summer 2015

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Summer IN THE VALLEY 2015

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CV Health & Recreation Guide 3

Well, I’m back writing my column … I hope you are enjoying the spring. Again, I would like to thank my crew that helps produce the magazine, both in print and online. Life. What a journey, filled with pain, suffering, joy, passion and love. We have

many words, thoughts and emotions to describe this experience called life. I’m personally awed and inspired, and involved in major reflection. I’m trying to digest major family events. My mother turned 90 on the 21st of April. Then my dad turned 90 on the sixth of May, which I was there to celebrate, shortly after they celebrated 69 years of marriage.Personally, I have never met anyone who has experienced this event. I thought that I would like to share this with my readers, and remind you that you will never know where life will take you and amaze you.I’m personally looking forward to exploring the Island — some old places and some new this spring, summer and fall. I feel very blessed to enjoy living in this part of Canada.This issue features a look at dragon boating in the Comox Valley by Hope Afloat Canada, quantum wellness by health coach Karen Holton, and caving on Vancouver Island by Richard Varela, among other articles.

Publisher’s Note

~ 2015 Autumn ISSuE ~ Article submissions on health & recreation in the Comox Valley are required by July 27th, 2015 and ad submissions are required by August 10th, 2015.

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

Table of ContentsRelief from neck pain with laser therapy . . . . . 4 by Dr. Deidre Macdonald

Our unexpected experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 by Jay Dobersteins

Portable feasts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 by Christina Willard-Stepan

Country Road Marathon returns to its roots . . 7 in 2015

14 seasons of dragon boating in the CV . . . . . 8 by Hope Afloat

Who’s on your team? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 by Jane Wareing

Caves are good for you and the planet . . . . 11 by Richard Varela

Top 10 Ayurvedic digestion tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 by Katie White

Top 10 Ayurvedic digestion tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 by L’Arche

Sharing the care: pitfalls of family dynamics . . . . 16 by Wendy Johnstone

Benefits of being a socially active senior . . . . . . . . 18 by Darren Cullum

Pedicure or medical nursing foot care? . . . . . 19 by Anne Lai and Sheila Cameron

Caring for caregivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 by Lisa Lundy

The five qualities of a perfect sit spot . . . . . . . . 21 by Wes Gietz

Fighting flea facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 by Van Isle Veterinary Hospital

Quantum Wellness: detoxify, nourish & evolve . . 24 by Karen Holton

Going the Distance without “Dafeet” . . . . . . 26 by Trevor Pritoula

Does It work? Is it safe? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 by Dr. Dawn Armstrong

Bio-energy healing – activate your healing . . 28 by Shari Dunnet

Ask yourself: Am I healthy? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 by MaryAnne Meredith

Rotation in the Backswing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 by Bill Kelly

Front Cover: 2014 Hope Afloat Canada: Steersperson, 20 paddlers and a drummer. The 14 plaques on the back of the drummer’s seat honour our guardian angels - the ladies who are no longer with us.

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.

YEARLY SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE ~ $10.00 postage paid


Do you suffer from neck pain? Do you have old injuries that have left you with chronic pain or do you notice numbness and tingling in your hands?

These are complaints I hear commonly in my naturopathic medical practice. Over the years the neck is subjected to repeated stress, trauma, wear and

tear. Degenerative changes can result in osteoarthritis of the spine, disc degeneration and nerve impingement. Pain can also result from muscle strain, spasm and/or injuries to ligaments. All of these problems can cause a variety of symptoms including pain, stiffness and headaches, as well as pain, tingling and numbness down the arm and hand. Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer with a lifetime of neck pain. There are safe, natural therapies that can help.

Most individuals with chronic or acute neck pain do not experience a significant degree of resolution of symptoms with conventional therapeutics. In fact, according to Dr. Fred Kahn, 50 to 85 per cent of those affected experience recurrent neck pain for one to five years after diagnosis.

There is a safe and scientifically-proven treatment for neck pain called low level laser therapy. Over 21 randomized controlled clinical trials have investigated the benefits of laser therapy in relation to neck pain. The prestigious medical journal, The Lancet, published a meta-analysis of 16 well-designed clinical trials on laser therapy and neck pain. This ground-breaking research concluded

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Relief from neck pain with laser therapy

the therapy reduces neck pain immediately after a series of treatments, and the benefits were maintained up to 5.5 months after the completion of treatment. Other studies have shown that in acute neck pain with symptoms radiating down the arms (radiculopathy), treatment with laser therapy provided effective relief of pain in the arms and an increased range of neck mobility compared to placebo procedures. Another published study of osteoarthritic neck pain concluded the laser therapy is successful in relieving pain and improving function.

The advantage over other forms of therapy for neck pain is that laser therapy is a non-invasive, painless approach that has virtually no adverse effects. Moreover, it can deliver long-lasting results. Laser therapy works by facilitating rapid healing of tissues. At the cellular level it improves cellular metabolism, increases production of ATP (cellular energy), enhances conduction of nerve signals and regenerates cellular components of tissues. Healing of various tissue types has been demonstrated, including cartilage, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves.

Many physiotherapy clinics employ a single laser probe device. In my clinic, I use a high-end, state-of-the-art laser system that uses a multi-laser treatment head which delivers infra-red light at a high intensity to facilitate rapid healing. Laser therapy has been proven to help patients overcome back pain, arthritis, sports injuries, wounds and more. It is an effective, affordable and risk-free way to help you overcome pain and get on with enjoying your life.

For more information or to book a free, 15-minute introductory consultation with Dr. Deidre Macdonald, contact her naturopathic medical clinic in downtown Courtenay at 250 897-0235 or via www.getwellhere.com.


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Life as our family had known ultimately changed in December 2001. I was expecting our fifth child, but complications were happening with this pregnancy. I was flown over to B.C. Women’s Hospital, anticipating a premature birth. When trying to carry this baby for as long as I could, it was time to resign to the fact if they didn’t do an emergency C-section, both the baby and my own health would be compromised. The doctor consulted with my husband and I with everything we would need to know about delivering a baby at 24 weeks. It was such a high risk; so many repercussions could happen to our son being born 16 weeks early. These risks were devastating to us. Our tiny baby may have a road of severe physical and mental issues, never mind our four healthy children we already have. How would this impact their lives? We made clear to the doctors that we did not want this for our baby, or our family. If there is any sign of him not fighting, please do not do anything to keep him alive. Max was delivered soon after, fighting so hard to survive. When once able to see my newborn, seeing him hooked up to all sorts of equipment, I then realized I had no control over anything. The control was now in Max’s hands, and the medical professionals.

Christmas was around the corner. We were given a nearby YANA apartment to stay in. Our children stayed in Vancouver for the holidays. A Christmas we will never forget, my husband and I with our four kids staying in a one bedroom apartment. We as parents, trying to make time with our family as normal as possible, and feeling so helpless, and worried for little Max. After the holidays Rick went home with

the children, to return every weekend to visit Max and myself. We made arrangements in Vancouver for our three-year-old son to stay in Vancouver, having him in day care while I spent time in hospital with Max.

For the next four months, we as a family made our new ‘normal’. Live separately during the week, get the most out of our time on weekends. Being in the hospital daily was my new routine. Having our good and bad days with Max’s health. He did undergo two operations in this time.

In April, Max was ready to come home. Exciting yes, frightening as well. For the first time, my baby won’t be having monitors attached to him, to detect if there is anything wrong. His lungs were under-developed and being incubated for so long, he still needed to be on oxygen. We were told not to compare him to our other children. He has been through a lot. His lungs would eventually repair, and he will be just like any other child.

