As winter approaches on the Island, the days get shorter, the weather changes, and you might notice you develop the winter blues. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a seasonal depression affecting 18% of Canadians, but there’s a lot you can do to get back to yourself again. Start by taking Health Canada approved Truehope EMP, a nutritional supplement that supports your mental and physical well being. It’s supported by 36 medical journals and scientists at over 16 universities worldwide. Compliment EMP with light therapy every morning, extra vitamin D, regular exercise, social time with friends, and a healthy diet.

There are quite a selection of natural and pure essential oils which are antibacterial, helping to prevent the spread of germs. Flu particles can remain viable on objects for 48 hours – spreading with every sneeze, hug and hello! Diffusing oils into the air in your home will help to destroy these particles before they find a host. If you already have a cold, add them to a warm bath, and inhale the aromas. Terminator is a blend of antibacterial essential oils all chosen to help you through flu season – keep some on a tissue in your pocket for relief!

For most people, the Christmas holidays are a time of celebration and good cheer. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way at this time of year. For some, the holidays can be a sad time if there has been a past trauma or if they are depressed. If you feel sad, lonely, or become depressed during the holidays, don’t struggle alone. Talk to your health care professional or reach out to family and friends. If you don’t feel you can share your situation with anyone you know, call a support line. Help is a call or text away. 14-Hour Crisis Line in the Comox Valley: 1-888-494-3888.

Are you suffering from the Winter Blues? The cold, dark and damp days of winter can literally dampen your energy. Acupuncture has been proven to be an effective treatment for depression, without the unwanted side effects. Acupuncture needles move energy throughout the body, releasing endorphins and improving the flow of energy throughout the body, while eliminating blockages and bringing balance to the mind and body. Endorphins counter the symptoms of depression and allow the person to resume a normal life. Do you or somebody you know suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or depression and are looking for a natural way of dealing with it? Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Christmas magic is silent. You don’t hear it — you feel it. You know it. You believe it. Kevin Alan Milne

Is the thought of long corridors at the airport or the cruise terminal putting you off from travelling? Travelling with a mobility scooter on a plane may seem daunting to organize, but today you can have the independence and freedom to travel wherever you like. Today’s portable light weight electric mobility scooters make it a breeze to reach your gate or cabin on the ship. Folding mobility scooters are great options as they can easily be brought with you everywhere. When travelling by air, inform the airline that you are travelling with a scooter and provide weight/dimensions and battery type. Don’t forget the charger cord!

Respite care is a type of assistance that allows you to take a break from caregiving. This break can be for a few hours, a few days or even a week. Respite care can be provided by fellow family members, friends, volunteers, contacts through community groups or by a health care provider. Respite care allows you to recharge, reduce your stress and avoid caregiver burnout. It also enables you to spend time with other family members or take a vacation. A break from the caregiver role means that you can return the focus to ensuring your own health and wellness.

The evidence is conflicting about what nutrition strategy works best for weight loss. The best diet for you is the one that you can follow faithfully for a lifetime. You should not feel deprived or hungry, and the plan should be one you can incorporate into your lifestyle. You should also know that some medications can contribute to weight gain. Your pharmacist can help you determine which drugs may be a problem and if there are alternatives. It is worthwhile now to plan ahead before December so you can navigate through the holiday season with minimal damage to your waistline.

Q: How much magnification does one get with +2.00 reading glasses? I can’t find any that actually make things look twice as big.
A: The strength of reading glasses actually corresponds to how far they allow the user to focus on close objects. In general, low powered reading glasses allow the user to focus out a bit further (like when using a computer). Higher powered lenses will entail much closer focusing (e.g. for threading a needle). The necessary strengths vary from person to person.

Massage therapy is undeniably effective at getting people tapped in to their parasympathetic nervous system, which is more commonly called ‘rest and digest’. Unfortunately, many spend most of their days in ‘fight or flight’! When the parasympathetic nervous system is in charge, blood pressure and heart rate lower, breathing is fuller, oxygen and blood make it deeper into the body, tissues repair themselves, organs do their jobs better, and overall, mental health is much more relaxed and content. It’s not hard to understand why being in ‘rest and digest’ is more conducive to recovery, management and being better prepared to handle what life throws at us!