summer 2014 ohw magazine

Summer 2014C

om

pli

men

tary

Water Safety isEverybody’s

ResponsibilityP. 19

End Distracted Driving

P. 8

MAGAZINE wellnessOkanagan Health &OHW Magazine

The Plight of the HoneybeeP. 22

Reconsidering the Sweet LIfeP. 33

Colorectal Cancer:Preventable, Treatable,and BeatableP. 17

HELPING YOUR

PET BE THE

BEST IT CAN BE

Available at Okanagan Pet Stores and online at www.ohwmagazine.com

PETS

Information on:

Animal Chiropractic

Parasites

Healing with Energy

Superfoods for Dogs

Calming Effects of a Fish Tank

Heatstroke

Grooming Your Cat

Non-Profit Groups

and much more...

Welcome OHW Magazines’ newest addition to the line-up

www.ohwmagazine.com Summer ‘14 - Okanagan Health & Wellness Magazine 3

WELLNESS8 End Distracted DrivingThis societal problem goes beyond the use of cellphones.

12 An Attractive SmileLike it or not, your smile can affect how others perceive you.

14 Avoiding Brain InjuryThe best cure for brain injury is prevention – so protect your noggin!

15 Good News for Kelowna’s Gospel Mission Dental ClinicThis free clinic is expanding from two chairs to five.

17 Colorectal Cancer: Preventable, Treatable, and BeatableLearn about the work of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada and the giant colon.

FITNESS18 Anyone for Pickleball?It’s official – pickleball has arrived in the Okanagan.

WATER SAFETY FEATURE19 Water Safety Is Everyone’s ResponsibilityHeading out on the water? Read these need-to-know regulations and recommendations from the RCMP.

NATURAL HEALTH22 The Plight of the HoneybeeHow does this humble insect benefit us, and where would we be without it?

Summer 2014 Volume 2 Issue 3

24 Pain: Your Body’s Fire AlarmPain and discomfort act as a warning system that something is wrong.

26 Feeding the Skin with Vitamin ALearn about the many forms of this vitamin, which is vital for healthy skin

SENIORS HEALTH27 Creative Activities in AgingAs we age, how can we keep our lives exciting and fulfilling?

NUTRITION30 Probiotics 101Not all bacteria are harmful to our health – meet some of the good guys.

32 And the Winner Is…Protein packs a powerful punch.

33 Reconsidering the Sweet LifeArtificially sweetened foods, and diet drinks in particular, may reduce overall diet quality and lead to weight gain.

34 Fit N Healthy Recipes

PET HEALTH36 The Power of Positive TrainingAt the end of your leash with your dog? Here’s help

IN EVERY ISSUE:7 Your Questions Answered

38 Upcoming Community EventsDo you have an idea for a story?

Are you a health professional who’s interested in contributing to OHW Magazine?

If so contact us at [email protected]

Probiotics 1010

contentsWelcome OHW Magazines’ newest addition to the line-up

4 Summer ‘14 - Okanagan Health & Wellness Magazine www.ohwmagazine.com

Stay Connected withOHW Magazine

From the OHW TeamOHW MagazineOkanagan’s Own

Health & Wellness Magazine

PUBLISHERLMR PUBLISHING

Leanne [email protected]

EDITORDianne Fowlie

[email protected]

ADVERTISING SALESMelissa Spooner

[email protected]

Megan Vadnais250.309.1736

[email protected]

Leanne Christie250.503.7472

[email protected]

Glenn Bond250.309.2611

[email protected]

OHW Magazinepublished four times a year.

All rights reserved. No part of OHW Magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material. The views expressed in OHW Magazine are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily those of the publisher or staff. Although all reasonable attempts are made to ensure accuracy, the publisher does not assume any liability for errors or omissions anywhere in the publication or on the website. OHW Magazine reserves the rights to ads produced for advertisers. Publication Agreement #42490022

Okanagan Health & Wellness Magazine is owned and operated by LMR Publishing. Return undeliverable to LMR Publishing, 5816 Tern Place, Vernon, BC V1H 1R2. Phone: 250.503.7472Email: [email protected]: www.ohwmagazine.com

Subscription: For your free copy send your mailing address to [email protected] or visit the website at www.ohwmagazine.com

Printed by: Print Advantage, Richmond, BC

Cover: An industrious honeybee going about its day.

