Community News
Dreaded Headaches

With the fast pace of modern lifestyle, an increasing number of people suffer from headaches. There are several types of headaches: migraine, tension, cluster, and menstrual headaches. Some headaches are felt on top of the head, on the temples, or over the sinus cavities. Others radiate from the neck to the eyes, on the forehead, and the whole head. There are numerous causes for headaches to develop. The cause of a headache isn’t necessarily in the head. Problems in other parts of the body also contribute to headaches. They may be caused by an ear, sinus, or throat infection. In addition, headaches occur from whiplash, stress, tension, and hormones. Improper posture, weak digestion, and TMJ dysfunction also induce headaches. It’s necessary to identify what’s causing the headache in order to help relieve the pain. Since the causes and symptoms of headaches are so different, headaches need to be assessed and treated according to the individual’s condition.

Dr. Brigitte Tetrault Dr.TCM, RAc. Certified Advanced Practitioner NST, www.courtenayhealing.ca

Alternative Healing – A Proactive Mindset

Along my own journey of multidimensional healing and transformation, the greatest asset I have cultivated is a proactive mindset. Let’s face it; we live in a time where “instant fixes” are all around us. It’s easy to be conditioned into coasting along with mediocre or faltering health, finances, relationships, etc. It even seems normal and acceptable to run into problems and then complain about what “they” were unable to do for us! If this sounds a bit like you, refrain from useless blame and apathy.   If you hear a pessimistic voice inside saying, “It’s a little late in the game for me to (fill in the blank),” my suggestion to you is to look for the hidden blessings and untapped treasures in any situation. It’s easier to get to work once we realize that a long row to hoe simply means a bigger harvest!

Nelson Meggitt, www.optimumwellnessfactor.ca

Avoid Financial Stress This Christmas

The upcoming holiday season may promote excessive spending. The best way to cope with a materialistic time of year is not to fall prey to pressure from the retail world. At the end of the day, as long as there is Christmas, there will be gift-giving. How much money should you plan to set aside for this season? Many financial planners recommend spending no more than 1.5% of your annual income on holiday spending. For example, if your annual household income is $50,000 you should spend $750 or less on holiday gifts, travel, and entertainment. After you set a budget, aim to pay cash for your purchases, buy local, find sales, and avoid applying for department store credit cards that can put you further into debt. Remember what’s most important. The holidays are a time for making memories and spending time with family. Give yourself a break and remember the true meaning of the holidays!

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

The Not-So-Great Outdoors

Many cat owners feel guilty about keeping their cats inside and worry they are depriving them of natural instincts. Generally speaking, a cat that spends his entire life indoors will live many years longer than a cat restricted to the outdoors. If your cat has indoor/outdoor access, he still faces increased risks to his health and safety. On top of the parasites and potentially fatal diseases it can contract (including feline leukemia and feline AIDS), your outdoor cat is always at risk of being struck by a vehicle. Even the most “street savvy” feline can become distracted while in pursuit of prey or while being chased by another cat or dog. It’s a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness. Playing regularly with cats and providing them with entertaining toys can easily satisfy their stalking instinct, keep them stimulated, and provide the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy.

Rob Lamont – A Pet Lovers Warehouse, www.apetlovers.com

Book Club: Chakra Wisdom Oracle Toolkit

A 52-Week Journey of Self-Discovery with the Lost Fables Paperback by Tori Hartman. Let this book guide you in opening up your intuition, removing blockages from your life, improving your relationships, and realizing your highest potential. Have you ever wondered about chakras? You may wonder how to open your chakra channels or just understand what they are. Maybe you just wish to make your life more colorful and become something more. Become a successful, interesting person, a witty talker, a person who knows more and is determined to continue developing. This book is for you.

70 is the New 50

Working into retirement, postponing having kids, living longer – the lifecycle of Canadians is changing. This has implications on personal finances and retirement savings. New research suggests that old age now starts at 74, with middle age lasting at least nine years longer than current estimates. What we think of as old has changed over time and it will need to continue changing in the future as people live longer, healthier lives. Two hundred years ago, a 60-year-old was a very old person. Someone who is 60 years old today could be argued as middle aged. In terms of health, longevity, and view of life, “baby boomers” in their sixties and seventies will be more like their parents and grandparents were at 50. This means people can work longer if they so desire. For many people, 70 is the new 50 and signifies the quiet revolution that has taken place in longevity.

