January 30, 2015

Japanese healing treatment for mind, body and soul...pg 5

Tapping into the spirit of mindfulness... pg 10

Healthy FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015

living Healthy eating improves eyesight ... pg 11

Capital news

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Friday, January 30, 2015 • Healthy Living Capital News

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Healthy lifestyle starts with making the right choices of what to eat Rose Soneff contributor

There are two types of people, those who make New Year’s resolutions and those who do not.

Whichever philosophy you follow, making healthy lifestyle changes is always good.

The most common health resolutions are to eat healthy, be more active and reduce smoking or alcohol use. While my tips focus on eating healthy these suggestions can also apply to other lifestyle changes.

Before embarking on any lifestyle change, do a check-in.

Ask yourself what factors contribute to your current lifestyle?

For example, if you lack time to prepare healthy food or rely on ready-made entrees provided by a meal program, what will happen when you are pinched for time or when the program is over?

Look for ways to include food you like with healthier options. If you like pizza, try one with whole grain crust, lots of extra vegetables, and chicken or shrimp rather than deli sausages.

Try a smaller size pizza and add a ready-

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made green salad or a hearty vegetable soup to complement the meal.

Set a S.M.A.R.T. goal. S.M.A.R.T. stands for specific, measureable, attainable, realistic and timely. Rephrase your goals from “lose weight” to “increase my vegetable and fruit intake to at least seven servings per day by the end of January.”

Check in with a professional. Registered dietitians are qualified specialists who can help ensure your meal plan is balanced and fits your lifestyle.

Be cautious of meal plans that avoid food groups or are too low in calories.

They are hard to stick to and can result in “yo-yo dieting” (taking off and regaining weight over and over again) which is detrimental to good health.

Have a friend or family member be your support person who can help encourage you reach your goals.

Remember, our habits form over months, if not years, and expecting to overcome them quickly is not realistic.

Change takes time. Making healthy choices also takes practise and trial and error but it can be done and you can do it.

Rose Soneff is a registered dietitian with Interior Health.

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Capital News Healthy Living • Friday, January 30, 2015

www.kelownacapnews.com X3

WEST KELOWNA

ECG in the wink of an eye at new clinic Jean Russell

An office offering private electronic heart monitoring services has opened in West Kelowna.

Located inside the dSuperstore medical clinic, at 3020 Louie Drive, Vector Diagnostics opened early this month.

Everyone who has watched any sort of medical TV program is familiar with the concept of getting an electrocardiogram (ECG) which measures the heart’s electrical activity.

The procedure is familiar: A number of little sticky pads, each holding an electrode, are pressed firmly onto the patient’s skin with wires from them feeding up into an imposing machine.

Lights flicker, the familiar lub-dub of heart beats resound and a wavering green line bobs up and down across a screen.

Reality check: Sticky pads yes, all the rest is long-gone.

Taking you through the process is registered cardiology technologist and Vector Diagnostics co-owner Hayley Donovan.

With accustomed efficiency she places 10 sticky pads at predetermined spots on your skin—two on a shin,

JEAN RUSSELL/CAPITAL NEWS

jrussell@kelownacapnews.com

Hayley Donovan is a registered cardiology technologist and co-owner of Vector Diagnostics in West Kelowna one on each upper arm and the others on your torso.

She attaches electrodes to each pad receptor with the wires from each leading not to a separate machine, but to device the size of a Cracker Jacks box.

It, in turn, connects wirelessly to her laptop

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The actual data gathering for this inoffice ECG takes 12 seconds.

That’s all the recorded electronic activity from your beating heart that’s needed to make some astonishing diagnoses.

There are other tests Donovan provides at

Vector Diagnostics as well. When indicated by your physician, she’ll set you up with a Holter Monitor.

This device, about the size of a pager, connects to fewer electrodes stuck to the skin.

You keep the Holter with you for 24 or more hours and carry on life as

usual, except for bathing.

A detailed journal of all your activities while on the Holter Monitor is required to be kept, then you return it all to Donovan when the allotted time is up.

This longer-term look at your heart’s activities lets the analyst see intermittent abnormal

activities—things that don’t occur on queue when hooked up in the office.

Until now, all of this has had to be done through doctorordered visits to your local hospital where the electrocardiogram technology is kept. Since it’s all publicly funded the lineups to have your 12-second turn, or get use of a Holter Monitor, can run into weeks.

Donovan says her turnaround speed is related to using the most up to date technology and not being hidebound by the medical practice conventions such as sending the information through a transcription service.

Through secured uploads your data is electronically transferred to her partner, clinical cardiologist David Kincade at the Penticton Hospital, who analyses the data.

Then it’s forwarded to your physician within 24 hours of your visit.

It’s all MSP-eligible, with your physician’s referral.

For more information about Vector Diagnostics, call the office at 250826-9324 or email info@ vectordiagnostics.ca.

For more information visit the website vectordiagnostics.ca. @KelownaCapNews

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Friday, January 30, 2015 • Healthy Living Capital News

MDs prescribe Clinical studies help pave the way for medical treatment advancements income strategy MEDICAL RESEARCH

How can we be most successful while doing our best to be and stay healthy?

With all the advancements in medical science, if you had an opportunity to participate in a clinical research study to help better understand, diagnose, treat, or cure your disease or condition, would you or should you do it?

“For the past 10 or 15 years, a number of physicians in the Okanagan area have offered patients the opportunity to participate in clinical research studies as part of their care,” said Donna Benson, chief executive officer of The Medical Arts Health Research Group.