Ah, summer! We’re a little later than planned in getting this issue to you, but here in the Okanagan we’re fortunate that summers are long, so we still

have lots of great weather and relaxing days ahead.As always, we’re excited to cover a wide variety of

topics generously provided by local experts. In addition to our regular Q&A, mouth-watering recipes, and upcoming community events, there’s something for everyone on the following pages. We’ve mentioned a few below, but look for the full lineup on the Contents page.

Like so many of us, you may have been watching your calorie intake in anticipation of swimsuit season. Perhaps you’ve taken to avoiding sugary food and drink in favour of artificially sweetened fare, so that you can keep that waistline in check. But as you’ll see in “Reconsidering the Sweet Life,” you could actually be hurting your weight-control efforts – and your health – when you turn to so-called diet products.

Other topics in this issue include a great explanation of the purpose of physical discomfort in “Pain – Your Body’s Fire Alarm,” maintaining a healthy gut in “Probiotics 101,” supporting cancer-screening in “Colorectal Cancer: Preventable, Treatable, and Beatable,” and the important role of a certain little insect in “The Plight of the Honeybee.”

We also address an area that is gaining more and more attention in “End Distracted Driving.” Many of us may think this applies to anyone but us, since we don’t use our cell phones while driving. Read this article and you’ll see there’s much more to it than cell phone use.

The Okanagan life includes time at the lake or on the river, so what could be more fitting for our feature article than “Water Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility,” written by the RCMP officer who oversees the operation of the police patrol vessel in the North Okanagan area? A great read, especially if you’re at the lake – but even better beforehand!

In case you missed our Pets issue, we’re letting you know about yet another great addition to our OHW Magazine team! Say hello to Megan Vadnais, who is in charge of distribution and will also be working in advertising sales. (Some of you may have already had the pleasure of meeting Megan as she has taken up her new role with enthusiasm.) As always, we ask that you please remember to support our advertisers as well as our contributors, all of whom help make this magazine possible.

Once again, we hope you enjoy this issue, and we always welcome feedback, so please contact us with any questions or comments. Have a wonderful, safe summer!

ohwmagazine.com

Leanne ChristieOwner/Publisher

Dianne FowlieEditor

Melissa SpoonerAdvertising Sales

Glenn BondAdvertising Sales

Megan VadnaisDistribution

Advertising Sales


Contributors

Letters to the Editor

Dear OHW Magazine,

I picked up a copy of your Pets issue a couple of days ago and have gone through it from cover to cover. Wow, great job with articles full of all kinds of useful and interesting information! I own two long-haired cats, so the piece on cat grooming caught my eye right away. I had no idea there were groomers out there brave enough to take on cats!

Although the cover showed a dog, I was also pleased to see that the magazine didn’t just focus on one type of pet, which so many pet publications do. The section on animal welfare groups is an excellent resource to keep on hand, as is the one offering tips for travelling with your pet. I was fascinated by the therapeutic role that horses can play in our lives too.

Are you planning to do more special issues like this? I hope you are! How can I get on your mailing list so that I don’t miss it?Jen, Vernon, BC

Editor’s Note:Thank you, Jen, for your kind feedback – we are glad you

enjoyed the Pets issue, which was lots of fun to put together. We have heard from a number of people asking whether we intend to run another issue on pets. Our initial plan was to see what kind of response we received to the inaugural publication. The feedback has been so positive that we will make it an annual addition to the lineup of OHW Magazine.

One of our goals is to share information that our readers may have wondered about but not known where to find answers. Most of our content is contributed by Okanagan-area experts in their particular field – in this case, those working with animals. We are grateful to them for sharing their expertise, and are happy to showcase them on our contributors page. We are always happy to hear from health professionals who may have an idea for a story that would be of interest to our growing readership.

To get on our mailing list, please send a quick email with your mailing information to [email protected]. For those online viewers check out our website at www.ohwmagazine.com for all the back issues. n

Dalia Gottlieb-Tanaka, PhD, lives in Vernon. After working in architecture for about 30 years and raising a family, Dalia returned to school to pursue a new direction in gerontology, specifically in the study of creative expression, dementia, and the therapeutic environment. She conceived and developed the Creative Expression Activities Program for seniors with dementia, which won an award from the American Society on Aging and the MetLife Foundation. She continues to deliver presentations and workshops demonstrating the program and her research work in the US, Canada, Israel, and Europe. Dalia founded the Society for the Arts in Dementia Care in British Columbia and is the moving force behind the annual international conferences and workshops on creative expression, communication and dementia (CECD).