Our unexpected experience

by Jay Dobersteins

Continued on page 7...

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Portable feasts

How do you eat in the summer time? Salad? Barbecues and picnics, right? So what is the best way to pack a ‘portable feast’ to the park or beach? Here are some tips to create a memorable picnic, along with our favourite easy potato salad recipe.

Pack finger food — hummus and crackers, cut-up veggies and dip, cold fried chicken, tortilla chips and salsa. These are all great for grazing throughout the day, and require fewer plates and cutlery.

Pack it on ice — not only is this more food safe, everything tastes better if it’s kept cold for as long as possible. Reusable ice packs are great and don’t melt into a mess.

by Christina Willard-Stepan, BEd., Certified Personal and Small Business CoachChoose foods that taste great cold — grain or pasta salads, cold cuts and buns, potato salads and baked goods.

Don’t forget the extras — serviettes, plates, cutlery and cups. To avoid using the disposable variety, try picking up a simple set from the thrift store to reuse each time. Be sure to bring a plastic bag to pack them out after you get them all goopy with your yummy potato salad. Cloth re-usable napkins also work well.

Happy picnicking!

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As months passed, we made frequent trips to Vancouver for neonatal follow-up visits, as well as weaning him from his oxygen. After four months, Max was off the oxygen. What a relief. Carrying a baby attached to oxygen wasn’t easy. I couldn’t help but wonder if there was something wrong with Max. I was told not to compare him, but I noticed so many things different. At nine months, Max’s pediatrician told me he has Cerebral Palsy. I wasn’t surprised. I didn’t know the meaning of the diagnosis, but I knew there was something wrong. I learned everything I could on the subject. It gave me no comfort, still everything such a mystery. Max still being a baby, it was going to be a wait-and-see situation to determine how affected will he would be. Cerebral Palsy ranges to affecting one limb to quadriplegia. Will our son walk? So many questions, so unsure of our son’s future.

The next few years were consumed with therapists, doctor visits and hospital stays. I was introduced to a holistic healer. Weird. Scary. What did the word holistic even mean. I wanted no part of what this lady thought she had to offer our son. Max already had the best medical care. After a few conversations and reading about cranial sacral, I reluctantly allowed her to conduct a short session on him. Watching her use a gentle touch, quietly working on his tiny body, I couldn’t believe the result. For the first time, I saw our son relaxing instead of being high-tone and spastic.

Weekly treatments became a new habit.Cranial sacral treatments complimented his

medical treatments. I was intrigued about this holistic stuff. Holistic means treating a person as a whole: body, mind, spirit. I was reading about

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other holistic methods, learning that I too could contribute to his comfort. I started taking part-time classes, but this was not enough. The thirst of knowledge I still had. I, a mother of five, enrolled in full-time school. As challenging as it was, I graduated. Encouraged my my husband, I started a home-based business.

In retrospect, I can see this was a journey. Max has taught us so much. In having him, it led me in the path of holistic health. The practice has taught me a new perspective on life. Through the years, our trials have continued with Max and our other children. I have grown to know that’s part of life. We have the good, as well as the challenges. This is life. Each challenge will teach us life lessons. It will shake our reality as we know it. Somehow, when everything settles, we will find our ‘new normal’, and when you look back, you will realize how you as a person may have grown from your experience.

Jay Doberstein can be reached at Healthy Horizons Massage and Holistic Solutions: 250.337.2054 or visit www.healthyhorizonsmassage.com for more information.

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Jay Doberstein article continued from page 5...


Paddles up to 14 seasons of dragon boating in the

In 2001, a diverse group of energetic women from mid-Vancouver Island to Campbell River made it their mission to bring the sport of dragon boating to the Comox Valley. They shared a journey: having been diagnosed with breast cancer and a strong desire to live life to the fullest.

Expo 86 brought dragon boats to Vancouver. Dr. Don McKenzie from UBC began a study in 1995 to demonstrate the benefit of dragon boating for breast cancer survivors. It was found that regular exercise and paddling in fact built upper body strength and provided flexibility for those who have had various surgeries, including lymph node and reconstructive surgery. In 1996, McKenzie along with physiotherapist and breast cancer survivor, Dr. Susan Harris, formed the first breast cancer survivor dragon boat team in Vancouver. For those who took part in the study, the first steps in the journey after treatment were getting to the start line and finishing the race!

It quickly became a world-wide movement for breast cancer survivors with a common mission: to celebrate survival, maintain a healthy lifestyle and have fun. The benefits of regular exercise, on and off

the water, improve physical, mental and emotional well-being. Team camaraderie is a great support for many women after treatment, and paddling in our beautiful environment is always inspirational. Seeing an eagle always reminds us of our guardian angels: ladies who are no longer with us but honored by plaques on the back of our drummer’s seat.

Today, Hope Afloat Canada is proud to include women who have survived any type of cancer. Our mission is to encourage all women with any cancer diagnosis to live full, active lives by participating in the team sport of dragon boating. There is no age limit to becoming fit and having fun!

Hope Afloat Canada has a busy season ahead. You can watch the team practise in Comox Harbour Tuesday and Thursday evenings until the end of September. You can also enjoy dragon boat racing during the annual Victor Simonson Nautical Days Regatta in Comox. We look forward to entering several other festivals this year as well.

When the team is not on the water, it’s in the community supporting events such as the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Month, Rotary Book Sales,

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Terry Fox Run and Relay for a Cure. Our society’s annual Tag Day raises funds for cancer treatment at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Two bursaries are awarded annually to students graduating from a Comox Valley high school entering the field of health sciences at college or university in B.C. One bursary is donated from the Anne Gibbon Memorial Fund, to honour our first drummer, and the other is from Hope Afloat Canada.

We are co-hosting a workshop with St. Joseph Hospital Foundation entitled Living with a Dragon, which addresses the fear of recurrence for cancer survivors, families and friends. Watch for more information on this event in the fall.

On June 13, the original Vancouver team, Abreast in a Boat, celebrates 20 years of Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Paddling. Breast cancer teams around the world have been invited to join in the celebration. Hope Afloat Canada looks forward to hosting our own paddling party for all alumni and present paddlers to celebrate this occasion.

‘Paddles Up’ to our great community! Thank you for your support over the past 14 years.

For more information on the society visit www.hopeafloatcanada.ca. If you are a woman who has had any type of cancer and interested in joining our team, email [email protected].

Comox Valley


by J. Wareing

Who’s on your team?

When my husband’s dad walked out of the doctor’s office with a diagnosis of a terminal illness, he and his wife were in shock; they barely knew how they got home, let alone what to do next. A devastating diagnosis can be overwhelming and leave you feeling powerless.

When you or someone you love is affected by a mental or physical health crisis, recognize that overcoming the challenges ahead can often be made easier if you’re part of a team — a team with the goal of getting you (and possibly your loved-one) through this challenge as well as you possibly can. It’s natural to feel sad and lonely. Once you’ve set aside those thoughts, start looking around at the great people in this community who could be a part of your support team.

