatment we want. Family members can be overbearing, or act like sneaks or victims. Sometimes, they criticize your choices, no matter what you do! How do you hold your ground without lashing out or checking out? How do you build the life you want? Counselling can be a safe and neutral place to discuss strategies to deal with family and reclaim your life. Mary Munro, MaryMunro.ca

Product Review: Avena Original’s Superfood

Hand-harvested and sun-dried, Avena’s Original’s Super Foods choose deliver outstanding nutrition. They combine dense greens and herbs with the nutrition your body needs to thrive. A scoop of Superfood contains 100% RAW living foods such as Cellulase Enzymes, Alpha-Amylase Enzymes, Beta Carotene, Pineapple Fruit, Celery Seed, Kelp, Beet Root, Broccoli Stem/Flower, Kale Leaf, Irish Moss, Artichoke, Echinacea Root, Siberian Ginseng, Horsetail, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf, Barley Grass, Catalase, Whole Mushroom, Acerola Cherry Fruit, Maltase, Alfalfa Herb Top, Dulse Whole Plant, Pea Protein, Protease Enzymes, Milk Thistle, Tomato Fruit, Spinach, Dandelion Root, Lipase, Wheat Grass, & Phytase Enzymes. Every serving is the equivalent of eating a fresh salad or green smoothie! AvenaOriginals.com

Blackheads – Causes and Treatments

Blackheads, also referred to as “open comedones”, are small spots on the skin that surface when oil and dead skin clog the pores.
You may be tempted to pick, pop, and poke to get rid of blackheads quickly. There are better ways, so resist the urge.
If you are prone to blackheads and pore congestion, opt for oil-free makeup, lotions, and sunscreen. Home peels and exfoliation products can remove blackheads using active ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic acid.
Regular monthly professional treatments will keep your skin clear and healthy. A good treatment provides exfoliation, as well as softening and drawing out the blackheads. Chris Laidlaw, DMK Skincare, DMKSkinCare.ca

Expressive Arts at Home

Formal expressive therapies should be facilitated by a professional, but that doesn’t mean your children can’t have fun with the expressive arts at home! Encourage them to explore their creative side with their siblings or friends. Let them paint; play with clay, playdough, or puppets; sing a song; or improvise with a tambourine, rattle, or drum. Incorporating the expressive arts into your child’s life can have such great benefits, particularly if mental or behavioural challenges are present. But they aren’t just for coping; they also have great effects on a child’s normal development. Sophie Von Herrmann, Expressive Arts Therapist, B.Ed., M.A., VictoriaExpressiveTherapies.ca

Community Notice

NOW HIRING. LOOKING FOR CAREGIVERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
We are a community-based agency that provides person and family-centered supports for people with diverse abilities on Vancouver Island.
We are now hiring for the following shifts in your area: Shelbourne/Hillside area.
We are a 24-hour/7 days a week group home with a number of different shifts to be filled. If you are caring, flexible, passionate, and motivated to learn, we want you to be part of our team! No experience is required, we train the right people! IntegraSupportServices.com
Send resumes to: careers@integrasupport.ca