cvhrg winter 2012

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WINTER IN THE VALLEY 2012

EXERCISE TO LIVEINTERVENTIONCOME TO YOUR SENSESCOMFORT FOODPADDLING THROUGH TIMETHRIVING IN CHOICES

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CV Health & Recreation Guide 3

Editor’s Note

PUBLISHER : Allan Gear

TELEPHONE : 250.339.0252

FACSIMILE : 250.339.2210 EMAIL : [email protected] & GRAPHICS : Mary Ruth Harris

Comox 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.

YEARLY SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE ~ $10.00 postage paid

~ 2013 SPRING ISSUE ~ Article submissions on Health & Recreation in the Comox Valley are required by February 1st, 2013 & Ad submissions are required by February 15th, 2013.

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

Table of ContentsExercise to Live ~ Part One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

by Liz White

Joint Pain Relief with Laser Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6by Dr. Deidre Macdonald

Complexities of Addiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8by Danielle Lambrecht

Stop. Breathe. Come to Your Senses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10by Rachel Bood

Plantar Warts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11by Trevor Pritoula

Bullying: A Complex Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13by Tina Rader, MSW RCSW

Comfort Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14by Christina Willard-Stepan

Heather’s Holistic Hints ~ Holy Home Care!. . . . . . . . . . . . 15by Heather Saunders

Rebuild & Reflect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18by Dr. Lisa Lundy

To Heat or NOT to Heat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20by Patti J. Doyle

TMJ Dysfunction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22by Catherine Dextrase

The Care of Senior Cats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24by Van Isle Vets

Paddling through Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26by Wes Gietz

Thriving in Choices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 by Phyllis Chubb

What should you ask your Health Care Practitioner . . . . 30by Dr. W. Dawn Armstrong

Front cover photograph provided by amateur photographer Colleen Johnson of Courtenay using a Nikon D1500.

The Christmas season is upon us again. Surrounding us with the sparkle of lights and decorations, the smell of sweet baking and greetings of happiness and peace for all from near and far. Seemingly, one of the happiest months all year long. Right? A time to reflect and take stock of what matters. Spend time with family, whether you enjoy that or not is really up to you, and family relationships are complicated at the best of times so don’t be too hard on yourself, rather be good to yourself. Find quiet time for you. Find time to treat yourself ... maybe a massage is in order, or a manicure or pedicure or a long walk along the beach or through one of the multitude of parks we are blessed with here on Vancouver Island. Find time to consider not only the small picture but the big picture. There is evidence the world’s conscience is shifting to a place not driven by material goods, but rather a quality of life. Where is your path leading?

Interesting, that the seemingly happiest month leads to what is for some the absolute worst month.

Of course I’m referring to January. January is often a very challenging month for people; they refer to it as the ‘blue’ month, they (the experts in these types of matters) have even chosen a day, January 23rd as the bluest day of the year. Apparently, according to Wikipedia, it is a combination of weather, debt, the failing of New Year’s Resolutions, and the time that has passed since Christmas. Now, knowing this, what can we do about it? Well, if we are acutely aware of this fact, can we not actively engage ourselves, friends and family to reverse this perceived affect? Spend every weekend in January (February & March too for that matter!) doing an activity designed to raise your endorphins. Vancouver Island has spectacluar parks to stroll through, vast collections of art in galleries to peruse and some terrific museums to explore, not to mention mountains to climb and of course an ever growing library to read!

The word gratitude comes to mind. Gratitude for where we live. Gratitude for our freedom. Gratitude for the simple things in life. Wishing you and yours a winter season filled with exploration and hope!

Sincerely, Mary Ruth Harris


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by Liz White, M.Sc

Exercise to Live ~ Part One

We’ve all heard the bad news: we are in the midst of a wave of baby boomers that is expected to strain the health care system to its limits. Financial doom for public health care is predicted.

Although it is true that both the number and proportion of older adults is getting larger every decade, this development need not

necessarily cause a dramatic increase in health care costs. This demographic shift is largely due to medical and health advances that have dramatically reduced the incidence of acute illness in early life. More people are living long enough to reach old age. However, while mortality from acute illness has been reduced, it is chronic disease that poses a threat to the nation’s health and economic wellbeing. It follows that if we can prevent or minimize the effects of chronic disease through non-medical means, we can dramatically curtail health care costs for the nation.

First of all, we need to distinguish between acute health conditions and chronic health conditions. The health care system is most effective when dealing with acute conditions. This is because acute health conditions are of relatively short duration, and can be cured. Infectious diseases and injuries are examples of acute conditions. On the other hand, chronic conditions

are persistent and can last for years. They are probably not curable. Some chronic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever, are somewhat disabling though the symptoms can be controlled. Other conditions, such as heart disease and arthritis, can cause significant limitations in people’s ability to care for themselves. It is these conditions that create a loss of independence and present huge health care costs to society.

Now for some good news: while it is still the prevalent belief in some circles that aging and chronic disease are indivisible, evidence is accumulating that chronic disease is avoidable rather than inevitable. Research has validated that regular exercise can reduce and/or prevent the functional decline that frequently follows chronic disease. In Parts 2 and 3 of a series of articles, I will discuss some of the chronic conditions that can be mitigated through exercise including loss of muscle strength with aging, osteoporosis, depression, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, cognitive functioning, and cancer.

For example, the research on muscle strength is fascinating. Sedentary individuals will lose 50% of their strength by age 80. This loss of muscle mass will affect their functional abilities. On the other hand, people who exercise regularly have lower functional ages than people of the same chronological age who do not exercise. (Stress and/or fitness testing will establish your functional age.)

Exercise can play a restorative role at any age. A Tufts University study showed that even at 98 years of


age, the participants were able to reverse their loss of strength by 100% through training. Strength training is particularly beneficial for an older population.

Therefore, with exercise, even aging is not inevitable. To stay healthy and strong at any age, my prescription is to find a form of exercise that you love to do, and do it often. For more information visit www.energysourcepilates.weebly.com

Liz White, MSc RYT-200Yoga & Stott Pilates Instructor

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by Dr. Deidre Macdonald, ND

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Joint pain slowing you down? There may be more options for treatment available than you know. There is a relatively new physical therapy modality called laser therapy that can create rapid healing of joint problems. It is a painless, effective therapy for the treatment of a wide array of muscle, joint, back and skin issues. In my practice, it has been

an invaluable tool for helping my patients. Most of my patients who have utilized laser therapy for their joint problems have had relief from pain, increased range of motion, and are able to return to exercise and work Also, in my experience, laser therapy is the only therapy that shows consistent benefit for arthritis sufferers.

This technology uses superluminous and laser diodes to bathe abnormal tissue with photons. Photons are particles of energy that are absorbed by the cell. Once inside the cells, light energy can be converted into biochemical energy to accelerate cell function. The therapeutic light beam permits penetration of deep tissues without adversely affecting normal cells and the body’s natural tissue healing processes are enhanced. The therapy doesn’t just mask symptoms. It is curative and as logic dictates, symptoms resolve.