The most important member of the team is you. Look honestly at your situation, because like it or not, you’ve just been nominated team captain, and you need to take charge! Make an effort, dress well, get active and sell yourself. An acquaintance once told me that after her son was diagnosed with a devastating condition, experts advised her to, “Dress him in the trendiest clothes you can afford and make him look smart because he’ll be treated more respectfully by others around him.” Perhaps that’s a terrible thing to say, but now is not the time to be fighting human nature. You’ve got bigger

battles ahead.What to do? First, recruit a reliable family

member and reach out to friends - not for pity - but for being teammates. Second, delegate. One of your teammates could be a researcher, another a grocery shopper; someone else could rally friends to make a few meals, and one person definitely must accompany you to appointments. This is the person who can ask and write answers to questions you’ll undoubtedly forget during those all-too-short and stressful specialist meetings.

Don’t give all the jobs to one person (especially your spouse); it’s a formula for burn-out! If you’ve been saving for a rainy day, consider the storm brewing now: maybe it’s time to hire a cleaner, a care aid or a meal service. Ask your doctor if you might qualify for subsidized home care.

Reward your teammates too. A good captain gets the best out of his teammates by acknowledging their efforts, saying thank you, and never taking them for granted. It’s hard to stay positive, especially when you’re stressed, in pain and not feeling in control of your life. However, you must keep your team onboard, so guilt or second-guessing their efforts are probably not the best motivators for encouraging participation.

Your family doctor will probably be the quarter-back of the team. She’ll already know the playbook and who to call in to back you up. Therefore, go to all appointments on time, prepared with a written list of questions, symptoms and medications. Take your blister-carded meds if you have one. Try to present a positive image, be proactive and educate yourself, because you’re in charge and you’re setting the example, remember? When you respectfully listen to the opinion of your quarterback and specialists, they’ll respect your questions in return.

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by Richard Varela

Caves are good for you and the planet

Many people are scared of caves. The idea of wiggling into a crack in the earth filled with unknown dangers seems crazy at best. That’s what I thought until a workmate offered to take me caving. I had been listening to his fantastic stories for months: coming across a rock amphitheatre over 20 storeys high, following a river upstream and inflating a rubber dingy to paddle across an underground lake. Or the time they threw a rope down a gaping hole that could swallow a house and followed it to a waterfall. Each weekly episode seemed more fantastic than the last.

“What movie was that?” I asked. “Not a movie,” he replied. “That was four of us last weekend, not far from Campbell River.”

“What?!” I asked, incredulously. “How can I check this out?”

And so it started: a wild attraction for caves, local exploration and eventually, a career in cave-guiding.

I was amazed at what I learned and some of it was obvious.

Vancouver Island has a lot of rain and melt-water and vast quantities of exposed limestone. This combination has resulted in the highest concentration of caves in all of Canada. The “Island of Caves” has well over 1,500 caverns, and some of them are among the longest and deepest in the country.

It is understandable that not many folks have a ‘deep’ interest in caves, many because they would feel uncomfortable and therefore would see little value or appeal to them. They’re hard to find and it’s hard to appreciate something you never set foot in. Hollywood cave horror movies haven’t helped the image either, yet every year thousands of folks come to Horne Lake

Caves Provincial Park to find out more about this unique and fragile resource.

I can assure you there are no man-eating creatures or evil spirits lurking in the caves on Vancouver Island. These marble passages have survived countless giant earthquakes over millennia yet still stand in testimonial to their architectural strength. The caves appear dark and lifeless but looking a little deeper reveals much more: delicate crystal formations tens of thousands of years in the making, underground rivers and waterfalls, archeological and paleontological discoveries, burial and ceremonial caves, skeletons of mountain-goat and giant bear; all exist here in the caverns of Vancouver Island.

Caves and the surrounding geology of karst have many important values beyond the sport of exploring and mapping them, not least of which are their role in supporting healthy trees and clean water. I also learned they are essentially untouched repositories of valuable scientific data. Even the dirt bank against a wall contains seed and pollen data washed in before the



According to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, more than 20 million Canadians suffer from digestive disorders each year. Millions of dollars are spent yearly on laxatives, heart burn pills, antacids and probiotics. We are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of dietary information and often misinformation through media, books and Internet.

It is difficult to navigate through the array of diet plans: vegetarian, vegan, raw food, paleolithic diet, Mediterranean diet and many more. There is no one eating plan that fits every person as we are unique in our constitutions. We spend so much time focusing on what we eat but not how we are eating it.

This is where Ayurvedic principles can help each and every one of us. Ayurvedic medicine — also known as Ayurveda — is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. It was developed thousands of years ago in India and is practised today.

It is based on the belief that health and wellness

depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body and spirit. The primary focus of Ayurvedic medicine is to promote and maintain good health. This is done through diet, herbs, massage, exercise and relaxation techniques.

Ayurveda suggests for optimal digestion and assimilation of food, we must become more mindful of how we eat. Changing the way we approach our food can affect gas, bloating and indigestion.

Practise these mindful guidelines to strengthen your digestive fire:

• Eat three meals per day at the same time each day. This will train the body to expect food at the same time each day and will be more prepared to digest it. It is also advisable to eat enough food at each meal to discourage snacking between meals.

• Eat without distractions. Turn off computers, televisions, and avoid reading and driving. When we focus on our food and experience it fully, we will eat less and feel full longer. By following this

Top 10 Ayurvedic digestion tips

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J. Waring’s article continued from page 10...one guideline, it is possible to lose weight easily.• Chew eat mouthful thoroughly and eat at a

moderate pace. This enables the digestive process by making food particles smaller and allowing digestive enzymes to be released with salvia.

• Sit down to eat in a clean and beautiful environment. Be thankful for your food and experience a feeling of gratitude.

• Only eat when hungry and never when upset or angry.

• Avoid drinking cold beverages with meals as this dampens the digestive fire.

• Stimulate digestion 15 minutes before meals by eating ginger slices with lemon squeezed on top. The salivary glands will begin producing enzymes before you begin your meal.

• Make lunch your biggest meal between noon and 2 p.m. This is when the digestive fire is the strongest.

• Eat a light dinner, no later than 8 p.m. Our bodies are designed to detoxify while sleeping. Undigested food will interfere with this process. The results are inflammation, joint soreness and difficulty waking in the morning.

• Reduce or eliminate processed foods. Experiment with seasonal foods and include all six tastes with every meal. This will ensure a variety of vitamins and minerals are included daily to optimize health.

“Without proper diet, medicine is of no use. With proper diet, medicine is of no need”

~ ancient Ayurvedic proverb

Katie White can be reached at Courtenay Massage Therapy. She has been practicing the healing arts for over 15 years.

Call (250) 897-0069 or for more information, visit www.courtenaymassagetherapy.com

Finally, round out your team with other professionals. If you don’t know who to recruit, ask your doctor. Cultivate a good relationship with one community pharmacist, and take all your prescriptions from all your specialists to her. When you stick with one pharmacy team, it will contact your different prescribers and co-ordinate all their directions and prescriptions for you. Consider allowing your pharmacist to organize your meds into a convenient bubble pack, so you don’t have to think about managing it yourself. Remember, you’re the captain and if you delegate meds management to an expert, you can free up your mind to concentrate on other tasks - like building relationships with a support group, public health nurse, physiotherapist, naturopath, massage therapist, personal trainer or counsellor. Your friendly neighbourhood librarian or minister may even be helpful!

Your health is your health. You own it. So when you’re feeling vulnerable getting your umpteenth blood test, waiting for that phone call from a specialist’s office, or undergoing yet another scan, try to remember to look up and out at the possibilities that surround you. You are the captain, and you can have a team of competent people to help you through this challenge.

J. Wareing, Living Room Pharmacywww.livingroompharmacy.ca


What is L’Arche?

