Community News
Natural Treatments for Age Spots

Sun damage can cause age spots later in life as elastin and collagen production (and skin turnover) slow. Many mainstream skin-lightening products contain hyroquinone, which damages the skin and liver over time. The dark pigmentation (melanin) is facilitated naturally by an enzyme called tyrosinase.  Natural ingredients that interfere with the production of melanin include fermented ingredients – greek yogourt, fermented rice (sake kasu), kombacha, kefir, sauerkraut, and apple cider vinegar. Apply them topically. These ingredients also provide a mild acid that exfoliates dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, gradually assisting in the lightening of age spots. Other natural acids like lemon juice have a mild bleaching effect. Skin-brightening herbs include Uva Ursi (Bearberry), Shiitake and Licorice root. One superb skin brightener is Horseradish. Make a paste of horse radish root, or a strong infusion and apply to the age spot daily. Or apply Wasabi (carefully – and do not get it in your eyes!). Horseradish is a powerful cancer fighter both internally and externally.

Karen Van Dyck, www.naturesfirstbeautybar.com

Raising a Vaccine Free Child

Raising a Vaccine Free Child, Wendy Lydall. As the media controversy around vaccination continues to rage parents are left to fend for themselves in an effort to make medical decisions for their children that will have an impact on their lives forever. As a naturopathic physician who has seen hundreds of vaccine-injured children I recommend this well-researched and down to earth book to all parents and professionals. Wendy Lydall presents a comprehensive, scientifically-based guide to the myths, facts, problems and solutions associated with vaccine questions.

Dr. Anke Zimmermann, ND, www.drzimmermann.org

Change Just a Little

Have you ever tried to change a little bit, be patient with your progress, watch, see, feel, how small changes grow into bigger ones as you learn, absorb your changes and improved self.  Try quitting a bad habit or modifying an unhealthy one. By making small changes we move in the direction of bigger change, without the stress, conflict or higher risk of failure, pressure that big change requires. A healthy body builder needs years to transform their physique through steady workouts and nutrition. A vegan might not go off dairy or eggs right away but transition as they feel more in control and knowledgeable about food choices.  Treating yourself to professional massage if you are not used to it can really elevate self awareness, speed recovery, helping you focus on other healthy choices. Our biggest loser mentality discredits smaller efforts and how they lead to inspired and bigger changes. Remember the tortoise and the hare?

Roxanne Derkson RMT GCFP, www.vivitherapy.com

More on Changing Habits

Starting the Change Process: Building on the 6 stages of changing habits (Pre-contemplation,Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance and Termination), it has been proven that without a plan or readiness, trying to change a habit is likely to fail. Motivation is key. You need compelling reasons why you want to change a habit. You must be aware of the pain associated with continuing on your current path, and the rewards of changing. “Should” is not compelling! To increase motivation, use others as inspiration. Model the behaviour of someone with the behaviour you want, or notice the ill effects of the habit you want to change. Talk about or journal in detail what you DON’T want to clarify your desire.  Include emotional elements; we all are attached to our habits. Next, detail what you DO want.  Then focus on inconsistencies between your current behaviour and your desired change. This will put you in touch with reality and increase your motivation!

Juhree Zimmerman R.N., B.Sc.N., M.Ed., C.P.C.C., O.R.S.C.C., Master Certified Coach, www.strategyforsynergy.ca

Improve Your Relationship – Communicate Better!

We all want to be valued in our relationship!  Ideally, couples can enjoy each other, get stuff done, and help each other feel emotionally safe.  Sometimes this is easy. But life for couples can be full of challenges to navigate — life stress, power struggles, irritating behaviours, parenting questions, time crunches — the list goes on.  We can struggle to be heard and get our point across effectively.  Under stress, we can treat our partner unhelpfully.  According to John Gottman, leader in the field of marital therapy, the most troublesome behaviours for couples are contempt, criticism, defensiveness, and withdrawal.  Counselling is a safe place to explore what’s going on and figure out how to change.  Counselling can help you understand each other better, handle your differences, stop destructive fighting, feel more resilient, and start having more fun.  Feel confident about your relationship!

Mary Munro, MA MC, www.marymunro.ca

Ask the Expert

Q.We were skiing up on Mt. Washington on the weekend and when we came back I noticed the white part of my eye was filled with blood! What happened?