The Meditech laser device that I selected for my naturopathic medical clinic is a top of the line, Health Canada approved unit that is used in hospital physiotherapy clinics and burn units around the world.

The Toronto Raptors have their own Meditech laser for treating their injured basketball players. Let’s look at a number of common joint problems and how they can be addressed with laser therapy:

Jaw pain: In a published placebo controlled study, laser therapy was shown to significantly reduce pain, increase range of motion and decrease tender points in patients with MRI confirmed temporo-mandibular joint pathology.

Shoulders: Shoulder pain can be caused by tendonitis (biceps tendonitis for example), rotator cuff injuries (often a torn supraspinatus muscle), bursitis, or deep joint problems. Often several of these mechanisms can co-exist. Laser therapy can effectively address each of these mechanisms and result in improved range of motion and decreased pain. Many of my patients have also reported that they sleep better since their shoulders don’t hurt at night.

Golfer’s & Tennis Elbow: Conditions are medically called epicondylitis, inflammation of the tendon that attaches to the medial and lateral bumps of the elbow. A placebo controlled study in Switzerland found that total relief of the pain and improved function was achieved in 82% of the acute cases.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (hand and wrist pain / numbness): The treatment of this condition with laser therapy has been extensively studied. In a review of 5 significant studies, it was found that the average success rate was 84%. The patients had pain for an average of two years prior to entering the studies. I have had several patients able to cancel surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome after about 9 treatments with laser therapy.

Bursitis of the hip: This condition causes pain when sleeping on the affected side and also with


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activity. It is the condition that I have found responds most consistently to laser therapy. All the patients we have treated for this condition have improved, and I too have used it successfully for the same issue.

Knee Pain: Osteoarthritis of the knee is a very common cause of significant disability for many seniors. Who wants to wait until the condition is so bad that surgery is the only option? In fact, studies have shown that with laser therapy, surgery can be avoided in many cases. A double blind placebo controlled study showed that laser therapy reduced swelling, increased motion, and decreased pain right after a series of sessions, and the benefits were sustained. I have certainly seen the long term effects in my patients. Arthritis patients return but usually it is for a different joint!

Plantar fasciitis: This painful condition affects the bottom of the foot. I usually recommend stretches, exercises and massage for patients with this condition, along with laser therapy. Research shows that patients report significantly less pain after a series of laser treatments. A placebo controlled study found that the thickness of the plantar fascia was reduced. Another study showed that 90% of patients experienced relief: 64% of patients had no pain and another 26% were significantly improved. Unlike other treatments for plantar fasciitis, laser therapy is a painless process.

So why suffer? Laser therapy is a safe and effective

tool that can help you get back to the life you desire. For more information about Dr. Macdonald’s state

of the art laser therapy machine, click on laser therapy on her web site www.getwellhere.com to book a free 15 minute consultation to see if laser therapy is the right treatment for you, call her medical office at 250.897.0235. Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician with a medical practice in downtown Courtenay.

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by Danielle Lambrecht

Complexities of Addiction

As a mental health, addictions, and trauma counselor, I have worked with many individuals who struggle with addictions issues. Addiction is a complex problem and not an easy one to solve. It not only affects the person, but it also affects all those connected to that person. A person who is addicted can

have multiple substance abuse problems, be suffering with mental health issues, and a history of trauma.

When an individual comes to see me seeking help for addictions I will do a detailed assessment of their history, and their current issues and find out how or if these factors are associated with their addictions problem. Sometimes clients who seek to be clean and sober must go to a detox treatment centre because they could be at high risk for medical problems. This is

dependent on the drug(s) of choice, how long they have been using, how much and the frequency.

For some they do not need to go through a detox centre and may choose to detox on their own. If this is the case please see your family doctor and let your family and friends know in case you do experience withdrawal symptoms such as seizures. As a counsellor, I will tell you that acute withdrawal symptoms will generally last for 1-10 days. These symptoms can be: inability to think clearly, emotional overload, sleep and memory problems, decreased physical coordination, and difficulty making decisions. You may also be feeling emotional and struggling with shame, guilt, low self-esteem, and a fear of relapsing.

It is important to know that full recovery of your nervous system can take from 6-48 months. During your recovery process there are many things you can do for yourself such as avoid high risk situations Some common high risk situations can require you to engage in a simple strategy described as the acronym: HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and tired. Remember if you


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are hungry, eat. If you are angry, release your anger in healthy ways such as doing physical activities. If you are lonely, go to A.A or N.A. meeting or call your sponsor. If you are tire, take a short nap, or go to bed early.

Be aware of sources of stress in your life. If you have increased stress it can be a warning sign. If you recognize this remember H-A-L-T, and know of other healthy ways of coping with stress such as manage your time better, make a to-do-list, do relaxation and breathing techniques, talk to a counsellor or sponsor, be assertive and say “no”, ask for help, be grateful, and keep a sense of humor.

As a counsellor, I would also say it is important to focus on your thinking. Changes in your thinking can be a sign that relapse is around eh corner. Ask yourself the following questions: Am I focusing on others or myself? Am I keeping my mind distracted and my emotions numb? Am I getting easily defensive as a way to self-protect? Am I withdrawing from others? This is another warning sign.

As a counsellor, I would suggest we make an earlier intervention plan, which is a solid safety plan to abstain from self-defeating behaviors. The plan would consist of: Who are my supports? What are some thoughts I can have to motivate me to stop the relapse? How can I manage my cravings and urges? What parts of H-A-L-T do I need to do?

It is my hope that these important strategies will help individuals who are struggling with addictions, find effective help, learn new ways to stay clean and sober, and to prevent their own relapses. Again, addiction is complex and needs to be understood in order to help individuals with addictions and their families.

If you require counselling on mental health, addictions, or trauma issues please contact Danielle at Danielle Lambrecht Counselling Services by phone at: 250.898.9847 or visit her web site: www.daniellelambrecht.ca to book an online appointment if you prefer her newest service, online counselling (secured).


by Rachel Bood

Stop. Breath. Come to Your Senses...

At Bodyworx Pilates and Health we have a card with a little quote stating “Stop. Breath. Come to Your Senses.” sitting on the window sill at the front of the studio.

We have all had times in our lives when we look around and feel like everything is whizzing by. We are so busy it can be challenging to take time to rebalance, connect with ourselves, and feel at peace. If our minds are running in ten different directions and we are out of balance in our lives, our bodies tend to mimic that with mindless movement. This can create over/under use of muscle groups and misalignment throughout our bodies, opening us up to injury and lack of actual balance!

