CVHRG 2015 WINTER

www.ComoxValleyHealtHandReCGuide.Com

Winter IN THE VALLEY 2015

MacDonalD WooDPage 3 Welcome

TreaTing sinusiTisPage 4

norDic Pole Walking Page 16

Falling aParTPage 21

chronic inFlaMMaTion Page 30

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CV Health & Recreation Guide2

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Well, we are expecting a mild winter.I’m hoping that we get lots of snow in the mountains as we really need it for the summer. We will all find out as we move through winter.I would like you to pay

attention to the front cover picture, taken by Ed Brooks. It is the ocean boardwalk at MacDonald Wood Park in Comox. I have personally enjoyed this treasure myself many times while walking and biking. The regional district sewage commission has proposed to build a 3,500 square foot, three storey sewage pumping station very close to this boardwalk. I hope some of you will find time to express your opinion to your municipal council-lors. I know that it was a long, hard battle fought by Comox residents to keep this green space. It would be a huge loss to lose this beach access.Best wishes to all my readers for a wonderful Christmas holiday, also prosperity, peace and a safe New Year. I hope that you enjoy all the articles in this issue. Such as What is tinnitus, Eating well dur-ing the holidays with fermented foods, and Nordic pole walking … the smarter way to walk … I can be seen at times walking with my poles in Comox.

Publisher’s Note

~ 2016 SPRING ISSUE ~ Article submissions on health & recreation in the Comox Valley are required by January 25th, 2015 and ad submissions are required by February 8th, 2015.

Submission Guidelines can be found on our web site.www.comoxhealthandrecguide.com

Table of ContentsTreating sinusitis with naturopathic medicine 4 by Dr. Deidre Macdonald What is tinnitus? 6 by Jason GordonEating well during the holidays 7 by Ted HagmeierBio-energy healing: liven up your winter 8 by Shari Dunnet Increase your iron absorption 10 by Jane WareingThe last time you tried something new 11 by Ted HagmeierTrusting your body to answer 12 by Jennifer NaplesIs low back pain inevitable? 13 by Mia JerrittLaughing matters! 15 by Joanne McKechnieNordic Pole Walking 16 by Catherine EganHeel Fissures 18 by Anne LaiStop mumbling! 19 by Wes GietzThe costs of procrastination 20 by Kevin N. HolteFalling apart with compassion 21 by Fiona BlackRight time to call your veterinarian? 22 by Van Isle Veterinary HospitalFoot pain in children 24 by Trevor PritoulaWhat’s a picture worth? 26 by Dr. Dawn ArmstrongUlcerative diagnosis and symptoms 28 by Dr. Daniel Disusa Dealing with grief, animals suffer too 29 by Dr. Heather Matheson Combat chronic inflammation 30 by Debbie Bowman

Front Cover: Photo by Ed Brooks, MacDonald Wood Park boardwalk in Comox

PUBLISHER : Allan GearPHONE : 250.339.0252 FAX : 250.339.2210 EMAIL : [email protected] EDITOR : Scott StanfieldLAYOUT : Lenore LoweComox Valley Health & Recreation Guide is published 4 times a year. All rights are reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for, and does not endorse, the contents of any advertisement herein, and all representations or warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not the publisher. The publisher is not liable to any advertiser for any misprint(s) in or about the advertisement that is not the direct fault of the publisher. And, in such an event, the limit of the liability shall not exceed the amount of the publishers charges for such advertising. Articles published in Comox Valley Health & Recreation Guide are not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

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This time of year, I often see patients for help with chronic sinus congestion. It can be a frustrating and painful condition that can last a lifetime if the underlying causative factors are not addressed. The medicines conventionally used may be OK in the short run, but they have significant

issues with long-term use. For instance, nasal steroids thin the lining of the nasal mucous, making it more susceptible to bleeding and infection. Fungal infections in the nasal passages are present in most people with chronic sinusitis, and can be caused by long-term use of steroid sprays. Antibiotic use compromises the immune and digestive systems, which can be a set up for more sinus infections.

by Dr. Deidre Macdonald, naturopathic physician

Treating sinusitis with naturopathic medicine

To get through acute sinus flare-ups, I use safe and effective natural medicines to treat the inflammation, and bacterial or fungal infections. Recently, an 80-year-old man told me that his 50 years of sinus trouble had been cured by the simple techniques I had taught him. Low level laser therapy is another safe and effective tool for quickly helping people with sinus conditions. A 2013 placebo-controlled clinical trial showed that people in the laser treatment group reduced their sinus symptoms by 50 per cent after four weeks of treatments and the results lasted. (The laser machine we use in our clinic is a state of the art machine that painlessly and effectively treats arthritis, back pain, sports injuries and sinus conditions.)

In addition to symptom treatment, naturopathic physicians also endeavour to determine the underlying causative factors that are driving this chronic congestion and inflammation. Most patients with sinusitis are aware that they have allergies to inhalants like pollen and dust. However, there may be other factors in one’s health that contribute to the conditions. For instance, in my experience, many patients with chronic sinusitis also have bowel problems. There is a link between these two conditions, in that both can be caused by food allergies and microbiome (good bacterial) imbalances. I had a patient who had had five surgeries on his sinuses and still suffered chronic congestion and pain. Removing his food allergies reduced his symptoms by 80 per cent in four weeks.

Another often overlooked factor for people with chronic sinus conditions is unresolved dental

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issues that can result in disease spreading to the sinuses. Patients may not realize that an old dental extraction may be harboring an infection under the healed gum tissue. I have also seen a disturbing number of men with chronic sinus infections and allergies that started shortly after working around excessive amounts of sawdust. The sawdust likely assaults the nasal mucosa, allowing antigens to permeate through it and trigger the immune system to create allergic symptoms. Getting to the bottom of the problem, instead of being satisfied with short-term quick fixes, is essential for the patient who wants to improve this condition, once and for all.

The real strength of naturopathic medicine is that it addresses the underlying causes of health problems and treats symptoms as the body’s intelligent response to a stress. In my clinic, we offer allergy testing, including scratch testing and needle-free allergy desensitization. Naturopathic doctors also coach patients on how to build their immune systems through optimal nutrition, herbal, nutritional and homeopathic medicines. The body wants to heal so sometimes we just need to listen to its clues and give it tools to help it succeed.

For more information, or to book a visit to start your personalized program, contact Dr. Macdonald’s office at 897-0235. Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician with a naturopathic family medical practice in downtown Courtenay. www.getwellhere.com

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What is tinnitus? Is there a solution to managing tinnitus?