“By participating in clinical studies, residents of the Okanagan have

unique opportunities to access drugs or medical devices that have passed Health Canada requirements, but are not commercially available to the public as yet.

“The clinical trials we participate in are being conducted across Canada and sometimes the world.

“We feel very appreciative that we are able to contribute to the improvement of health in this way.”

Local physicians and specialists work collaboratively with the research teams from universities, pharmaceutical companies and government research centres to treat patients.

You do not have to be a patient of the doctor who is participating in

the study in order to enrol in the study. Generally, physicians and specialists are excited and pleased to be able to offer study alternatives to their patients.

“We have a great rapport with our physicians and specialists throughout the valley and are always recruiting new doctors with interests in different medical areas to collaborate with us on new studies,” she said.

What’s in it for the patients of a clinical research study?

You are among the first to receive the latest in medical treatment.

You also receive more thorough and more frequent medical attention, testing and monitoring when you’re in a clinical research study.

Medical Research: Finding Cures!

Clinical research studies help save lives. That’s why for almost 15 years, The Medical Arts Health Research Group, working with local physicians and specialists, has recruited Okanagan Valley volunteers to participate in clinical research studies for a wide range of health conditions including, but not limited to: ✓Angina, ✓Asthma, ✓Alzheimer’s, ✓Atrial Fibrillation, ✓COPD, ✓Diabetes, ✓Foot Ulcers, ✓High Cholesterol ✓High Blood Pressure, ✓Tinnitus, ✓Ulcerative Colitis and many more.

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Medical staff who are specifically interested in, and informed about, the most advanced treatment options for you, are easily accessible.

Research companies are currently recruiting patients in the Okanagan area for a wide variety of conditions including but not limited to: atrial fibrillation, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, COPD, foot ulcers, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis, tinnitus, and ulcerative colitis.

“We are constantly adding new studies and recruiting new patients,” said Benson.

“There are no new treatments for disease without volunteers participating in clinical research.

“We encourage people to go online and check out the benefits of participating in a clinical trial.”

Since 2002, Medical Arts Health Research Group has committed to bringing the most advanced medical opportunities to the patients of British Columbia by conducting clinical trials and research for our sponsors to the highest standards of quality within the most efficient time frames.

The research group offers clinical studies to the residents of the South Okanagan, Central Okanagan, Kamloops and Vancouver areas from our clinics in those areas.

The clinic looks for volunteers with conditions including Alzheimer’s, angina, atrial fibrillation, asthma, diabetes, foot ulcers, cardiovascular disease, constipation caused by prescription pain killers, COPD, high cholesterol, tinnitus and many others.

Over the years, I have written many columns dealing with the connection between poverty and PAUL health.

LATIMER Countless studies have shown direct links between all sorts of physical and mental health issues and poverty.

Among those living in poverty we see higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression, addiction and stress.

Many times, when impoverished patients visit a doctor for a specific health complaint, they don’t seem to improve much even when they get the appropriate treatment. Without improvement in the socio-economic areas of life, it is a lot harder to get healthy.

A family doctor in Toronto, Gary Bloch, developed a strategy and tool when faced with this problem and now it is helping doctors across the country prescribe income to their patients.

Dr. Bloch asked the question—what can doctors do to actually treat our patients’ income? As a result, he developed a system to use in his own daily practice based on four steps.

First, he says, doctors should ask and listen. Doctors need to take time to ask their patients for their stories.

Often, the patient will guide the doctor to root causes of surface health issues and this will help the doctor learn what really needs to be addressed.

Next, he says doctors should prescribe income. For him, this means that based on the individual needs of the patient, the doctor can help address issues such as inadequate housing, income or social supports.

This might mean assisting the patient to access social programs, getting them in touch with an appropriate social worker or agency, helping them fill out necessary forms for disability supports, or other poverty related supports.

Third, he suggests doctors actively work to build a poverty team. Building relationships with social workers, nurses and community agencies so the various arms can cooperate to help patients with income-related issues.

Meanwhile, it is very helpful to continue to build skills and stay up to date with available supports, program and legislation in the region.

Finally, doctors can add their voices to a demand for social change. Poverty is a leading determinant of health and it must be addressed on a systemic level as well as on an individual basis. Doctors and citizens of all professions and backgrounds can work for change by engaging politically and advocating on behalf of some of our most vulnerable neighbours.

I think these four steps are excellent and to complement them, Dr. Bloch also worked to create a poverty screening tool now being widely used by medical associations in our country. It is a four-page brochure offering steps for doctors to use to address poverty in their practices.

It is very encouraging to see a cultural shift taking place in Canada with regard to our view of poverty and treatment of it. I hope governments at all levels will take up the challenge to fight poverty and ensure all Canadians can live healthy lives with dignity.

Paul Latimer is a psychiatrist and president of Okanagan Clinical Trials.

250-862-8141 dr@okanaganclinicaltrials.com

Healing Minds

Capital News Healthy Living • Friday, January 30, 2015

www.kelownacapnews.com X5

JAPANESE HEALING TREATMENT

Joan Scott & Jayne Williams-Aleck

by flowing through the affected areas of the energy field, charging them with positive energy and clearing blockages.

It raises the vibratory rate of the energy field in and around the body.

Reiki clears and balances the energy pathways

allowing the life force to flow freely.

Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit.

