More and more evidence is showing that your gut health has an enormous effect on your brain, your body’s immune system, and hormonal secretion. Food sensitivities can cause ill effects beyond the physical symptoms of inflammation, allergies, and asthma. Anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings can also appear, because they create imbalances in key chemicals in the brain. Dietary changes that include probiotics, fermented foods, and natural fats help your microbiome and gut-brain signaling. Stress and cortisol equip you with energy to attend to tasks at hand; however, excess or chronic stress has a negative effect on brain chemistry, causing thyroid dysfunction and/or adrenal fatigue, which leads to compromised mental and physical health. Know that Brainwave Optimization brings relaxation to the master regulator of the nervous system – the brain – so it can help your gut. In a “both-and” world, it’s all connected.
Community News
Hypertension Awareness Month
The possibility of being diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension) can be an unnerving thought. However, lifestyle adjustments and proper treatment can often effectively improve symptoms or end symptoms altogether. A diagnosis often starts with a simple blood pressure test. Even for healthy adults its important to get their blood pressure checked at least once a year. Nearly half the people diagnosed with hypertension are unaware they have high blood pressure. Dietary changes, proper exercise, reducing stress, and certain medications are effective ways to battle HBP. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist for more information and don’t forget to check your blood pressure!
Regenerate, Rejuvenate, Rejoice
Originally a Presbyterian church, Bell Aura was built in 1898. Its solid structure has held many guests in its arms, both as a church and as a bed and breakfast. Its positive energy can be felt in every nook and cranny. It hosts many events, from small weddings and family reunions to yoga retreats and house concerts. Our dining room has celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, bridal showers, fashions shows, and murder mysteries. Bell Aura has housed musicians and authors, “tinkers, tailors, soldiers and spies”. (Well, maybe not spies.) It has even been home to a few rescued pets. And some people just come for a warm smile and a good night’s rest. The reviews are always the same: “Absolutely wonderful!”
May is Vision Health Month
Regular eye exams are even more important as you reach your senior years. After you turn 60, a number of eye diseases may develop that can change your vision permanently. The earlier these issues are detected and treated, the more likely it is that you will retain good vision. These problems can include: age related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye and glaucoma. In addition, vision testing can also be instrumental in detecting early onset of diseases such as cancer, stroke, heart disease and others. May is Vision Health Month. Book your eye exam now.
Community Profile – ETA Bus Tours
ETA Bus Tours has been providing travel and tour options on Vancouver Island since 1996. Leave the car at home and enjoy sightseeing trips to shopping, theatre performances and tourist attractions on Vancouver Island and the mainland. ETA is Vancouver Islands’ Original Casino Connector offering one day or overnight tours to casinos in the lower mainland and Washington State. For longer getaways, their packaged tours include Blue Jay games in Seattle and wine tours in Washington State. They offer convenient pickup locations from Qualicum Beach to Duncan and everywhere in between. Mention this profile and receive a discount on your next tour.
Regenerate Your Back with Ozone Therapy
Ozone therapy in combination with injection therapy results in about 75% of chronic pain sufferers to become permanently pain-free. Chronic pain occurs in areas of the body that contain ligaments, cartilage or articular surfaces which typically have only 1/10th the circulation that is seen in other connective tissues. This makes them especially vulnerable to the effects of decreased oxygen utilization and aging, which further compromises circulation. When these areas become traumatized a significant amount of edema and inflammation only serve to further decrease circulation. Prolozone therapy with procaine, natural anti-inflammatory medications, vitamins & minerals and ozone gives the tissues what they need to heal. And as they heal, the circulation to the area is re-established.
The Functional Medicine Approach – What is it?
Functional Medicine is patient-centered health care at its best. Practitioners address the whole person, their story and experiences and not just an isolated set of symptoms. To determine the root cause of disease, we must investigate and understand how factors such as genetics, environment and lifestyle influences long-term health and chronic disease. A comprehensive intake procedure includes lab tests, a review of current medications and supplements and examining the existing diet. Cutting-edge diagnostic testing, natural treatments and integrative practices help the patient move towards wellness. Practitioners work together with other healthcare professionals to ensure clients get the best healthcare possible.
LATISSE® for Beautiful Eyelashes
Who wants longer, naturally thicker eyelashes? It is now possible without the use of false eyelashes or eye lash extensions. LATISSE® is an FDA-approved treatment to grow eyelashes for people with inadequate or not enough lashes. LATISSE® extends the lash cycle, preventing your lashes from falling out so they just keep on growing. It is applied almost like a liquid liner right at the base of your upper lashes. Most users see results within the first four weeks of use. It is the only prescription product in Canada to grow your own natural eyelashes longer, fuller and darker and is available through your medical spa provider.
Spring Cleaning for Dry Skin.
Did you know that your hair and nails grow faster this time of the year? This is the time to exfoliate to slough off all those dead skin cells that have been accumulating on your face from the winter and vacations. An Ultrasonic Squeaky Clean Facial prepares your skin for the warm months ahead. It is a non-invasive method that frees your skin to let it breathe and better absorb beneficial nutrients. Each facial is customized to meet the specific needs of the client. Skin will be smoother, clearer, lifted and ready for the months ahead.
Benefits of Reflexology
Foot Reflexology is the application of specific finger pressure techniques on feet, combined with acupressure with focus on reflex points and their connection to our body’s organs. It is a wonderful, natural, health therapy and analysis tool. It improves circulation of blood, encourages lymphatic drainage, rejuvenates life energy, and eases pain within other body parts. The body is fostered to detox and heal itself.
Benefits of Regular Exercise
Participating in exercise is widely known to be beneficial to our health. Here are a couple less talked about benefits of exercise that may encourage all of us to get off the couch and dedicate ourselves to a regular workout routine: • Feel Happier – Exercise increases the production of endorphins that produce positive feelings. To feel happier, we just need to start moving! • Get More Brainpower – Exercise increases blood flow to the brain. This improves brain function and enhances memory. For information on Parks and Recreation programs to help you get moving, please visit our website.
