Disinfecting our drinking water for more than a century with chlorine ensured it was free of the microorganisms that can cause serious diseases, such as typhoid fever. To this day, chlorine remains the most commonly used drinking water disinfectant. However, chlorine has been shown to promote a generation of free radicals within the body. Drinking tap water has been linked to bladder, breast and bowel cancer; and long-term effects of drinking, bathing, and swimming in chlorinated water has been shown to cause malignant melanoma. According to Dr. Rona, M.D., chlorinated water destroys most of the intestinal flora–friendly bacteria that help not only with the digestion of food, but with the production of vitamins B12 and K. Chlorinated water has been shown to destroy vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids. All of these factors have been shown to result in skin irritations, including eczema, acne, and rashes. TotalWaterCleaners.com

Expressive therapies is a healing discipline that offers you the chance to paint, dance, act, play, and be musical to create change in your life. It is particularly suitable for children, as they are far more likely to be more comfortable and able to express emotions and past experiences with paint, clay, or puppets than with words. They can help children release feelings they may not know how to let go of otherwise. They also bring attention to one’s strengths, lower anxiety and stress, heal and strengthen relationships, regulate behaviour, as well as help with trauma, autism, and all kinds of disabilities.
Victoria Expressive Therapies, www.victoriaexpressivetherapies.ca

The skin is like a factory or conveyor belt, delivering new skin cells to the surface every 21-30 days, which is the full lifecycle of skin cell growth and exfoliation. A facial helps that process along. The treatment will keep your skin clean, clear, and toned. Having one every four weeks helps you maintain that beautiful glow all month long by cleansing your skin and freeing it of toxins, which stimulates the exfoliation process. This deep exfoliation is necessary for skin to appear more toned and youthful-looking. It also allows the products to penetrate into the skin.
Chris Laidlaw, DMK Skincare, DMKskincare.ca

I sat in the hallway playing music softly on guitar in between the birth and delivery unit and the special care nursery. Occasionally I stood up with the guitar and moved closer to one unit or the other, so that the nurse’s station was within earshot of the music, but not too close that I’d be at all in the way. I stayed for about an hour at a time, playing and singing. I was careful to create only a background soundscape that did not disturb the concentration of either the staff or the patients. One day the supervisor in the special care nursery invited me to come in; She explained that the music seemed to have a calming effect on the staff and on the parents of the preemies, which in turn was excellent for the preemies. When I returned to the hallway a little while later, staff from the birth and delivery unit mentioned that they’d missed hearing the music in my absence and wished to have it more often. They said that it made it easier and more pleasant for them to perform their tasks and they had found themselves humming quietly while they worked and smiling more than usual. Nejama Ferstman, MTA Certified Music Therapist, ShiriMusicTherapy.ca

December is simply a difficult month! Balancing negative stresses and positive happiness may seem impossible. One way to help yourself get through it is to pay special attention to your INTENTIONS; the thoughts you have before you act on them. During the first week of December, say aloud as often as you can, “I intend to experience some joy and laughter each day of this month”, and then VISUALIZE yourself laughing and feeling happy. You have increased the chances of this being YOUR REALITY by up to 75% more. Season’s Greetings!
Barbara Gilmore; bgilmorecounselling.com