Duncan Chambers, DDS, is a Board Certified Dental Specialist (Prosthodontist) with 23 years of clinical experience in restoring smiles, fixing broken and worn teeth, and replacing single as well as multiple missing teeth with dental implants. Dr. Chambers has helped thousands of patients restore their healthy, natural, beautiful smiles. He takes great personal satisfaction in witnessing the transformation as patients become accustomed to their new look and improved function. For more information, visit www.kelownaprosthodontics.ca.

Lori Anderson is the owner of the award-winning North Okanagan Skin & Laser in Vernon. Her passion is educating others on achieving and maintaining healthy skin. Lori is a medical aesthetician and is trained in the Pastiche method of advanced skin analysis and skin needling. She is a certified laser technician and advanced permanent makeup artist. Lori and her team are devoted to providing innovative and non-invasive skin treatments to all of their clients. See www.okanaganskinandlaser.com..

Robert Daly has been a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for 28 years, working in the Lower Mainland, Kitimat, and Vernon. Sgt. Daly is stationed with the Vernon/North Okanagan detachment as the Rural Operations NCO. Among his responsibilities is the operation of the police patrol vessel in the North Okanagan area. Sgt. Daly is well qualified to discuss water safety, having operated police patrol vessels on the ocean out of Kitimat and on the various lakes and rivers of the Okanagan for the past 16 years.

Michale Hartte, BASc (Nutr), NNCP, CH, a Kelowna resident, spends her time raising her incredibly healthy boys, ages 12 and 9, while she runs a private nutritional practice and offers online, in-person and by-phone appointments. To find out more about Michale and how you can get Fit n Healthy, please visit www.fitnhealthynutrition.com.


Contributors

Elliot Lysyk, DC, loves helping people overcome their health concerns, and his true passion is chiropractic care for families. He founded Arise Chiropractic Wellness Clinic in Vernon with a mission in mind: to help as many families as possible achieve optimal health, naturally. Dr. Elliot previously practised in Ireland, where he lived for four years before settling back in Canada. He loves to travel and has visited over 30 countries, enjoying many cultural experiences along the way. For more information on the clinic, visit www.arisechiropractic.com.

Sarah V. Rilkoff, BScN, CFNS, is owner of Restore Nutrition in Kelowna. Sarah is a registered nurse and Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist. For almost 15 years, connecting fitness and nutrition has been a personal passion for Sarah, and the beliefs and values at Restore Nutrition rest upon a holistic and sustainable approach to healthy eating and exercise. These components are imperative to supporting emotional and spiritual wellbeing and maximizing physical performance. For more information, visit www.restorenutrition.ca or phone 250-859-3321.

For Helen Kennedy, retiring from a career in finance and management, beekeeping was not even a remote thought, but the bees came and Helen went to work. With a passion for horticulture, she found the bees blended into the farm. After eight years, the bees have grown to 250 hives. Helen and her husband, Rick Appel, farm 14.5 acres in SE Kelowna, managing the bees and growing fruit, berries, and vegetables. Arlo’s Honey Farm is open for agri-tourism, and Helen is involved with Kelowna Tourism, the Farm to Table program, the Kelowna Farmers & Crafters Market, Economic Development’s Infovest program, and is a member of BCHPA and the local bee club. To see more, visit www.arloshoneyfarm.com.

Magda Kapp is the director of communications for BrainTrust Canada in Kelowna. A progressive non-profit association, BrainTrust Canada has provided community rehabilitation in the Okanagan since 1986, offering individualized community support and rehabilitation to maximize independence after brain injury. These services include residential, pre-employment, health maintenance, education, financial, compensatory strategy development, advocacy and family support. See more at www.braintrustcanada.com.

Shauna Jones has studied and worked in the health industry for the past 14 years and is co-owner of Abaco Health Food store in Kelowna’s Mission district. Abaco Health carries an extensive range of quality vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition and natural remedies, as well as natural beauty products. Abaco Health’s knowledgeable staff offer exceptional customer service guiding people into health through nutrition and detoxification, using foods and supplements as natural medicines. Visit www.abacohealth.com.

Chris Spooner, BSc, ND, owns Paradigm Naturopathic Medicine in Vernon. Dr. Spooner works with a wide range of patients who are dealing with complicated health issues and looking for a balanced approach that combines conventional medicine with naturopathic approaches. Dr. Spooner was an oarsman for the University of Victoria Varsity Crew and a member of the Canadian national rowing team. He is an avid cyclist, open water swimmer, and cross-country skier. To request an appointment, visit www.paradigmnaturopathic.com or phone 778-475-3822.