L’Arche: noun, pronounced “larsh”, French for “the ark.” 1 a place of refuge from the biblical story of Noah’s ark. 2 an international organization that operates homes and workplaces for adults with developmental disabilities, celebrating community by valuing the gifts of each person. 3 L’Arche Comox Valley. 4 the I Belong! campaign.

By now, many people have seen the posters, read the articles, received the mail and supported a fundraiser for the L’Arche Comox Valley I Belong! campaign. Community recognition is on the rise and with it comes an increased awareness of the challenges facing adults with developmental disabilities, their families and the people who care about them. The need for safe housing, meaningful contribution and above all, the need for authentic relationship, to be included in the broader life of our community - these are at the heart of the I Belong! campaign.

L’Arche Comox Valley is part of a worldwide association of similar homes and communities, founded by Jean Vanier in 1964. Witness to the dehumanizing institutionalization of people with developmental disabilities, Vanier welcomed three such men to live with him and embarked on an incredible and life-changing journey. Today there are L’Arche communities in 45 countries, where the gifts of adults with and without disabilities are nurtured and celebrated.

In the Comox Valley, L’Arche has a residence, Jubilee House. Four ‘core members’ call Jubilee House home, and live-in assistants share life with them. L’Arche also operates an outreach centre that provides creative arts and social opportunities in an informal and welcoming setting. Supports for adults with developmental disabilities who live semi-independently are also based in this facility.

In both settings, the idea of belonging, participating in authentic community that values the gifts each person has to offer is central. L’Arche communities are inclusive; their vitality is in a diversity that encompasses different cultures and faiths, as well as different physical and mental capabilities.

That is why the campaign is about building, but about much more than a building. The awareness generated by the campaign and the resulting community education is as valuable as the foundations and framing that will appear on Grieve Avenue.

The I Belong Centre will be a hard-working, multi-use building; every corner of its 8,000-plus square feet will be used. It’s northeast half will feature large, light-filled studio-style spaces for creative arts programming, a welcoming entry lobby. There will be a pop-up ‘store’ for the sale of hand-crafted products, a commercial-grade community kitchen, and gathering rooms designed to flex to accommodate smaller and larger groups. It will also employ an ‘open office’ concept for L’Arche administration space to maximize efficient use.

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The southwest side of the building will be divided into seven, self-contained residential units for up to nine adults with disabilities. Two-bedroom, one-bedroom and studio options will make space for residents who may have a partner or require on-site respite. Laundry facilities, parking and a comfortable walking distance to downtown Courtenay make these units practical and desirable.

The building will make use of environmentally-friendly building materials and technologies, professional landscape services and be bicycle-friendly while providing the highest level of disabled accessibility.

It’s exciting! The first phase of fundraising, completed in just one year, has achieved the goal of raising half the project funds. It is hoped that BC Housing will come alongside with mortgage financing.

There is unstoppable momentum behind this project and the community support has been the driving force from the beginning. The Comox Valley has shown its heart for belonging. Together, we are building the kind of place where we all want to live.

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Providing care for a family member can bring out the best and worst in everyone involved. Peo-ple can come together to support each other, or the stress can lead to frustration and conflict be-tween family members.

Certain situations and stressors are hot button triggers, which can lead to family conflict.

Money, Money: Spending too much of the in-heritance, spending too little, not enough in the bank to cover the costs of caring – money can be a big stress for families. Families can be faced with tough caregiving decisions when it comes to how money is spent, or if they need to spend some of their own savings to top up mom or dad’s income.

When The Bottom Falls Out: When a health care crisis happens, decisions often have to be made in a short period of time. Sometimes not all family members are consulted. Emotions can run high and lead to ‘old hurts.’ Opinions can vary on a family member’s abilities and what should be done about it. You may be convinced that your family member is no longer capable of driving,

by Wendy Johnstone

Sharing the care: common pitfalls of family dynamics

while your brother disagrees and feels strongly about continued independence.

Childhood rivalries: Mature adults often find they’re back in the sandbox when their family gets together. This tendency can grow even more pronounced under the strain of caregiving.

Long Distance Caring: Long-distance care-givers often feel left out of decisions or get infor-mation second-hand. Sometimes caring from afar creates tension – long-distance caregivers aren’t able to help more, or they make suggestions that put a sibling locally in a defensive position.

How can you ‘share the care’ without creat-ing unnecessary conflict? It comes down to family members being able to make key decisions togeth-er; reaching consensus on dividing the caregiving tasks and how well they work as a team.

Stay on Equal Footing: Siblings who are the primary caregiver for parents often become the ‘experts’ and this can feel intimidating for long-distance siblings or for those working full-time or raising a family. This lack of confidence may come

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across as criticism simply because that sibling just ‘doesn’t know.’ The primary caregiver can be so used to ‘doing it all’ that they have a difficult time letting go of the reins. Being honest about what each sibling needs and inviting each other into a dialogue around problem-solving puts everyone on level ground.

Be Careful How Competent You Are: Care-givers need to be competent when it comes to car-ing for elderly parents. Sometimes, siblings don’t realize the primary caregiver needs a break be-cause they make it look easy. Be open and willing to share feelings of burnout and ask for specific types of help. And siblings, always assume the primary caregiver needs a break.

Don’t Forget About Each Other: Take time to spend time with your brother or sister. Nur-ture the bond and relationship you have. Keep the lines of communication open not just as it concerns parents but with your own lives. Your relationship with your sibling will continue long after your parents have died and it’s important to maintain those family ties.

Avoid talking when angry: Speak up about issues before you’re steaming. It rarely leads to productive conversations.

Wendy Johnstone is a gerontologist and owner of Keystone Eldercare Solutions. She can be reached at 250-650-2359 or visit www.keystoneeldercare.com.

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Matters of Aging Cont...

Why should seniors be social and active? There are many health benefits for seniors who live healthy, active lifestyles. Studies show that seniors who regularly participated in social activities had significantly reduced rates of memory loss and maintained physical abilities for longer lengths of time. The Archives of Internal Medicine published a study in 2009 which stated that social activity for seniors is just as important as exercise. Furthermore, the study found those who were socially inactive experienced physical decline at a rate of one-third more rapidly than those who were socially active — even if they exercised regularly. Many other studies have also shown that seniors who regularly participated in social activities had positive effects on overall health and well-being.

With that said, we are pleased to announce that there is a new seniors’ activity aide providing a variety of different social outings and experiences in the Valley. Darren at Comox Valley Care and Companions Club is creating regularly scheduled activities for seniors. Some of our activities include the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, swimming at the Aquatic

Benefits of being a socially active senior

Centre, evening outings for dinner and a show at the Sid Williams Theatre, and lucky casino nights. Whether our clients are looking to attend regular programs or want to create their own plans, the club has an activity for you or your family member.

Each month, Comox Valley Care and Companions Club publishes calendars with activities to sign yourself or your family member up for. For more information or to book an activity, contact Darren at (250) 465-8714 or [email protected].

At Comox Valley Care and Companions Club we strive to meet each client’s individual needs while promoting and providing fun-filled social experiences.

Call Darren to book your adventure today: 250-465-8714 or email [email protected].

by Darren Cullum

Comox Valley Care & Companions Club

Providing safe and reliable, quality care and recreational activities for seniors(including transportation, errands & appointments)

• Fully registered and insured care aides• Affordable individual or group rates

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Stock photo from Metro


What is the difference between a pedicure and medical nursing foot care, and why should you consider medical nursing foot care instead of a pedicure?