Reiki is used in many different ways: • for space clearing to energetically charge and cleanse objects and rooms

CONTRIBUTED

Reiki is a Japanese name for a gentle healing modality for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes balance and harmony in the body.

One translation of the Japanese characters is “Universal Life Force Energy.” “Ki” is also known by other names such as Chi, Qi, Prana, Mana, or Light.

It is the vital energy that flows through all that is alive. This is the energy that is transmitted through, not from, the Reiki practitioner to the client.

Reiki treatments are quite different from a massage.

For a Reiki treatment, the person will lie fully clothed on a comfortable massage table, for approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

Modesty is respected at all times. The Reiki practitioner will place his or her hands lightly on top of your clothing or above key positions on your body.

Many people fall asleep during the treatment because they feel so relaxed.

With Reiki, the person being treated is an active participant in their health care and is always in control.

Reiki effects changes

CONTRIBUTED

contributors

(especially useful when travelling) • on the food you eat; plants to boost the positive energy • personal protection, for example when you feel the effects of other people’s energy at work, in crowds, on public transportation, concerts • for centering yourself; and • for your pets.

Pet Reiki is very effective, as animals tend to respond faster to Reiki than humans. Pets have less accumulated stress, emotional blockages and self-sabotage tendencies.

Reiki can be given by one or more Reiki practitioner; this is called Shuchu (Shu Chu) Reiki.

During this type of session, the energy is intensified so the sessions can be shorter in length than a full session and just as effective.

Animals respond to pet Reiki faster than people.

Cathy Bilton Laurie Burns At NURSE NEXT DOOR, our purpose is to make lives better: for our clients and their families. Local businesswoman, Cathy Bilton, has been involved in health care for 29 years and has owned Nurse Next Door in Vernon for eight years, and Kelowna for three years. The business has grown to employ 80 amazing caregivers and that number continues to grow as the value of our services spreads. We assist seniors by supporting them in their journey, wherever they are, i.e. in their home, nursing home, hospital, or in transition. We provide not only nurses but companions and care aids as well. We do everything from cleaning to cooking to errands and personal care. Laurie Burns is the Care Designer for Kelowna and has 31 years in the health care industry. She is very hands-on as she puts together a care plan tailored to fit the individual needs of our clients. She lives the core values of admiring people, the ‘WOW’ customer experience, finding a better way to support our clients and is genuinely compassionate about making a difference!

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Reiki treats the body, emotions, mind and spirit

Reiki clears and balances energy pathways allowing the life force to flow freely through our bodies.

There are some businesses that provide Shuchu Reiki as part of the services they offer but most often in Canada, Reiki is provided by one practitioner.

Reiki is a simple modality that anyone can learn.

It is not taught in the usual sense but rather the ability to tap into this “life force energy” is passed to the student during an “attunement” to the Reiki energy given by an Reiki master/teacher.

During the Reiki class, students are taught how to use the energy through various hand positions and also intuitively. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people.

Reiki can be used safely and effectively with other therapies such as reflexology, aromatherapy, homeopathy, acupuncture, energy medicine and traditional medicine.

Reiki was started in Japan by Sensei Mikao Usui (1865-1926), a Japanese merchant and student of healing and life. After his death, Reiki was continued in Japan through his students.

Through one of them, Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, Reiki made its way to the western world through his student, Hawayo Takata, a Japanese American who lived in Hawaii.

One interesting historical note: Hawayo Takata, who died in 1980, taught in Summerland, Lumby, Cherryville and the West Kootenays.

The five Canadian Reiki masters she attuned all came from this area while many others here also received the beginning levels of their training in our region.

Joan Scott and Jayne Williams-Aleck are Kelowna Reiki masters.

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Friday, January 30, 2015 • Healthy Living Capital News

Hypnotist André Gagnon says hypnotherapy promotes behavioural, emotional and medical components of your life.

Hypnosis: A tool that can transform your life Contributor

In the past, hypnosis has unfortunately been portrayed in a way that led some to ignore its real potential.

It has been the case in literature and movies where the depiction of hypnosis often involves one person gaining control over a victim.

This is fiction as the reality is nobody can entirely hypnotize anyone against their will.

Hypnosis has also been used as a form of entertainment in comedy shows, in which some well selected individuals become totally responsive to the hypnotist’s suggestions.

The reason behind their sometimes silly acts is their expectation to perform, be the stars of the show by temporarily accepting to lose a good percentage of their inhibition just to entertain the audience.

Keep in mind that in the situation where the suggestions would get too edgy, the volunteer would simply awaken or refuse to

perform.

Nowadays, hypnosis is more and more recognized globally for its true value as an incredibly powerful tool; hypnotherapy being its applied use in a therapeutic context.

Hypnotherapy is a therapy like no others allowing a special form of communication with the subconscious mind.

Our human mind is like an iceberg. The small part that protrudes above the water is the conscious mind that everyone is aware of, the inner voice that makes decisions.

The part that we don’t see, the largest part of the iceberg, is the subconscious, our biocomputer, the dominant part of our mind always active even while asleep, responsible for the regulation of all our body functions. It’s also where all the events, experiences and feelings of every single moment of our life are kept in memory.

Once access to the subconscious mind is created into hypnosis, negative memories, limiting beliefs, past unhealthy

lifestyle patterns that have been accumulated and been obstacles to a better life all can be replaced with new patterns of thought that create remarkable positive changes.