Have you ever heard a ringing or buzzing sound only to realize that only you can hear it? This is what is known as tinnitus, described as a ‘phantom auditory perception’ because the brain experiences external sound that isn’t actually present. The quality of tinnitus that a person may experience can vary greatly. The most common complaints I hear at my clinic are of a ‘high-pitched ringing sound,’ but can sometimes be ‘a buzzing or hissing sound,’ or even ‘an indistinguishable music.’ The loudness of the tinnitus is subjective. Nearly everyone will experience tinnitus at some time in their life and are not bothered by it. Some people, however, experience a negative emotional reaction to their tinnitus which can cause distress.There are approximately 360,000 Canadians living with tinnitus that describe it as ‘annoying.’ Another 150,000 Canadians categorize their tinnitus to ‘significantly impact the quality of their life.’The exact physical origin of tinnitus is not known,

by Jason Gordon, M.Sc., Aud (C) Registered Audiologistbut is thought to be brain-related. The hearing centres in the brain send monitoring signals through the auditory pathway. When it comes across an area where there may be some damage, such as to the inner ear or eardrum, there is a ‘spike’ in neural activity. This increase in neural activity is confused by the brain as sound, or tinnitus. In many people, tinnitus is caused by one of these conditions:1) Age-related hearing loss: for many people, hearing worsens after 60. Hearing loss can cause tinnitus. The medical term for this type of loss is presbycusis.2) Exposure to loud noise: occupational or military noise exposure to heavy equipment or firearms are common sources of noise-related hearing loss. Tinnitus caused by short-term exposure, such as attending a loud concert, usually goes away; long-term exposure to loud sound can cause permanent damage.3) Earwax blockage: Earwax protects your ear canal by trapping dirt and slowing the growth of bacteria. When too much earwax accumulates, it becomes too hard to wash away naturally, causing hearing loss or irritation of the eardrum, which can lead to tinnitus.4) Ear bone changes: stiffening of the bones in the middle ear (otosclerosis) may affect hearing and cause tinnitus. This condition often runs in families.Other less common causes of tinnitus include Meniere’s disease (inner ear disorder caused by abnormal inner ear fluid pressure), TMJ or jaw disorders, head or neck injuries, acoustic neuromas and in some cases blood vessel disorders. It was commonly believed that certain dietary factors contribute to tinnitus, such as caffeine and alcohol, but recent research has shown little correlation between severity of tinnitus and diet. A small number of medications, hypertension and fatigue have been shown to exacerbate tinnitus as well.What can I do about my tinnitus? There is no known cure for tinnitus and no magic pill that

Continued on page 10...

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Eating well during the holidays with fermented foods

Each year during the holidays we tend to overindulge. Eating more high fat, high sugar, high carb food and even worse – mixing them together in ways we normally never would. It’s difficult to resist sampling a little bit of everything at a potluck or having a couple of extra treats. But why not give your digestion a break this year and nourish it with some probiotics to help digest some of the holiday excess? I always try to include probiotics in my diet by eating as many delicious fermented foods as I can. What are fermented foods? Fermented foods are foods that have been made or preserved by the actions of micro-organisms. This can be by having a yeast turn sugar into alcohol, such as in wine or beer, or by introducing a beneficial bacteria, such as in yogurt. Examples of some common fermented foods you might be aware of are sauerkraut, sour cream and yogurt – all good for your tummy. Other fermented foods you might not know about are kombucha, tempeh and kefir. Fermented foods are good because besides being delicious, they are a source of probiotic bacteria. Probiotic simply means bacteria that has a beneficial effect on its host. Many people claim that consuming probiotics can help with bloating, digestion, strengthening the immune system and decreasing pathogens in the body. Many people also find them helpful when taking antibiotics, though you should always consult your health practitioner first. Fermented foods need to have live bacteria as well to be helpful, so if your sauerkraut is pasteurized it will be delicious but it will not have the same health benefits.

by Patricia Anne Leeson, experienced food eater, health nut and manager of Seeds Food MarketNot sure about bacteria in your foods? Well, humanity has been eating fermented foods for years. Fermenting foods was a way to preserve them in times before refrigeration and plastic. Natural fermentation has been around since before man but there is evidence that humanity has been controlling the fermentation process for a long time, as far back as 6000 BC. People from continents all over the world have been eating these foods for centuries. Kimchi from Korea, chutneys from India, miso from Japan, and even sourdough bread in the Americas are just a few of the many examples. Many cultures still eat a lot of fermented foods today.Some of the most available fermented foods in the Comox Valley are sauerkraut, yogurt, sourdough bread and kimchi – all made locally. Other examples of fermented foods you might enjoy are certain cheeses, miso, tempeh, kefir, apple cider vinegar and kombucha. I like to keep my fridge stocked with at least some non-pasteurized sauerkraut, some miso and always some yogurt. I make kombucha (a fermented tea) at home as well. Many of these foods you can make at home too, just like our ancestors, only with the benefit of all the information available on the Internet. If you don’t want to make it at home, some great brands to look for are Northwest Greens, Tree Island Yogurt, Green Cuisine, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks and the Church Street Bakery. All local Island producers. Did I mention that most fermented foods are really yummy? So give fermented foods a try this holiday season. Your tummy and your taste buds will thank you!

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Bio-energy healing: liven up your winter

Winter can be a challenging time to handle with shorter days, somber skies, colder temperatures and all the rain which can combine to bring on winter blues. Many of us don’t respond well to the lower light and the cold and dampness – we can feel less motivated, be more tired or irritable, and tend towards being down. Aches and pains can also be felt more acutely. We can also tend to be more susceptible to catching a cold or flu.

Eating well, exercising, getting plenty of rest and making time for things you enjoy are all good ways to keep your health and spirits up. An excellent support to include at this time of year is having bio-energy healing sessions to help boost the immune system, lighten up energetically and get things flowing.

Over time, our immune system can become over-burdened and less responsive, and bio-energy healing is great for giving it a boost. Working with our energetic system, we get the energy flowing so that our bodies can do what they do naturally — heal and restore balance. With restored energetic flow, we are able to fight off viruses more easily, keep our internal fire alight, and our hearts and minds more open and flowing despite the shorter, colder days of winter.

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Bio-energy healing supports our immune system, lymphatic system, our muscles and cells, our body and mind, and also our emotional and spiritual state of being.

Stagnated energy can result in our systems no longer communicating well which can lead to low energy, pain, and even debilitating conditions and diseases. It can also manifest as confusion, brain fog, depression, feeling stuck, lack of motivation and indecision. Bio-energy healing is a safe, non-invasive and remarkably effective health system that uses a series of techniques to release congestion, stagnation and blocks in energy flow re-establishing the free flow of energy – and health and well-being on all levels.

Clearing out your energy field helps restore communication resulting in greater vitality, mental sharpness and an overall feeling of well-being. An energetic “cleaning house” of our body and energy field helps us create better health and well-being on all levels – mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

The premise is simple: our bodies are amazing and our power for self-healing is truly phenomenal. Our body’s systems are all communicating within a web of intricate relationships. The essential art of bio-energy healing is to restore this communication by removing blocked, stagnant energy so the body’s ability to heal itself is supported and restored.

This winter, we’re offering a winter tune-up special. Receive your first session at a $15 savings. If you feel lethargic or low in the winter, feel affected by colder temperatures, lower light and

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shorter days, or if you get frequent colds or flus, I highly recommend you consider giving bio-energy healing a try. It can make a difference and improve the quality of your experience of winter. For anyone who would like to lively-up winter, bio-energy healing is a great choice.

To your health and well-being this winter! Gift certificates are available.