A pedicure is a way to improve the appearance of the feet and toe nails — is similar to a manicure, only it is done on the feet. Those who do pedicures are often aestheticians and they are often done in nail spas or salons. Regulations are not the same as those for nursing foot care. They do not fall under the Health Professions Act, and services cannot be claimed as medical expenses on income tax or by insurance providers. Pedicures have always been popular with women but the trend is changing. Many men are enjoying them as well.

Medical nursing foot care is more complicated. It is done by a nurse who has taken extra education in relation to the feet, and who updates that knowledge. Foot care nurses work along with a team of health care professionals such as family doctors, podiatrists and physiotherapists to help keep a person mobile and decrease the risk of developing foot complications. Nurses assess feet for circulation, sensation, swelling and edema. Nurses will help treat skin, nail and foot conditions, and can advise on preventative treatments. Unlike a pedicure, medical nursing foot care looks at the overall health of the feet and client, and must keep a chart on each client, documenting each treatment and results. Nurses

must follow strict guidelines set out by the Health Authority in relation to protocols regarding sterilization of instruments. Medical nursing foot care is generally done on dry skin to reduce the risk of skin infections by contamination. The expense of nursing foot care may be tax deductible or covered by a private insurance carrier, as long as the nurses’ registration number is included in the receipt.

It has been estimated that 85 per cent of the population over 65 needs foot care assistance. It becomes hard to see your feet properly and harder to reach them. Another reason is that as we age the nails can thicken, which makes trimming difficult. People with medical conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation, or those who take medications such as blood thinners should be seeing a foot care nurse who will do the appropriate circulatory/sensation checks to ensure foot health. Nurses can also help clients by answering questions concerning medications or medical conditions. If the nurse does not have the answer then she generally knows exactly where to find it or where to start looking. Most nurses come into homes to perform foot care. This is especially beneficial to the frail elderly who have a hard time getting to appointments.

Anyone can have medical nursing foot care done. People who should be having it are those with underlying medical conditions…is that you?

Anne Lai, LPN, foot care nurseSheila Cameron, RN, foot care nurse

by Anne Lai, LPN, foot care nurseand Sheila Cameron, RN, foot care nurse

Pedicure or medical nursing foot care?

ANNE LAI LPNFoot Care Nurse

In Home Nursing Foot Care

phone 897-2538email - [email protected]

PLEASE, CAREFULLY CHECK OVER THIS

PROOFSUMMER 2007

NOW IN OUR SIXTH YEAR!

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YOUR APPROVAL IS REQUESTEDTHANK YOU!Signature

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by Dr. Lisa Lundy

Caring for caregivers

Prolonged care of others who are injured, ill or liv-ing with chronic health conditions is exhausting. Re-cently coined “compassion fatigue,” it is something caregivers may experience whether providing care as professionals or personally as loved ones. From pro-viding care to young children, aging parents or pa-tients in a clinical setting, prolonged output can catch up to all people, regardless of age, training and back-ground. It can result from direct exposure to trauma, helping people that have been traumatized and every-thing in between. Burnout is another term that has been used, yet the two are quite different. Burnout and exhaustion are often remedied by rest and res-toration whereas compassion fatigue can run so deep that respite from the situation does not resolve the physical and emotional feelings. Compassion fatigue has been described as the “cost of caring” for others in emotional pain (Figley, 1982). It is a much deeper imbalance than burnout, typically after great amounts of time and energy have been invested. Caregiving in any environment requires the heart and mind to be open and present, which can create vulnerability for depletion and fatigue. With compassion fatigue, one’s own energy can feel eroded beyond repair, with hope-lessness, stress, irritation and even anger creeping in. Life can change.

In Chinese medicine, prolonged care for others is considered to be draining on different organ systems. Each organ and channel is associated with different emotions. In this instance, the heart, spleen, liver, lung and kidney systems can and usually are all impacted. When one or more organs become drained, imbalance will arise and can cause symptoms that are physical. An example is caring for someone who is dying. Sad-ness and grief affect the heart and lung channels ac-

cordingly. Emotionally, feelings will become more ex-treme and can then manifest physically as insomnia (heart channel), anxiety (heart channel), asthma (lung channel), lowered immunity or sudden allergies (lung channel) and skin issues (lung channel). So, as you be-come more engaged in your role as caregiver, you may experience other seemingly unrelated conditions, yet they are intricately related. Over-thinking and worry is considered to be taxing on the spleen system in Chi-nese medicine. The spleen is considered central in our body’s ability to absorb food and transform it into en-ergy and blood. When the spleen system is depleted, it is not unusual to see an individual with digestive is-sues such as irritable bowel-type symptoms, bloating, changes in weight or appetite, and cravings, as well as hormonal imbalances. The liver channel is respon-sible for the smooth flow of energy. When this system is taxed, frustration, irritability and muscle tension or headaches can become a regular occurrence, often creating a less than sunny feeling inside. The kidney channel in Chinese medicine is considered to be the grand master of all energy, so the more you give and care, the more you use this organ, and fatigue and ex-haustion become prevalent.

Regular care from an acupuncturist can be an ex-cellent and efficient resource for those busy helping others. In addition to having immediate calming and balancing effects on the nervous system, energy sys-tem and mental/emotional state, the aforementioned organ systems are always evaluated and treated by a practitioner. In addition to acupuncture and mas-sage techniques to provide instant support and relief, herbs, exercises like Qi Gong and dietary suggestions

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by Wes Gietz

The five qualities of a perfect sit spot

So, you want to spend more time in nature, and you like the idea of a Sit Spot where you can simply be still and open your senses. But where? How do you find the perfect place?

The perfect Sit Spot has five qualities.Number 1: it is close

When you are just starting with the Sit Spot, it often feels like a chore rather than something that pulls you, a place where you yearn to be. So find a spot that is close to you: not more than two minutes from your door. The idea is that it needs to be easy and quick to get to, so your to-do list doesn’t have time to distract you. Later, you will find that you are willing to go farther, maybe to your alternate Sit Spot, where the surroundings are different and you can experience the natural world differently.Number 2: it has nature

There has to be some nature there, but not necessarily a lot. You can do a Sit Spot from a 22nd floor apartment, or in the deep wilderness. One of my best moments of nature awareness was at a bus stop in a downtown city, where I watched two juvenile sparrows with a parent. One of the young ones was looking independently for food, the other was stealing everything its parent picked up. They fluttered a few feet when people walked by, oblivious to them, then returned to foraging. It was a great opportunity to watch nature doing its thing in the middle of pavement.

Your Sit Spot is a place where you can observe nature in some form, whether it is rushing water, big four-leggeds, birds, plants, trees, or just sun, wind and clouds.Number 3: it is solitary

You’ve heard the expression ‘alone in a crowd’ – that can be your Sit Spot. You may be surrounded by people, but you’re not interacting with them. My experience with the sparrows was like that.

At your Sit Spot, it’s important to be able to expand your senses and let go of thinking. This means that you aren’t conversing with someone, and you’re not anticipating or bracing for someone to address you. Of course, this is easier when you’re away from people. On the other hand, if there are people around and you can observe how animals and birds respond to them, you can learn more about those interactions.Number 4: it is safe

You need to be able to relax at your Sit Spot. When you don’t feel safe, your awareness contracts and becomes focused rather than open. This is the opposite of the

confident expansion of awareness that makes the Sit Spot beneficial in so many ways. Relaxing also makes having a nap easy!

