What’s the Best Time to Eat?
Eating healthfully involves more than what you choose to eat. It also includes when you choose to eat. Because even if you choose the right things, eating them at the wrong time can set you up for cravings that will drive you to eat things you will be upset at yourself for eating. Determining when to eat doesn’t involve memorizing times on the clock that are universal rules for everyone. In other words, there is no “best time” to eat. Here’s how to create a plan to eat at the right times that’s unique to you. Eat Within 1 Hour Of Waking Up While I don’t agree that breakfast is...
Read MoreShe opened the lid, peered inside.
“Where did you find this, Lydia?” I asked. “It was in the garden. I was digging a hole for the new lilac bush, over by the kitchen fence, when I hit something hard with the shovel. I thought it was a rock and tried to pry it out but then when I cleared some more dirt off it, I saw it was a box.” “Well, it’s been there an awful long time then, because we’ve lived here for twelve years now.” Lydia cleaned the box some more and saw there was tiny padlock still in place. “I don’t want to damage anything, how can I get that...
Read MoreAbortion pill not covered
Women are choosing unnecessary surgical abortions because the province doesn’t cover the abortion pill, the executive director of the Vancouver Island Women’s Clinic says. Dawn Fowler said the $350 price tag on Mifepristone, also known as the abortion pill, means some women who want to terminate unwanted pregnancies at the clinic opt for surgery because it’s covered by the province. “Women who want to terminate a pregnancy are being forced to put price in as a factor,” Fowler said. Canada approved Mifepristone, which has been available in other countries for 25 years, in 2015. It...
Read MoreWe have a new puppy!!!
Meet Shay. Dr. Louise Janes D.V.M. & Dr. Jeff Grognet D.V.M. Mid-Isle Veterinary Hospital 5-161 Fern Road West Qualicum Beach, BC Tel (250) 752-896 Mid-Isle Veterinary...
Read MoreA B.C. case study
Mi–Jung Lee is an investigative journalist and has worked for CTV News in Vancouver for 18 years. She anchors CTV News at Noon and at Five. Mi-Jung graciously spoke with us about her cancer diagnosis, what she learned about breast density and her efforts to raise awareness. When did you start having mammograms? In British Columbia, it used to be recommended that women start getting mammograms at age 40. They have since changed that to every 2 years starting at age 50, but I started at 40 and got mammograms regularly. I was conscientious about that. Please tell us about your diagnosis....
Read MoreShaman, Witch, Pagan
The wind in the trees, the waves running across the surface f the water, the gentle sigh of the earth as she settles into herself each day – all of life is energy and in constant movement. When we live on the land, with the land, we learn the rhythms of the earth. When we learn the rhythms of the earth, we learn our own rhythms; we learn to flow with all the energies around us. It can be challenging to listen and feel the rhythm of the earth and your own rhythms though the din of traffic and the solid concrete beneath your feet. The cry of the eagle, the song of the frog or the chatter of...
Read MoreBank of Canada rate increase
On July 12th, for the first time in seven years, the Bank of Canada increased the overnight rate by .25%, withdrawing some of the stimulus that was needed after the oil price collapse and 2008 financial crisis. Like many, you may have taken advantage of the low rates and invested in the real estate vs the stock market while money was cheap to borrow. We are still in an ultra-low rate environment and an incredibly stable market. Keep in mind this is a relatively small increase, and we have seen rate increases before that are quickly followed by decreases. Whether you took advantage of the...
Read MoreThe Person Inside the Mess.
It was excruciating to watch the TV Reality Show, “Hoarding”, as the so-called ‘experts’ aggressively tossed out years of memories, while a shattered person watched by the sidelines, heart-broken. Fortunately, modern medicine is providing more humane treatments for hoarding. Most professionals agree that living in a mini garbage dump is a symptom of a much greater problem and the focus should be the person who is suffering under all that trash. The resounding message from a community forum on hoarding was that a gentle, compassionate approach is the sure-fire way to effectively deal...
Read MoreShould I Take a Multivitamin?
