With all of the fun and excitement of the holiday season, it can be easy to forget about dental hygiene essentials. Here are 5 tips for kids’ holiday dental care: 1) Eat fruits and veggies – make eating these foods fun and kids will enjoy them! Cut into shapes or create artistic plate presentations with them. 2) Drink plenty of water – it’s good to stay hydrated and water helps wash away sugar and food on your teeth. 3) Schedule brushing and flossing time. 4) Be sure to brush after snacking on those sugary treats to avoid cavities. 5) Schedule an end of year dental cleaning
Magnesium for a Good Night’s Sleep
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, many of us aren’t getting adequate rest. Magnesium is a vital mineral for promoting restful sleep, as it helps regulate neurotransmitters involved in calming the nervous system. By binding to GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors, magnesium encourages relaxation, reduces anxiety, and prepares the brain for sleep. It also supports melatonin production, which regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Magnesium’s role in muscle relaxation can ease physical tension, which further aids in unwinding before bed. Foods rich in magnesium—like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds—or supplements taken in the evening can enhance sleep quality, especially for those with deficiencies. Adequate magnesium promotes a deeper, more rejuvenating sleep.
Ask The Expert
Q: Which is better for your eyes – making the font bigger on a cell phone, or using glasses instead to see it better? A: Those options aren’t necessarily bad for the eyes. Straining to see near objects can be uncomfortable and annoying, but a normal part of life for many people. If one cannot see up close because of poor focus, then proper glasses are often the best way to see fine detail in print and images. Enlarging the font will do in a pinch. If one’s vision is impaired from some other problem (cataract, for example), then magnification is sometimes needed as well. At Mosaic, we’ll work with you to make your visual life as comfortable as possible!
Book Club
Burnout – The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle – By Emily Nagoski PhD and Amelia Nagoski DMA. This ground-breaking book explains why women experience burnout differently than men—and provides a simple, practical plan to help women minimize stress, manage emotions, and live a more joyful life. With the help of eye-opening science, prescriptive advice, and helpful worksheets and exercises, all women will find something transformative in these pages—and will be empowered to create positive change.
Clean Eating: Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups milk or milk substitute, 1 1/2 cups water, 2 1/2 cups quick oats, 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp salt. Direction: Bring the milk and water to a boil in a saucepan that’s large enough to prevent boil-overs. Reduce the heat to low. Add the oats and then stir in all other ingredients. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until oats are done and oatmeal is thickened to your liking. Enjoy!
Healing Through Osteopathic Care
Symptoms often arise from dysfunction elsewhere in the body. Osteopathic Manual Practitioners identify and address these underlying issues, sometimes treating areas distant from the pain site. This holistic approach facilitates natural healing and correction. Patients typically experience relief from acute and chronic pain, inflammation, stiffness, and postural imbalances, as well as improved mobility, healing time, immunity, sleep, anxiety, and overall vitality. Gentle in nature, osteopathic treatment is suitable for all ages and can address various musculoskeletal conditions, including cranial-sacral and visceral connections, enhancing immunity and lymphatic flow.
Men’s Health Essentials
This Movember, prioritize your physical and mental health. Managing mental health is vital; stigma can prevent men from seeking necessary support. Additionally, discuss prostate cancer risks with your doctor; understanding your risk is vital with lifestyle changes and early detection. Staying active also enhances both physical and mental well-being—whether walking, swimming, or hiking, keep moving to boost your overall health. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to talk with our pharmacists for guidance and support. Your health matters; take proactive steps this month and beyond.
Community Events:
Can I Ask You a Question: Wed. Nov. 6: 5:30-8 pm: Stan Hagen Theatre. 2300 Ryan Rd. Join local medical experts for an informative evening about medical issues you may be too embarrassed to ask! TED-style event presented by Dr. Elizabeth Thompson (General Surgery), Dr. Aaron Kennedy (Gynecology), Sharoon Lawrence (Pelvic Health Physiotherapist), and Dr. Alexandra Bascom (Urology). All proceeds will be going to YANA! Scan to register:
3rd Annual Christmas Craft Market: Sat. Nov. 16: 9am – 2pm: at the d’Esterre Senior’s Centre. A free family event located at 1801 Beaufort Ave. Featuring talented members crafting Handmade Gifts from the Heart. Quality, unique crafted items. Something for everyone. A wide variety of pottery, glass creations, quilting, lapidary, silver smith, books, puzzles, baking, and so much more.
Ask The Expert
Q: I had cataract surgery a couple years ago and it was great at first but now my distance vision is blurry. I thought I’d have perfect vision for the rest of my life, what’s up with that? A: Having some changes in vision after cataract surgery is surprisingly common. Getting an eye exam will ascertain if your lens implants are still clear, or if you’ve had some changes in perception or the focus of your eyes, or if you’ve developed some other kind of problem with the health of your eyes. Be sure not to neglect your routine eye assessments, come visit us at Mosaic Optometry!
Vitamin D & Dental Health
Vitamin D plays a vital role in dental health by supporting calcium absorption, which is essential for strong teeth and bones. It helps in the mineralization of the tooth enamel, protecting teeth from decay and cavities. Adequate vitamin D levels can also prevent gum diseases like periodontitis, as it promotes a healthy immune response that reduces inflammation in the gums. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to weaker teeth, making them more susceptible to fractures and infections. Therefore, maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D is crucial for overall oral health and preventing dental problems.
Community Announcement:
Dr. Graham Sigalet, ND, is now accepting patients at Broken Squirrel Wellness! Specializing in chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, gastrointestinal health, perimenopause and menopause, men’s health, and more, Dr. Sigalet offers personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Explore advanced treatments like IV nutrient therapy, prolotherapy, and platelet-rich plasma for both health and aesthetic purposes. Ready to take the next step toward wellness? Book your appointment today! Phone: (250) 871-1336 Book Online: brokensquirrel.janeapp.com/#/naturopathic-medicine. Your journey to better health starts here!