Our state of mind has a great impact on our bodies, balanced body = balanced mind, and vice versa. Imagine yourself walking over a skinny log suspended over a river: Is your mind running a mile a minute (work, kids, chores, fear) and your body unbalanced and unorganized, arms flailing? Or, are you centred and lifted from your core, every muscle gliding in perfect form as you breathe with confidence and control placing one foot in front of the other, blissfully enjoying

the view!We see everyday how exercise is a fantastic way

to reconnect with your body, and feel more centred. When that exercise has a mind-body emphasis, such as Pilates, you can’t lose. Using machines, props, and your own body weight you will gain strength and flexibility while you are taking the time to think about the balanced and efficient use of muscles. Ultimately, this will help to undo the work of gravity, as well as daily misuse of muscles, and allow your body to come into optimal alignment. Pilates has a focus on the use of breath which serves as a tool to connect into the deep core muscles that help with balance and stability. The breathing also works to oxygenate the blood, giving you energy, and relaxing the mind. This is an exercise we use in class to check: how connected are we? Can we slow our mind and be present? What do we need?

Take the 3 minute challenge:1. Set a timer for 1 minute close your eyes and count

how many breaths you take in that minute.2. Set the timer for 1 minute, but this time see if

you can take half the amount of breaths you did the first time.

3. Set the timer for 1 more minute and see if you can cut the second set of breaths in half again!

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With the wet and cold weather upon us, many seek indoor activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle through the winter months.Unfortunately, this may involve being barefoot on communal surfaces and increase the risk of contracting opportunistic infections such as plantar warts. Although I do not treat warts at my clinic, it is a problem I often see and advise/ educate the patient on how to remedy. Often I will add padding to the patient’s foot or insole to deflect pressures from the wart in order to alleviate discomfort and improve treatment outcomes.

Plantar warts are benign tumors (non-cancerous skin growths) on the bottom/ sole of the feet, which are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Typically normal, healthy skin provides enough of a barrier however, the virus can enter the skin through tiny cuts, breaks/abrasions or other vulnerable sites on your feet. There are over 100 different strands of HPV, each causing different kinds of warts and affecting different areas of the body. Warts are usually painless, but a wart that develops in an area of increased pressure, can cause tenderness/discomfort. Plantar warts are seen in all age groups, but they are most common among children (8-16 years of age). Risk factors for the development of plantar warts include:

Use of public showers, communal surfaces (while barefoot)

• Skin trauma (callus, abrasions, cuts, cracked skin)

• Wet, softened, fragile skin from prolonged water exposure (macerated skin)

• Weakened immune system because of certain medications used or illness

A doctor or specialist usually makes a diagnosis, as they very closely resemble callus/ corns (which are pressure lesions). A plantar wart can be confirmed, based on clinical appearance, whereby the lesion is a grey- yellow or brown color with firm, rough, bumpy centre, some appear thick and scaly with tiny pinpoint dark spots inside (not always apparent): These dark spots are minute, thrombosed (containing blood clots)

Plantar Warts

by the Foot guy ~ Trevor Pritoulacapillaries in the deeper layers of the skin. The skin print (striae) will typically deviate around the wart. The lesion is usually painful with a pinching pressure. They can occur as a single lesion or grouping, known as mosaic.

Treatment ~ Plantar warts may resolve on their own, however if painful and to reduce the risk of it spreading to other areas of the feet or other people, treatment is typically recommended. Early intervention is best as once established, plantar warts can be very

resistant. Usually the simple and less painful treatment options are utilized first. Treatments require patience, persistence and possibly multiple interventions. People with diabetes, nerve damage in their feet or weakened immunity need treatment under a doctor’s supervision. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate option and closely monitor the treatment effects

and the quality of wound healing. With each of these treatments, your doctor or specialist will provide instructions about how to cover a wart or wound, remove dead tissue between appointments, clean the site, and change a dressing if needed. Many “old wives tales” exist for wart treatment, however in this article only the more medicinal and proven effective options will be reviewed.

1. Home Remedies/Over the counter wart treatments. Topical ointments, creams or wax sticks containing Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid or other chemicals to debride and kill the infected tissue. Always keep the wart covered with a plaster or occlusive tape, such as Duct tape once treatment has been initiated and continue until the lesion is completely resolved.

2. Freezing (cryotherapy). Liquid nitrogen with a spray canister or cotton-tipped applicator to freeze and destroy your wart. The chemical causes a blister to form around your wart, and the dead tissue sloughs off within a week or so. The application itself can be painful, and cryotherapy can result in painful or tender blisters that resolve on their own, therefore best done under doctor supervision.

Continued on Page 12...


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If you answered yes to these questions then you may not be getting the most from your medication regimen. If you are having trouble organizing your medications or just want to simplify the process then the Medicine Shoppe and PACMED® have the complete solution to managing your medications.

Your Medicine Shoppe pharmacist can use PACMED® to package your medications into personalized, easy to open cellophane pouches. These pouches display the day and time each medications needs to be taken even if it is four or more times per day. One quick glance and you’ll know if you’ve taken or missed any pills. PACMED® was originally designed for assisted living or long term care homes with multiple patients and multiple caregivers handling medications. However it quickly became apparent that PACMED® could be used in community practice as well. Using this system makes medication administration simple while at the same time reducing errors. The individual pouches are discreet, convenient and easy to carry. This means you are no longer restricted to bulky pill boxes or blister packed cards. As your Medicine Shoppe pharmacist I am committed to helping you get the most out of your medication. Get the full benefi ts of

your treatment with the Medicine Shoppe and PACMED® working for you. Come in and see for yourself exactly how easy taking medications can be.

3. Cantharidin. Your doctor may use cantharidin (a substance extracted from the blister beetle). Typically, the extract is paired with salicylic acid, applied to the plantar wart and covered with a bandage. The initial application is painless, but the subsequent blister that forms can be quite painful.

4. Minor surgery. This involves cutting away the wart or destroying the wart by using an electric needle in a process called electrodesiccation and curettage. Your doctor will anesthetize your skin before this procedure. This treatment is avoided if possible with plantar warts because of the risk of scarring. Home surgery is not recommended.

5. Laser treatment. A type of laser treatment called pulse dye laser treatment burns closed (cauterizes) tiny blood vessels. The infected tissue eventually dies, and the wart falls off. This treatment can cause pain and scarring.

6. Immunotherapy*. This therapy attempts to harness your body’s immune system and reserved for tough-to-treat warts. This can be accomplished in a couple of ways. Your doctor may inject your warts with interferon, a medication that boosts your immune system’s instinct to reject warts. Or your doctor may inject your warts with a foreign substance (antigen) that stimulates your immune system. Doctors often use mump antigens, because many people are immunized against mumps. As a result, the antigen sets off an immune reaction that may fight off the virus. Interferon treatment may result in flu-like symptoms for a few hours after treatment. Both treatments may cause pain..

7. Imiquimod (Aldara)*. This prescription cream applied directly to a wart is an immunotherapy medication that encourages your body to release immune system proteins (cytokines) to attack HPV. This treatment can result in severe inflammation near the site and damage to the tissues beyond the wart. If this occurs, the treatment is discontinued. The drug may also result in flu-like symptoms that may lessen with a lower dosage. *Typically reserved for very resistant/ extreme cases.