You may choose to have a Sit Spot in an edgy place, and that has benefits in terms of adventures or experiences that might not occur in more structured surroundings. But I would suggest gaining experience in a safe place first, until you can comfortably use your awareness to be informed of what’s around you and what is happening, even as you approach your Sit Spot and before settling in.Essential Number 5: your attitude

Don’t be concerned that you don’t have the perfect Sit Spot. They’re all perfect, and none of them is perfect. Get to know one place really well, until you recognize the changes in animals and trees from one season and one year to the next, and you feel a deep appreciation for what you find there. Go to your Sit Spot at every time of day and in every season, and go no matter what the weather (almost).

If you’re thinking about your Sit Spot, go – and think afterward.

Go for as long as you can, or for a short time if that’s all you can. This is where having it close by helps a lot.

Have fun with it. I’m going out to my Sit Spot soon. I want to hear the robins in the morning.

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COMOX


itself at home. Often we hear, “my dog never goes anywhere other than with me. He must have got-ten them from my sister’s house.” This could be the case, but fleas are resourceful creatures, and it is just as likely for pets to pick up a flea during a 30-second bathroom break in the backyard.

Can fleas be passed onto my children?While fleas never pass up an opportunity to

bite, they cannot live on humans. It seems just like with our other friend, the mosquito, some people are more prone or more sensitive to flea bites.

How do I know if my pet has fleas?This can be tricky. Many pets will carry fleas

and not show any significant signs. For others, fleas can be very bothersome. Some pets can be quite sensitive to fleas and even suffer an allergic reaction or what’s known as flea allergy dermati-tis. Pets that suffer from flea allergies tend to be itchy and develop sores on their skin which even-tually turn into bacterial skin infections or hot spots. Flea combs work great at detecting fleas. After combing through the fur, shake the con-tents of the comb onto a white cloth or paper tow-el. The little black specks you see are flea feces. A way to confirm is to spray the paper towel with water. If the black specks turn red (flea feces are digested blood) you know you have a problem.

What do I do if my pet has fleas?There are several products used to treat and

control fleas. The best source of information on the right flea control for your pet is your veteri-

With the warmer weather upon us it’s time to arm ourselves against the dreaded flea.

Anyone who has ever experienced an infesta-tion knows all too well how unpleasant and dis-ruptive this can be. However, as long as you are prepared and go into flea season knowing some important facts, this is one pest that can be easily eliminated from your home and your summer.

What do I need to know about fleas? Living on Vancouver Island comes with all

kinds of perks, some being mild winters, lack of a heartworm season and no swarms of mosquitoes forcing us to spend summer evenings indoors. The drawback … fleas. What was once thought of as the flea season, spring and summer are no lon-ger the only two seasons fleas can be a nuisance. For us, fleas can be a battle 12 months of the year. Did you know your pet can get tapeworms from fleas? Yep, it’s true; this occurs when your pet in-gests a flea during their daily grooming ritual.

Where do fleas come from?Fleas can strike anytime, anywhere. It only

takes a second for a flea to jump on and make

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Richard Varela’s article continued from page 11...

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narian. Be cautious with some over-the-counter medications from supermarkets and pet stores. Many products on the market used to treat fleas on dogs can be harmful, even deadly for cats. Owners will sometimes treat their dog and cat, not realizing the danger. Even just treating a dog that lives in the same household as a cat can have a harmful, even devastating effect.

How long does flea treatment usually take to work?

Flea treatments work fast, some as quickly as 20 minutes. Others will have a full effect on your pet within a couple hours. The trick is continuous treatments. It can take at least three treatments (if treating monthly) to rid the pesky flea from your home. Fleas lay hundreds of eggs on your pet, in your home, on furniture and in bedding. These can lay dormant for months, even a year before they decide to hatch. This is why it is important to continue to treat long after you’ve stopped see-ing fleas. Better yet, start treating before seeing signs of fleas on your pet.

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

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last ice age. Perched higher on the same rock wall are fossils dating back to a time before dinosaurs walked the earth. Incredible.

I invite every nature enthusiast, curious school group or adventure-seeking families and individuals to learn more about this fascinating resource. Even those who will never go underground can visit Horne Lake Caves Park and watch a video in Canada’s only cave theatre, hike the half-hour fossil trail with informational geology signs along the route, and check out the cave entrances and reappearing rivers. If you want to explore a little further you can guide yourself through two smaller caves or enjoy the security of a guided tour with the right equipment.

The park is open seven days a week, year-round. More information at www.hornelake.com or call (250) 248-7829.


[email protected] • www.donmcraemla.bc.ca

Don McRae, M.L.A.(Comox Valley)

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

437 Fifth StreetCourtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7

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

Quantum Wellness: detoxify, nourish and evolve

Improving what we eat, drink, do, say, believe and perceive forms complete or quantum wellness; however, real food (fresh, raw, organic, non-GMO and unprocessed) is the quintessential cornerstone of transformative health.

“People are fed by the food Industry, which pays no attention to health, and are treated by the health industry, which pays no attention to food,” states Wendell Berry.

The 9 Steps to Quantum Health Transformation offers the same solutions I use as I evolve and enjoy the life and health I always wanted (see my ad – I’ve lost 178 pounds). This free, online video workshop series offers options for healing, found at www.karenholtonhealthcoach.com. Steps 9, 8 and 7 were covered in the spring issue of this magazine. Steps 6, 5 and 4 are summarized here:

Quantum Health Transformation Step 6 includes a lot of valuable information, so I’ve broken it into four parts. The Step 6, Part 1 primer demonstrates common ways we inadvertently poison ourselves through personal care products, and suggests some economical alternatives. Simply changing the way we groom our bodies and clean our homes can contribute to weight loss, clearer thinking and better health.

The Step 6, Part 2 primer investigates ways we inadvertently poison ourselves with food-like products, and provides insight into the easiest ways to detoxify your body. These simple remedies assist you to a healthier body, clearer mind and, even if you are at an ideal weight, will help improve stamina.

The Step 6, Part 3 primer deals with emotions, explains how food-like products affect our brains and emotions the same way as cocaine and heroin, and shows what a sweetener addiction might look like. Then I introduce ways to make emotions work for you on your journey to well-being.

The Step 6 live action video features highlights from the Step 6 PRIMERS as I demonstrate how easy it is to make and use products needed to detoxify your whole self. Detoxification is essential in order to recover or lose excess weight and thrive.

The Step 5 primer video explains how a well-nourished body carries energy more efficiently and facilitates rapid healing, weight loss (when needed), and an improved sense of well-being. Spirituality involves energy – and when we prepare ourselves to receive and utilize this energy – our conception of reality and what is possible expands making room for an enhanced life experience.

The Step 5 live action video features my experiences which led to a deeper understanding of the link between food and spirituality. Join me to learn how a vacant city lot and a rustic northern Vancouver Island lifestyle opened my eyes to an alternative route to health and happiness.

In the Step 4 primer I show how words form ideas, which shape beliefs, which determine our view of the world (perspective), which influences

by Karen Holton


the feedback essential for self-guided learning (evolution): heuristics. With a shift in perception you will discover unnoticed options that were there all along; experience the power of heuristics so you can speak your truth with amazing outcomes.

In the Step 4 live action video I show how the lessons from the Step 4 primer work in practical terms. Once we recognize healthful patterns, we can distinguish between denial and transformational affirmation which builds confidence, commitment and faith. See how I tackled my own obesity issues and debt recovery while illustrating a doable harm-reduction strategy featuring changes to internal and external dialogue.

The Step 9 - 3 videos are featured under the Transformation Videos tab of my website. Choose the step most useful to you, and call or email me for a customized lifestyle program, or if you have questions.