Shari Dunnet is a certified bio-energy healing practitioner and intuitive therapist offering ser-vices in the Comox Valley at the Rasa Centre for the Healing Arts and on Denman Island. Contact: (250) 897-2707; www.lightbodyhealingworks.com

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Increase your iron absorption

Have you been encouraged to take an iron supplement by your physician? Did you know that by timing your dose, your body can better absorb it? Recent research has shown that tea can inhibit iron absorption in the body, so consider taking your iron pill at a time of day when you don’t plan on drinking tea for a few hours before or after. Studies have also demonstrated that iron is better absorbed when it is taken with meat (white or red) and vitamin C (even the smallest amount available in a cooked vegetable will do). With these tips in mind, you may want to consider taking your iron supplement at lunch or with evening supper, rather than first thing in the morning. Talk to your pharmacist for more information.

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Jason Gordon’s article continued from page 6...

has been demonstrated to relieve tinnitus. There are, however, other forms of treatment that have been shown to lessen its severity. The first and most common form of treatment is amplification of sound, generally through a hearing aid. The amplification of ambient sound is often enough to cover, or ‘mask’ the tinnitus. The hearing aid will assist with the hearing loss, and secondly in as much as 60 per cent of cases, will decrease the intensity of the tinnitus while the aid is in the ear. Masking noise is commonly used as well, either in the hearing aid itself or by a portable device that can sit on a table to broadcast the masking noise (or sometimes, sounds of nature like ocean sounds). Other common ‘maskers’ include a fan, humidifier or radio. When treating tinnitus, it is important to have some type of distracting sound in the environment as it is generally most prevalent in quiet settings.Recently, a hearing aid company developed a promising technology that calms the tinnitus sufferer and habituates the tinnitus producers in the brain. This two-fold approach soothes the limbic system so there is less focus on the tinnitus as well as stimulating the auditory centres thought to be tinnitus producing. The technology, called ‘Zen’ by Widex, is a non-repeating series of tones similar to wind chimes. The ‘Zen’ chimes are played through hearing aids, and are soft, subtle and generally only heard when the environmental room noise is quiet. Studies have demonstrated significant decreases in tinnitus annoyance with long-term use (two months at least). If you, or someone you know, is suffering from tinnitus or have questions, it may be helpful to see a registered audiologist for a consultation.


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The last time you tried something for the first time?

Have you ever had this conversation with the mirror?Self: I’m in a rut.Mirror: The name is Bond. James Bond.Self: What??Mirror: Sorry. I was in the middle of something. Yes, you’re in a doozy of a rut.Self: I know, I know. What should I do?Mirror: Don’t ask me. You’ve got the grey matter and opposable thumbs, I’m just a reflection. Make a change. Do something different, I dunno... have tea instead of coffee with breakfast.Self: But I like coffee. I always have coffee. Even hipsters drink coffee! What’s so bad about coffee?Mirror: You’re not really embracing this are you?Self: And you’re not really James Bond.At one level or another we are all creatures of habit. Me, I’m a two-cups-of-coffee at breakfast kinda guy and woe betide anyone swapping my cup of jo for a cuppa. A routine like this is no different than the routines athletes perform to get ready for competitions. It calms and get us ready for the day. My routine is two cups of coffee and I’m OK with that.Routines also protect us. It’s a dangerous thing, walking out your door. Our reliance on routines keep us in a world we can predict and control. Step out of routine and you’re stepping into a place that is stressful and disorienting. Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed or were you not able to fulfill one of your morning routines in quite the way it always is?I once sat beside a dentist from Seattle on a birding field trip through north central Washington. Believe me, it’s not as glamorous as it sounds. But he said something very profound. “I think it’s a terrible waste of a day if I don’t learn something new.” I think that is true. And I also think I waste too many days. What about you?The simplest way to break your routine is to try something new. Choose a different parking spot at the grocery store. Take a different route to work. Break your lunchtime habit with a walk. Read an author or genre you’ve never read before. It may sound silly, but start the habit of doing small things

by Ted Hagmeier, recreation supervisor for the Comox Community Centreand then doing something really new won’t be such a big deal.The Comox Community Centre was recently honored with two reader’s choice awards for Best Sports Facility and Best Gym. Try one of our many programs like fitness, yoga, martial arts, fencing, pickleball and more. You will find something you’ve never done before and something compelling enough to overcome the most ingrained routine. When was the last time you tried something for the first time? We can help you change the answer from “I have no idea” to “Today.” But we won’t ask you to give up coffee. Promise.Contact the centre at (250) 339-2255, [email protected] or find us on Facebook to find out more information about our programs and award-winning fitness studio.Ted Hagmeier doesn’t always take birding field trips. But when he does, he sits besides dentists. Ted lives a strange life.

Jason Gordon’s article continued from page 6...


How many times have you found yourself over-thinking things and as a result, experienced stress, anxiety or sleep disruption? Most of us have been here at one point or another. We look outside ourselves for the answers, often perpetuating the stress and end up making a choice based on thoughts and opinions of others, or what we think we “should” do, instead of what would come from our heart.

I would like to make a suggestion. What if you asked the question to yourself and looked to your body for a response? What if you were able to utilize your body’s innate ability to guide you in a way that would be true to your heart?

Your gut is lined with 100 million neurons, the same ones in your brain. So that “gut feeling” you get actually holds a lot of wisdom.

Learning to tune in to your body is easy and anyone can do it. The added benefit is that ultimately you will learn to reduce stress and manage its side effects naturally. How do you achieve this?

1. Pick a consistent time each day.2. Lay on your back or sit comfortably without strain

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Trusting your body to answer

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Let me share with you the Cherokee Tale of Two Wolves....

One evening, an elderly Cherokee brave told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside all people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego. The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandson thought for a minute and then asked his grandfather:

“Which wolf wins?...”The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one that

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As humans, we imitate nature in a striking number of ways. Our intestines are akin to eels, snakes and worms; hair is similar to moss on a tree; our natural biorhythms are like the tides; fascia is comparable to a spider’s web; nostrils are like the gills of a fish; muscles imitate the layers of an onion; our blood and bodily fluids run like rivers or stagnant pools of toxic water; skin is like the bark of a tree; and our bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons are like the skeletal system of a tree or leaf.

Like nature, our systems require movement, hydration, fertilization, nutrition, peace, harmony, sunshine and hibernation. In this era, we exist in a state of mental chaos, sleep deprivation, inactivity, perceived stress and/or real stress, poor nutrition, caffeine, nicotine, poutine, lack of routine and sitting.

Prior to the arrival of the computer, back and neck pain was not a common problem in the workplace. People were not restricted to one seated position for hours on end, in a falsely lit environment with copious amounts of caffeine and recycled air. We dug, walked, picked, cooked, slept, lived by the setting and the rising of the sun, and ate as close to nature as possible.