Barry D. Stein, BCom, BCL, LLB, is a survivor of metastatic colorectal cancer diagnosed in 1995. He has been a member of the Bar of Quebec since 1981 and has established a prominent position in the fields of commercial and corporate law. As the president of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada (CCAC), he actively represents the interests of cancer patients and speaks regularly to medical professionals, industry, government, and patient groups across Canada and internationally about colorectal cancer. To learn more about colorectal cancer, visit www.colorectal-cancer.ca..

Do you have an idea for a story?Are you a health professional

interested in submitting an article for OHW Magazine?

If so contact us at [email protected]

Michael Yawney, BA (Crim), LLB, LLM, is a Senior Litigation Partner and member of the management team at Nixon Wenger LLP, in Vernon BC. His practice focuses primarily on accident and injury claims with a particular emphasis on traumatic brain injury claims. He specializes in personal injury cases and has obtained several multi-million-dollar awards for his clients who sustained motor vehicle accident injuries. He is also on the Board of Governors for and a member of the British Columbia Trial Lawyers Association, which has been involved in promoting education to help end distracted driving. For more information about Mike and Nixon Wenger LLP, visit www.nixonwenger.com.

Wayne M. Terai, B.Sc., D.C., C.L.T., is the owner and clinical director of Burtch Chiropractic and Kelowna Laser Therapy. In practice for 20 years, Dr. Terai has helped thousands of Okanagan families achieve their health and wellness goals through a holistic “mind-body communication” approach. This is based on the premise that being healthy is normal and a loss of health is a result of interference. He is advanced proficiency rated in activator methods chiropractic technique and also holds an advanced certification in laser therapy. Dr. Terai continues to improve his clinical knowledge with over 1000 hours of post-graduate training, ultimately providing patients with different options for care.

Shelly Korobanik, certified Personal Trainer and Professional Dog Trainer, is the owner of Pooch Partners®, a business that combines her passion for fitness and love of dogs to promote outdoor activities for people with their pooch. In addition to fitness classes, learn-to-run programs, cani-cross, skijoring, weight pulling, agility, and obedience training, Pooch Partners® hosts an annual Doggie Duathlon, Trail Hiking series, and Raise the Woof comedy show to raise funds for local animal charities. For more details visit www.poochpartners.ca or email bark@poochpartners.

ca.


Your Questions Answered

Local experts answer our readers’ questions...

Sleeping problems can adversely affect physical and mental health, impair the immune system and even reduce lifespan. Many people turn to medication in

search of some Z’s, but over-the-counter and prescription drugs are designed only for short-term usage. Here are some natural sleeping tips proven to be effective:

1. Don’t try too hard. Worrying about the need to sleep is one of the biggest causes of sleeplessness. Instead, do something calming (like reading) until tiredness sets in.

2. Avoid naps. Unless you can nap for 90 minutes, they generally throw off your biological sleep schedule.

3. Watch what you eat. Caffeine is the most obvious culprit, so keep in mind that some over-the-counter medicines also contain caffeine. Eating late heavy meals or sugary foods can also hinder sleep.

4. Use sleeping pills only as directed. They are for occasional use only!

5. Expose yourself to bright lights when you wake up. Exposure to bright light early in the morning, typically for 30 to 40 minutes, has shown to prepare your brain for a better sleep that night.

6. Take technology out of the bedroom. No cell phones, computers, laptops or video games. The bedroom is for sleeping.

7. Establish a routine. Your body works on biorhythms – the natural cyclical production of hormones in response to light and dark stimulus. Work with your body instead of against it. Read for 15 minutes before bed. Write a list of things to do the next day so you aren’t constantly thinking about what needs to be done.

8. Note the 90 minute rule: Sleep occurs in 5 distinct stages, over roughly 90 minutes with several cycles per night. 6 or 7.5 hours will feel more refreshing than 8. Reprogram your sleep patterns with an alarm clock to wake up at the end of a 90 minute cycle, not in the middle. (ie: at 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 9 hours). This has worked for a countless number of my patients!

9. Use a good quality pillow (eg: ChiroFlow water pillow or buckwheat hull pillow). Your head should be in decent alignment with your shoulder, spine and hips.

10. Address physical pain problems that most likely affect sleep. The MOST common comment from my patients after their first treatment is that they had a good night’s sleep!

