Processed food, sedentary lives, lack of sleep, unceasing stress, dissolving relationships, and collapse of purpose take a massive toll on our health and enjoyment from life. Most healthcare costs are linked to lifestyle-related diseases and nearly all top causes of death are due to chronic conditions. Lifestyle medicine combines an acknowledgment of these facts with evidence that lifestyle interventions such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress reduction, and smoking cessation can prevent, manage, and reverse disease. Using evidence-based medical assessments and leveraging personal health coaching, lifestyle medicine can help people take control of their health and optimize long-term vitality.

Ticks can attach to your pets any time the temperature exceeds 4°C, but activity will increase above 7°C, so look for greater tick attachment when walking through grass and shrubs/bush. Many people find the oral pill Bravecto, given with a meal, to be a convenient treatment administered every three months for dogs. For cats, there is Bravecto topical therapy every three months. Both products kill fleas also. If you are travelling with your pet east of the Rockies or into the southern US, you should consider using Revolution or Advantage Multi as your flea and tick control, with heartworm protection.

Place ½ cup of roasted sesame seeds, squeeze ½ lemon, 1t sea salt and ¼ cup olive oil in a food processer. Blend until paste. Add; 5 cloves crushed garlic, ½t cayenne pepper, 2T chili flakes, ½t black pepper, squeeze in the other ½ lemon, and 1 can drained & rinsed organic chickpeas. Blend and slowly add approx. ¼ c water to the consistency. Garish with paprika.

Community Event: Eaton Arrowsmith White Rock is offering a 6-week Summer Cognitive Intensive Program from July 2- August 9th. Contact 604-264-8327 or email [email protected] to learn more!

Q: What is a neuroma?

A: Pain, numbness, or tingling in the forefoot, usually between and extending into the third and fourth toes, almost always indicates a neuroma, which is caused by the irritation of one or more nerves in the forefoot. This is usually the result of poor biomechanics. Try using a metatarsal pad or custom orthotics. Switching to running shoes with more motion control should be helpful. A podiatrist should be consulted to assess the degree of nerve damage.  It is best to wait until the pain subsides or is treated before engaging in long runs or lengthy activities.

Dr. Howard Green, Podiatrist, DrHowardGreen.com

Gut permeability, or “leaky gut” (as it is sometimes called), occurs when tight junctions in the gut lining become loose. When tight junctions are working properly, they form a tight barrier to keep unwanted things like undigested food, toxins, and bacteria from getting to the bloodstream. Without proper function of this barrier, these unwanted “visitors” can cause problems in the digestive tract and even other areas of the body, including inflammation-related issues. Eating a healthier diet of nutritious, unprocessed foods and avoiding alcohol, processed foods, and foods high in sugar and saturated fat can ease inflammation and calm the gut.

Dr. Kathrine Tavakoli, ND. Dr. Vinnie Dhillon, ND., PerformanceIntegratedHealth.ca

Even if children hear from parents and other family members that they have much potential, if they are struggling in school, it can often affect their self-esteem negatively. Students with learning difficulties can become frustrated when they see the gap widening between themselves and their peers, or when they feel that they are giving it their all and still coming up short. This can cause self-doubt and concerns about what friends might think. Working to build the brain’s capacity through available programs and classes that set individualized, attainable goals can help students work to their potential and gain more self-esteem.

Eaton Arrowsmith School, EatonArrowsmith.com

An Investment Advisor will help you understand your investment style and the investments that will make the most sense for you. If you’re interested in making smart investments, but don’t have the time to devote to researching, monitoring, and evaluating your portfolio and the market, an Investment Advisor is someone you’ll want on your team. A good Investment Advisor will use their expertise to guide you through all of your major financial decisions, taking the guesswork and emotions out of the process. A great way to find an Investment Advisor you can trust is through referrals from family and friends!

Jas Salh, HollisWealth^®, a division of Industrial Alliance Securities Inc., HollisWealth.com

Spring is in the air and most people are eager to get out in the sunshine to clean up the yard and get active after a winter’s slumber. NOT SO FAST! A combination of a sedentary winter (which can cause deconditioning of the spine) and the physical demand of gardening and increased activity can cause spinal misalignment. Low back pain is the number one cause of disability. Don’t let your back keep you from the active lifestyle that we often take for granted. Consult your chiropractor before you increase your activity levels to ask about how you can prevent injury.

Restoration Chiropractic, RestoChiro.com