Today we sit more, exercise less, stress relentlessly, drive more, drink regularly, sleep less and eat worse. This all fuels one of the nation’s scariest statistics: according to the ACA (American Chiropractic Association), 80 per cent of North Americans will experience low back pain in their lifetime. It is the single leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the Global Burden of Disease 2010. It is the number two cause

Is low back pain inevitable?

by Mia Jerrittof missed work days and hospital visits after upper respiratory conditions. And, according to Dr. Joel Press, medical director of the Spine and Sports Institute at the Rehabilitation Institute in Chicago, “sitting all day is the worst thing in the world you can do for your back.”

WCB states, at any given time in North America, there are over 115 million people living with back pain. After colds and flus, back pain is the number one cause of missed work days and equates to 93 million days of work lost. Over five million people are disabled annually due to back pain. Spinal surgery is the second leading surgical procedure in America.

According to the Agency for Health Research and Quality, in 2007, $30.3 billion was paid to providers, such as doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists and other hands-on therapists, and to pharmacies. The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that spine care costs reached $85.9 billion in 2005. These statistics don’t just reflect the working age but our younger generation as well.

Typically, back pain is categorized into two groups: acute, which is defined as pain lasting less than 12 weeks, and chronic, which is defined as pain persisting for 12 weeks or longer. Most low



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back pain (LBP) is acute or short-term, and tends to resolve on its own with no lingering loss of function. LBP is typically treated with NSAIDS, hot/cold packs, pain medication, physical therapy, chiropractors and massage therapy. Think of shovelling too much snow or yard work in the spring. This pain tends to be mechanical in nature, meaning the back was repeatedly used in a way in which it was not meant.

As fitness enthusiasts and fitness professionals, what does all this mean? If we consider the average week, we start with 168 hours per week. If we deduct an average seven hours of sleep per night and 50 hours of work per week, we are left with 69 hours. If we assign three hours per day to activities of daily life, such as grocery shopping, laundry, cooking we are left with 48 hours in a week. How many hours per week do your clients exercise? Is it sufficient? Is it the correct type of exercise to minimize the recurrence of low back pain?

Gone are the days of strengthening the back with superficial exercises such as chest press, bicep curls and crunches. Here to stay is the principle of strengthening from the inside out, like the core of an onion. We must teach our clients that our deepest core muscles work in harmony to create a solid and safe foundation for action to occur. The transverse abdominus and the quadratus lumborum unite to support the low back when

bouts of strenuous exercise, such as shovelling snow, are required. The multifidus engages to produce segmental stabilization when fine motor movements are required. As we initiate the action of lifting the shovel, the multifidus begins contracting prior to the actual movement of the body. This prepares the spine for the action and therefore prevents it from injury. But it’s not just our trunk which requires strengthening to protect our low back. What acts directly on the pelvis and shoulder girdle acts indirectly on the spine.

We must educate our clients on the concept of functional strength and functional flexibility. Like tension wires on a bridge, we require dynamic stability along with dynamic elasticity, or mobility AND stability. This can only be achieved through appropriate and consistent activity which includes both lengthening and strengthening exercises. Being strong and tight can present one set of conditions and being flexible but weak a different set of conditions.

Like nature, our bodies crave movement, sunshine, hydration, nutrition, fresh air and harmony. Your body is the most important one there is. It is essential to make time to keep it strong and healthy, and to treat it with compassion and kindness. Everybody gets the body they deserve….eventually.

For Mia Jerritt has 30 years of experience in the fitness industry and has spent the past 17 years specializing in working with back and other injures. As a long time medical exercise specialist she has developed a successful six-week back care program called The Healthy Back Program. Visit www.healthybackprogram.com.

Mia Jerritt’s article continued from page 13...


by Joanne McKechnie

Laughing matters!

A few years ago, when my exercise class instructor threw playful movements and hahahoho deep breathing into her class, I was hooked. While my head didn’t register with this, my body did enjoy the imagination that I started to release through such movement. I noticed that I felt more joyful and lighthearted after classes. One thing led to another and there I was, signed up to take the Laughter Leader training in Vancouver in 2014. More recently, needing another fix, I attended a three-day World Laughter Conference in Portland, OR.

So how would a quiet concept like mindfulness ever be connected with laughter?

Well, a big realization came to me that it is not actually about the laughter, but about what’s behind it. In a laughter wellness class we use tools (exercises) that benefit us with relaxation and a lighter outlook on life. We learn to do laughter exercises with awareness of how our bodies feel and what emotions we’re carrying at the time. Perhaps a participant comes in feeling stressed out or burdened. Laughter exercises help to redirect our thoughts and to short circuit emotions that might be bringing us down the path of lowered mood levels and even depression. The role play exercises teach us to respond mindfully in the moment rather than to react. When taken into real world situations, the ingredient of respond versus react helps to build our resilience, which equals standing mindfully in each moment.

Participating in laughter wellness classes is doable for all ages and for most levels of fitness. There is a free family class on Saturdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. as part of the Lake Trail 4F Family

Fun program. However, adults on their own are encouraged to attend the adult classes aged 17 and up. See our website for dates and locations: www.invokelaughter.com.

As people start to realize that they can come to a laughter wellness class to just be themselves, they experience this safe space as a place to BE and to open up in trust with co-participants. A growing willingness for a person to reach out and to socialize has far greater impact on our well-being than we might realize….no matter what age we are.

Committing to the daily practice of laughter and being seen laughing is now a personal mission for me. Laughing matters! Whether just a couple of people or a whole group gather to practice laughter wellness with me, the vibration of joy and inner ease that we leave with ripples out to tickle the whole world.

For more information contact Joanne at (250) 465-1201 or [email protected].

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You may have noticed lately more people out walking with poles, and have perhaps wondered what it’s all about.

Walking poles can be used for hiking and trekking, for balance and stability, and as part of a regular fitness routine. More and more walkers are using a variety of poles and styles, and then there are people who are ‘nordic walking.’ What’s the difference?

As a fairly new lifestyle sport to North Amer-ica, the activity of nordic pole walking is gaining acceptance in therapeutic and rehabilitation pro-grams, and for exercise. When performed with the correct technique and poles, nordic walking uses 90 per cent of the body’s muscles and burns up to 46 per cent more energy than walking without poles. That’s because more than 55 per cent of our muscles are located above the waist. By incorpo-rating the upper body with the arm swing and poles, more than 600 muscles are engaged at the same time, increasing our metabolism and burn-ing more calories.

Nordic pole walking was first introduced in the early-1900s in Finland as a way for cross-country skiers to use their poles for training in the off-season. In 1997, a Finnish nordic ski manu-facturer, in collaboration with athletes and sports medicine experts, designed a fitness walking pole with an innovative wrist strap that allowed for a

by Catherine Egan

Nordic Pole Walking… the Smarter Way to Walk

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full range of upper body motion. Since then, nor-dic pole walking has become the fastest growing lifestyle sport in Europe, to the extent that it has been introduced into the German healthcare sys-tem for its associated physical and health-related benefits.

Over 400 medical and scientific reports have studied the health benefits of regular nordic pole walking which include:

•Nordic pole walking burns up to 46 per cent more calories than walking without poles or moderate jogging, and increases up to 67 per cent when pole walking uphill;

•Less impact on hip, knee, and foot joints;

IMPORTER OF LOOSE LEAF TEAS


Stock photo from Metro

•Helps eliminate back, shoulder and neck pain;

•Improves endurance, mobility, posture and bone density;

• Enhances cardiovascular response and me-tabolism, and reduces high blood pressure;

•Assists in lowering blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes;

•Increases production of ‘positive hormones.’