What are the benefits of a good night’s sleep?Q

“There is no other system in theworld that is comparable or getssuch outstanding results.”DR. L. RUDNICK, CHIEF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR,FDA CLINICAL TRIALSOF LASER THERAPY

Dr.Wayne Terai has been helping Okanaganfamilies for over 19 years and is excited tobring this clinically researched and proveneffective technology to the Okanagan.Wehave helped hundreds of patients walk awayfrom pain and get back to living again.

*Res

ults

may

vary

.

229-1634 Harvey Ave. KELOWNA

www.laserkelowna.com

Laser therapy stimulates your body's naturalhealing rather than temporarily masking thesymptoms of pain! The light energy isabsorbed deeply by your tissues, fueling yourcells to repair injuries, restore normal function,resolve chronic inflammation and reduce pain.Laser therapy is non-invasive and has no sideeffects. As your injury heals you can saygoodbye to pain... hello to life!

“The only thing you haveto lose is the pain.”

PATIENT TESTIMONIAL

KELOWNA LASER THERAPYCLINIC

Start the Healing... End the Pain! NECKPAIN/HEADACHES

ROTATOR CUFF INJURY

OSTEOARTHRITIS

DISC HERNIATION

SPINAL STENOSIS

MUSCLE/LIGAMENT TEARS

OSTEOARTHRITIS

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

ACHILLES TENDONITIS

TENNIS ELBOW

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Call 250-860-4518 to book ano cost consultation today!

Pain and Soft Tissue

Rehabilitation

By Wayne Terai, B.Sc, D.C.,C.L.T.


Wellness

Driving while distracted has become a major, if not the major, traffic safety issue in

North America. In some jurisdictions distracted driving has eclipsed drunk driving as a leading cause of accident and injury. Today’s headlines are filled with descriptions of tragic accidents involving drivers who weren’t paying enough attention and caused an accident.

Many jurisdictions around the world have banned the use while driving of electronic devices like cell phones because of the cost of distracted driving. British Columbia, along with other North American jurisdictions, has regulated the use of cell phones, but not completely banned their use while driving. More needs to happen, as this problem runs across generations in our society. Simply ask yourself: have you ever glanced at your phone or sent a text while driving, and for parents in particular, have you done so while

your children are in the vehicle? Cell phone use has had the most

blame for this traffic safety issue. However, while the use of cell phones is one of the major contributors to distracted driving, it is not the only one.

So what is distracted driving?The most comprehensive definition

of distracted driving comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a division of the US Transportation Department, which defines distracted driving as “Any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving.”

All distractions while driving have the potential to endanger driver, passenger and bystander safety. Following are some examples of typical distractions:

• Texting• Using a cell phone or smart

phone• Eating and drinking

• Talking to passengers• Grooming• Reading, including maps• Using a navigation system• Watching a video• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or

MP3 playerTraffic safety experts classify

distractions into three main types: manual, visual and cognitive. Manual distractions are those in which you move your hands away from the task of controlling the vehicle. Reaching for a soda in a drink carrier is an example of a manual distraction. Visual distractions are those where you focus your eyes away from the road. Your drop your soda and, when it spills all over the floor of the car, you look down at your ruined shoes and stained slacks; that’s a visual distraction. A cognitive distraction is when your mind wanders away from the task of driving. For example, you start to consider whether you can afford to replace the

What is it exactly, and how many of us do it?

By Michael Yawney, BA (Crim), LLB, LLM

End Distracted Driving


Wellnessclothing you just ruined and what stores have bargains this week. This means you are no longer paying attention to the essential job of driving. Studies show that because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by the far the most alarming distraction.

While there is no data for British Columbia and other Canadian jurisdictions, studies show, as of December 2012, that at any given daylight moment across the US, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving. According to studies, sending or receiving a text message distracts a driver for about five seconds; at highway speeds, that represents a distance of about 300 feet in which the vehicle is essentially out of human control, driving itself!

A researcher from the University of Utah, David Strayer, found that talking on a cell phone quadruples your risk of an accident, about the same as if you were driving drunk. That risk doubles again to eight times the normal risk, if you are texting. Texting while driving creates more risk of accident than driving drunk!

Consistent with the research in the US, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has published some sobering odds in terms of distractions while driving that are more likely to cause a crash or near crash event compared to non-distracted drivers. For example:

• Text messaging (or texting) on a cell phone – 23 times more likely

• Talking on a cell phone – 4 to 5 times more likely

• Applying makeup – 3 times more likely• Reading – 3 times more likely

The Costs of Distracted DrivingIn BC, the evidence of various research studies shows

that driver distraction of all types is connected with approximately 25 percent of motor vehicle accidents in the province. These accidents result in significant cost to society in terms of the tragic loss of life, serious injuries, and resulting monetary costs. The issue of driver distraction has been steadily and consistently growing in tandem with the increasing use of technological devices such as cell phones, MP3 players, DVDs, GPS units, and other electronic devices.