Brett Scott, www.disabilitytaxcreditwinnipeg.com

Clean Eating: Sweet Potato Brownies

1 cup mashed sweet potato, ½ cup smooth nut butter of choice, 2 tbsp maple syrup, ¼ cup cocoa powder, handful of carob chips (optional). Preheat oven to 350 and grease a small cake/ loaf pan. On the stove, melt nut butter with maple syrup. In a large bowl add the mashed sweet potato, melted nut butter and maple syrup, and cocoa powder and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour mixture into greased pan and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing and refrigerating. These brownies are best when cooled completely. Store in fridge or freezer and ENJOY!

What is an ETA-Scan?

Bio-resonance health scans are used for assessments and restoration of the energy field for the physical and emotional body. The ETA-Scan identifies the sources of interfering energetics such as electro-smog, parasites, virus’s, bacterial infections, allergies, pollutants or food sensitivities. Before and after images of graphs and symbols are read with the practitioner so the distinctive wave patterns of the condition are evident. You may want to have an ETA-Scan done before and after cranial sacral therapy, a cleanse, or lymphatic drainage treatment to see what improvements are made or which remedy or therapeutic modality is the most optimal for that specific condition. Are parasites vanquished, or are the kidneys functioning better after the tonic? Did the liver flush give the desired result? Was blood circulation in the brain improved after cranial sacral therapy? The ETA-Scan is a time saver and a money saver in the over- all picture of health!
Laurie Pryce, www.biodynamicbody.ca

When Susan Was Five

Susan had physical limitations due to Cerebral Palsy. Our first meeting at school, I saw a young child bent over her own lap, able to hold her head up just enough to meet my eyes for a brief moment. We sang our alphabet, chanted our numbers, and drummed and hummed. It did not take long for muscles in Susan’s back, neck, and abdomen to respond. Singing requires sound which requires breath to produce the sound. Joining in a song requires timing, synchronization with others, and more breath. Clapping, tapping and spontaneously moving to the beat calls on muscle groups in several parts of the body to respond. Soon Susan was looking up, looking outwards, and reaching outwards. Susan is now in her twenties, living independently from her parents. She sings beautifully, has an infectious laugh and enjoys the company of good friends. She continues to enjoy the many benefits of Music Therapy.
Nejama Ferstman, www.shirimysong.ca

Eating Right During Fall

Oriental medicine considers fall as the season when the lung organ works the hardest. As it gets colder, oriental medicine calls for warm and soupy meals opposed to eating lots of raw veggies and fruits. It is the time when the internal body needs support of warmth and nurturing. The season calls for more protein, as well as a bit of spice such as ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon. The digestive system supports immune and lung functions. It is important to support digestion with nutrition, herbs/spices, as well as probiotics. Food that is healthy for lungs during this season are: almonds, walnuts, grapes, cabbage, miso, navy beans, apricots, banana, eggs, apple, and lemon. Additional beneficial food includes: asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, quinoa, amaranth, and rice. Fall is a great time to clear mental and emotional clutter and grief. It is naturally a time of closure. Ref. “ Healing with Whole Foods” Paul Pitchfort.
Dr. Hegillman, www.oriri.ca

Try a Float!

Climbing into a float tank (or pod) has been described much like revisiting the womb – a peaceful, quiet, warm and comforting place. It is a place where one can relax, recover and remove oneself from their busy and stressful lives. Once settled on the surface of the tank (the water is saturated in Epsom salts so you float effortlessly) and the lights go out – the outside world disappears. No sight, no sound, and no sensation – even the forces of gravity drift away as you are suspended in perfect harmony. Your body/mind instantly begin to slow down as your reach Theta state (deep meditative state), breathing rate decreases, blood pressure decreases and stress hormones all naturally decrease (cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine). The decrease of stress hormones is because your sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”) is allowed to finally turn off (which is very rare). In return, your body is flooded with natural “feel good” chemicals – specifically dopamine, which gives you that happy “high” feeling. So the next time you feel overwhelmed or stressed – a float session may very well be the answer!
Erik Zaremba, www.floathousevictoria.com