Klaus Schwanbeck, co-founder of Nordixx Canada, was instrumental in introducing nordic walking to North America in 2010. Its popular-ity has since gained momentum as people of all fitness levels embrace the concept of an efficient and low impact exercise program. Fitness events like the Times Colonist 10 K, held each spring in Victoria, are now including a nordic pole walking section for participants.

Each year a growing number of residents in the Valley are discovering that nordic walking is a fun, year-round, social activity — for people of all ages and all ‘walks’ of life. Watch for upcoming introductory classes scheduled for the new year.

Catherine Egan is a Nordixx-certified pole walking instructor and distributor for Nordixx Walking Poles. Introductory and advanced tech-nical classes are available through the Courte-nay Recreation Association and NordicPole-WalkingComoxValley.com. Training programs for those interested in participating in 10Ks and other distances will be starting in January. Visit the website for more details. Email: [email protected] or cell: 250-897-0654.

Looking for an efficient, low impact fitness activity?

Nordic pole walking burns up to 46% more calories than walking without poles or moderate jogging.

Nordic walking is a fun, year-round, social activity for people of all ages and all “walks” of life.

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Matters of Aging Cont...

Cracks in the heels or heel fissures are a common foot problem. They are generally caused by dry skin and can worsen if skin around the rim of the heel becomes thickened and forms a callus.

These cracks can cause sudden pain in the area on weight-bearing which disappears when the pressure is off the heel. Wearing open-heel shoes and/or being overweight seems to compound the problem as the fat under the heels expands sideways. If the skin is not supple and flexible then the pressure causes cracks. Having dry skin, psoriasis or eczema also predisposes one to this problem. Some medical conditions can also be a causative factor — autonomic neuropathy in those with diabetes leads to less sweating; an underactive thyroid lowers the bodies metabolic rate, and with a reduction in sweating leads to dryness in the skin.

Once you have heel fissures moisturizing twice a day is essential. A moisturizer with the ingredient list high in urea and A.H.A is the best to use, although some have excellent results with petroleum jelly.

Heel Fissures

If you have been wearing open-backed shoes it is time to change them. A pumice stone or sanding block can help reduce the callus area rim and remove dry skin around the cracks allowing moisturizer to reach the area and heal it faster. Soaking with either warm water, or having salt or epsom salt just opens the cracked areas more and therefore allows bacteria into the open area. It is a fact that when you try to use pumice on an area that has been soaked the skin then shreds, potentially causing more open areas and problems.

If you are unable to do self-care for your heel fissures then it is best to see a podiatrist or foot care nurse who is educated and trained to deal with these issues. They are trained to use a rotary tool to debride thickened callus areas. Often, if this is not done, cracks take a long time or do not heal. They can also instruct in taping of the heel to provide relief from pain and let you know which cream might be right for your situation. If your cracks don’t improve or keep recurring then it is best to check with your physician to see if a low thyroid is part of the problem.

While heel fissures are a common problem for feet, they are an easy one to fix with proper treatment and are better prevented to avoid complications.

Anne Lai, LPN is a foot care nurse and can be reached at 250-897-2538.

by Anne Lai, LPN

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I was bent down, tying my shoe (I can do that knot!) looking around to see if there was anything else that needed doing before I got up again, when my friend said, “You wanna’ slay Megatron Brain?”

I straightened up. “Huh? What? No, I don’t play video games.”

Blank look. Then, slowly and carefully, “I asked you if you wanted to play Mexican Train. Dominoes.

“So, do you want to play?”For a moment I was tempted. Then I said, “No,

I don’t think so. There’s a young friend I haven’t talked to in a while, and I want to call him. He said he’d like to come over and spend some time with me in my garden.” What I didn’t say is that those conversations keep me young, maybe even keep me alive.

I do wish, however, that people would stop mumbling.-------------

I have an ongoing, if occasional, discussion with my barber about whether to trim my eyebrows. Barber. Not styling professional, pilatory engineer, coiffing specialist, or anything but barber.

No, you may not trim my eyebrows. I earned those unruly frosted caterpillars, and as much as any aspect of my appearance, they proclaim me to be among the chronologically gifted. That means that I don’t have to pretend to be youthful, lol about anything not funny, or even think about rofling.--------------

I’m often among those grey-haired, or at least grey-tipped, people on bicycles pedalling along with bright smiles (we’ve learned to hide the pain – it’s our pain, not yours), in no hurry, thinking mostly about the most horizontal route from here to there.

You see, we have nothing to prove. Most of us have pushed our bodies to their limits, and many of us have the scars of a good physical life on our skin and in our bones, as well as the memories

by Wes Gietz

Stop mumbling! of excellent pies or jams, winning shots, babies birthed, babies rescued, peaks climbed, fish not-quite-landed, knuckles bloodied, shins scraped, children loved, songs sung and bows taken, and all those other adventures that the young are pursuing with the same “First time in the universe!” vigour that once drove our own experience of being human. Go for it, young people!

Our journey is an inner one now. We have also pushed our spirits, minds and hearts as we were able, and we are still pushing those, even more so as we change our focus from experience to meaning, from external to internal, from mind and body to soul and spirit. We need time to be with ourselves more and more.

What’s really satisfying is simply being with people. Contemporaries, students, friends of all ages, children and grandchildren. Talking, singing, shopping, playing Mexican Train, sipping or gulping, walking, exploring, asking, listening, storytelling, cooking, eating, gardening, riding, celebrating, grieving, learning, and all the other things that make life rich now. It’s what this stage of life is about, and we are grateful that you are sharing it with us.

Wes Gietz still has some gas left (that’s not what I meant! I meant energy.) His website is windwalker.ca if you want to know what he’s into these days.

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The costs of procrastination

When Jack passed away suddenly from a massive stroke, his five children were galvanized by the commonality of grief and love. The first few family meetings went smoothly. People shared openly, with laughter and tears spontaneously interrupting the menial decisions and tasks that demanded immediate attention. But then something happened, and it caught everyone off guard. It almost felt like it had a life of its own, like they were watching a ship in slow motion veer off course and head for a rock, powerless to stop it.

The eldest daughter, Sue, was named executor and she decided there would be no service. Straight burial with no graveside. The other four disagreed. Family was coming from out of town and they “knew” that some sort of goodbye would be expected, possibly even needed for closure and healing. Sue had always been accommodating, so everyone was sure she’d come around to their way of thinking. It didn’t happen. Family meetings became tense. “Why is she being so unreasonable?” they wondered. Emotions skidded out of control when they finally concluded that going behind her back by talking with the funeral director was the only option left.

Sue was as shocked at her siblings’ betrayal of her legal authority as they were of her insensitive dogmatism. Four years later, the relationships have none of the joy they once had. Attempts at reconciliation helped, but the underlying strain remains. Jack never would have imagined such family strife was possible, not with his family at least. How it would have pained him.

