Diabetes is a disease that we all must keep a careful eye out for.
Our modern diet and sedentary ways are making it difficult for many of us to steer clear of this disease that in Canada impacts approximately 10% of our population (Pre-diabetes account for 6%). Diabetics struggle to produce insulin effectively, which impacts their circulation and immunity, and often causes damage to the sensory nerves in the hands and feet. Due to numbness, a diabetic may not feel a foot injury, blister or cut on their feet or legs (called peripheral neuropathy). This poor circulation and nerve damage can further prevent ulcers and wounds from healing properly, which in turn...
Read MoreHeart on the road: Meet Shirley Vaux, a volunteer driver lighting up lives across Vancouver Island
When Shirley retired from a successful career in real estate, she wasn’t ready to slow down. Instead, she was ready to give back. After decades in leadership roles, she felt a growing desire to connect with her community on a more personal level. In May 2022, she traded business meetings for long road trips and became a volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope program. Shirley, who radiates empathy and generosity, embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. It was just a perfect fit. Now serving as the “Van Captain” for the Nanaimo Wheels of Hope...
Read MoreThe Unsung Hero of Skin Health
How Sheep’s Wool Protects Against Moisture and Breakdown For individuals who are wheelchair-bound or bedridden, managing moisture is not just a comfort issue—it’s a matter of health. Prolonged exposure to dampness can lead to skin maceration, pressure ulcers, and infections. But one natural material has quietly proven itself to be a powerful ally in the fight against skin breakdown: sheep’s wool. Sheep’s wool, particularly in its raw or medical-grade form, offers a unique combination of properties that make it ideal for pressure relief and moisture control. Its fibers are naturally...
Read MoreSupporting Local Farmers & Food Sources
Seniors101.ca has always been committed to supporting local farmers and agriculture. We take immense pride in Vancouver Island’s communities,and we’ve written often about local food security and the ‘100-mile diet’. We’ve shared Lana Popham thoughts, (who we are pleased to see is stepping back into the role of Minister of Agriculture and Food), and we list and feature local food and farmers. Now, with ongoing trade uncertainties, there is a renewed social and political push to prioritize shopping locally. The Importance of Supporting Local Agriculture Choosing local produce...
Read MoreDying From or Living With: Cancer Reimagined
My first awareness of cancer as something to fear was when I was eleven and visiting my mother’s parents in New Zealand. We traveled from Montreal, Canada, to spend the holidays with my mother’s parents. It rained a lot during that visit, and my younger brother had a cold. Because he had a cold and because my grandfather was dying from cancer, my grandfather stayed in his room, and we were not allowed to see him, “In case you get him sick,” the adults told us. My grandfather was an engineer with Boeing Airlines, and he, along with the other engineers, was exposed to various...
Read MoreDying From or Living With: Cancer Reimagined
My first awareness of cancer as something to fear was when I was eleven and visiting my mother’s parents in New Zealand. We traveled from Montreal, Canada, to spend the holidays with my mother’s parents. It rained a lot during that visit, and my younger brother had a cold. Because he had a cold and because my grandfather was dying from cancer, my grandfather stayed in his room, and we were not allowed to see him, “In case you get him sick,” the adults told us. My grandfather was an engineer with Boeing Airlines, and he, along with the other engineers, was exposed to various chemicals...
Read MoreThe Connection Between Lower Back Pain and the Pelvic Floor
Low back pain is a common ailment. It can affect people at any age, and most people will experience it at some point in their lives. According to the World Health Organization, low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. It can lead to lost time from work, decreased participation in recreational activities, and reduced quality of life. It is considered a significant public health concern and creates a large financial burden on individuals and society. There is mounting evidence that the pelvic floor may play a key role in the management and treatment of low back pain....
Read MoreWhat is Urinary Incontinence and What Can you do About it?
Urinary incontinence — the loss of bladder control — is a common and often embarrassing problem. The severity ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, run or jump (entitled stress incontinence) to having an urge to urinate that is so sudden and strong you don’t get to the toilet in time (urge incontinence). Although it occurs more often as people age and in women who have given birth, urinary incontinence isn’t an inevitable consequence of aging or of having had kids. Ir urinary incontinence affects your daily activities, seeing a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist can...
