Look to your feet for relief. When not experiencing foot pain, few people think about them when their hips or knees hurt. They may be told it is arthritis or cartilage damage and do not consider how the alignment of their feet and ankles may be contributing to their discomfort. As we age, many people become more sedentary and see an increase in body weight. The arches of the feet can become flatter over time due to excess pressure from above and weakness developing underneath. As arches flatten, they fall inwards too. This causes the leg to rotate inwards. This rotation puts the knees and hips out of alignment. Depending on the amount of arch collapse, the foot may require a significant amount of correction to ease the hip or knee pain. Deep-cupped corrective foot orthotics have been found to work wonders at alleviating pain in joints further up the body. Diane Calder, BSc KIN, CPed(C), Pedorthist.

B.D Mitchell Prosthetics and Orthotics, www.mitchellpando.com

You may not have heard of Frankincense being referred to as The King of Essential Oils but perhaps you can guess which one is called The Queen. If you said Lavender, you are correct! Lavender angustifolia is commonly called English Lavender or True Lavender, and has also been dubbed as The Universal Oil. Well known and loved for its calming effects, it may also provide symptomatic relief of burns, acne, boils, minor skin irritations and cuts. It may also reduce appearance of skin imperfections. Use in cooking to soften citrus flavors and add a flavorful twist to marinades, baked goods, and desserts. Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water to mist pillows, bedding, your linen closet or mattress. Rub a few drops on bottoms of feet, temples or add to bath water as part of your nightly routine.

Nelson Meggitt. www.optimumwellnessfactor.ca

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. Filing your tax return also qualifies you to receive certain benefits such as child tax benefit and quarterly GST credits depending upon your income level.

Derek L. Chase, www.chasesekulich.com

The traditional approach to understanding chronic pain has always separated the mind and body – viewing them as functioning independently of one another. New research on pain is helping us understand that this is not true. It is becoming more and more apparent that all individuals respond differently to pain depending on biological, psychological and social factors. Some examples of psychological and social factors include cognitive function, activities of daily living, environmental stressors, interpersonal relationships, and even previous treatment experiences. This is very exciting research as it tells us that an interdisciplinary approach to treating chronic pain is most effective. Massage therapy plays an important role in the management and treatment of chronic pain as it has been proven to decrease the stress hormone cortisol, reducing anxiety and stress. Massage also helps release endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) which help mask pain and provide a sense of well-being.

Sydney Reaburn, RMT, www.courtenaymassagetherapy.com

Spring is in the air! Along with all the lovely tree, grass and weed pollens! Allergies are incredibly common in our pets, especially here on the coast, and can be divided into four known categories; Contact, Flea, Food and Inhalant. When discussing inhalant allergies, we can’t forget mold or mildew, and of course our favourite tiny cosmopolitan pyroglyphid, the dust mite! Unfortunately, the clinical signs of all allergic reactions are commonly shared, and in cases tend to overlap, but each type can manifest its own unique characteristics. The most common type of allergy in our region, next to flea contact dermatitis, is the inhalant type, also called ‘atopy’. For reasons obvious to the seasonally suffering human, allergies are just as misery-inducing in our pets. Itchy, raw and irritated skin, watering eyes, nasal discharge, and congestion make up but a few symptoms that should inspire a visit to your veterinarian.

Happy Paws Pet Food, www.happypaws.ca

Current and historical research point toward obesity as a major factor in a long list of diseases and painful conditions. Fortunately, the issue is now balanced by programs that have emerged, such as the Ideal Protein Protocol. This protocol is designed to provide major assistance to those wishing to lose weight and to increase the body’s ability to lose fat. It does so without causing the loss of muscle mass. The “secret” would seem to lie in the fact that the protocol provides each participant with tools and resources for weight loss, education, and maintenance that are easy to incorporate into their daily life. In addition to losing fat at a steady predictable pace, the protocol works to reduce food cravings, improve energy, and allow participants to naturally control their appetite. The Ideal Protein Protocol, which incorporates one-on-one weekly coaching, has been shown to result in improved blood sugar, reduced blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels.

Alma, www.successweightloss.ca

Q: I lost my glasses when I was visiting Arizona this winter, and I got some new ones there. But I do not see as well as with my other glasses. What could be the problem? The prescription is the same.

A: Sorry to hear that! I wouldn’t be able to really solve your specific problem, but your newer lenses could be somehow misaligned or shaped differently than what you’re used to. Or, your new lenses might be made from a less-transparent material, or perhaps there is a problem with the lens coating. This is assuming that your eyes haven’t somehow become worse while you were travelling. All of these issues can be addressed at your next eye exam.

Dr. Alex Kennedy, www.mosaicvisioncare.com