This story is but one small example of the many

ways a lack of planning can exacerbate family tension when a death occurs. Here are three common mistakes and their solutions:Estate Sloppiness

Simple steps to organize your estate documents will go a long way to alleviate stress, especially for your executor. Ensure your executor has a copy of your will. Ensure you review your will when financial or family dynamics experience a substantive change. Acquire a power of attorney. Write out a Letters of Direction listing personal items not mentioned in the will (ring, chainsaw or painting, for example) and who they go to and place that document with your will (it can be an informal document not requiring witnesses or notarization if you prefer).Two grandchildren thinking they will inherit the same ring is not the kind of legacy you want to leave behind. Every day you delay tidying up your paperwork, you are tossing the dice, but it will be your family that pays the price should your ESP be off and your gamble fail.Financial Lethargy

Too many people in retirement are winging it, coasting along without a thought-out plan of how best to transition their estate to their loved ones. Or, they will experiment with generic strategies they’ve read about in newspaper columns or heard about from friends and attempt to apply those strategies to their situation. The amateur implementation of these strategies, the reluctance to use the experts combined with a lethargic procrastination (“we’ll address it next fall”) can yield devastating results. Thousands of dollars going to Ottawa that should have gone to the kids, joint ownership that causes more problems than it cures, administrative nightmares for the executor

by Kevin N. Holte, CPC, EPC



by Fiona Black

Falling apart with compassion

YesterdayA piece of me broke offI watched it as it fell into the water Like a stoneColdPlunging to the depths

I had been holding on so tightlyto this false piece of meShe had been my best friend Predictable in her reactionsAlways on my side

I didn’t let her go without a fightI fiercely gripped her opinionsHer programmed points of view Her woundsThey were a part of me

So I had called out for helpI needed someone to loosen my gripTo cushion the release To hug the grief

And then, there she wasSo small and familiar Her black hair in a high ponytailHer shiny patent leather shoes

She placed her hand in mineAnd then I knew I knew that she was me And I was her

We picked a flower togetherAnd threw it into the ripplesAnd together we finally let her go.A piece of my old selfWe let her go

Fiona is a mother, wife, transformational healer and pilates teacher at rasa - A Centre for the Healing Arts in Courtenay. For more information about private sessions, workshops and pilates classes visit www.rasacomoxvalley.com or contact Fiona at [email protected].

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Do you know what to do if your pet suddenly col-lapses or is hit by a car? Or maybe he just seems “off” and turns his nose up at his dinner or is panting a bit more then usual? In these instances you find your-self asking, ‘Should I be calling my vet?’ Meanwhile, it’s Thursday afternoon and the weekend is fast ap-proaching, adding more stress to your decision. Why do emergencies always happen on a holiday weekend?

Knowing what a true emergency is will not only save you money, but more importantly, can save your pet’s life. Whether or not your pet is showing obvious

by Van Isle Veterinary Hospital

When is the right time to call your veterinarian?

signs of sickness, it is always worth a phone call to your veterinarian. The vet will either help put your mind at ease or advise you to seek immediate medical attention. What you may see as minor signs of sick-ness could be major warning signs to your veterinar-ian.

Some symptoms that should have you contact-ing your veterinarian day or night include: seizures, fainting or collapse, eye injuries, persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea, suspected poisonings, potential for-eign body ingestion, hypothermia or hyperthermia, open wounds, pale gums, animal bites, respiratory distress, straining to urinate or defecate, bloating, ex-cessive panting and acute trauma.

Although some of these symptoms may not be life threatening, they can cause your pet significant pain. You may be surprised to learn that hotspots are nor-mally treated as an emergency. Veterinary hospitals will even move around appointments or admit your dog to treat a hotspot as they can be extremely painful for your pet.

Signs of pain include panting, labored breathing, lethargy, restlessness, obsessive grooming, crying out, aggression and loss of appetite. Some pets may seek company and comfort when suffering while oth-ers withdraw. If you notice your pet displaying any of these symptoms contact your vet immediately. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution.

Once you have determined your pet is in need of emergency care, it is recommended to call your vet ahead of time or have a friend call for you. This gives the vet time to prepare for your arrival and

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gives the staff time to adjust the doctor’s schedule accordingly. If it is a weekend, holiday or middle of the night, never head to your vet’s office without calling ahead. Unless your community has a 24-hour emergency centre, your vet will likely be at home and relies on calls from an answering service to alert him or her of an emergency. It is important that you STAY OFF THE LINE. A busy signal could waste valuable time and may even be life threaten-ing to your pet.

If you have a pet with a medical condition or that is taking medications, have that information handy before you call. Keep an inventory of med-ications you have around the house such as anti-inflammatories, pain control or antihistamines. Your vet may ask you to administer some of these medications at home in the event of an emergency. As well as inquiring about medications, your vet will also advise you on the most appropriate way to transport your sick or injured pet to the hospital.

Sometimes it can be very difficult to determine what an emergency is. Many people are hesitant to call their vet, especially if they are unsure. Be assured that your veterinary team is there to help you. The only questions that hurt are the ones not asked.

For more information contact Van Isle Veterinary Clinic at 250-334-8400 or visit www.vanislevet.com.

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Foot pain in children

During assessment appointments, I often field questions from concerned parents about their offspring’s foot health. Although there is a higher incidence of foot problems in adults due to anatomical deterioration and accumulative kilometres incurred on feet with time, foot pain can affect people of all age groups. Foot issues in children should not be ignored or put off as “growing pains,” especially if the pain is intolerable or persists longer than expected. Medical assistance might be required in case of a severe injury to the foot/leg, or cases wherein the contributing factor for the pain is a chronic medical condition. In such cases, timely treatment is required to lower the risk of long-term damage or disability.

Contributing FactorsChildren are typically born with flat, fatty feet,

which grow and mature during the first 15-17 years of life. Specific congenital problems (i.e. clubfoot, metatarsus adductus) are typically identified early and treated appropriately, but may still pose specific functional or anatomical variances, which can cause issues as the child matures. Growth rates vary between children, and growth spurts can happen at different stages of development and

cause rapid changes in anatomy to promote strain or permanent changes on specific structures within the lower extremity and feet. In general, by the age of 7-10 years, the arches of the feet should be present and stable under weight-bearing. The growth plates within the feet typically fuse and stop growing by age 14-16 for females and 16-18 for males. As a child becomes more mobile and active, specific tendencies such as in-toe (pigeon) or out-toe (duck) can be related to alignment or functional problems. Active children can be pre-disposed to foot and lower extremity symptoms because of overuse/ repetitive stresses. Overweight/obesity in children can be a contributing factor due to the increased demand/forces acting on the feet.

SpecificConditionsinChildren/AdolescenceIn most cases, pain might arise due to wearing

ill-fitting shoes, or shoes that don’t have proper support or cushioning. While injuries such as ankle sprains are a common cause, there are other medical conditions which can cause pain in the foot and lower extremity. The most common ones include:

• Sever’s Disorder is pain in the heel bone (calcaneus) due to irritation and inflammation of the growth plates

• Osgoode Schlatter’s is pain on the front of the knee, below the knee cap where the patella tendon attaches to the shin bone. It causes swelling, or possible bone remodeling in response to excessive strain on the tendon. Tight quadriceps muscle, sports involving running, jumping and knee malalignment are all known causes of this condition.