Using the hypnotic trance, we can unleash the power of the subconscious to help us achieve a goal, have a more emotionally stable life and improve our health.

It was in1958 that the American Medical Association approved hypnosis as an adjunct to traditional medicine.

Since then, many medical articles have come to the same conclusion— hypnosis, while not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment, is a proven adjunct method to work on mental and/or physical issues connected to the mind and the central nervous system.

Hypnotherapy is a non-evasive, non-toxic treatment with no side effects.

We in fact regularly put ourself into light hypnotic trance by carrying out ordinary activities such as daydreaming, being

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captivated by a book, watching a fascinating movie or performing a monotonous activity.

Hypnosis is a totally safe and natural mental phenomenon. Some people describe being hypnotized as a warm soothing blanket of relaxation which progressively loosens and softens the entire physical self.

Others describe sensations of floating or weightlessness. For all,

hypnosis is a combination of deep physical and mental relaxation with heightened awareness.

We let go of all worries and thoughts, our brainwave frequency slowing down, contributing to this altered state of consciousness between being asleep and being awake with the characteristics of relaxation, mental alertness, heightened imagination and higher susceptibility to suggestions.

Knowing that all the information in the subconscious is what drives our current beliefs, habits and behaviours, the use of hypnosis gives access to our own untapped inner strengths and resources that let us solve problems.

The mission of the hypnotherapist is to help you to empower yourself by creating a better and healthier life.

Andre Gagnon is a hypnotist with AG Hypnotherapy in Kelowna.

HynoBirthing helps alleviate common fears about child birth Christy Phillips Contributor

For first-time parents especially, the process of childbirth is a complete unknown.

When something is unfamiliar, it can make us feel uneasy and uncertain of what to expect; the unknown often comes with fear.

And before we’ve experienced birth for ourselves, television is where many of us develop our understanding of birth.

Normal birth makes for boring viewing so programs highlight complications and drama. It’s unfortunate that the simplicity of a healthy and relaxed women, calmly and confidently surrendering to her body’s innate wisdom and experiencing a natural, non-medicated birth does not exist on television.

However, there are increasing support options available to families nowadays for the birthing experience, including HypnoBirthing, which combines the benefits of self-hypnosis with an education about natural birth and how their thoughts determine what they will feel in their bodies.

HypnoBirthing provides parents with the tools to plan and direct the course of pregnancy and birth, to “own” their birth, to take full responsibility for creating a positive, empowered birth experience.

CONTRIBUTED

Andre Gagnon

HypnoBirthing moms are able to relax their minds, muscles, let go and open, creating the opportunity to birth gently and comfortably.

HypnoBirthing involves preparation of mind and body for birthing by practicing relaxation, deep breathing and visualization techniques, as well as developing your confidence and your birthing companion’s confidence.

HypnoBirthing is an option for firsttime parents looking for a way to allay first-time birth fears. And just as often, it is the second- and third-time parents who looking for ways to “do things differently this time.”

Ultimately, HypnoBirthing provides parents with a means to achieve a safer, easier, more comfortable birthing experience.

Capital News Healthy Living • Friday, January 30, 2015

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PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

The importance of foot care for people with diabetes Angela Creighton contributor

One in four Canadians live with diabetes or prediabetes; although half of these individuals have yet to be diagnosed, according to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Foot care is one of the most important preventative measures in diabetes. Ignoring your feet can lead to long term disability and amputations.

Thankfully, with appropriate shoes, orthotics and education, your feet can stay healthy for years to come.

The Problem Diabetes causes a condition known as peripheral neuropathy, which is a disease of the nerves in the feet and hands.

It can cause weakness, tingling, pain, and loss of sensation (numbness). A person with neuropathy

Angela Creighton

may not be able to feel if they step on a sharp object and injure themselves.

It also affects the sweat and oil glands, causing dry, cracked feet.

Keeping your blood sugars controlled will help prevent this condition.

Many patients with diabetes also have vascular problems. This means that there is insufficient blood flow into or out of your feet. It can lead to delayed healing and increased risk of infections.

Symptoms of vascular disease include cramping, swelling, loss of hair growth, and/or cold skin

on your legs and feet.

Why Should I be Concerned?

Any injury to a diabetic foot, no matter how minor, can lead to disability.

Nicking the skin on your toe when trimming your toenails, a blister from tight shoes, or stepping on a sharp object, can lead to wounds that are difficult to heal, such as a foot ulcer, and can trigger a startling chain of events.

Fifty to 84 per cent of lower leg amputations started with a foot ulcer.

Of those individuals, only 50 per cent will live past three to five years after losing their leg (Harkness and Lavery, 1992).

Education is needed to not only avoid the initial injury (e.g. cut, blister, callous), but to also know what to do once injury occurs.

Prevention The first step is to check your feet daily.

If you can’t reach your feet, use a mirror or ask a family member to help.

If you notice any new

HAGER

blisters, corns, cuts, or skin irritations, see your doctor or foot-care nurse.

Do not try to remove corns or callouses yourself.

These are best left to a trained foot-care nurse.

Always wear sensible, properly fitting, shoes.

Never go barefoot, even at home. A shoe that fits poorly can cause blisters, calluses, and potentially ulcers.

The ideal shoe is wide enough to accommodate the widest part of your foot, deep enough for an appropriate foot orthotic, stiff enough to support the foot, and has a closed toe.

If you are unsure if your footwear is appropriate, ask a certified orthotist.

Foot orthotics are another important prevention measure.

