Health and wellness are by-products of a life focused and ripe with meaning, and full of engagement with others in the creation of a beautiful world. Wise individuals have demonstrated an elegant unconcern for their own problems (physical or circumstantial) combined with a commitment to the wellbeing of others. This results in an observable radiance, strength of character, wisdom and, a remarkable ability for compassion. Focusing on self-health is fascinating, but also isolating, expensive, and time consuming. Overconcern for one’s personal health imprisons, limits possibilities, creative expression and loving relationships. The equation is basic: in serving others, we serve ourselves.

Flat feet or “fallen arches” are caused chiefly by weak flexor muscles. The major flexor muscles of the foot are meant to propel you forward by pushing against the earth behind you as you walk or run barefoot. However, lifelong use of shoes allows these muscles to atrophy and become weak. As these muscles weaken, they stretch out, allowing the ball of the foot to creep forward, resulting in the eventual collapse of the underside of the foot. Custom orthotics or dynamic rehabilitative orthotics are designed to recruit and strengthen the flexor muscles while you stand, walk, or run.

Research shows that on a conventional and scientific level that we can communicate with trees. To communicate with a tree, using your hands, connect with its energy field. With your heart ask permission to spend time with it. Place your hands on the tree, smell, feel and touch it’s leaves. Stand and hug or sit with your back against it’s trunk. Sit quiet and connect with the spirit within you. Ask a question and breathe in your answer. Thank the tree before leaving. This takes practise but overtime your communication will intensify.

As a Financial Planner I’m sometimes asked, should I do this or should I do that? In finance, it’s rarely that cut and dried. Should you pay off debt or invest? It depends. Should I invest in my RSP or TFSA? It depends! More often the answer is do something, or do both. If you work with a professional you should expect analysis and detailed response to the above questions, but more often than not, taking some positive financial steps to either reduce debt or increase tax efficiency (like RSP or TFSA) is always a good move.

Meet Jenn Abele, your local Registered Dietitian. Jenn’s approach to health and nutrition is evidenced-based and compassionate, working alongside clients to find individualized solutions that fit their lifestyle and goals. Whether you are looking for guidance on general nutrition questions or you require support with a specific area of concern, Jenn can help you to make sense of the overwhelming amount of nutrition information out there. Jenn is an advocate against diets and weight stigma and believes that health comes in all shapes and sizes. Her intention is to help you focus on the important things so you can worry less and enjoy life more.

Do you suffer from a stuffy or runny nose? What about itchy, watery eyes? Do you want to avoid daily use of over-the-counter drugs? It could be time to give acupuncture a try. Allergies occur when the body’s protective Qi (pronounced “chee”) becomes weakened. When this protective Qi is not functioning optimally, harmful environmental influences such as wind are able to invade the body, giving rise to allergies and illness. Acupuncture is a highly effective, natural alternative to strengthen and support the body’s immune system. Consider trying acupuncture to alleviate and eventually prevent your seasonal allergies and hay fever. You will be overjoyed with the relief you experience!

Reflexology is a natural therapy that reduces pain, stress & tension in the body and improves circulation (cardiovascular & lymphatic) and elimination.
There are reflexes in the feet which are connected to every part, organ and gland through a subtle energy that flows through channels in the body. When there is discomfort like stress, trauma, injury or illness, blockages develop in these channels and the flow of energy becomes disrupted. By applying pressure to these reflexes, signals are sent via the nervous system that release these blockages, relax the body and balance the natural functioning elsewhere in the body. It is a total ‘reboot and rebalance’!

Q: I tried watching the lunar eclipse recently but I had a hard time with it. I had to close one eye or the other because it appeared doubled. Why would that happen?

A: It sounds like you probably have a slight misalignment of your eyes. Sometimes this only shows up in certain circumstances. Looking at the moon is a unique situation because it is so far away, and the surroundings are dark. Get your eyes checked to see if it’s a problem with your eyes, or your general health.