One of the most common questions that I’m asked as a registered dietitian is “should I take a multivitamin?” Here’s what I think about multivitamins for women. First I need to tell you that when it comes to nutrition, one size doesn’t fit all. We each have different nutrition needs – based on our sex, age, physical activity, health concerns, etc. And, our eating habits vary widely. That’s why when I work with clients, the first thing I do is a nutrition assessment of you. It’s from the results of my nutrition assessment that I create your individual action plan. So, without...
Read MoreB.C. Seniors Advocate survey
B.C. Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie released provincial results of her office’s survey of publicly subsidized residential care homes today. This is the most extensive survey of residents’ quality of life ever conducted in Canada. “For the first time in this province, we have heard the collective voices of some of our most frail and vulnerable seniors across all of our care homes,” said Mackenzie. “What they are telling us is that while some are satisfied in some areas, overall, we need to be doing better, and in some cases, much better in ensuring the needs of residents are...
Read MoreParadise Found
House for sale on Gabriola is only part of the picture. Honestly, I’m still surprised with comments like, “I never knew”; “Wow, what a place and you have it all here on your island, Gabriola”; “We sailed by, but hadn’t stopped in until today. Looking to rest our sea-legs, and find a home on Gabriola”. Just a few exclamations of what I hear every day. And so, I think it’s about time I entice you my island paradise. About now you would have recognized that I am a full-time resident on Gabriola, love it here! I’m also a REALTOR® full-time. A perfect...
Read MoreAre You Dehydrated?
The “I only drink when I’m thirsty”approach can trip you up. The summer is almost over. The sweating and basking in the sun moments are still fresh in our memory, and we may even long for the cooler breeze of early fall. You’ve heard it all summer long: stay hydrated, drink 8 to 12 glasses a day. But don’t think to pack that habit away along with your shorts and summer attire. Hydration is important all year long. Research has shown that active and healthy seniors are managing their hydration well, evidenced by little difference in hydration status compared to younger folks....
Read MoreStriking It Rich….
Clara agreed to visit his claim, the one he’d been digging for years. Fancy meeting after all this time. She hadn’t changed much, wore her hair shorter, but had that same gorgeous smile. If he wasn’t careful he’d fall in love all over again. And she might too, if he struck it rich. If he kept at the digging. Jack lifted another shovelful and threw the rocks, crashing into the wagon. One more and he’d be ready to ‘wash it’. “Why don’t you just give it up, Jack? This place is done for. I found all the gold.” Old Henry, his neighbour, had struck gold a long time ago and...
Read MoreOf Brains And Books …
What? Why? How? When someone close to you suffers a stroke, you suffer too … groping for answers to questions you never expected to ask. Some questions go without answers, but many of the answers are out there just waiting to be found. When my dearest friend and partner suffered a stroke eight years ago his friends and mine rallied round with sympathy, support and suggestions that might help both of us. Some offered suggestions for a book or an article that could help shed some light on a phenomenon that we knew little about and never expected to deal with. And then came an invitation to...
Read MoreSomethings Don’t Change.
Island women I invite you to read this column written by Nellie McClung, in 1942 during the 2nd world war, and tell me how you felt when you came to the end. I challenge you to tell me that it left you unmoved. The words that came to mind for me are fears, doubts, survival, support of neighbours and friends. Now we have the same feelings but the battle now is climate change. Let us be aware of the need to pay attention. The years go by but our needs do not change. Let me hear from you. Trish Summerhayes. Owner/Publisher. ******************************************** This column first...
Read MoreThere’s A Frog In My Fridge!
We used to offer farm stays to foreign travellers when we owned an acreage in Victoria; many people from around the world stayed with us over the years. I’ll never forget the day I opened the fridge to find a large taped brown box inside. Upon enquiring as to what this was, a young man from California sheepishly informed me that there was a frog in the box. At first I merely laughed him off, responding that he could “pull the other leg as it had bells on it”. “Ask your husband. He told me to do it!” he replied. Upon further enquiry my husband told me that Dustin had found an...
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