A recent discussion paper commissioned by BC’s Minister

Our experience, expertise and past results give you the con� dence to

focus on your recovery while we focus on your claim.

Contingency fees available—no recovery, no fees.

Contact us for your free, no obligation personal injury consultation.

Tel: 250-542-5353 • Tf: 1-800-243-5353 • www.nixonwenger.com TRUSTED. RESULTS.

Max Russmann

Bill Dick

Allyson Edwards

Michael YawneyJames Cotter

Darren Kautz

If you are injured, choose the right legal team.


WellnessCont’d from pg 9

of Public Safety and the Solicitor General notes that driver distraction of all types is associated with approximately 117 deaths each year and about 1,400 hospitalizations. The cost in terms of loss of life, serious injuries that result in lifelong disabilities and the toll on families cannot be measured.

In the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that in 2012 the number of people killed in distraction-affected crashes was 3,328, while an estimated 4,210 were injured. Ten percent of all drivers under the age of 20 who were involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash; this age group has the largest proportion of drivers who are distracted. Drivers in their twenties make up 27 percent of the distracted drivers in fatal crashes in the United States.

In Canada, the Canadian Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) published findings from a 2007 poll showing that 70 percent of Canadians considered distracted driving to be a serious problem. In a 2008 Angus Reid poll in British Columbia, 85 percent of British Columbians supported a ban on handheld cellular phones.

If the public has significant awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and supports a ban on cell phone use while driving, why is it still a problem? It is clear that distracted driving is a noted concern within our society. The problem is that drivers do not seem to be taking the concerns seriously enough. There is universal agreement that distracted driving is a significant road safety issue; however, the trend seems to be that it is a problem “because of the conduct of others” rather than ourselves; we find excuses for our own risky driving behaviour.

If you took the time to do an honesty poll in a room of 100 random people and asked them if they had ever texted on their cell phone, answered their cell phone, or looked at an email on their cell phone while driving, the vast majority would have their hand up. In a survey from the American Automobile Association regarding traffic safety, over 90 percent of drivers recognize the danger from cell phone distractions and found it “unacceptable” that drivers text or send email while driving. Nevertheless, 35 percent of those same people admitted to having read or sent a text message or mail while driving in a previous month. Similarly, around 66 percent of the survey respondents admitted to talking on a cell phone, even though 80 percent found it a threat to safety.

What Can We Do To End Distracted Driving?The answer to this question is simple. Every person has

to take responsibility for his or her own conduct in order to reduce and, hopefully, end accidents caused by distracted

driving. Distracted driving crashes are 100 percent preventable!

We all have likely driven while distracted at one point or another and so increasing the awareness of everyone is the best first step to end distracted driving. Given that teens and young people are at the most risk of death or

injury because of distracted driving, they need to be educated on the hazards and focused to alter their behaviour.

Parents who have been distracted while with their children need to change the way they drive and demonstrate safe, non-distracted driving every time they get in the vehicle with their children. Teens whose parents drive distracted are

more than twice as likely to also drive distracted. Employers should talk to their employees about safe, non-distracted driving and establish cell phone policies for employees banning their use while operating a motor vehicle at work.

With the higher risk for teens of death or injury from distracted driving, educating teens before they begin driving can only help reduce the risk. The significant success of the high school educational programs against drunk driving indicates that education of young drivers seems to be the best place to start.

Using tools such as a “family safe driving agreement” with your teen driver, which sets out obligations and restrictions regarding the operation of a vehicle and the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving, can help reduce the risk. There is an excellent organization out of the US that is now coming into Canada called End Distracted Driving (website: endDD.org). End Distracted Driving is fostering awareness and educating teens about the hazards of distracted driving, using real life examples. Visit their website and download a copy of the Family Safe Driving Agreement (FSDA).

Better awareness, education, and most importantly, each of us focusing on our responsibility to not drive distracted will all help us deal with the problem of distracted driving. There are no excuses. Whether you believe “I’m a good driver,” “I’ve never been in a crash,” “it’s just for a second,” “nothing will happen,” or “I can multitask,” these are just excuses to drive while distracted.