The ball of your foot, big toe, and heel bear high pressures when walking, making them more prone to ulcers.

Supporting and

cushioning the foot with an orthotic will reduce the pressure on these areas and help prevent ulcers from forming.

A certified orthotist can cast your foot and create a custom orthotic based on your needs.

Remember, prevention is your best defence. If you do develop an ulcer, or foot deformity, regular followup is important.

A certified orthotist can talk to you about orthotic treatments, while your foot care nurse can ensure proper dressing changes.

If you have any questions about your feet, ulcer treatment, and/ or prevention, talk to a certified orthotist, foot care nurse, or your family physician.

Angela Creighton Leroux, MSc., is a certified prosthetist & orthotic resident, and is a certified mastectomy fitter.

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Friday, January 30, 2015 • Healthy Living Capital News

RELATIONSHIP REALITY

Meriliee Kern contributor

If you have engaged in relationships of any kind, you have experienced and likely battled against “silent agreements.”

While most have never used or even heard of this term, silent agreements are present in our everyday lives where they lurk in the shadows of our relationships—at home, in social circles and in the workplace.

They are those unspoken “rules” of our relationships that grow from the topics we don’t talk about— the needs, wishes and expectations that we don’t share but hold others accountable to anyway.

Most often the other party is doing the same thing, which adds layers that make silent agreements even more complicated and challenging to uncover and rectify.

Sometimes the unspoken expectations of two people line up, and when they do, their silent agreements line up as well.

Then the relationships can hum along without drama, stress or misunderstandings.

Often enough this does not happen organically.

Because many silent agreements can be completely out of line, and given their sometimes clandestine nature, silent agreements are sometimes be problematic for our

relationships.

With the litany of unspoken expectations people often have of one another on any front— money, commitment, intimacy, kids, jobs and careers, health issues, technology and social media connections—silent agreements can exist in all aspects of life.

Sometimes unawareness of these values or expectations can naturally result in long term complications or even outright relationship chaos.

“Whether in alignment with others or not, in many cases the silent agreements we have with one another, or towards someone else, are not acknowledged or openly discussed,” noted clinical psychologist Michele L. Owens.

“This is largely due to the fact that we, ourselves, may not be consciously aware of the expectations we harbor.

“Other times, we feel that we have too much to lose if we talk openly, or we regard silence as less frightening than what would happen if we tell the ‘real’ story about what we are thinking and wanting from another person.

“So, we avoid discussing the real issues because we are afraid to upset the status quo. Each of these scenarios creates the opportunity, and some might say the likelihood of disappointments, misunderstandings, distortions, false

CONTRIBUTED

Silent agreements undermine your life

Lack of communication can often lead couples into silent agreements that if not discussed can ultimately dissolve a relationship. assumptions and resentment between individuals. The more a relationship lacks awareness of these silent agreements, the more pervasive the silent agreements are, and the more likely we risk losing authentic communication.”

Clinical psychologist Linda Anderson says one person can have a particular perception about an unspoken issue while the other is experiencing something entirely different. The result can be

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debilitating and downright deadly for relationships.

Anderson says silent agreements that don’t match typically come to the fore eventually because of the complications and challenges they present to the relationship.

“Avoiding communication is not a healthy way to deal with it, and as time goes by, the harder it becomes to hide behind the silence,” Anderson said.

Silent agreements are not just about communicating poorly in your relationships, adds licensed clinical psychologist Sonia Banks.

“In contrast, a silent agreement is a situation where you have consciously or unconsciously agreed to something with another person without discussing it at all,” said Banks.

“That unspoken agreement and missed conversation shows up in your interactions and can have ramifications not only for your relationships, but for so many other aspects

of your life.

“Once you become more aware of your silent agreements you can identify and make choices about the ones that are prohibiting you from realizing your relationship potential.

“You’ll be much better equipped to actually begin breaking the silence and talking. Unfortunately, relatively few have the awareness and insights needed to recognize and address the silent agreements that adversely affect their relationships and lives overall.”

Consider these examples of some typical land-mine issues at home, play and work that often result in, and are exacerbated by, detrimental silent agreements: 1. Change and Stagnation.

Changing is the hardest paradigm you fear. People who have been dissatisfied in their jobs and stay anyway often create silent agreements resulting in missed opportunities.

A more enriching silent agreement must first begin with a conversation with yourself. Acknowledge the challenge in moving on and create a way to leave even while you are feeling the discomfort.

2. Flexibility and inflexibility.

Inflexibility can undermine the goals of relationships when unexpected shifts occur without open discussion of an issue.

3. Commitment.

The cheating boyfriend marries his longtime girlfriend, and each have different notions of their commitment to each other.

He thinks, “Now she’ll never leave me,” and she thinks, “Now he’ll never cheat again.” They weren’t aware of their differing silent agreements, and were unable to talk about what they needed to feel secure in the relationship.

So, he cheated and she left and locked in their silence, neither got the relationship they sorely hoped for, nor the chance to achieve that goal together. When misaligned silent agreements are uncovered it can prevent outcomes like these.

“We convince ourselves that it’s safer to avoid bringing up sensitive issues in order to keep the peace,” said Anderson.

“So we simply go on as if we have already communicated when the fact is that we have not,”Anderson said.

“After all, there are some things just not worth talking about, right?

Wrong.

“Once you become more aware of the agreements that are keeping your life from flourishing, you can begin to uncover what is actually going on in your relationships.”