As described in my 9 step series: food, chemicals in our environment, what we think about and believe, and our daily practises all affect our biochemistry and thus our mental and physical health. Discover how mental and physical symptoms can be eliminated or reduced by correcting the imbalances and influences in your life. As we introduce enjoyable, healthful practises, the old negative, self-defeating habits fall away automatically. I would love to support you through your journey of self-discovery and recovery.

www.karenholtonhealthcoach.com delivers every-thing you need to transform your life and become the healthiest, happiest you possible. Subscribe to my blog and YouTube channel, and you will soon be well on your way to your own quantum health transformation.

To reach Karen Holton BSW, health coach call (250) 871-1722 or email [email protected].

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of factors, including temperature changes, muscle fatigue and the repetitive stresses incurred.

Exercise generates heat. With feet contained in shoes, doing a lot of the movement and containing a large number of sweat glands to dissipate that heat, feet can get hot and sweaty during long distance activities. Not only does increased temperature and moisture predispose feet to blisters and other painful skin irritations, it is believed that an increased temperature promotes an increased sensitivity to pressures and other stimuli.

During long duration activity, many primary and stabilizing muscles in the lower extremity experience fatigue. With increased muscle fatigue, one can develop altered posture, alignment (knee positioning/ tracking), function (foot slap, altered gait) and a host of different conditions, including cramping, shin splints and weakness to the point of not being able to take another step.

Like other mechanical structures, alignment and function of the lower extremity is important in minimizing stress and optimizing its performance. Proper foot alignment can dictate function and play an important role in optimizing mechanics to minimize risk of injury, or incurring a greater stress on the lower extremity. Excessive pronation (foot and ankle roll in, associated with medial arch collapse) and excessive supination (foot and ankle roll out, associated with high, rigid arches) both increase risk of injury due to altered alignment and functioning. Dropped metatarsal bones in the forefoot can increase focal pressures under the ball of the foot and cause burning sensations, pain or even promote a metatarsal stress fracture.

Tips for going the distance:

Going the Distance without the agony of “Dafeet”

Leonardo da Vinci was quoted to remark: “The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.” This early observation is extremely accurate, considering how the intricate network of bones, ligaments, muscles, connective tissue, nerves, blood vessels and other structures in the feet perform the role of transporting our weight on a daily basis. The average person walks 4,000-8,000 steps per day; however, it is widely accepted that walking an average of 10,000 steps per day can better promote lower blood pressure, improve blood glucose control and contribute to a healthier weight.

With this easy, effective health promotion plan in mind, many take on the challenge of increasing their walking and running levels. Some have a goal-oriented focus, which may involve a charity walk, a 5/10km/half/full marathon race or a multi-day trekking trip. Regardless of the activity, it will involve putting one foot in front of the other over and over for a prolonged period of time. The longer distance and duration of a walking, hiking or running session can unfortunately put the lower extremity at risk of developing pain or symptoms related to a number

by Trevor Pritoula

Trevor Pritoula, Certified Pedorthist, B.Kin.

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continued on page 29...


Dr. Dawn Armstrong, B.Sc., D.C. CHIROPRACTOR

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1819 Beaufort Avenue • 250-465-8482 Helping You Take Better Care of Yourself

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

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Does It work? Is it safe?

These are two questions you should always ask yourself when considering a particular approach to health care. If you are experiencing back pain — pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, upper back or lower back due to functional problems like sprains, strains, joint restrictions, trigger points in muscles and inflammation — you are in good company. Nearly three out of four Canadian adults have suffered back pain at some point over the last two years.

Surveys conducted by the Environics Research Group have found Canadians are increasingly choosing chiropractic care (and massage therapy) for back pain.

So chiropractic care is more popular than ever, but is it safe? And, does it work?

Safety is the most important aspect of any intervention intended to improve health and well-being, or any treatment meant to temporarily relieve suffering. ‘Firstly, do no harm,’ is a guiding ethic of all health care professionals. Another basic principle of health care delivery is the risk/benefit ratio. Or the benefit-to-risk ratio. Either way you do the math, patients and practitioners want the most benefit for the least risk.

Which brings us to the subject of NSAIDs. These are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. They block the physiological pathways responsible for inflammation, fever and pain. In North America, at least two-thirds of people with chronic low back pain are prescribed NSAID’s – alone or in conjunction with other drugs. Because of the way they work to reduce inflammation, NSAIDs also reduce the stomach’s ability to protect itself from the erosive action of digestive juices. Gastrointestinal ulcers and hemorrhage, sometimes with severe and life-threatening blood loss, are common problems arising from the continued use of NSAIDs. Best estimates are a hospitalization rate of 0.4 per

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

cent and a death rate of 0.04 per cent.How do these rates of risk compare to risks associated

with other treatments? This is known as relative risk. Here are some facts to consider:

• 30 per cent is the incidence of adverse drug reactions in hospitalized patients

• 10 per cent is the incidence of psychosis due to corticosteroid therapy

• one per cent is the incidence of paralysis due to neurosurgery in the neck

• 0.1 per cent is the incidence of seizures due to the DPT vaccine• 0.01 per cent is the incidence of breast cancer caused by

mammography• 0.001 per cent is the incidence of death due to anaesthetic

agents used in surgery• 0.0001 per cent is the incidence of death due to lightning strike• 0.00001 per cent is the incidence of serious neural complications

due to neck manipulation (by all types of practitioners )“Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the

safest, drug-free, surgery-free therapies available for the treatment of back and neck pain, headaches and other musculoskeletal conditions. Few other therapies can demonstrate a better safety record for the treatment of spinal pain syndromes.”

For more information on the chiropractic profession and chiropractic care, visit www.ccachiro.org.

Next issue we will look at the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care for the common complaint of back pain.

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


by Shari Dunnet

Bio-energy healing – activate your innate healing power

For thousands of years, healers in many cultures have understood the vital role that energy plays in our health and well-being. They understood the centres of energy in the body, and how energy flowed and were able to channel and unblock these flows so the body could heal itself. Now, western science is catching up with sophisticated measuring devices and photographic equipment that can capture and measure the human energy field – known more commonly as the aura, or in science, the bio-field. All living things have a bio-field, including plants, animals and humans. There is empirical proof that energy creates an electrical field around us, and the bio-field is now recognized by the World Health Organization.

What causes energy to become stagnant or blocked? Many things contribute to this including physical, emotional or mental stress, accidents, injuries, trauma and suppressed feelings. All of these can disrupt energy from flowing freely. In time, blocked or stagnated energy can lead to illness, chronic conditions, anxiety, depression and pain which show up in the body.

Bio-energy healing is a contemporary adaptation of the ancient understanding that the body has the innate power to regenerate and heal itself. After all, what is it that heals a broken leg? The body is certainly assisted with a cast that holds the bones

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in place, but it is our own body’s intelligence and miraculous healing capacity that actually does the work.

Bio-energy healing practitioners perceive the blockages and imbalances in the energy flow, and assist in their release thereby restoring the free flow of energy. We also energize and balance the energetic system. During a session, a person will remain clothed and will be either standing or seated. It is non-invasive as there is little actual contact with the body – the practitioner is working with the person’s energy field and centres rather than on the body itself. The practitioner uses hand movements and techniques around the body to release and establish the flow of energy. Sessions last 45 minutes to an hour.