Prevention ~ To reduce your risk of contracting the virus and developing/spreading plantar warts:

• Avoid direct contact with warts.• Keep your feet clean and dry. Change your shoes

and socks daily.• Don’t go barefoot in public areas. Wear sandals or

flip-flops in public pools and locker rooms.• Don’t pick at warts. Picking may spread the virus.• Don’t use the same file, pumice stone or nail

Continued from Page 11... clipper on your warts as you use on your healthy skin and nails. Do not share skin files/pumice stones with others.

• Cover cuts and abrasions with a plaster or bandage if barefoot.

• Wash your hands carefully after touching your warts.

• Do not share footwear/socks with others as the wart can survive on surfaces for some time.


by Tina Rader, MSW RCSW

Bullying: A Complex Response

Tina Rader MSW RCSW

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[email protected]

Individual, couple, family therapy, consultation, supervision, workshops.

Considerable attention has been given lately to the Amanda Todd suicide and the issue of bullying online and in our schools. And rightly so. The extensive media coverage describing the viciousness and breadth of abusive behaviour make it seems epidemic. The media, educators, parents and communities talk about teaching kids skills to prevent them from becoming victims of bullies. There are anti-bullying programs offered in schools teaching kids how to avoid being the victim of bullying and what can be done to assist those who are. Everyone wants to come to the aid of those who have been victimized by bullies. Parents are warned to be vigilant in policing their children’s behaviour online to minimize the potential for their kids to bullied/abused by peers or predators. The responsibility is clearly placed on the potential victim prevent bullying/abuse. Implied in this is failure to prevent bullying/abuse lies with the victim. Efforts are made to encourage kids by making it easier or less dangerous to report bullying/abuse.

Victims of bullying/abuse need and deserve our support and protection. Children and youth who have not been directly bullied but who are friends of those who have also need to be acknowledged and attended to. They can be likewise traumatized by the events they’ve witnessed. They are referred to in clinical settings as secondary victims. Both primary and secondary victims benefit from an opportunity to tell their story without blame or judgement in ways that promote personal agency.

The kids who fear they too will suffer the same horrible fate of being bullied often go unnoticed by adults and peers until it’s too late. They deserve our attention now. The children/youth who remain silent about bullying they experience or witness do so because they have encountered apathy and impotence from adults previously. They too need an opportunity to share their experiences.

Adults and youth who witness bully’s actions, who read, share or like online slander multiple the bully’s power to harm and need to be held accountable in the same way as those directly perpetrating the abuse.

Public opinion is mostly silent when is comes to the bully/abuser ‘s actions. Little time is given to understanding how we might assist the bully to change or what drives their actions. Punitive measures seem

the only available recourse. Kids identified as bullies are marginalized, outcasts, and punished. Parents may have similar experiences of being outcast and demonized. The parents, relatives and friends of the bully are caught in a difficult dilemma. They love their kids and at the same time are harmed by their child’s actions. Such dilemmas can negatively impact parent’s relationships with siblings, spouses, relatives and friends, make helping their child extremely difficult. Seeking professional advice and assistance from a counsellor experienced in working with children and youth who have bullied may be important and beneficial.

Tina has 30 years experience working with children, youth and families who have experienced bullying/abuse and those who have been perpetrators.

Registered Clinical Social Work services are income tax deductible and HST exempt.

SLY Web Co

Susan L Young

Bookkeeping & Offi ce Services

Bookkeeping for BusinessConstruction & TradesOffice ServicesMonthly ReportsHST WCBPayroll & RemittancesFinancial Statements

Susan L. Young

[email protected]


by Christina Willard-Stepan, B.Ed, Certified Personal Coach

Comfort Foods

So you’ve had a tough day at work/with the kids and you walk into your home, switch to comfy clothes and open the refrigerator. Ah – there it is ___ (fill in the blank), your favourite comfort food. That’s better!

What is comfort food? “Comfort food” refers to simple, familiar food that is usually home-cooked ~ foods that people associate with their formative years,

or with “home”; frequently simple, often rich and soothing. For me, these are usually casseroles, soups and stews. Comfort foods will vary, and are personal.

Most will consist of at least one of these 3 major ingredients: lots of carbohydrates, high levels of fat, and plenty of love. Why?

Although the exact reason is still not completely understood, studies show that people have an increased pain tolerance (or read - increased “comfort level”) after ingesting a high fat meal. There are also hormones released when eating fatty foods that give a person a feeling of satisfaction. It is these hormones that prevents you from over-eating by making you feel full (read - “satisfied”)

Why Carbohydrates?Studies show that carbohydrates may have an

effect on mood. Theories about why range from the fact that sugars increase your serotonin levels (the “feel

good” hormone), to the fact that they have an analgesic (numbing) effect. I have my own theory ~ they taste good! They’re yummy and they help you feel good for whatever the reason. They remind you of home, wherever that may be. Yes they are full of fat and sugar, but we are mammals and are meant to fatten up a little to get through winter ~ isn’t that when we crave comfort foods most? And I’m guessing that Macaroni and Cheese is on the list for many of us. For that reason, I am sharing two versions of this infamous Comfort Food – one Classic, and one Vegan. Each makes 4-6 servings and can be enjoyed with your choice of pasta.

Vegan Mac & ‘Cheeze’ Sauce 1 Small butternut squash (peeled, chopped and

roasted at 425F for about ½ hour until tender)1 cup unflavoured milk substitute of choice1 Tbsp cornstarch1 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes(available of most health food stores)1 tsp Dijon mustard1/4 tsp garlic powder1/2 tsp kosher salt & ground black pepper, to tasteWhisk together milk substitute and cornstarch in

pot on stovetop. Warm to medium-high and whisk out any lumps. Stir in remaining ingredients and stir over low heat until thickened (about 5-7 minutes or so). In a blender, blend this thickened sauce with 1 cup of the roasted squash. Return to pot. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.

Classic Macaroni & Cheese Sauce4 tablespoons butter4 tablespoons flour1 cup milk1 cup cream 1/2 tsp kosher salt & ground black pepper, to taste2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (good quality)In a large pot, melt butter. Add flour mixed with

salt and pepper, using a whisk to stir until well blended. Pour milk and cream in slowly; stirring constantly. Bring to low boil. Reduce heat and cook (stirring constantly) about 10 minutes. Add shredded cheddar little by little and simmer an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese melts. Add cooked pasta to the saucepan and toss to coat.

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by Heather Saunders, RMT

Heather’s Holistic Hints ~ Holy Home Care!

The Importanceof Daily Maintenance

at HomeGosh, isn’t it just so

annoying when your doctor, massage therapist, physiotherapist or chiropractor (or any type of therapist for that matter) gives you homework? I know... It’s the worst. There is a method behind the madness however, and

here’s the scoop; People wind up with all sorts of aches and pains from all types of situations. Most commonly it’s some kind of overuse or repetitive strain injury, and other times it’s from an acute injury like an impact or whiplash. The end result is always the same...

A part of the body is now prone to and vulnerable to re-aggravation or re-injury.

This is why it’s so important to keep on top of

the injury, listen to our bodies, and prevent too much irritation. I find there are three types of people who come to see me for treatment;

1. People who want to get better, learn about their bodies and learn skills, techniques and exercises to maintain themselves. They return to the activity that injured them but work around it with awareness, and they work hard to make themselves better with my help and guidance.