Merilee Kern is a wellness industry veteran and consumer health advocate. www.LuxeListReviews. com

Capital News Healthy Living • Friday, January 30, 2015

www.kelownacapnews.com X9

LIFE COACH CAN HELP

Set off on 2015 with your self-respect in tow Alison Shaw New Year’s resolutions have become a cultural phenomenon.

They encourage each of us to see the coming year as a way to freshen up, to get started on the fitness that you were lamenting about last summer.

Many of us undertake goals on new projects that has been on the bucket list for far too long.

Whether we make them explicit or not, many of us make claims to generate new enthusiasms about health, projects and relationships, all with the goal of achieving some sort of beneficial outcomes.

However, there is a downside to this phenomenon too. Many of us are prone to cycles of enthusiasm.

You start going to the gym three times a week, paying tribute to the New

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contributor

Year and the personal resolution to improve upon the lumps and lungs of last year.

By the end of January, a few things have crept in at work or in the family that take a day away from this conditioning regiment.

By the end of February, you are lucky if you are going once a week.

This too is a

phenomenon, a very normal one.

The problem is that when we make promises to ourselves (and to others) and we don’t keep them, we slowly winnow away at our own sense of selfrespect.

This is not a conscious thing. It is subconscious.

Telling ourselves a story about who we want to be,

making the commitment and taking the steps to get there and failing is harder on this respect than we consciously know.

Frequency can determine how hard.

For some, this lack of fortitude can be something to poke deprecating fun at, especially if its an occasional occurrence.

For others, diminished self-respect becomes a pattern of behavior.

For them, unconscious patterns emerge where resolutions are made, effort is exerted and failure is expected.

This can have major consequences, diminishing trust in yourself and confidence in your capabilities.

No matter where you sit on this spectrum, this year make sure you set goals that are realistic.

Start smaller than you’d like. Bite size commitments, when accomplished,

have a greater likelihood of turning into the more dramatic ones over time.

But often it takes rebuilding commitment with yourself and igniting the enthusiasm we all get from accomplishment.

A personal coach can be very helpful in this process.

Coaches help you find a way to follow-through on your resolutions any time of the year.

This may happen by redrafting more realistic goals, given your particular life, history and priorities or by entirely reframing what is driving your underlying motivation and desire.

For instance, in the fitness example above, rather than committing to three gym sessions per week and failing because of your busy schedule, we would work together to build in a 20-minute walk two times a week and one hour-long gym session, activating ever greater

enthusiasm as you achieve your goals and rebuild trust in yourself.

If you are not meeting your goals, rather than giving in to failure, a good coach catches the slipups early and works with you to reorient your goals while still maintaining your overarching commitment.

Perhaps this is the year you’d like to change your own patterns. Shift your efforts into greater achievement and personal reward.

For some, a personal coach may be exactly what you need to navigate the complexities that lay in front of you this coming year and to have the fortitude to achieve your goals in spite of them.

Alison Shaw is a professional life and group coach at Telos Coaching Solutions. teloscoachingsolutions. com

LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF

Ten tips to help mark 2015 as your healthiest year While January marks the start of a new calendar year, for many of us it is both a time to reflect and to look ahead.

If improving health and wellness is on your radar, check out these 10 little tips that can have a big impact.

and disability in Canada. If you choose to drink, follow Canada’s low risk drinking guidelines. The guidelines were developed to help Canadians reduce the risk of both short and long-term alcohol-related harm.

Say good-bye to tobacco.

Tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of preventable death and illness in Canada. Stopping smoking is the single best action you can take for your health. Benefits of quitting smoking begin almost immediately. For more information, visit quitnow.ca.

Take steps to prevent injuries.

Injuries are a big deal. They claim lives, send people to hospital, and leave people disabled. Injuries are the leading cause of death in B.C. for those under the age of 44 and the fourth leading cause of death across all age groups. About 90 per cent of injuries are predictable and preventable. Find out more at preventable.ca.

If you drink, do so safely.

Alcohol is the second leading risk factor for death, disease,

Tips on how to prepare healthy meals: Plan for a week’s worth of meals at a time; look at grocery flyers and newspaper ads for items on sale; plan to have leftovers; plan for healthy

Practice stress management.

Stress is a normal part of life but when it happens too often or lasts too long, it can cause problems. Stress is linked to headaches, nausea, back pain, and trouble sleeping. It can also weaken the immune system.

Take steps to lower stress and reduce tension.

If you are having trouble coping, talk to someone. If you feel depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed it’s often helpful to talk about it.

Learn about your medications.

Medicines work in a delicate balance with your body and with each other. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about

all the medications you are taking, including supplements and herbal remedies. Educate yourself about side effects and possible interactions at healthlinkbc.ca.

Wash your hands often.

Germs can spread easily through contact with any surface. Once they get on your hands, they spread by simple acts like rubbing your nose or your eyes.

Get your shots.

Keeping you and your family up to date with vaccinations is a great way to help everyone stay healthy. Immunize your children, get your flu shot every year, and a tetanus shot every 10 years.See immunizebc.ca.

Advice for eating healthy

snacks; buy fresh vegetables and fruit when in season, in winter months buy frozen vegetables; use coupons but also check

other prices as coupons don’t always give you the best deal; stick to the basics instead of processed or prepared frozen

Eat a healthy diet.

Choosing foods that are low in sodium and reducing sugary drinks will help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure. Vegetables and fruit are an essential part of a healthy diet and play an important role in preventing disease.See healthlinkbc.ca/ healthyeating/.