This is not just a teen problem; it is every adult’s problem as well. We all need to take responsibility and take action to deal with it. That text message or email can wait, that cell phone call can be ignored, or you can take a few moments to pull over and look at your vehicle navigation system. If you lead by example, others will follow, including, most importantly, your children. n

Let us heLp you with that.Many people experience seasonal allergies accompanied by sneezing, watery eyes, irritated throat, and headache.

Balancing the immune system is key in treating and preventing the onset of seasonal allergies. Come in and learn more about seasonal allergies and what you can do to treat them naturally.

It’s the perfect day for a run, but…

you’re at home suffering from

seasonal allergies.

LocaL · organic · Bistro · Produce · grocery · Vitamins · suPPLements · Beauty · HouseHoLd

Kamloops Kelowna Langley Penticton Vernon West Kelownawww.naturesfare.com


Wellness

Whether we like it or not, our smiles convey more to others than we may realize. A unique study developed by Kelton Research contrasted

images of men and women with different types of smiles. In the study, respondents were shown images of people with varying tooth issues and were asked to give their honest opinion about them. Results of the study indicated that people with a nice smile are perceived to have more desirable qualities than those with smile problems; these desirable qualities included being happy, surrounded by loved ones, and professionally successful.

According to the Kelton study, the smile is what people notice and recall when first meeting someone. Your smile can affect how others perceive you, including:

Making a Lasting Impression Nearly one-third (29 percent) of Americans say the first

aspect of someone’s face they typically notice is their teeth,

and 24 percent say that an attractive smile is what they remember the most after meeting someone.

Nice Smile = SuccessWhen looking at images, those with a nice smile are

perceived to be 45 percent more likely than those with an unattractive smile to get a job. They are also seen as 58 percent more likely to be successful, as well as 58 percent more likely to be wealthy.

Love at First Sight When it comes to attracting a possible mate on a dating

site, those with a nice smile are seen as 57 percent more likely to get a date based on their picture alone.

Unattractive Smile = Fewer DatesNearly two in five (38 percent) people would consider

not going on a second date with someone who has an unattractive smile.

By Duncan Chambers, DDS

It’s more important than you may think.

An Attractive Smile


A Nice Smile Goes a Long Way Nearly three in four (73 percent) would be more likely to trust someone with a nice smile than someone with a good

job, outfit, or car. The “Biggest Turn-off” dating survey revealed attributes

that people find most appealing and least appealing in a romantic partner. When asked what they noticed first about potential partners, 62 percent of respondents said a person’s smile.

A survey by the mega dating site Match.com collected data from over 5,480 singles and more than 1,000 married couples, asking them a range of questions about their preferences. The data revealed the following:

Men judge women most on: • Teeth (58%) • Grammar (55%) • Hair (51%)

Women judge men most on:• Teeth (71%)• Grammar (69%)• Hair (53%)

Whether you are single, dating, or happily married, having a nice smile is very important to how others perceive you. A beautiful smile sets the stage for a great first impression with everyone you meet.

If you are unhappy with your smile, you can do something about it! A smile makeover is highly individualized for each patient, with numerous treatment possibilities. For some, a simple tooth whitening procedure may be all that is needed. For others, porcelain veneers are required to create a white, straight, even smile. Replacing metal fillings with natural-looking porcelain fillings is another great option.

Why not have a smile that will leave a great first and lasting impression? n

Wellness

Not happy with your smile?

Come see Dr. Chambers, Board Certified Dental Specialist,and get the smile that you have always wanted. He has overtwenty years of experience and advanced training inCreating Beautiful Smiles,ToothWhitening, DentalImplants, Porcelain Veneersand Cosmetic Dentures.All in a new, state-of-the-art office.

Suite 201 - 550WestAve.Kelowna, BCV1Y4Z4Phone: 250 862-2483 orToll Free: 1 855 862-2483

[email protected]

Dr. Chambers, DDS, FRCD(C)Board Certified Dental Specialist

Your Smile, Our Specialty.

Call nowand get a

FREE INITIALCONSULTATION!

($150 value)

I want to protect my family.

Life insurance • Critical illness insurance • TFSAs

Mutual funds offered by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc.Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies.© Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2014.

Randy WilsonTel: [email protected]/randy.wilson

Life’s brighter under the sun

I can help with your goals. Let’s talk about Money for Life.


Wellness

By Magda Kapp

Brain injury can occur in a second. It happens seemingly without warning, but we know most brain injury is preventable. Fantastic summer weather means more

people are active and outdoors, which is wonderful for physical fitness; but it prompts us to remind people of some simple ways they can prevent the tragedy of brain injury to themselves or a loved one.