2. People who want to get better, smile and nod, do the home care once or twice the first few days and return to the activity that injured them and may work around it or avoid it.

3. People who think I am magical. I promise you, if I was magical, I would not be

working for a living. I need your help. I can’t do all the work that is required around the clock. I can’t do the stretches for you. I can’t do the strengthening exercises for you. I can’t go to work for you or correct posture or retrain muscle groups for you.

Continued on Page 16...


www.HeatherSaundersRMT.com

250.339.9912

HeatherSaunders RMT

Comox ValleyTherapeutic Massage#207 ~ 1819 Beaufort Avenue, Comox, BC

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What I can do for you in treatment is provide enough pain and symptom relief to help you take the next step. I can help break down and explain the cause of the problem and what is going on inside your body to compensate for or lead to pain. I can soothe the muscles and nerves and get blood moving in the area and help the joints loosen up again. I can show you stretches and exercises or suggest ways of doing things that won’t strain the area as much. I can be encouraging and support you in your process of healing.

Having said that, everyone’s rate of healing is going to be different and there are some factors that may be out of our control. For example, a person’s age can largely impact a speedy and full recovery. There are sometimes hereditary/health issues or previous injuries that can create roadblocks. Regardless of what may be going on, the only way to get as much out of your recovery as possible is to keep working at it.

I once treated a man who had received a knee replacement surgery. He was having amazing results; very little swelling, his range of motion was not 100% but getting closer, he didn’t have much pain anymore. He was just about back to normal. He was maybe in his late 50’s or early 60’s, in pretty good shape, and active.

At the time, he was still going to the hospital for the post-op physio treatments where some people were still struggling with the knee replacements they had received earlier than he had. One woman asked him why his knee was doing so much better so much faster than hers. He told her that the exercises they were doing at the physio for half an hour 2 or 3 times a week, he was doing every day three times a day at home.

I want you to feel better and function more freely and with less pain, and I’d love to help you get there, but the key word is ‘help’. I can do a lot of good with my knowledge and skills and I can tell you what I know and explain things well, but I only have 30-60 minutes to do it. You have 24/7.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while on the road to recovery:

• You need to keep yourself motivated. It’s easy to forget where you started, so don’t get discouraged. Pain reduction is like watching your child grow. It’s so gradual and your always witnessing it so you almost don’t notice it. If you could experience the initial pain today and your current pain tomorrow, it would be like the distant relative seeing the child once a year and noticing how much taller they are. It would be much more drastic than you realized. Perhaps keep a detailed journal that you write in once a month with progress reports.

• Don’t forget that before your accident or injury, you weren’t always pain free. Once a person has experienced what they consider intense pain or a very restrictive injury, they assume that once it’s ‘fixed’ they should never have pain again, anywhere and that that is how things were before. We all get random aches and pains, most of which go away on their own, but we sometimes become a tad paranoid once we’ve experienced something a little more involved.

Continued from Page 15...


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Phone: 250-703-2422Fax: 250-703-2425

437 Fifth StreetCourtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7

Meet with Don McRae at his Courtenay Offi ce!Call or email for an appointment.

Gary & Cindy Fort

New Years Resolution...Inner Peace; and then World Peace.

333 5th StreetCourtenay250 871 7225

YOG A – M A SSAGE – CLOTHING – ACCESSOR IES

• If you can’t set aside a solid half hour in the day for your home care, do them sporadically throughout the day. When I’m working on a yoga pose or a muscle, as strange as it looks, I’ll do that pose or stretch many times in the day for maybe only 30 seconds to a minute at a time. It’s not as time consuming when you do it in a random free moment. Setting aside 30 minutes at a time is much easier to put off.

The moral of the story is this; whoever it is that is assigning you home care for whatever reason, is doing it to help you. We’re not just telling you to do things for fun. There may be some trial and error, and some home cares may not work for you, but that will only teach us more about what’s going on to further help you. Besides, if you’re going to spend the money on the treatments, why not make your money stretch a little further?

Registered Massage Therapists in BC complete a 3,000 hour program and are required to continue their education through approved courses as per the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia. They study subjects such as anatomy and physiology, kinesiology (human movement), pathology, neurology and learn many styles of therapeutic techniques.

Past articles as well as access to informative posts I’ve put on my Facebook page and more simple and easy home care tips can be found in the blog on my web site. Also, take a look at my stretching page with step by step instructions and pictures.

Heather Saunders is a Registered Massage Therapist who is located at the Comox Valley Therapeutic Massage Center #207 - 1819 Beaufort Avenue, Comox BC. She can be reaced at 250.339.9912 or via her web site at www.heathersaundersrmt.com.


by Lisa Lundy

Rebuild and Reflect...

Mobile Registered Massage Therapy~ Therapeutic massage, relaxation massage

~ Weekend & Evening appointments available

~ Enjoy your extended benefits at your convenience

~ Service available in your home, office or institution

Ocean Heal th Centre, 290A England Ave, Cour tenay, BC

Bryan Hill, RMT

250.702.7048

[email protected] // www.bryanhill.ca

Your Comox Valley Ford dealershipis now under NEW OWNERSHIP!!

After 7 years as the General Manager, new Dealer Principal Neil van Ierland would like to welcome you to drop in!

Same Great Staff,Same Great Service,

Same Great Selection......of New Fords & Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles!!

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As the warmth of Summer and Fall drift behind us we find ourselves in the depth of Winter; the darkness, the cold, the damp and the often sore aching backs, and bones, endless fatigue and sometimes heightened anxiety or insecurity. Welcome the Water Element in Chinese Medicine, and all that it brings! Fear not, it is also a time of peace, and quiet, and rest and inward reflection and an opportunity to acknowledge

the harvest of your year, and count your blessings. Our ability to enjoy this season is influenced by so many factors and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers some fabulous support to make the most of the season.

The Kidney and Adrenal system in our body are most influenced at this time of year as they fall under the classification of the Water Element. According to TCM principles, all of the energy or Qi for our body stems from the health of Kidney energy. The Kidneys are the root or pillar of strength that all the rest of our being draws upon, and they have the ability to lift us up or pull us down.

Many people are suffering a deep depletion of Kidney Qi as a result of overwork, stress, or excessive lifestyles physically and/or mentally. This depletion of energy is the equivalent of our gas tank running on empty or adrenal exhaustion. Common physical symptoms are often bone problems (especially in the back, knees or teeth), joint pain, depletion of hair quality, urinary, sexual and reproductive imbalances,


premature aging, fatigue, depression, insecurity, and anxiety or insomnia. The Kidney channel is said to influence the bones and anchor the spirit. The inability to do this with proper resources, leads to compromise. As Winter comes upon us and our exposure to light and warmth is lessened, many of these symptoms can become more noticeable.

In addition to the many other health care modalities that can be used to help us get through the Winter season, TCM offers some unique and effective treatments to consider.

