Community News
70 is the New 50

Working into retirement, postponing having kids, living longer – the lifecycle of Canadians is changing. This has implications on personal finances and retirement savings. New research suggests that old age now starts at 74, with middle age lasting at least nine years longer than current estimates. What we think of as old has changed over time and it will need to continue changing in the future as people live longer, healthier lives. Two hundred years ago, a 60-year-old was a very old person. Someone who is 60 years old today could be argued as middle aged. In terms of health, longevity, and view of life, “baby boomers” in their sixties and seventies will be more like their parents and grandparents were at 50. This means people can work longer if they so desire. For many people, 70 is the new 50 and signifies the quiet revolution that has taken place in longevity.

Brett Scott, www.disabilitytaxcreditwinnipeg.com

Clean Eating: Sweet Potato Brownies

1 cup mashed sweet potato, ½ cup smooth nut butter of choice, 2 tbsp maple syrup, ¼ cup cocoa powder, handful of carob chips (optional). Preheat oven to 350 and grease a small cake/ loaf pan. On the stove, melt nut butter with maple syrup. In a large bowl add the mashed sweet potato, melted nut butter and maple syrup, and cocoa powder and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour mixture into greased pan and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing and refrigerating. These brownies are best when cooled completely. Store in fridge or freezer and ENJOY!

What is an ETA-Scan?

Bio-resonance health scans are used for assessments and restoration of the energy field for the physical and emotional body. The ETA-Scan identifies the sources of interfering energetics such as electro-smog, parasites, virus’s, bacterial infections, allergies, pollutants or food sensitivities. Before and after images of graphs and symbols are read with the practitioner so the distinctive wave patterns of the condition are evident. You may want to have an ETA-Scan done before and after cranial sacral therapy, a cleanse, or lymphatic drainage treatment to see what improvements are made or which remedy or therapeutic modality is the most optimal for that specific condition. Are parasites vanquished, or are the kidneys functioning better after the tonic? Did the liver flush give the desired result? Was blood circulation in the brain improved after cranial sacral therapy? The ETA-Scan is a time saver and a money saver in the over- all picture of health!
Laurie Pryce, www.biodynamicbody.ca

When Susan Was Five

Susan had physical limitations due to Cerebral Palsy. Our first meeting at school, I saw a young child bent over her own lap, able to hold her head up just enough to meet my eyes for a brief moment. We sang our alphabet, chanted our numbers, and drummed and hummed. It did not take long for muscles in Susan’s back, neck, and abdomen to respond. Singing requires sound which requires breath to produce the sound. Joining in a song requires timing, synchronization with others, and more breath. Clapping, tapping and spontaneously moving to the beat calls on muscle groups in several parts of the body to respond. Soon Susan was looking up, looking outwards, and reaching outwards. Susan is now in her twenties, living independently from her parents. She sings beautifully, has an infectious laugh and enjoys the company of good friends. She continues to enjoy the many benefits of Music Therapy.
Nejama Ferstman, www.shirimysong.ca

Eating Right During Fall

Oriental medicine considers fall as the season when the lung organ works the hardest. As it gets colder, oriental medicine calls for warm and soupy meals opposed to eating lots of raw veggies and fruits. It is the time when the internal body needs support of warmth and nurturing. The season calls for more protein, as well as a bit of spice such as ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon. The digestive system supports immune and lung functions. It is important to support digestion with nutrition, herbs/spices, as well as probiotics. Food that is healthy for lungs during this season are: almonds, walnuts, grapes, cabbage, miso, navy beans, apricots, banana, eggs, apple, and lemon. Additional beneficial food includes: asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, quinoa, amaranth, and rice. Fall is a great time to clear mental and emotional clutter and grief. It is naturally a time of closure. Ref. “ Healing with Whole Foods” Paul Pitchfort.
Dr. Hegillman, www.oriri.ca

Try a Float!

Climbing into a float tank (or pod) has been described much like revisiting the womb – a peaceful, quiet, warm and comforting place. It is a place where one can relax, recover and remove oneself from their busy and stressful lives. Once settled on the surface of the tank (the water is saturated in Epsom salts so you float effortlessly) and the lights go out – the outside world disappears. No sight, no sound, and no sensation – even the forces of gravity drift away as you are suspended in perfect harmony. Your body/mind instantly begin to slow down as your reach Theta state (deep meditative state), breathing rate decreases, blood pressure decreases and stress hormones all naturally decrease (cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine). The decrease of stress hormones is because your sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”) is allowed to finally turn off (which is very rare). In return, your body is flooded with natural “feel good” chemicals – specifically dopamine, which gives you that happy “high” feeling. So the next time you feel overwhelmed or stressed – a float session may very well be the answer!
Erik Zaremba, www.floathousevictoria.com

