Blepharitis causes inflammation of the eyelids that results in red, burning and irritated eyes. Dust, dandruff and eye make-up can clog the oil gland openings along eyelid rims which leads to styes, infection and inflammation. Flakes and debris can also accumulate along the bases of the eyelashes. Treatment involves daily warm washcloths or medicated eyelid pads to gently scrub the crusty material from the eyelashes as well as light massage to encourage unclogging of the oil gland openings. While there is no cure for blepharitis, daily hygiene can improve eyelid health as well as tear quality for more comfortable eyes.

The skin is an organ that we wear on the outside to protect what is inside. It helps us stay warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot. A healthy skin is vital for survival. Allergies and sensitivities are on the rise, with 1 in 5 adults suffering from allergies. What we put on our skin and on our face is just as important as what we put into our body. To avoid harmful chemicals and allergens, use skin products made with pure organic essential oils and natural ingredients to hydrate, nourish, pamper and repair your skin – naturally.

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of age-related blindness world-wide. Although there is no cure, early detection and preventative measures can delay or reduce vision loss. The central part of the retina at the back of the eye can become damaged over time due to Ultra-Violet radiation from the sun, smoking and/or poor nutrition. This results in the development of central blind spots and blurred or distorted vision. Symptoms progress slowly in the “dry” form and more rapidly in the “wet” form. Prevention of macular degeneration includes stopping smoking, good nutrition, regular exercise and wearing good quality UV blocking sunglasses.

‘Tis the season for freezing temperatures and slippery conditions that can lead to falls; falls that can result in serious injuries. In addition to obvious hazardous environmental conditions, the winter months bring with them unique characteristics and combinations of conditions that contribute to a higher risk of falling. Hypothermia, vitamin D deficiencies, and winter risks being brought indoors are among them. Work to help prevent winter falls by wearing footwear that provides a good grip, dressing warmly (try layering your clothes), talking to your doctor about vitamin D supplements, and cleaning up any puddles from any precipitation you’ve tracked inside your home.

Are you seeking ways to overcome emotional trauma? Do you have trouble letting go and moving on with your life? Living with the steady underlying stress of fight-or-flight can be exhausting. Survival mode is a phase that helps save your life in short term situations; it should not last throughout your life. Using a method from a course called “A Three Staged Approach to Treating Emotional Trauma with Acupuncture”, an acupuncturist can, in a safe and effective way, help your body to work through and release the trauma.

Like natural teeth, dentures can attract plaque, become stained, and collect food particles that can cause bad breath. They need to be cleaned daily to remove plaque and calculus. At home, dentures can be cleaned with over the counter cleaners and gentle bushing with a specialized denture brush. Ordinary toothbrushes and commercial toothpastes are too abrasive and can damage the surface of your dentures. When the plaque has hardened to calculus it will need to be removed at a denture clinic, so be sure to clean your dentures properly.