A.You didn’t mention any discomfort or problem with your vision so I assume you suffered a small bleed from a broken blood vessel near the surface of the eye. These sometimes happen from increased pressure around the eye because of an involuntary “Valsalva” maneuver (forcing exhalation against a closed mouth and nose). Lifting the skis, bracing for a tricky run, straining to come off the ski lift, or trying to pop one’s ears while adjusting to different altitudes could have done it. The bleeds are often unsightly but usually go away within a few days. If it’s getting bigger, getting uncomfortable, happening frequently, or affecting the vision, get it checked out.

Alex Kennedy, www.mosaicvisioncare.com

Alternative Healing – Aromatherapy

There are many decorative essential oil “burners” available. We have all seen them! They are generally a ceramic or glass unit with a saucer for the oil and a rim for holding a little tea candle beneath. This is a cheap, quick and dirty way to scent a room…for the uninitiated. They are typically sold with “Aromatherapy” in the product name. When aromatic use is the desired application, those who know better will chose a proper essential oil vaporizer  regardless of the initial expense. The reason is that heating essential oils in the stone age way changes their composition and diminishes their intended therapeutic value. Essential oil vaporizer technology has come a long way in the last decade and there are certainly many styles and price points to chose from. It is easy to obtain one that suits your purpose and taste.

Nelson Meggitt, www.optimumwellnessfactor.ca

It’s Tax Return Time! 

Make sure to have your tax return filed on or before April 30th. This will ensure that you will not be penalized for being late or have to pay interest on outstanding amounts. Plus, if you have a refund coming, the sooner you file, the sooner you get your refund back. When returns have not been filed with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on time, eventually you can expect to hear from them with a request to file your returns.  Ignoring these requests long enough will usually result in an arbitrary assessment of CRA’s estimates of your income and tax payable.  These assessments are often quite “generous” in their estimates of the income you earn and the resulting estimated tax payable will usually get your attention quickly. If you have fallen behind in your tax filings, talk to your accountant.  They can help you assess your situation, prepare accurate tax filings and help determine your best possible course of action.

Derek L. Chase, CPA, CA, CIRP, www.chasesekulich.com

Dental Care for Your Pet 

Does your pet need a dental procedure? Cleaning? Extractions?  Your pets’ yearly wellness exams usually include an examination of their teeth, mouths and gums. But it’s not surprising that many of us don’t think too much about periodontal disease in our pets…at least not until something starts to look…or smell…bad! Often, there are no obvious signs, but just as with humans, our pets’ overall well-being is very dependent on the state of their teeth and gums. Infections, gingivitis, broken teeth and other mouth disease all can have very adverse effects on their systemic health, as well as being just as painful to them as it is for us. Your Veterinary family can help with tutorials on dental home care and prevention; treatment may include diet, oral rinses, special treats and brushing. In necessary cases, X-rays and dental procedures should be performed in clinic, under anesthesia.

Marina, www.puntledgevet.ca

The Spirit of Plants

Spring is upon us, a time for rejuvenation, and a time to reconnect with Nature. It is imperative that we do. For centuries indigenous peoples have been in harmony with the universal spirit in plants, animals, rocks, and water. This energy is all around us and now there is a worldwide awakening for the knowledge and understanding of plant intelligence. Each of us have the opportunity to connect with plants on a spiritual level, to work in harmony with Nature and to receive their direction and healing. If you have a longing to share this energy with plants on a deeper level, “Plant Spirit Healing” by Pam Montgomery is a must read.

Gord Weber

 Healthy Obsession

Helicopter parents are obsessed with their children’s success.  Obsession is considered an unhealthy fixation. On the contrary, a healthy obsession is what most people, characterize as a purpose for living. Most people are either searching for purpose, passion in life or already living it. A healthy obsession provides and history shows, the key to becoming greatly successful. Our powerful mind, when it becomes curious about something and passion grows, can manifest beyond imagination. Studies suggest helicopter parents’ good intentions can squash the initial curiosity and growing passion of a child. Trying to force a fledgling interest into a passion in order to guarantee success has led to many children dropping out, failing etc. Passion is internal, inspired and grows naturally. Once our curiosity has surpassed then passion can develop. Can success then stem from curiosity?  Year of the Monkey get curious first, passion and success will follow.

Roxanne Derkson, www.vivitherapy.com