A bunion is a bump that forms on the side of the foot, by the big toe. Once thought to be caused by wearing pointed-toed shoes, bunions are now considered, in most cases, to be the result of fallen arches. Fallen arches cause a change in how the feet work and bunions are one of the possible symptoms. This means they can be prevented, if the foot arch is corrected early enough. It also means the bunion could return after surgery, if the cause of the bunion is not addressed. Custom orthotics are one component of an appropriate treatment plan for bunions.
Community News
Winter Health
Winter is the darkest, dampest, and coldest time of the year; however, this should not be construed as a bad thing. In nature, winter is a time of hibernation, and for people, it is a time of introspection. Some basic recommendations for winter to stay healthy are: dress appropriately (wool); eat cooked or warmed foods to counteract the cold temperatures outside (soups, stews); avoid copious amounts of raw vegetables, juices, or chilled foods and beverages; use spices like ginger or cinnamon; and sleep longer (go to bed earlier, wake up later).
Shield Yourself From Harmful EMF Pollution
For many years now, authoritative reports such as Bioinitiative 2007 & Bioinitiative 2012 have revealed the serious adverse health effects of certain prevalent electromagnetic fields (EMF). Some culprit emitters of much of the EMF pollution are not surprisingly the very devices we often purchase at high prices and are convinced we cannot live without. Even with self-discipline and lifestyle changes stemming from increased awareness of the problem, EMF pollution is relatively inescapable in our present society. Realizing this, more people are now also protecting themselves and their living/work spaces with EMF transmuting Shieldite(*TM) having proprietary Biometric Frequency Infusion Technology. Nelson Meggitt, OptimumWellnessFactor.ca
Every Breath You Take
Each of the 20 breaths you take per minute supplies essential oxygen to your body’s cells while dispelling carbon dioxide. This helps revitalize your entire body from the respiratory system to your digestive system. How you feel, your energy level, clarity of mind and mood is dependent on how well your bodily systems are functioning
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Breathing clean air that is free of unhealthy chemicals and gases helps maintain a healthy body and a happier mindset. Using products with activated charcoals in your home helps absorb odours and chemicals that prevent you from making every breath you take clean and revitalizing.
New Year Resolutions
It’s wonderful to want to make changes in your life. The problem is, change doesn’t happen overnight, and most resolutions end up being abandoned. Then we feel guilty about it. Consider, instead, small sustainable steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Being healthy isn’t just about what we eat and how much we weigh. Real wellness includes how we talk to ourselves, our outlook on life, and how we deal with stress. Feeling better can start with any of these things. See January as only the beginning of your wellness journey!
Book Club: Ageless Soul
Living a Full Life with Joy and Purpose by Thomas Moore. Aging is the process by which one becomes a more distinctive, complex, fulfilled, loving, and connected person. Using examples from his practice as a psychotherapist and teacher who lectures widely on the soul of medicine and spirituality, Moore argues for a new vision of aging: as a dramatic series of initiations, rather than a diminishing experience, one that each of us has the tools―experience, maturity, fulfillment―to live out. Ageless Soul will teach readers how to embrace the richness of experience and how to take life on, accept invitations to new vitality, and feel fulfilled as they get older.
Vegan Cashew “Cheese”
Are you interested in trying a vegan diet, but aren’t ready to give up all cheese? You must give this recipe a try! Here’s what you need: 3/4 cup raw cashews, 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, ¼ cup water, ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar, black pepper to taste. Here’s how to do it: Place cashews in a bowl with warm water and soak for at least 2 hours. Drain and add to food processor along with all other ingredients. Pulse until thoroughly combined. Enjoy this “cheesy” alternative!
Adapted from www.eatliveandplay.com
4 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immunity
There are plenty of natural remedies to help you boost your immune system and stay healthy all winter long:
1. Focus on Vitamin D. Did you know that most people have low vitamin D levels? Even dangerously low, within a range that could severely limit your immune system.
2. Eat More Garlic. Garlic is one of the most potent of all superfoods that goes back thousands of years for treatment of illness.
3. Get Your Probiotics. 70% of your immune system lies in your gut flora and the health of the friendly organisms in there to protect you against pathogens and sickness.
4. Avoid ALL processed foods and sweetened soft drinks. This is no time to bombard your body with processed foods, fried foods, high-fructose corn syrup, refined sugars or chemical additives.
Giving Back: Longing for Belonging
Most of us take for granted the community that surrounds us. We have family, friends, co-workers, neighbours – people who help us celebrate life’s milestones, look out for us, and connect us to the broader life of our community. These circles of belonging are essential to our quality of life and studies show that they strongly affect our mental and physical wellbeing. But what if your circumstances exclude you from the life of your community? Having a developmental disability can do just that and the folks at L’Arche Comox Valley are passionate about creating community that includes everyone – with and without developmental disabilities. The I Belong! Campaign is about creating a space where that can happen. Our goal is the construction of a Centre for belonging that also includes residences for those able to live independently. Join us – support us! L’Arche Comox Valley
Community Profile:
The Comox Valley Lifeline Society, a non-profit organization, has been providing an easy-to-use personal emergency response system to the Cowichan Valley since 1988. The Society was established because the membership believed that people deserved the dignity to live on their own and have access to immediate help in an emergency situation. If you experience a fall or other emergency in your home, every second counts. Delays can jeopardize your recovery and your independence. Lifeline quickly connects you to a trained Response Associate, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at the push of a button. You are never alone and help is always there when you need it. Denise Metcalfe, ED, ComoxValleyLifeline.com
Carrots are Candy!
Yes, that is what people say after eliminating sugar from their daily diet. Rewards of reducing sugar consumption are improved sleep, better memory, higher and more stable energy levels, weight loss, better digestive function, and better overall well-being.
Did you know that some form of sugar is in almost every packaged food item? Even purchased soup broths have added sugar. Sugar is the master of disguise.
It can be challenging to remove sugar from your diet. To succeed, find a program that provides recipes focusing on nutrient-dense foods, along with guidelines and support to help you significantly change your taste and cravings for sugar. Removing sugar from your diet will change you!
Kimi Nakamura, Yoga 10 Studio, Yoga10Studio.com,
CourtenayMassageTherapy.com