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• Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This tendon connects the back of the leg to the heel. This is an overuse injury that often affects children in running sports or during growths spurts because of calf muscle tightness.

• Shin splints are characterized by pain on the front or inside of the lower leg which is caused by excessive strain on muscles attached to that area. Symptoms typically worsen with increased/prolonged activity.

• Pes Planus: Children who have flat feet or other postural defects might develop foot pains such as plantar fasciitis or arch strain/cramping.

• Children affected by juvenile arthritis could experience pain due to the inflammation of joints in the foot.

Treatment

1. Make sure your child gets ample rest. This will ensure time for the body to heal itself, and keep the problem from aggravating further.

2. If swelling/inflammation is present, application of ice has been a traditional home remedy to re-duce pain and swelling. Place a gel freezer pack, a bag of peas or ice wrapped in a clean towel on the aching area. The ice should not be applied for more than 15-20 minutes.

3. Elevating the aching foot at a level higher than the heart helps reduce swelling (if any) and pain.

4. Regular stretching, strengthening exercises to allow better adaptation during growth spurts.

5. Foot orthotics/appliances, bracing-specific products to correct alignment, function in order to reduce stress or strain.

Obviously there are a lot of factors, which need to

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be taken into consideration when making orthotic treatment choices for pediatric patients; however, a common concern is that the child may outgrow a corrective appliance before the functional shelf-life of the device. To minimize financial burden, we offer the following:

1. A number of more economical “off-the shelf”/pre- fabricated appliances which can be modified or customized to address the presenting problem.

2. An “out-growth” program for custom-made foot orthoses, which extends a discount for replacement orthotics due to changes in foot structure within a specific time-frame (18 months from fitting date, up to 15 years for females, 16 for males).

With pediatric cases, there is undoubtedly a “window of opportunity” to influence the growth and development of the foot structure and minimize the risk of injury or long-term complications. As with eeac client, we strive to find the best possible solution to solve their individual problem.

Trevor Pritoula is the owner of SOS Orthotics and can be reached at (250) 339-5892.

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pictures, what we see often correlates poorly with the location and type of symptoms a person is experiencing. This is especially true for the most common findings of degenerative changes to the discs and joints of the low back; i.e., osteoarthritis.

Dr. Robert Lambert, a radiologist from Alberta, gave a presentation to health care providers in the Yukon a few years ago as part of the Workers’ Compensation Board’s efforts to educate professionals who deal with people who have back pain. He provided some keen insights on the value of imaging – and a clear perspective to some of the controversies and misconceptions around taking pictures of low backs.

Lambert raised the issue of differences between Canadian and American guidelines on X-raying low backs — apparently you are three times more likely to get an X-ray if you live in the U.S. In his opinion, this constitutes over-utilization and would drive costs up with little, if any, demonstrable benefit.

That said, he was clear that X-rays play a useful role in identifying certain serious conditions. If there is any suspicion of a fracture, tumour or infection, an X-ray is a valuable tool. Fewer than one in 10 cases of low back pain are because of a disease state and a simple X-ray can be the first step to a clear diagnosis. So, if your health care provider recommends an X-ray, it can rule out the presence of an ominous pathology. However, it can and often does show abnormalities which can look significant but actually are irrelevant, not amenable to any intervention and do not match up with the symptoms a person is experiencing.

To illustrate this, Lambert described a pilot project at Edmonton’s University Hospital. In setting up their MRI system they first needed to establish baselines and understand how to properly image

What’s a picture worth?

If you have pain in your low back and hips, should you get an -Xray?

Or should your doctor order a CT scan? Or send you for an MRI?

Well, yes and no. It depends on your condition.

Each type of imaging – X-ray, CT, MRI – has its

strengths and weaknesses.

And, even with the most clear and detailed

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normal backs — the healthy backs of people who had never had any trouble. More than 100 people of all ages, none with a history of low back pain, took part, and the pictures were quite shocking to the researchers. They saw bulged discs, thinned discs, degenerated joints and bone spurs that were causing no symptoms. In fact, this asymptomatic control group was more likely to have a visible disc bulge than the low back pain sufferers they later examined!

They also found that the incidence of disc bulges and degeneration generally increases with age. As many as 80 per cent of people over 60 have them, and they are of little or no consequence. The location of bulges and bone spurs can be unrelated to any symptoms that people are experiencing. Compared to plain old X-ray, CT scans (with high levels of radiation exposure) and MRIs (very expensive) show these common degenerative changes in exquisite detail — but are generally no more helpful in decisions about what to do. (The best reason to do any kind of imaging or testing is if the results will change what is done for treatment.)

So if you’ve had pictures taken that show degenerated discs or joints or osteoarthritis, it is likely you have good days and bad days with your back. X-rays would look exactly the same on both those days. It is not so much about how it looks. It’s about how it is working.

It is important that joints be free to move. Muscles need to be strong and flexible. When they are working right, you’re feeling good and doing more. See your doctor of chiropractic for care that will help keep you moving and working – and feeling – better!

Dr. Dawn Armstrong can be reached at (250) 465-8482.

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that a simple trust would have solved — sometimes a little information can be a dangerous thing! A good tax accountant, lawyer and financial planner is worth his or her weight in gold: Use the experts.Family Handcuffing

We are inadvertently handcuffing our family when we fail to plan, especially when it comes to our cremation or burial. Forcing them to make decisions when they are struggling with intense emotion can lead to regret, disagreements, overspending and stress. Insisting you prefer no service in a misguided attempt to “spare” a loved one from grief is another way we handcuff family. Oftentimes, that loved one simply goes through the same amount of grief, but over a longer and more uncomfortable period of time. In fact, they end up enduring dozens of mini-funerals, at the mall, at the grocery store, as they meet with acquaintances for the first time since their spouse’s death and are forced to re-live the experience as they provide an update or listen to the acquaintance fumble awkwardly for words. We need to remember that the service is not for us when we die, it is for our spouse, our kids and our grandkids — don’t handcuff them by lim-iting their options. A pre-arranged cremation or burial ensures your wishes are honoured, eliminates dissension and lessens stress. It also has financial advantages: many funeral homes will freeze the cost, and the plan can grow tax-free and be paid in monthly instalments rather than all at once at the time of death.

Preparing for the inevitable is not glamorous, but it is vital. And thoughtful. Be proactive, not reactive, by ensuring your estate is tidy, not sloppy, your financial situation is expertly evaluated and your family is positively guided, not handcuffed.