Get moving.

An active lifestyle can help prevent heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, and more. Being active doesn’t have to mean joining a gym or fitness class—it can be as simple as playing with the kids or choosing to walk instead of drive.

foods; build up your cooking skills; make vegetables your main dish and serve meat as a smaller side item; use a slow cooker or crock-pot—meals cook all day and that means less work at dinner time.

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Friday, January 30, 2015 • Healthy Living Capital News

Mindfulness is quickly becoming a mainstream approach to anxiety and stress reduction in a wide range of practices.

For example a Kelowna centre for integrative cancer care uses mindfulness and other evidence-based approaches to support cancer patients in their healing and recovery.

InspireHealth, Southern Interior-Kelowna is nestled inside of Town Centre Mall, and houses a wide range of clinicians who are deeply committed to mindfulness practice.

Terry Heidt, an exercise therapist and clinical director at InspireHealth in the Southern Interior, says, “We see the therapeutic power of mindfulness and prayer as a practical way to handle stress and the anxiety related to chronic disease management.

“Using mindfulness, physical activity, and nutrition are very tangible ways for people to be more aware and engaged in their health.”

According to Oxford University professor Mark Williams, mindfulness is a translation of a word that simply means awareness.

“It’s a direct, intuitive knowing of what you are doing while you are doing it. It’s knowing what’s going on inside your mind and body, and what’s going on in the outside world as well,” Williams said.

He says most of the time our attention is not where

we intended it to be.

Our attention is hijacked by our thoughts and emotions, by our concerns, by our worries for the future, and our regrets and memories of the past.

“Mindful awareness is about learning to pay attention, in the present moment, and without judgment,” Williams said.

“It’s like training a muscle—training attention to be where you want it to be. This reduces our tendency to work on autopilot, allowing us to us choose how we respond and react.”

The benefits of mindfulness include helping individuals to recognize, slow down or stop automatic and habitual reactions; respond more effectively to complex or difficult situations; see situations more clearly; become more creative;

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Mindfulness taps into spiritual side of healing

The therapeutic power of mindfulness and prayer is seen by many as a practical way to handle stress and the anxiety related to chronic disease management. nutrition, exercise, present moment. and achieve balance and By learning to experience emotional support and resilience at work and at counseling that may help the present moment as home transform the anxiety and As with all new skills, the it really is, we develop fear of a cancer diagnosis the ability to step away more we practise it, the into inspired action and from habitual, often easier it becomes. unconscious emotional and healing.

Canadian psychologist If you have a cancer physiological reactions to Donald Hebb coined diagnosis, or are a family everyday events, see things the phrase “neurones caregiver or support as they really are and that fire together, wire person, you can learn respond to them wisely together,”meaning more about InspireHealth, rather than on auto pilot. the more we practise InspireHealth has over 17 at their free information mindfulness, the more we session, every Monday at develop neuro-pathways in years of service to people 3 p.m. living with cancer, with the brain associated with For more informaiton, being mindful, which make a foundational approach go to inspirehealth.ca. based on meditation, it easier to be fully in the

Tips on finding the resolve to have a great year By now, you may have already broken your New Year’s resolution.

But don’t give up, because there are still hundreds of days left on the calendar to get back on track.

Try to harness the power of positive thinking. Too often, we have one minor slip-up and give up entirely.

Instead, experts tell us to

MLA’s Report STEVE THOMSON acknowledge our lapse, get over it and try again.

Perfection is unattainable, and everyone has their ups and downs.

Sometimes in the midst of those ‘downs’ we need a helping hand, and that’s where our government can be of service.

You might not be aware of some of the programs aimed at helping British Columbians improve their lives in a variety of ways.

The Healthy Families B.C. website (healthyfamiliesbc. ca) offers a number of tools to assist with a wide array of concerns.

Have you resolved to improve your diet or shake up your exercise routine in 2015?

Review the site’s informative pages on sodium intake, meal planning, and activity goal-setting. Need some inspiration to stick to those goals?

Explore its list of the top 10 healthy living blogs.

Looking to improve the ways you interact with your challenging teenager?

Examine its helpful articles comprised of expert tips.

Quitting smoking is another common resolution—one that can seem daunting when you go it alone.

Luckily, there’s help in the form of B.C.’s Smoking

Cessation Program.

It provides coverage of prescription medications or free nicotine replacement therapies to help British Columbians stop smoking.

And the program is working. Since its inception in 2011, more than 131,000 smokers have received coverage and other supports to help them quit.

You can get more information on the program by visiting health. gov.bc.ca/pharmacare/ stop-smoking.

It’s also helpful to seek out local support to keep your motivation and focus strong. Kelowna is blessed with great recreational facilities to keep you moving, not to mention our abundant outdoor activities.

We also have knowledgeable people in town to lend their expert opinions.

A personal trainer can offer one-on-one guidance to help you avoid injury and get results.

Or, you can seek out a dietician or nutritionist who can support your goals to trim your waistline or reduce your sugar consumption.

But if you’re not the type to make resolutions, I encourage you to think about the ways you can support friends or family who have set goals for 2015.

Be flexible in your eating habits if your spouse is looking to shed a few pounds—or call up that friend who’s looking to be more active, and meet up for a walk or run instead of a sedentary coffee date.

Be a supporter, not a saboteur!

Steve Thomson is the Liberal MLA for KelownaMission.