Acupuncture treatments have been shown to be very helpful in increasing energy and immunity as well as having a quick and significant influence on mood and well being. Points are selected to strengthen and increase the circulation of Qi and Blood in the body and build back strength. A series of treatments during this season can do wonders to assist with recovery from burnout and exhaustion or reducing and healing back or bone pain. The retention of needles influences the release of many wonderful endorphins and other chemicals in the body to improve mood and aid in relaxation, which is of particular support when we are living with fewer hours of light. The result is that the body is able to switch out of chronic fight or flight mode, which allows the Kidney and Adrenal area to finally “catch a breath” and recharge, thereby restoring health, strength and balance.

Eating foods that are warm and cooked and containing a bitter and salty flavour are also very important tips to keep the body well nourished, balanced and strong. Chinese medicine is based on the principle of balance within our body, and balance with our environment. As we move into colder weather, it becomes more important to minimize excess intake of cold and raw foods and instead utilize the nourishment of foods such as root vegetables, grains, beans, sesame seeds and seaweeds combined with warming flavours such as ginger and cinnamon. These foods are considered to be more tonifying or energy building, and help keep our circulation strong and nourishing to the bone. The use of more bitter flavours ensures that the warmth and nourishment is spread throughout the entire body. Chinese herbs also have an extremely powerful influence over this regulation in the body and

unique individualized formulas are often incorporated into treatments as well.

When Kidney energy is strong and healthy, it is able to be an anchor for our heart or spirit which helps to reduce symptoms of anxiety or insomnia and provides security for the psyche. We have all experienced that we are less able to cope when we are feeling tired and depleted. The more tired we are, the more tired we can become because our body is not able to anchor itself and so the mind is said to wander - it is not secure and grounded. When the Kidney-Adrenal complex is not renewed, it can be extremely difficult to overcome some of these mental/emotional struggles even if other support systems are in place. By making use of some of these therapeutic tools, individuals often find that they are better able to participate in the joys of Winter and to do so in good health. So bundle up in the cold, keep your body warm and moving from the inside out, provide it with rest, relaxation and nourishment, and consider making use of some of the many ways to slow down, rebuild and reflect on all that your body has done for you. Dr. Lisa J. Lundy

B.Sc., Dr. TCMAcupuncture, laser therapy, herbs, dietary therapy, massage, and cupping.“Over twenty years of experience supporti ng people to feel well and be well”[email protected]

Featuring Fine Italian Cuisine

Wendy & Bill Meade (250) 890-7575140 Port Augusta, Comox BC V9M 3N6


A private hands on approach to musculoskeletal disorders. Structural integration focuses on chronic tissue problems that limit flexibility and strength.

Patti Whacker’s Physiotherapy

If you have pain & dysfunction of a chronic or reoccurring nature...

...Patti Whacker is worth a try.

Patti J. Doyle “The Organic Mechanic”BScPt, BScP.Ed, OCS1915 Merino Place, Comox

250.650.1350

by Patti J. Doyle, BScPT, BScP.Ed, OCS

To Heat or NOT to Heat?

Have you ever dreaded getting out of bed in the morning because the stiffness in your back or extremities is so debilitating it makes getting up a chore? You may be a victim of soft tissue adhesions in your muscle or other deeper tissue layers. Have you ever wondered why the

stiffness you experience is so profound first thing in the morning but feels better after you have done a bit of exercise?? Putting heat on a stiff body part helps to limber it up after a few minutes and then your day suddenly gets a whole lot better !! Here is why...

If there are parts of the body where scar tissue has grown either due to past trauma or infection the percentage of collagen (scar) is greater. Since scar

tissue has little to no blood supply of its own it is dependent upon its neighboring tissue to recruit heat from to increase its pliability. During the night our body attempts to conserve heat by shunting blood to the digestive organs and the organs of respiration. This redistribution of heat within the body, can cause adhesions in the musculoskeletal and deeper layers of the body to stiffen due to a decrease in local temperature of the surrounding tissues.

If you have morning stiffness more than five mornings a week you can definitely benefit from some soft tissue mobilization techniques. The connective tissue in the body is three dimensional and can influence all systems of the body. If you use chiropractic adjustments or massages on a regular basis just to keep things moving you may want to try some deep tissue fascial release therapy to experience more lasting relief from chronic conditions of stiffness and discomfort. If scar tissue is holding the joint in poor alignment from a position in front of the spine deep fascial release is indicated.

If heat lessens your symptoms 99% of the time you DO have soft tissue adhesions and getting them mobilized will not only decrease your symptoms but increase your function and over all physical endurance.

If the adhesions are around an organ the function of that organ will be improved. ie. esophagus more

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limber will result in less or no acid reflux. If the adhesion is around a blood vessel or a nerve then you can also experience an increase in circulation to a body part or an improvement in sensation or strength to a specific body part. The more limber your body is the less likely it will become injured with activities of daily living and recreational pursuits.

Using heat to improve soft tissue restrictions is a good home program. If you want some lasting release I strongly recommend you try deep tissue fascial release. In the mean time stay warm!!!!!

For more information on this type of manual therapy technique contact Patti Doyle at Patti Whackers Physiotherapy 250.650.1350.

Colon Hydrotherapy ClinicPlease call or email for an appointment.

“Discover the secret...”COLON HYDROTHERAPY

Colon hydrotherapy is a highly effective treatment option when working towards obtaining a healthy well functioning colon. Anvaya Wellness offers a gentle approach to colon therapy in a calm relaxed setting.

Common signs of colon toxicity are:• Fatigue• Constipation

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Catherine Dextrase CSTCRANIO SACRAL THERAPY

CST works to…• Release trauma• Relieve tensions• Restore tissue health

250.702.2080http://www.catherinedextrase.com#5, 145 - 19th Street, Courtenay, BC

Self-corrective Exercises for TMJ Dysfunction!

by Catherine Dextrase, CST

Rosemarie’s passionate, results-driven service attitude has been key in developing relationships with integrity and respect. With 10 years experience with First Memorial Funeral Services in Victoria, Rosemarie invites you to call her for your complimentary “Personal Planning Guide” and if you are a member of a group or service organization and are searching for a dynamic speaker for a 15-minute presentation on “Dying to know before you go” please call Rosemarie. A door prize and cake will be offered for participants.

PIERCY’SA Part of the Comox Valley for Over 60 Years

FUNE� L HOME & CREMATORIUM

250. 334.4 4 6 4

FUNE� L PLANNINGIntroducing Rosemarie ClarkCerti� ed Pre-arrangement Counselor

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There are as many causes as there are solutions to jaw pain in the body, and when we look at the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) we have a particularly interesting bundle of structures involved. Muscles, ligaments, tendons, lower jaw, temporal bone, teeth, nerves, blood

vessels to name just a few! The TMJ is the joint where the mandible, or lower jaw, articulates with the base of the skull and allows movement to open and close the mouth. When there is dysfunction there can be a whole family of problems associated with any of these structures and it’s important to look into the reasons behind any pain that you may be experiencing. There are a few self-help techniques below that have been helpful to many people experiencing problems in the TMJ, with caution to not overdo or push your body to the point of a painful response.

