Community News
Hearing Loss and Balance

Hearing loss is one of several factors that can cause falls. Individuals who have even a mild degree of hearing loss are three times as likely to experience accidental falls. Studies have shown that wearing hearing aids improves balance compared to an individual who does not wear hearing aids, but who has hearing loss. There are three major ideas for why hearing loss can affect our balance: 1) hearing loss causes less awareness of our environment, which means less awareness of people or activities around us; 2) hearing loss decreases spatial awareness, which makes it harder to know where you are compared to your surroundings; and 3) hearing loss uses more brain energy, which means there is less energy for balance.

April is IBS Awareness Month

Did you know 13-20% of Canadians live with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? This chronic gut disorder causes cramps, bloating, and bowel issues, leading to an average of 73 restricted activity days per year. IBS is the most burdensome chronic ailment reported by patients, often taking six years to diagnose. While there’s no cure, proper nutrition, like a low-FODMAP diet, can ease symptoms. Managing stress, staying active, and staying hydrated also help. Consulting a healthcare provider ensures the best approach for digestive health. Raising awareness is key to helping those with IBS live more comfortably and freely.

Laser Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Dealing with stubborn heel pain, especially in the morning? It could be plantar fasciitis—a painful inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot. Class 4 laser therapy delivers deep, targeted light energy to reduce inflammation, speed up healing, and relieve pain naturally. But plantar fasciitis may also be a sign of lower kinetic chain dysfunction—issues in your hips, knees, or ankles affecting how you move. Chiropractic care addresses these root causes through joint adjustments, mobility work, and soft tissue therapy to improve alignment and function. Heal faster and move better—book with Dr. Rachel Poff at Origin Integrated health to start your chiropractic and laser treatment today!

Whole Body Light Therapy

The ARRC Elysium system combines advanced light therapy with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to support whole body healing. Six optimized wavelengths work alongside PEMF to improve cellular communication, circulation, and nervous system balance while enhancing the mitochondrial benefits of photobiomodulation. Green light supports wound healing, helps reduce headaches and migraines, offers antibacterial benefits for acne, and can assist with chronic pain. Red light focuses on skin, muscles, and superficial tissues, encouraging collagen production, tissue repair, and reduced inflammation. Near infrared light penetrates deeper to reach joints, nerves, and muscles, supporting mitochondrial activity, easing chronic pain, nerve irritation, and supporting recovery.

Hidden Pollutants in Homes

Indoor air can be 5 to 100 times dirtier than out door air quality and most people spend about 90 percent of their time inside. Common pollutants include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, smoke and volatile organic compounds from household products and building materials. These contaminants can trigger allergies, asthma, headaches and other respiratory problems. Over time dust and debris also collect inside air ducts and circulate through your home. Having your ducts professionally cleaned helps remove built up contaminants and improves airflow. Professional air purification systems capture fine particles, reduce allergens and help create a healthier home. K

Spring Hydration Tips for Seniors

Spring is the perfect season to refresh—and that includes your hydration! As temperatures rise, seniors are more prone to dehydration, especially because thirst cues can be weaker with age. Make water a daily habit: sip steadily throughout the day, carry a colorful water bottle, or enjoy herbal teas and fruit-infused water for a tasty twist. Snack on juicy fruits and crisp vegetables like watermelon, oranges, and cucumbers to boost fluids naturally. Limit caffeine and sugary drinks, which can drain hydration. Staying well-hydrated supports energy, digestion, joint comfort, and mental clarity, helping seniors enjoy a vibrant, active spring.

YOU MATTER. So does your trauma.

Trauma is real, and its effects are often misunderstood. It shapes how you see yourself and the world. It can also cause you to question your intuition and sense of what is true.
As Gabor Maté teaches, trauma is not the event itself as much as what happens inside you as a result. When the body and nervous system carry what was, it can distort what is possible. We help you gently process trauma without re-traumatizing – restoring peace, clarity, and self-trust.

Ask The Expert

Q: Why is that my eyes always water when I walk outside in the cold weather?
A: It’s most likely that your eyes are slightly irritated all the time and a cool wind is enough to make them react by watering. Common causes of irritation are insufficient blinking (from staring at devices or screens), dryness, or other dysfunctions of the eyelids. Remedies include lubricating eyedrops and warm compresses, amongst other things. Come see us at Mosaic for your full assessment!

Understanding Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition caused by an allergic reaction to airborne substances such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander. When exposed to these allergens, the immune system releases chemicals like histamine, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, and throat irritation. It can occur seasonally, especially during spring and fall, or year-round depending on the trigger. While not usually serious, allergic rhinitis can affect sleep, concentration, and daily comfort. Management often includes avoiding triggers, using antihistamines, nasal  sprays, and maintaining clean indoor environments to reduce allergen exposure. Pharmacists now have more access to products to help with allergic rhinitis without having to see your doctor.

Dry Mouth & Oral Health

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common issue for seniors, often caused by medications, dehydration, or medical conditions like diabetes. Saliva plays a vital role in digestion, protecting teeth, and preventing infections, so reduced saliva can increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and oral discomfort. Seniors may notice difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or tasting food. Simple strategies can help: sip water frequently, chew sugar-free gum, use saliva substitutes, and maintain good oral hygiene. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor for complications. Managing dry mouth improves comfort, nutrition, and overall oral health for a better quality of life.

Why Test at 50

Hearing experts recommend everyone get a baseline hearing test around age 50. While hearing loss is often associated with older age, it commonly begins earlier and can progress quietly for years. A hearing test at 50 helps detect changes early, when treatment options are most effective. It also creates a clear baseline, so future changes are easier to track. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline, depression, and increased fall risk. About one in four adults aged 50 to 65 already experience some degree of hearing loss. After 50, testing every two to three years is recommended, with more frequent checkups after 65.