Read More5 fantastic daily habits to help you achieve permanent weight loss after 40.
Trying to lose weight after 40 can feel like torture even for the healthiest person. You may feel you’re doing all the right things, yet you can’t figure out why the weight keeps piling on. It can be confusing and frustrating trying every trick you see online only to be disappointed. But there is something you may not be taking into consideration. It is the things you are doing every day that potentially contribute to your weight gain. It could be as simple as making small changes for a considerable impact. Imagine it’s as easy as making minor adjustments to your routine...
Read MoreA few days ago I was taking a walk on a beautiful sunny afternoon when I met a lady pruning a potted plant by the sidewalk
We had a lovely conversation and I learnt that she was Julia Sage that had just opened a massage therapy practice right here in Chemainus I was very impressed by her gentle manner and her reassuring approach to her profession. Welcome to Chemainus Julia. Best regards, Trish Summerhayes. Publisher Island Woman Magazine.. ********************************************* I graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 1990, and have since studied numerous assessment and hands-on techniques, many of which I’ve integrated into my...
Read MoreHeartbreak, Healing and Happiness
Megan Edge Master Healer, Author, Educator, Public Speaker & International Radio Host Megan Edge Master Healer, Author, Educator, Public Speaker & International Radio Host MeganEdge.ca LinkedIn or FaceBook Listen to Megan on Transformation Talk Radio Read Megan in Island Woman...
Read MoreNettle is Starting to Sprout!
Foraging in nature feeds my soul, we are so fortunate to be surrounded by such abundance My research of native plants has taught me that Stinging Nettle is a superstar! Drinking the herb tea or eating the cooked fresh leaves builds the blood; strengthens the lungs, hair, nails. It has been used to relieve seasonal allergies, who knew?! So I’ve been out harvesting nettle VERY CAREFULLY! It probably goes without saying to wear gloves, the sting can be painful. Snip nettle stem about an inch above ground to as not to destroy the plant and always leave a few, we want to continue to...
Read MoreLast year at this time I was speaking about gaining mastery over ourselves,
so that no person, no government, no idea could keep us boxed up and unable to guide ourselves as individuals and communities.This was almost prescient beyond belief when you consider how this last year has unfolded, and what has been presented to us. We also emphasized that there is a way to be master of the guidance system that will keep us on track. What is this ‘track’ ? In bearing witness to the global confusion which has erupted all over the globe this last year, it often feels like any kind of ‘mastery’ is a rough and impossible notion. Merely a speculation or a hope of the...
Read MoreComfrey
It’s everywhere, taking over gardens and impossible to get rid of and I think I know why. I think it’s the universe knocking us up side of the head saying “for Pete’s sake, notice this plant, it is amazing!” It has been used for over 2000 years for ulcers, wounds, muscle soreness, bruises, rheumatoid arthritis, varicous veins, gout and fractures, rashes, scars and the list goes on and on. This past Fall my Aunt Joanne shared that she had Comfrey taking over her garden and I was welcome to take as much as I liked. Yay! So I decided to start with an Herbal Infusion. This is made by...
Read MoreAncient Healing Wisdom – Energy Space Clearing
Did you know that your energy, the energy of others and of events can settle into your home, office, even the earth? As we move through these days of Covid and so many of us are staying in our homes, our energy is collecting and pooling around us, with the potential to become stagnant, blocked and even emotionally toxic. Living in close proximity to each other over long periods of time can strain even the healthiest relationships. If you’re finding yourself feeling overwhelmed, despondent, touchy, irritable or under the weather, the solution could be to move those blues with a vigorous...
Read MoreHello Everyone, It’s been far too long
So Covid hit and I was layed off from my job for 4 months. I found this to be a very creative time for me as I used it to pursue my passion, formulating natural skincare products and blending essential oils. Creating natural skincare takes a lot of time, in particular, researching natural ingredients and their benefits for your skin. I found two fantastic books. ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’ by Robin Wall Kimmerer – This book of Indiginous Wisdom gave me a newfound respect for plants, I will never take the nature around me for granted again. Also, ‘Pacific Northwest...
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