What is the right approach for you? One step at a time, we can uncover the underlying roots of any physical symptoms that arise in the body. Finding a practitioner to support any self help measures you undertake is important. Knowing your own body and what kinds of approaches work best for you is important in reaching out to get help in restoring ease of movement in all aspects of body function. There are many practitioners in the valley that facilitate the release


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of jaw structures- Cranio Sacral Therapists, RMT’s, Chiropractors, Physiotherapists are knowledgable and well trained in the anatomy and physiology of the body and can help pinpoint the structures involved to bring relief.

Stress is one of the major causes of jaw clenching which can lead to dysfunction in the TMJ. The muscles responsible for chewing motion of the jaw are often contracted unconsciously during stress (clenching teeth) and cause pain in the joint or any associated structures, as well as many types of headaches.

A few points to help reduce jaw pain and some of the stress causes in particular:

• reduce stress, or if that isn’t possible,• seek help in changing your reaction to stressful

situations• practice relaxation/breathing techniques• check in with your jaw regularly - are you

clenching?• check in with your tongue regularly – is it

pushing up on the roof of your mouth?• find strategies to bring softness to your jaw,

throat and tongueIf you are experiencing extreme pain please consult

your medical doctor in collaboration with your wholistic health practitioner before attempting any exercises that may aggravate the issue!

Exercise 1 : suggested time 3 minutesCurl your tongue upwards to the roof of the mouth,

placing the tip far back towards the throat. Gently and slowly open and close the mouth while maintaining this position.

Exercise 2: suggested repetitions 25, twice/dayRest your jaw on your fist, elbow supported on a

table. Maintain the tongue in a resting position on the upper palate in the middle to ensure that the lower jaw stays centred throughout the exercise. Open and close the mouth slowly with the fist offering a small bit of resistance. Ensure the jaw does not come forward, checking to see that the lower teeth always remain behind the upper teeth in closing. Repeat five times with resistance, five times without.

When your TMJ and all the surrounding body structures are in good health, the jaw opens and closes smoothly and there is ease of movement in talking, chewing and all other functions. One step at a time with an approach of gentleness and curiosity we can expand the tissue health and encourage the softness back into each and every smile!

Catherine is a Cranio Sacral Therapist and Intuitive Healer in the Comox Valley, please visit her web site at www.catherinedextrase.com.


The Care of Senior Cats...

MASSAGE ANDHOLISTIC SOLUTIONS

Gift certi� cates available

Pain is Inevitable.Su ering is Optional.

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Monday to Friday9:00 to 5:00

Jay DobersteinCHHP

Shiatsu Spa Practitioner

• Shiatsu ........... $50/1 hr• Relaxation Massage .......... $50/1 hr• Deep Tissue Massage .......... $50/1 hr• Acupressure Sessions .......... $50/1 hr• Hot Stone Massage .......... $75/1 hr

Customizedsessions available

For your home or at your Office.

EATERY & CATERING CO

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PLATTERS AND TRAYSOR CATERED BUFFETSOur Catering menu options are available onlineat www.platescatering.com

Senior cats are your affectionate long term companions that have won your heart. You have had them for years and know their in’s and out’s and what makes them unique, and they too know how to make you smile.

Although all cats age differently cats generally begin their senior years around the age of seven. With the cooler months approaching, a common medical problem to be aware of when your cat becomes a senior citizen is arthritis. Arthritis is one of the most under diagnosed and under treated condition in cats. About 90% of cats over the age of 12 are suffering from some form of arthritis and yet many owners are unaware.Because cats are small and quite agile they can often cover up mobility difficulties and pain from arthritis. Unlike dogs, cats generally don’t limp with arthritis but will show subtle changes in their lifestyle or behavior such as ~ reluctance to jump up to or down from obstacles or go through a cat flap, sleeping more often and for longer periods of time, stiff or creaky joints, matted or scurfy coat from lack of self grooming, less

tolerance for people or more withdrawn attitude.There are many ways to help with the pain of this

condition such as a joint support supplement. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory may be prescribed by your veterinarian but it is recommended to run a full blood panel on your pet before using this medication.

Changing your cats exercise routine, altering their movement around the house may also help to decrease discomfort in their joints. Making it easier for them to get up and down from obstacles & furniture will help with your pets comfort. Maintaining activity and play at low levels, creating places where your cat can easily climb and hide, and playing gentle games with him or her are great ways to keep them active and keep their mind sharp while reducing the impact on their joints. Relocating their food, water, and litter box may also be necessary for ease of access as well as controlling your cats’ weight. Excess weight can put extra strain and pressure on the joints which increases the risk of arthritis at any age. Mobility/Joint Support diets can provide great support and relief for sore, swollen joints.

by Van Isle Vets


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Just like people, cooler weather can elevate your cat’s aches and pains, make sure they have a warm, cozy bed to curl up on to sleep away those rainy days.

A wise precaution for cats over the age of seven is an annual health exam. Although you cannot prevent arthritis from happening, you can certainly help slow down the process and provide ways to keep your beloved feline friend as pain free and limber as possible during their senior years.

The most important thing to remember is to cherish your cat’s senior years; they come too suddenly and pass too quickly. They will be some of the best years and moments you will have with an old, loyal and loving friend, so make every day count.


Paddling through time...

by Wes Gietz

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Coracle, dugout, kayak, catamaran, birchbark canoe. Evocative, provocative, nostalgic words that carry us into history. The feel of hand on paddle, of shoulders and torso twisting stiffened arms into the stroke, of water giving to and holding the blade; the sound of water against the hull; the sight of sun on wavelets or fat rain bouncing on the deck and water: all these have been known to me as to you, and to my ancestors as to yours.

The first one I got to know well was a heavy canoe, made by layering mats of fibreglass and painting resin on – a thick translucent shell without thwarts or ribs. The seats were made the same way and glued in. Not at all elegant, but serviceable and strong enough to withstand treatment far rougher than the gunwale bouncing of excited boys. Its name was a letter and a number. We got rashes on our forearms when we allowed them to rub the fibreglass while paddling. It was built for harvesting wild rice in northern Ontario.

When summer was over, we would go back to school and that canoe would go back to its other life, moving gently through a wild rice bed. There were times when its spirit would remind me of this other life. I could feel the rice stalks sliding under the keel and hear the swish and beat of the harvest being taken, feel the weight build slowly, the canoe settling deeper in the water until it lost its quick responsiveness and became a heavy, sluggish, purposeful bulk that was aimed rather than steered, satisfied with its load of the gifts of the earth and the water.www.vanislevet.com 250.334.8400

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One summer that canoe wasn’t available to us any more. I miss the canoe and the days.

It’s time you knew about gunwale bouncing. It’s time you tried it.

You need a canoe with a bottom that won’t flex. A cheap molded fibreglass canoe won’t do. It won’t travel - the bottom is too flexible. A good wooden canoe, or aluminum, or something with a rigid bottom, is a must. You also need to prepare to swim, since it’s likely you’ll have to. Don’t gunwale bounce on a windy day unless you tie yourself to the canoe or have someone nearby who can chase your canoe down when you fall off.