Kevin N. Holte’s article continued from page 20...


by Daniel Disusa

Ulcerative diagnosis and symptoms

Diagnostic findings that indicate autoimmune disease conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis undoubtedly indicate the immediate need for major changes in diet regimens and lifestyle practices. This is a crucial step to boost the chosen treatment process, thus facilitating better, quicker and effective healing within the shortest time span. When it comes to altering the diet practices, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) patients have to avoid certain foods that exacerbate IBD symptoms and thus hinder the efforts to achieve long-term remission. Similar to making careful choice of foods, inflammatory bowel disease patients are also advised to maintain a substantial fluid intake in order to combat acute dehydration, which might gradually turn out fatal. That said, IBD patients should refrain from consuming aerated drinks and alcohol. The impacts of alcohol on the gastrointestinal tract is yet to be deciphered in its best accuracy. However, drinking beyond the safer limits will undeniably result in life-threatening flare-ups. A chronic gastrointestinal disease that results

in the formation of ulcers on the lining of the colon, ulcerative colitis shares a significant number of non-specific symptoms with Crohn’s disease, another commonly detected IBD. However, the diagnostic findings might involve the below-mentioned crucial aspects that help differentiate ulcerative colitis from Crohn’s disease and other commonly detected inflammatory bowel diseases. Ulcerative colitis signs cannot be listed as generic and common to all, as they vary with the extent of inflammation and the severity of the disease condition. However, here are a few symptoms that are common in most of the ulcerative colitis cases: rectal bleed, anemia, frequent bowel movements, rectal pain, loss of fluids and nutrients, growth problems in children, skin lesions, rectal tenesmus, abdominal pain and cramps, weight loss, night sweats and fatigue.Ulcerative colitis treatments suppress GI inflammation and severity of the symptoms, thus helping patients achieve long-term remission. More information can be obtained at www.gutpeople.net, a bespoke social networking website developed solely for gastroenterologists around the world. GI health care experts who specialize in GI disorders can register with The Gut People and start interacting with top GI experts around the world, on various commonly found gastrointestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal tuberculosis. The Gut People is also equipped with unique functionalities that help download informative documents on gastrointestinal disorders, as well as their comprehensive diagnosis steps and advance treatment methods.

For more information, Daniel Disusa can be emailed at [email protected].

Canadian Brass – VANCOUVER ISLAND EXCLUSIVE “The world’s most famous brass group”

Sunday, November 29th, 4pm

Winter Harp will whisk you away to a faraway time and place Saturday, December 12th, 3:30pm & 7:30pm

International Guitar Night Brian Gore invites guitar luminaries Mike Dawes, André Krengel and Lulo Reinhardt Friday, January 15th, 7:30pm

Classical Coffee Concert Series - Intimate lobby performances Classical pianist Sarah Hagen with guest Anne Grimm, soprano

Tuesday, February 2nd, 10:30am

Ballets Jazz de Montréal: Kosmos, Rouge, Closer Pushing emotional and physical boundaries to the limits of the art form

Wednesday, February 24, 7:30pm

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Like other life events we all have in common, we have

expectations of what our own experience with dying will be.

Information on Advance Care Planning can be viewed at

www.AdvanceCarePlanningCV.ca

For more information on hospice services available in the Valley, visit www.comoxhospice.com or call 250-339-5533

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Dealing with grief, animals suffer too…

Helping our canine and feline friends make a peaceful transition through euthanasia is such a hard decision to make but such an important one. I would like to say that most animals just fall asleep and don’t wake up, but sadly this seldom happens. However, one of the greatest gifts we can give our dear friends is knowing when it is time to say goodbye. And they do always tell you when it is time, you just have to listen with your heart.

Death of a family member, whether human or fur-covered, affects the entire family. For our animals this also includes when a family member leaves the household such as divorce, leaving for college or on vacation. Our cats and dogs grieve as well.

From a Chinese Medicine point of view the emotion of grief is associated with the lungs. Unresolved grief can contribute to physical illness associated with the lungs or large intestine such as asthma, allergies, sinusitis or constipation.

Unfortunately, there is no way around grief, we all have to go through it but there are some very important homeopathic remedies that help.

Ignatia will not block the experience of grief but often helps to lighten the load and is especially indicated with anger associated with grief or unresolved grief. Natrum muriaticum is another helpful homeopathic remedy and is indicated when the individual is experiencing profound sadness or despondency. Either remedy should be given at a 30ch potency, and give three pellets three times a day for at least three days. As with all homeopathic remedies they need to be taken away from food, directly into the mouth or dissolved in water.

Unfortunately, loss is inevitable but I hope these

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by Debbie Bowman, registered holistic nutritionist

Delicious ways to combat chronic inflammation

While most of us associate inflammation with pain, inflammation can actually be a good thing. Specifically, inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. However, when inflammation persists it can shift from a healing response to a damaging condition. Chronic inflammation is common among the aging population and is the root cause of many serious illnesses — including heart disease, many cancers and Alzheimer’s disease.

Most medical doctors treat inflammation with steroids or NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammation drugs) such as ibuprofen and Aspirin. However, these drugs can have serious side effects. The good news is that there are alternatives to conventional drug therapy, many which have been clinically proven to be as good as or in some cases better than conventional drug therapy. Even better news is these alternatives are readily available and delicious.

Ginger — Research has illustrated that ginger inhibits inflammatory enzymes allowing for a gradual reduction of inflammation and pain without the negative gastrointestinal side effects that accompany NSAIDs. Ginger also stimulates circulation, inhibits various infections and strengthens the liver.

Tumeric — Currently there have been over 6,000 peer-reviewed articles published proving the benefits of turmeric. Also known as curcumin, turmeric is clinically proven to be as effective as cortisone and ibuprofen in treating

arthritis. Tumeric also lowers cholesterol, supports the liver and digestion, and improves circulation.

Omega 3 fatty acids — There is strong scientific evidence that supports the use of omega 3 fatty acids for the relief on inflammation. They activate compounds that block not one, but all of the inflammatory pathways in the body. Omega 3 oils also boost mental flexibility in older adults. The richest sources of omega 3s are from oily fish. However, omega 3 fatty acids are also found in flax oil, walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds and marine algae.

Besides those already mentioned, there are more foods you may already have in your kitchen that have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Here is a small sampling:

• Extra-virgin olive oil contains a substance called oleocanthol that interferes with two enzymes responsible for inflammation in the body.

• Teas such as white tea, oolong and green tea are full of catechins, antioxidant compounds that reduce artery plaque and inflammation.

• Cranberries, blueberries and beets are rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants.

• Red cabbage contains anthocyanin — a well-documented anti-inflammatory agent. Red cabbage also contains significant amounts of polyphenols that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.


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• Broccoli is rich in an inflammation-fighting flavanoid called kaempferol. Besides its inflammation-fighting properties, broccoli also contains sulforaphane, which experts say helps the body cleanse itself of cancer-causing compounds.

• High in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components, spinach is extremely nutrient dense and contains a unique mixture of phytonutrients that fight inflammation and protect the cells.

For an effective anti-inflammation salad, thinly slice spinach leaves and red cabbage. Place in bowl and top with blueberries, salmon and walnuts. Drizzle with a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice and garlic. Delicious!

So the next time you are bothered by inflammation, forgo the medicine cabinet and head for the pantry instead. Your joints and your palate will thank you!

Debbie Bowman, registered holistic nutri-tionist for Edible Island Whole Foods Market

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