We all know that quality counts, and we have all experienced having what seemed like a good deal at the outset, turn into not such a good deal. Quality and purity are especially important when it comes to products that we use aromatically, on our person, or as dietary supplements. Sadly, essential oil quality and purity are not as carefully regulated as we might hope or expect. According to some experts, the majority of essential oils on the retail market are adulterated in some fashion for quick profit. What qualifies an essential oil as being “pure therapeutic grade” is a recognized standard of independent third party testing that incorporates methods such as Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry. Pure essential oils from particular plant species, grown in the optimum conditions, and provided through ethical processes are well worth the price. As with all purchase decisions, it pays to get educated first!

Nelson Meggitt, www.optimumwellnessfactor.ca

We have talked about what you should look for in a quality highly active Aloe Vera and the over 200 active ingredients in Aloe Vera, so let’s list some symptoms and/or ailments which may benefit from using Aloe on a daily basis: Internally: Eyes, ears nose & throat ailments; Digestive Tract; Respiratory tract; Genito-urinary tract, Arthritis; Rheumatism; Diabetes (both types); Liver detoxification; Builds the immune systems; High blood pressure; Lowers cholesterol. Externally: Antiperspirant; Skin conditions; Rashes; Infections; Wounds; Sun or age spots; Anti-aging; Eye conditions; Burns.

The preceding should not be considered all that the Aloe can help, but in fact, when we come up against an illness or a topical affliction, we should be asking ourselves: “What will Aloe do?” From the book: – “Remarkable Aloe – by Dr. Ivan Danhof”. Known as the ‘Grandfather of Aloe’.

Maureen Glowasky, www.maureenglowasky.com

Upholding high standards of Holistic Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Radica Raj continues the legacy of an integrative facility created by Dr. Marlene Smith. Dr. Raj facilitates integrative holistic approaches such as Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Homotoxicology, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chiropractic care. Coupled with these practices, she also offers diagnostic and conventional medicine including laboratory blood tests, vaccines, urinalyses, fecal tests and cytology. Dr. Raj is continuing to expand into the cutting-edge field of Regenerative Medicine. She has paved the way for veterinary practice in the Comox Valley by becoming the first veterinarian on the Island to offer Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich plasma therapy for dogs and cats. Due to her recent joining of the on-call emergency group, Dr. Raj is now available on-call some nights and weekends for emergency services. Dr. Raj and Phoenix Rising are proud to be a part of the Veterinary Community in the Comox Valley.

www.PhoenixRisingVet.ca

Research shows that if you lose at least 10% of your unhealthy body weight, the chances of your general health improving are enormous. Weight loss may improve survival in those who have an obesity related illness, especially Type 2 Diabetes. Even losing just 10% of your body weigh can decrease your blood sugar levels and can also prevent your chances of becoming diabetic, if weight loss is sustained. Weight loss helps all of your vital organs function properly, making what you once thought as a simple body process, such as breathing, a lot easier to do. People who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea can experience improved sleeping patterns and less daytime sleepiness. You can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, dementia, and more, just by losing 10%.

Kristin Bjarnason, www.successweightloss.ca

Gratitude is one of the fastest and most effective ways to change your mood. When you’re feeling heavy, overwhelmed with difficulties or frustrated with what you don’t have, one of the quickest and easiest ways to change this is to focus on what you DO have! Here’s an easy exercise to add into our day: just notice what you feel grateful for. Especially when you’re frustrated or feeling like things aren’t going your way, try this practice to change up your energy. What we focus on expands, so the more we focus on what lights us up and makes us happy to be here, the better! Gratitude is a key in life to attracting what we want. Here’s an exercise to try: at the end of each day write down 3 things that happened for which you are grateful. Do this for 21 days. See how this feels and what happens!

Light Body Healing Works,  www.lightbodyhealingworks.com

Colon hydrotherapy is a great way to help improve your overall health and wellness. Through a process called “autointoxication”, toxins from fecal matter get absorbed and re-circulated into the bloodstream. As the toxins re-circulate, the body’s systems become overburdened which puts the body at risk for serious health conditions. Colon hydrotherapy helps to maintain regularity, kick-start weight loss, decrease colon cancer, maintain PH balance of the bloodstream and create an overall increase in well-being. During the one hour session, purified and pressure regulated water is introduced and released from the colon. This allows for the toxins, parasites and waste to be flushed out of your body. During the treatment, we provide a relaxing, comfortable experience after which many clients feel refreshed.

Kelly Wood, Island Colon Cleanse, www.islandcoloncleanse.com

Don’t be surprised if instead of a prescription for pills, your doctor fills one out for exercise. Especially if you’re inactive. It is extremely important that everyone exercise at least three times per week. Regular exercise not only controls weight, exercise combats health conditions and diseases. Studies show how exercise improves mood, boosts energy, and promotes better sleep. Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits and have fun. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you haven’t exercised for a long time, have chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis, or you have any concerns.

Curves Comox, www.Curves.com