Tobacco, in the form of cigarettes, is the most addictive drug in the world. It is true that one of the benefits of smoking is the brief relief of internal tension; unfortunately, within 20 minutes the tension is back stronger than before, demanding another fix. Low level laser (soft laser) therapy is safe, easy, and can be highly effective – well documented 85 to 94% success rate, when it comes to quitting smoking. It is also an affordable option, as it costs less than buying one month’s worth of cigarettes (for the average smoker). Low level laser therapy sessions take about an hour and doesn’t require any pills, patches, or gum to be effective.
Community News
Problems with Planter Fasciitis
Q: What is planter fasciitis? A: This usually begins as a tenderness or mild discomfort on the sole of the foot, in the heel or arch area, and then becomes more severe. The plantar fascia is a tough ligament-like band of tissue that runs from your heel, through the arch area, and out to the ball of the foot. If you over-pronate (feet roll in), the plantar fascia becomes strained, with most of the stress occurring at the heel. Over-the-counter insoles may provide some relief, as can supportive taping, but custom orthotics is usually the best long-term solution.
Want to be Financially Independent?
Here are some tips to help you become financially independent: 1) Spend less than you earn. 2) Have a plan and stick to it. 3) Buy a house and pay off the mortgage as soon as you can. 4) Get rid of any credit card or consumer loan debt. 5) Set up pre-authorized transfers to move 10% of your monthly income into savings. 6) Work with an advisor to choose an investment plan that works for your goals. 7) Don’t put all of your money into one investment option. 8) Save and invest any extra income (bonuses, etc.).
Written Output Learning Difficulties
Even in this age of computers and technology, it’s important for kids to be able to express themselves using their own hands. Many children with learning difficulties often deal with dysgraphia, which can be described as a disconnect between the brain and the hands. This can prevent children from being able to write down their own thoughts and ideas, a skill that is important for academic success. Getting to the root of a child’s dysgraphia can help them to better express themselves and can free up space they were using to grapple with the issue, so that they can focus on their creativity.
Joint and Ligament Repair
Joint injuries are common and, far too often, people who experience them have ongoing pain and mobility limitations. The question that many ask is, “Why is this taking so long to heal?” The nature of injury to connective tissues like ligaments and tendons makes it difficult for the body to repair the injury. There is very little blood flow through them, and nerve supply is disrupted, which means that repair happens slowly, or poorly, resulting in instability, recurring injury, or chronic pain. Prolotherapy and Neural therapy treatments target these sites specifically to bring about regeneration and repair for resolution of the recurring injury or pain in about 80% of well-diagnosed conditions.
Combating Symptoms of Stress
Stress can bring on fatigue, mood changes, insomnia, low immune function, sugar craving, weight gain and more. The symptoms can develop when your brain and adrenal gland respond by regulating some of our stress hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenalin, and cortisol. A dysregulation (over or under secretion) can cause further problems in the thyroid gland, poor gut health, chronic fatigue, depression/anxiety, addictive behaviours, and more. Blood work and hormone tests, available through a Naturopath or MD, is a good place to start in stress management but also practicing good self-care with yoga, meditation and exercise are also very effective.
Preventing the Holiday Blues
Christmas is supposed to be one of the happiest times of the year. Yet, many of us secretly dread it. To avoid feeling overwhelmed with everything, it may be helpful to set boundaries, such as an escape plan at your holiday events. Maybe tell your host you’re going to leave early? Or perhaps take your own car? When you limit your time, you may be able to enjoy your friends and family way more! Remember, when we’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s always for a good reason. Be gentle on yourself… And have a happy holiday season!
Book Club: Making Sense of Mindfulness
Do you practise mindfulness? Manitoba-born author Keith Macpherson (BEd) is a mindfulness life coach and motivational speaker who has been inspiring audiences for more than twenty years.nown for his popular “daily intentions” on social media and his regular column “Keith’s Corner” in several corporate wellness magazines, Keith inspires thousands of people daily with his messages of mindfulness. This book is available now at your local book store.
10 Things that Happen When You Quit Smoking
According to Cancer.org, after only 8 hours of your last cigarette, the oxygen levels in your blood increase. After 12 hours, your carbon monoxide blood levels drop to normal. After 2 days of not smoking, you’ll have heightened senses of smell and taste. 3 days later, your bronchial tubes relax and breathing may feel less labored than before. During the first 9 months smoke free, your shortness of breath will improve, and the tiny cilia hairs in your lungs will regain function, allowing your body to clean your lungs. After 1 full year, your risk of heart disease is about half compared with a smoker. After 15 years of being smoke-free, your risk of a heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.
Living Life Longer
We are living WAY longer than we used to. Did you know that the average age of death in 1900 was 47? Today it is 87. This means that we really need to take care of ourselves, not only physically, but mentally as well. Being on the planet longer also means that we will go through many more transitions throughout our lifetime: births, deaths, jobs, house moves; the list goes on. Transitions can cause us stress, so make sure you have good outlets and sounding boards as you move through life. A safe, trusting relationship gives us support and perspective in times of change.
Retiring Successfully
People are living longer these days, and sometimes retirement requires supplemental income. Retiring early can mean that what you have saved isn’t enough to cover your costs long-term. Before making the decision to retire early, it’s important that you think carefully about your finances. Having an in-depth conversation about your finances with your advisor can ensure you make the best decision possible about retiring. Semi-retirement could be an option, giving you time to save more money or cover costs while on the road to full retirement. Working with your advisor to understand your situation can ensure you retire successfully.