Highly Concerned Researchers

A new syndrome has been described: ASIA, Autoimmune/AutoInflammatory Syndrome induced by Adjuvants. Researchers from around the world are sounding the alarm. An adjuvant is a substance used in vaccines to stimulate the immune system and aluminum salts are the most used adjuvants for humans. Aluminum is a potent immune system stimulator and is also highly neurotoxic. It has been shown to induce serious immunological disorders and long-term brain inflammation in humans as well as experimental animals. Symptoms in adults can include lupus-like, rheumatoid arthritis-like and MS-like syndromes, thyroid disorders, chronic fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Symptoms may take weeks or months to fully develop following vaccination. For that matter, what might such a neurotoxic and highly immunogenic substance be doing to infants and children? Likely, it would dramatically increase the risk of life-long autoimmune and neurological conditions. Fortunately, there are natural ways to increase the elimination of aluminum, including drinking silicon-rich mineral water.
Dr. Anke Zimmermann, ND, www.drzimmermann.org

A New Twist on the 100 Mile Diet

On average, food items travel 1500 miles (2414 kilometers) before arriving at the table. Typically, the average 400 calories breakfast consumes 2800 calories of fossil fuel energy. Most people have heard of the 100-mile diet and the many benefits of this philosophy. If you adhere to this 100 mile carbon footprint you will benefit from: fresher food that is not shipped from long distances, minimal or zero preservatives, supporting the local economy with money that cycles directly back into your community, and ultimately a healthier consumer and community! This same philosophy can be applied when purchasing your pet food. Why wouldn’t you want to promote such positive outcomes concerning your pet, as well? Take a moment to think about this the next time you are going down the aisles selecting a name brand for your pet’s nutrition. Think about purchasing a local holistic product that has far-reaching benefits!
Barbara Guidetti, www.happypaws.ca

Attachment From the Cradle to the Grave

Having secure relationships is connected to the quality of our human experience. Studies show that infants deprived of love will fail to thrive. In contrast, children given love and nurturing develop secure attachments to their parents. They become better able to regulate their emotions and are more confident to explore the world! This need for positive and secure attachment continues throughout all stages of life. John Bowlby stated, “Attachment is important from the cradle to the grave.” For example, a study with adults revealed that holding the hand of a loved-one reduced the intensity of pain during a medical procedure (J. Coan 2006). An excessive amount of tension within important relationships can take a huge toll on you emotionally, physically, and mentally. Counseling is a proven method of intervention that has helped millions of people worldwide to improve the quality of their most significant relationships.
Terri Czegledi, MA, MFT Registered, Clinical Counsellor, www.comoxvalleycounselling.com

Integrated Pain Solutions

How do we treat SIJ dysfunction (sacroiliac joint dysfunction) that causes low back and leg pain when it does not heal by itself or with conventional medicine? An alternative option called Regenerative Injection Therapy (RIT) also known as Prolotherapy may provide lasting relief. Our body is held together by a network of connective tissue that are vulnerable to injuries. Joints that are badly sprained are easily reinjured due to ligament and tendons laxity resulting in arthritic changes. RIT involves injections into the site of pain. This stimulates our inflammatory healing response in the injured tissue. When we are injured our body naturally produces an inflammatory response. It stimulates substances carried in the blood that produce growth factors in the injured area in order to heal. Why do we not heal? Ligaments, tendons, and cartilage have a poor blood supply, which may result in an incomplete healing.
Dr.Ross Ralph Dr.TCM,RAc., DOMP, Advance Neurofunctional Sport Performance Specialist, www.courtenayhealing.ca

Shin Pain Slowing You Down?

Running can be a fun, enjoyable way to get in shape and feel good. However, if you develop shin pain it can stop you in your tracks. “Shin splints” is a generalized term for lower leg pain that occurs below the knee either on the front outside part of the leg (anterior shin splints) or the inside of the leg (medial shin splints). Shin splints are described as ‘an overuse injury’ but also may be caused by a variety of ankle and foot problems such as over-pronated or under-pronated feet. A common remedy for shin pain is to use ice and to rest. If it persists, it should be properly diagnosed and treated by your doctor. Ensure you are wearing properly fitted running shoes that suit your alignment. Secondarily, a well-fitted custom foot orthotic may be required to correct a biomechanical issue. Don’t let shin pain get in your way; seek the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Bryan Mitchell, www.mitchellpando.com