Whether dealing with a health issue, or would like to improve or maintain your overall well-being – emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually – bio-energy healing can be a remarkably effective remedy for health problems, and can take your health, well-being, spiritual connection and outlook to a new level. It is proven effective for many conditions including back pain, stress, anxiety and depression, insomnia, arthritis, chronic fatigue, migraines and headaches, brain fog, IBS, addictions, allergies, food intolerances, infertility, impotence, eczema, psoriasis and other health challenges. Bio-energy healing can also support creativity, personal empowerment, emotional stability and mental clarity. If feeling stuck it can be effective in getting your life flowing.

I’ve worked in the health care field in different capacities for over 20 years, and it’s my experience that bio-energy healing is the most effective modality I have ever come across. I would be happy to assist in achieving your health goals. Call me for a free 15-minute consultation. Introductory offer available to try a session at a $15 discount.

To your health and well-being!

Shari Dunnet is a certified bio-energy healing practitioner and intuitive therapist offering services in the Comox Valley at the House of Now, Rasa Centre for the Healing Arts and on Denman Island. Call 250-897-2707. www.lightbodyhealingworks.com


Danielle Lambrecht, M.C., CCC.I provide counselling for couples, individuals, and speciality groups. My field of expertise is in Mental Health and Addiction issues.

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www.daniellelambrecht.ca 448-10th St., Courtenay (across from Grains Bakery)

Trevor Pritoula’s article continued from pg 26...

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1. Screening - Have a professional perform a biomechanical assessment to identify alignment/functional problems. A qualified practitioner can observe obvious or small mechanical problems and offer suggestions for correcting. Even the callus/thickened skin distribution on the bottom of your feet can signify mechanical flaws. You may require insoles, custom orthotics and/or advice regarding proper footwear before increasing activity levels.

2. Strengthening/conditioning - If starting out or deciding to increase mileage, it is important to strengthen core, pelvic/hip and lower extremity muscles to improve posture and stability.

3. Build up - Increase distances slowly and incrementally. Many follow the 10 per cent rule, which says to increase weekly mileage (or volume) in increments of 10 per cent (i.e. if you walk/run/hike 10 kilometres this week, you should only add one km the following week). Quantifying distances has never been easier with the plethora of phone apps, Fitbit/activity monitoring devices and pedometers. This can allow better conditioning and avoid training errors, whereby too much too quick can promote a problem.

4. Rest - Ensure adequate recovery time between exercise sessions to aid repair/recovery. Ice/ cold can be used immediately following activity to aid in repair/ healing.

5. Appropriate footwear for your feet, activity - Ensure you have a properly fitted shoe, with ample support, cushioning and space for toes. The rules are simple: If you walk, use a walking shoe. If you run, use a running shoe. If you hike, use a hiking shoe or boot.

6. Socks - Ensure proper fit, breathable material to minimize blisters and regulate temperature. If possible, carry an extra set of socks to change into during the activity. Many use compression socks and garments

during and after long duration exercise to improve circulation/recovery.

7. Hydrate - Drink plenty of water and fluids before and during (every 10 minutes) to avoid dehydration, which can promote muscle fatigue, difficulty regulating temperature.

8. Eat - Eat a well-balanced diet, and consume food frequently during activity to ensure glycogen stores are kept up to fuel-working muscles.

9. Prepare the feet - Cut toenails, moisturize skin of the feet often and before activity to minimize potential irritation. The more hydrated and viable the skin, the more resilient it can be.

10. Listen to your body. Pain is usually an indication there is a problem. It is not recommended to walk/run through pain. This may promote more long-term, debilitating injury/issues.

Regardless of the activity, intensity and mechanics, everyone has specific thresholds in terms of how long they can go before things start to break down. With proper preparation, this injury threshold limit can be optimized in order to allow you to go for as long and comfortable as possible.

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


Does your body do what you ask it to? Sleep well? Feel full of energy? Feel flexible and pain-free? Find that food and digestion are on friendly terms? Think clearly? Find yourself smiling a lot?

If not, then read on.

Wellness is something we all strive for in our body, mind and spirit. At Circles Wellness Centre our team of caring health professionals work at supporting you through treatments and educational methods. Our goal is to bring awareness of what your body is asking for when it’s ailing. And to create a program that’s designed for you — a program that gives you the empowerment to your wellness path.

Our hands offer massage, Trager, body talk, Bowen therapy, Thai yoga massage, craniosacral, reiki, Pranic healing, acupressure, Psych-K, Holo and Shadow energetics.

Consultations for herbal, nutritional care using Vega testing and Iridology fulfills the circle of healing methods.

Our studio is a haven for movement, dance and tai chi classes. We will be offering nutritional, stress-reducing breath work, meditation, herbal and energy balancing classes.

As a re-creation from the late-’90s of a successful health centre that MaryAnne Meredith had, Circles Wellness Centre offers the community a healing place. It is located at 949 Fitzgerald Ave. in Courtenay.

We invite you to explore who we are and our health care methods.

Visit www.circleswellnesscentre.wordpress.com. On Facebook, become our friend for event updates.

are what you take home to continue to heal and rebal-ance. Not only do you leave feeling better, your physi-cal symptoms that may have made you feel like you were falling apart suddenly start to feel better. You feel stronger and calmer, your resilience returns and most importantly your own health is addressed.

Regular self-care is unfortunately often an after-thought for busy helping people, which can be both the cause and a symptom of this state. Remember that compassion fatigue is a process that develops over time and so is healing from its effects. Some people can return to a healthy balance by taking a holiday, but most caregivers need to make life changes and put their own health and wellness at the top of the priority list. Helpers need to develop stress resiliency skills so they can continue this challenging work. Making time to receive regular support will enable you to continue to provide care with the love and professionalism you intend, and to maintain the health and life you have.

Dr. Lisa Lundy can be reached at 250-334-0655 or [email protected]. For more information visit www.drlisalundy.com

Lisa Lundy’s article continued from pg 20...

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For those who watch a lot of golf on TV you hear commentators talk about how much of a shoulder turn players get while rotating the hips just slightly. The restriction from the lower body creates an elastic coil. Some call it the X Factor, with the upper body. When this X Factor is released properly it creates a lot of speed and power. This is one of the reasons why PGA Tour players hit the ball so far. We have to remember that these golfers are elite athletes and train to get in that position every day. These positions are not achievable by the average golfer, that is without going into traction.

Your goal as an amateur golfer is to try to get your shoulders to rotate about 90 degrees. This means at the top of your backswing your back is facing the target and you are looking at the ball out of your left eye, for right-handed golfers. Another good feeling to get is when your left shoulder rotates under your chin in the backswing. Some may find this hard to do. There can be an issue with flexibility, which can be helped by taking yoga or Pilates classes, or seeing a physiotherapist. What I have noticed more often is there is a problem with the hips not rotating. If you cannot get your shoulder rotation to where it needs to be, try rotating your hips rather than sliding them back. This will allow you to get a larger shoulder turn and create more power. If you struggle with rotating your hips due to flexibility issues try lifting your left heel a little. This should allow you to rotate those hips a little further. Only try this if flexibility is an issue, otherwise it can

by Bill Kelly

create other problems in the swing. Your ideal position at the top of your backswing should have your shoulders rotated about 90 degrees. And hips about 45 degrees.

If you have any health issues, problems with your back or neck, consult your physician or physio before working on this in your golf swing to get their OK.

For help with this or any other part of your golf game, contact your local Canadian PGA professional: Bill Kelly, Head golf professional at Glacier Greens Golf Course, 2012 PGA of BC teacher of the year for Vancouver Island.

Stock photo from Metro

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