Summer brings longer days and more opportunities to connect, but it can also be a difficult season for those experiencing stress, anxiety, loneliness, or emotional distress. If you or someone you care about is struggling, you do not have to face it alone. CRCL (pronounced “circle”), which stands for Crisis Response, Community-Led, provides a free mobile crisis response service in the Comox Valley for anyone aged 13 and older. Trained crisis responders offer compassionate, person-centered support when it is needed most. Save this number today: CRCL Crisis Line 250-681-4878. For current hours and more information, visit their website -> avi.org/comox-valley-crcl

Q: I’ve got one pair of sunglasses which are doing something weird. They make back windshields look all smudgy. What’s going on with that?
A: That’s from polarized lenses and it’s normal. The polarization will reduce reflections off the water and other shiny surfaces, and we often recommend these lenses because they are visually comforting and reduce that glare. However, certain transparent materials like tempered back windshields and LCD screens can appear somewhat dark, smudgy, or rainbowish when viewed through polarized lenses. Front windshields are made differently than front windshields and do not produce the effect. We are always glad to answer your optical questions at Mosaic Optometry!

Liver health is essential for energy, digestion, hormone balance, and detoxification. Yet conditions like Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) are now extremely common and occur when fat accumulates in the liver, often alongside issues such as insulin resistance. A core naturopathic principle is treating the whole person; treatment focuses on sustainable changes rather than quick fixes. Nutrition is central, reducing refined carbohydrates and added sugars is particularly important. Antioxidant vitamins and minerals from colourful vegetables support the liver’s ability to neutralize free radicals generated by metabolic dysfunction. Lifestyle medicine is just as important. Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and reduces liver fat, even without significant weight loss.

As we age, protecting our teeth becomes even more important. Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, can happen during sleep or even while you’re awake, often without you realizing it. It may be linked to stress, certain medications, sleep disorders, or natural changes in your bite over time. Grinding can cause headaches, jaw pain, worn and cracked teeth, as well as damage to existing crowns, bridges and implants. The good news is that your dentist can spot the signs early and recommend simple treatments, such as a custom night guard or other solutions, to help protect your smile and keep you comfortable.

Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to overlook the early warning signs. If you frequently ask others to repeat themselves, struggle to follow conversations in noisy places, turn the television up louder than everyone else, or notice ringing in your ears, it may be time for a hearing assessment. Many people assume others are mumbling when the real issue is reduced hearing. Early detection can make a significant difference in communication, relationships, and overall quality of life. If these signs sound familiar, book a professional hearing evaluation and discover solutions that can help you reconnect with the sounds that matter most.

Have you ever woken up in a stuffy bedroom or left a meeting with a headache, even though the room temperature felt comfortable? Often, the cause isn’t heat—it’s a buildup of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from people breathing in a space with limited fresh air. While outdoor CO₂ levels are typically around 400 ppm, indoor levels can rise much higher in tightly sealed homes, schools, and offices. Although these levels are not usually dangerous, CO₂ is an important indicator of ventilation and indoor air quality. Monitoring CO₂ can help you know when it’s time to bring in more fresh air.

August is Autoinflammatory Awareness Month, reminding us that early recognition matters. Persistent or recurring symptoms such as unexplained fevers, joint pain, fatigue, rashes, or ongoing inflammation should never be ignored. While these symptoms may have many causes, they can sometimes indicate a rare autoinflammatory disease. Your pharmacist can help review medications, discuss symptoms, answer questions, and recommend when to seek medical assessment. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve long term health and quality of life. For trusted education, resources, and support, visit the Canadian Autoinflammatory Network at autoinflammatory.ca and speak with your healthcare team for guidance, support, and care.