Capital News Healthy Living • Friday, January 30, 2015

www.kelownacapnews.com X11

COMMON VISION PROBLEMS

In Dr. Robert Abel Jr.’s new book, The Eye Care Revolution, he reveals which nutrients are essential for the care and feeding of your eyes For 40 years, Abel has dedicated his professional life as an ophthalmologist to preserving vision.

As a founding partner in a large eye care practice in the U.S., he operates on 400 cataract patients a year, but he treats six times that number without surgery.

“We know that specific foods and nutritional supplements have value in treating specific diseases, and we also now know there are certain foods and supplements that specifically encourage eye health,” Abel said.

He says by using an understanding of nutritional chemistry and other means it is possible to control or eliminate many of the factors that contribute to the development of serious eye diseases: Controlled clinical

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Eye specialist cites proper nutrition cure

Blueberries and grapes contain anthocyanins, which improve night vision. studies show that the risk of developing cataracts can be decreased by more than half by eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, as well as the antioxidants vitamin A, E, lutein, and glutathione boosters.

The risk of developing glaucoma can be lowered by consuming high levels of vitamins C, Omega 3, and B12.

The risk of developing

macular degeneration can be reduced by maintaining high levels of vitamins A, D, E, the carotenoids zeaxanthin and lutein, DHA, and the amino acid taurine (found in egg whites).

Diabetic retinopathy can be delayed or prevented by consuming vitamin C along with alpha lipoic acid, Quercetin and other bioflavonoids.

What is the ideal

dietary regimen for someone concerned about preserving or improving their eye health?

In his book, Abel lists some of the best foods to eat that will enhance your eye health: • Cold water fish (sardines, cod, mackerel, tuna) are an excellent source of DHA, which provides structural support to cell membranes and is recommended for dry eyes,

macular degeneration, and sight preservation.

• Spinach, kale, and green leafy vegetables are rich in carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein protects the macula from sun damage and from blue light.

• Eggs are rich in cysteine, sulfur, lecithin, amino acids, and lutein.

Sulfur-containing compounds protect the lens of the eye from cataract formation.

• Garlic, onions, shallots, and capers are also rich in sulfur, which is necessary for the production of glutathione, an important antioxidant for the lens of the eye.

• Non-GMO soy, low in fat and rich in protein, contains essential fatty acids, phytoestrogens, vitamin E, and natural antiinflammatory agents.

• Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene. Yellow and orange vegetables, like carrots and squash, are important for daytime

vision.

• Blueberries and grapes contain anthocyanins, which improve night vision.

A cup full of blueberries, huckleberry jam, or a 100 mg bilberry supplement should improve dark adaptation within 30 minutes.

• Wine, known to have a cardio-protective effect, has many important nutrients, which protect the heart, vision and blood flow.

• Nuts and berries are nature’s most concentrated food sources. Grains, such as flaxseed, are high in the beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol and stabilize cell membranes.

• Extra-virgin olive oil, is a healthy alternative to butter and margarine.

Abel also says to help maintain eye health, drink six eight-ounce glasses of filtered water daily to keep properly hydrated, as water helps create the fluid in your eyes.

FLU PREVENTION

Pharmacists preach practicing good hygiene and get a flu shot As flu season peaks across Canada during this stage of the year, pharmacists are available to assist with news stories regarding the flu season and to provide information about prevention and symptom management.

Pharmacists recommend the following

tips to reduce the chances of getting sick.

Avoid touching your face and wash hands frequently, especially before eating.

Cold and flu viruses are easily picked up by hands and passed to your nose and mouth.

Avoid shaking hands or being in

crowded indoor areas.

Keep a liquid/gel cleansing antibacterial agent handy for when you are not able to wash your hands with soap and water.

Cleanse your hands with an antibacterial product after taking public transit, touching elevator buttons or even

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Protect yourself with a flu vaccination.

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Friday, January 30, 2015 • Healthy Living Capital News

YMCA of Okanagan

We’re more than a place to workout...

We’re a support system for your health.

Photo (l-r): Alyssa Christie, Jessica Holliday

Jessica Holliday knew her health was a priority but life kept getting in the way. On top of being a mother of four children, she also battles with Thoracic Outlet disorder which leaves her in chronic pain.

Due to many struggles, including four different surgeries meant to correct her disorder, Jessica fell into a depression and experienced significant weight gain.

“At one point I was tipping the scale at 209 Ibs,” she explains. “I saw a picture my daughter had taken of me and knew I needed to make a change.”

She visited H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre to sign her two youngest kids up for swim lessons and was told that there was support for both her and her kids at the facility.

Power, Tone & Fit and all she could get involved with. She now works out Monday to Friday and has even begun training to become a volunteer Y Group Fitness Instructor.

A friendly staff member recommended that Jessica register in the YMCA’s Coach Approach® program—a free program for Y members providing 6 sessions of health coaching to help individuals get on track and stay on track.

“Before, I relied on medication to manage my pain and now I don’t need to,” Jessica explains. “I use exercise as my pain killer, I have come out of my shell and can be a better mother to my kids who are also growing up healthy, happy and safe. At the Y, my family and I feel truly accepted—pain and all.”

With support from her health coach Alyssa, and other Y staff, Jessica gradually started participating in Zumba, Group In partnership with

ymcaokanagan.ca

Capital news

Learn more about the YMCA’s Coach Approach® program at ymcaokanagan.ca.

The Y. So Much More.