Get out into open water. Lay your paddle down. Stand on the front seat, facing the stern, and bounce slowly up and down until you feel the rhythm that works for this particular canoe. You’ll begin to move in the direction you’re facing. As you get better, you will move faster. As you get better, move your feet from the seat to the gunwales and become a real gunwale bouncer.

You can steer by tilting the canoe to one side; it will turn slowly the other way.

It’s easier than it looks, once you learn to trust the canoe. And you can have a lot of fun challenging your non-gunwale bouncing friends to race.

The next canoe I got to know well – the first canoe I actually owned – was a orange Y-stern monster with the word Muskoka on it, seventeen feet of molded fibreglass covered with a layer of plastic, wooden gunwales, dubbed the Muskoka Ox by my brother. That canoe spent some of its best days on Blackstrap Lake south of Saskatoon or on the South Saskatchewan River. One October we (the Ox and I) took a three-day trip down the Waterhen River in Meadow Lake Park, and I learned

a lot about myself and solitude then. I counted more than forty pelicans in the sky above me at one point, learned how to paddle into a strong quartering wind, and drifted past indifferent deer grazing on the shore only feet away.

The Ox was not an agile canoe, and I knew better than to challenge white water or even a decent rapid with it. When I sold it, I made a point of keeping my price at $120 firm. I wanted to be able to say I’d sold it for a dollar a pound.

Yes, that was a few years ago. And yes, I did get a dollar a pound.

In canoeing, as in life, extremes sometimes provide balance.

After the Ox I fell in love with those sleek and tender craft used in flatwater racing. One thousand metres of burning stretch-dig-pull, once a second, combined with the technique and balance to remain up on one knee and paddle in a boat that will throw you in the water so fast you can’t see it happen. I paddled Olympic style for two summers, enjoying the responsiveness and the competition, then moved on to a 17-foot Grumman that stayed with me through many years, including one experience that was the closest I’ve come to leaving this world.

Now I rarely get out in a canoe, but I still feel an affinity with water and gratitude for all I learned, paddling through the time of my life.


by Phyllis Chubb M.A., C.A.P.

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Mayan predictions tell us the world will end in December 2012. However the world, as we once knew it, has already ended and a new era is upon us. We don’t have to wait until December 21, 2012 to become aware of the massive changes taking place around and within us. All that is necessary is to open our eyes and ears to recognize the extent of the changes.

A few years ago ideas which are now widely accepted, fell into the category of “New Age” nonsense or worse yet, superstition. For example acupuncture, a form of medical treatment, dealing with unseen and immeasurable (by recognized methods) energies within the body is now practiced by ‘regular’ physicians. Muscle testing is used to communicate with energy in a body and it does so instantly and accurately.

Energy healing, called by a variety of names, healing hands, Reiki, energy work. These forms of intervention once considered weird are now acknowledged as being

exceptionally beneficial. The latest government report on health spending shows it’s at the lowest point in 15 years with rising costs and benefits dropping.

The growing tendency is to embrace alternative healing methods. The new attitude isn’t only focused on cures but rather preventative behaviours and a return to folk medicine, the use of herbs & healthy food.

A major part of folk medicine deals with the balancing of compatible energies. The other strength within folk medicine is creating harmony with the whole body without damaging any other part of the body.

Modern medicine is a god-send in many ways but when medicine is abused or when it fails to recognize the wholeness of a person medicine can become a poison. The growing recognition of different forms of energy can be seen in television shows, especially those dealing with Mediums who are passing messages from

The Salvation Army believed in me and was there for me at my lowest point, and when I was first recovering my health, and from my addiction.

Volunteering at the Thrift store helped give me back my self-esteem, and my confidence and the staff were friendly and accepting of me.

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departed souls. In the same vein, more and more we are hearing people demanding the right to die when they have had enough. People are now making living wills, getting Representation Agreements set up so that ‘the system’, cannot keep them alive artificially in the case of a terminal illness or an accident resulting in a vegetative state.

In short, people are not so scared of death for two reasons. People are more educated and able to do their own research. For anyone who wishes to do so go to www.nderf.org for a start. The area of near-death-experience has done wonders toward removing both the fear of death and the notion of hell-fire and brimstone. Secondly, people want to follow the advice of all the great traditions and their teachers all of which sound as if they have a Vedic foundation. Such advice is not easy. However the advice offers a gentle and respectful way of life while encouraging personal responsibility as well as the need to look within for truth. As Christ said, ‘The kingdom of heaven is within.” As our world is changing, more people are seeking the vast world within.

Today as the words of all the great teachers grow in strength we are saying good bye to a world ruled by external fear and opening the doors to a new world, and a new consciousness, from December 21, 2012 on.

May you thrive!

Learn From Home - On Line CourseIntroduction to JyotishThese classes are designed for newcomers to astrology and for students of Western astrology who wish to explore Jyotish. Classes are small so two different times are being offered in January. Classes are held on Skype & each class is recorded, placed on the Student Resources section of: www.phyllischubb.com. Each student has a password to access the lessons. Class handouts are forwarded via e-mail.

Phyllis Chubb M.A., C.A.P.Jyotish Kovid, CVA, Vedic Astrologer

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Class is TEN - 2 hour sessions - BEGINS:Option #1 - Wednesday @ 6:30pm on Jan 16thOption #2 - Saturdays @ 9:00am on Jan 19thTO REGISTER: Contact Phyllis Chubbat 250.757.9498 or [email protected]


by Dr. W. Dawn Armstrong B.Sc., D.C.

What should you ask your health care practitioner?

Many people can help us on our quest for wellness, whether that means recovering from an illness or simply feeling fantastic every day. Here in the Comox Valley we have an abundance of compassionate and knowledgeable health care providers – acupuncturists, chiropractors, naturopaths, holistic medical practitioners, massage therapists , fitness and nutritional consultants and body workers of all kinds. With so many health care choices available, it is up to us to be as engaged with our health, as we are in making decisions about other important matters. Just as we shop around for a new car or a good mechanic, comparing prices and services and dependability, we must be equally diligent as customers in the health care market.

When we are seeking out experts to assist us with our health it is vital that we be properly informed. This means taking responsibility for our own well-being and asking practitioners some basic questions. Of course we need to know about their training and the cost of care but we should also ask them the following:

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1. What do you understand my problem/challenge to be?

2. In your opinion, what is the most likely cause?3. What treatment do you recommend for me?4. Is this treatment intended to correct the problem

or just relieve the symptoms?5. Are there any possible side effects to this

treatment?6. Where can I get more information?7. How can I help myself?Your health care provider – no matter what their

area of specialty – should give you clear and honest answers.

It is their business to help you take better care of yourself. Don’t hesitate to shop around and take an active role in restoring and maintaining you and your family’s good health.

Dr. Dawn Armstrong, DC can be reached at 250. 465.8482.


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