Christmas is the season of giving, of not only gifts, but also our time and energy. If we are not careful, we can quickly find ourselves overwhelmed by all the hustle and bustle of the season. To help you stay grounded and grateful, and truly make the most of each day, consider giving yourself the following gifts: presence, silence, and self-compassion. Presence will help you focus on the moment and keep your mind from wandering. Silence is essential for recharging your batteries and reflecting on all for which you are grateful. Self-compassion will help comfort you when the reality of the season does not match the idealized version you wish to be true.
Community News
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
Expressive Therapies for Children
Expressive therapies is a healing discipline that offers you the chance to paint, dance, act, play, and be musical to create change in your life. It is particularly suitable for children, as they are far more likely to be more comfortable and able to express emotions and past experiences with paint, clay, or puppets than with words. They can help children release feelings they may not know how to let go of otherwise. They also bring attention to one’s strengths, lower anxiety and stress, heal and strengthen relationships, regulate behaviour, as well as help with trauma, autism, and all kinds of disabilities.
Victoria Expressive Therapies, www.victoriaexpressivetherapies.ca
vivsLiving with Confidence
Life takes some courage! But life can be challenging sometimes, and it’s easy to feel discouraged, self-critical, doubtful, or just plain empty. How can you encourage yourself when things are hard? How can you make big changes when everything feels a bit pointless? How can you handle your negative thoughts? How can you handle others judging you? It is possible to learn to live with more confidence, and set the doubts aside. You can start to find ways to support yourself. Counselling is a great place to be heard and supported. Find your path forward!
Mary Munro, MaryMunro.ca
Give the Gift of Experience
A good question to ask yourself as you look around your place and see all the ‘stuff’ everywhere is, how much of it really gives you pleasure or adds meaning to your life? A recent survey of millennials advises that about 70% were willing to forgo gift giving in lieu of time spent with family and friends. Maybe this year, giving gifts of our time or experiences – making dinner with clean-up, walking in the woods, running errands, making a batch of cookies, or taking down the Christmas tree and recycling it – would be remembered and treasured more so than presents.
Doris Minervini, Abakhan & Associates Inc., Abakhan.com
Lose Weight & Still Enjoy Wine!
Research suggests people who follow a Mediterranean diet lose 52% more weight than the standard low-fat diet because it isn’t just a fad or limited list of foods. It’s a lifestyle based on a balanced approach to your meals, which focuses on produce, healthy fats, whole grains, legumes, fish, and even some red wine. Committing to losing weight for three months using the Mediterranean diet as a base, along with three booster products and three lifestyle changes, guarantees results. And there is no meal skipping! Look and feel great for all of your holiday parties and events!
Lisa – Modere, LiveClean.Market
Product Review:
Serrapeptase, the little miracle enzyme! Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme, which means it breaks down long protein chains into amino acids that the body needs. These enzymes bind to the alpha 2 macroglobulin in our plasma where it is shielded from the immune system while retaining its enzymatic activity. They are then free to roam through the blood stream seeking to break down hard protein (non-living tissue), fibrin surfaces, scar tissue, granuloma, and even thin out mucous to ease conditions such as chronic sinusitis.
It’s been proven to be a safe and effective alternative to NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen) and should be taken on an empty stomach. The capsule must be a special DRcap (Delayed Release capsule) or enteric coated capsule that allows the Serrapeptase to pass through the stomach to the small intestine where the enzyme is then released. Enerex.ca
Book Club:
What To Do After “I’m Sorry, it’s Cancer.” An Exceptional Guidebook for Navigating Your Way to Health and Happiness. Two-time survivor Wanda St. Hilaire provides easy-to-read information that you will not get at your local cancer centre. Learn how best to navigate your cancer journey and make empowered, informed decisions. St. Hilaire’s mission is to greatly reduce suffering and ensure you maintain a high quality of life through, and well beyond, cancer. You’ll discover how to uncover imbalances for healing and you’ll create a unique and personalized wellness plan that will help you on toward health and happiness. ImSorryItsCancer.com
Does Your Pet Need Dental Care?
It’s not surprising that many of us don’t think too much about periodontal disease in our pets…at least not until something starts to look…or smell…bad! Often, there are no obvious signs, but just as with humans, our pets’ overall well-being is very dependent on the state of their teeth and gums. Infections, gingivitis, and broken teeth all can have very adverse effects on their systemic health, as well as being just as painful to them as it is for us. Your veterinarian can help with tutorials on dental home care and prevention. Treatment may include diet, oral rinses, brushing, and of course, professional cleaning done by your veterinary team.
Is Your Toothpaste Toxic?
Did you know that your mouth is one of the most absorbent places in your entire body? While you’re brushing the ingredients in your toothpaste enter your mouth and gums, which are the gateway to every system in your body. This is why you need to be very careful when choosing toothpaste. Many brands contain questionable ingredients that you’re far better off avoiding. Modere’s toothpaste received the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) gold standard verification. • Sugar free • Fluoride-free • Water-soluble abrasives clean without damaging tooth enamel • Supports healthy looking teeth and gums • Our non-toxic formula means it is safe for the whole family • Natural peppermint oil freshens breath. Lisa Tustin, Modere, LiveClean.Market
Do the Side Hustle
Have you ever thought about a side hustle? A little something on the side that would not interfere with your regular job or home life, but would provide something extra to the budget so that you could use less credit or none at all. Perhaps you want to save for a holiday or new appliance, or to give yourself a spa treatment. What about dog walking, painting, house or pet sitting, tutoring, yard work, and even joining focus groups? With gift-giving season approaching, it would be great to have the funds ahead of time, and side hustles can help you avoid holiday debt. Doris Minervini, Abakhan & Associates Inc., Abakhan.com