First and foremost – protect the noggin. When riding a bicycle in BC, helmets are not only recommended, they are mandatory. However, simply wearing a helmet may not be enough to protect you from injury – you must choose and use it appropriately. A properly fitting helmet reduces the risk of brain injury and saves lives, so take the time to ensure a correct fit. The helmet should sit securely and evenly on the head, cover the forehead, and rest just above the eyebrows. And remember, a helmet that has been involved in a crash should be replaced. You may not be able to see the damage, but the impact may

crush the foam liner, reducing its protective abilities.Many brain injuries occur from falls while completing

everyday, mundane tasks. Falls are the leading cause of ER visits for acquired brain injury (ABI) in the Interior Health region – falling down stairs, off ladders, or on ice. All

are unexpected but preventable with a moment of planning and forethought for safety.

ABI (after birth) is the leading cause of death and disability under the age of 44. In Canada, someone sustains brain injury every three minutes – that is 480 people a day! An injury to the brain can result in a large range of lifelong disabling conditions, including problems with speech

and vision, reduced memory function and impaired judgment, and very frequently, depression.

Youth between the age of 15 and 25 are at highest risk for brain injury and are overrepresented in these statistics. Interestingly, the part of the brain that helps us regulate our behaviour isn’t fully developed until the early 20s, so it’s not

Think safety first and take a few simple steps to

protect your head.

Avoiding Brain Injury

Youth between the age of 15 and 25 are at

highest risk for brain injury.


surprising that these are the young people being hurt and killed in needless, preventable tragedies. They tend to take the largest (most dangerous) risks such as speeding and distracted driving, or extreme sports without a helmet or other gear.

“Concussion” is a word used in the sports world, but it is another term for brain injury. The brain does have a wonderful ability to heal itself the majority of the time, but for the brain to return to normal function requires an average of 7 to 10 days of complete rest from brain activity. In some cases, the concussion does not resolve completely or quickly, leading to lasting impairment and debilitating symptoms such as depression, headaches and/or memory problems months or even years later. Following are the symptoms of brain injury:

• Feeling dazed, stunned or confused• Answering questions slowly or with slurred speech• Suffering from headache and/or nausea• Moving clumsily or having difficulty with balance• Having double or fuzzy vision• Being sensitive to light or noise• Feeling sluggish or foggy• Being unable to concentrate or remember date, time or

location

If you or someone you know sustains injury and experiences any of these symptoms, consult your family physician or an ER physician. There are new protocols for managing concussion and returning to activity or sports. Each person should be monitored individually for resolution of symptoms or ongoing difficulties requiring treatment.

The best cure for brain injury is PREVENTION! BrainTrust Canada’s mandate is to reduce preventable brain injuries. The association also provides community rehabilitation support to persons with brain injury in the Okanagan. For more information call 1-888-762-3233 or visit www.braintrustcanada.com. n

Wellness

Kelowna's Gospel Mission is proud to announce that even more patients in need will now be able to access

treatment at their dental clinic, as it expanded from two chairs to five this summer. The grand opening of this state-of-the-art facility was held on August 7.

The new clinic provides basic restorative care, pain and infection control, extractions, and basic hygiene. Two staff dentists work one full-time-equivalent position to provide a continuum of patient care, and more volunteer opportunies are now available for dentists within the community.

The free dental clinic is the result of a community process that in 2002 brought together diverse people with a common goal: to provide basic relief of pain services for those most in need of dental care who are least able to afford the cost of treatment. The ad-hoc committee, comprising dental professionals, health service agencies, social service agencies, and local government, met to define the need, research options, and seek ways to address the problem. After more than two years of talking, funding was finally secured

Good News for Kelowna’s

Gospel Mission Dental

Clinic

Major expansion provides services to greater numbers of

those who can’t afford dental care.

By Dianne Fowlie

A properly fitting helmet reduces the risk of brain injury and saves

lives

cont’d on page 16


Wellness

Leading people to wholeness

to DONATE online: www.kelownagospelmission.ca250-763-3737

Shelter l Meals l Dental ClinicRecovery/Addiction Services l Thrift Store

to VOLUNTEER call:

Get Involved and Give Back!

Gospel MissionK e l o w n a ’ s

Help us serve over 30,000 meals this Summer

Volunteer your time at

through the federal government’s National Homelessness Initiative.

Since opening in 2004, the clinic has provided $2 million in care and treated close to 3000 patients, with over 150

community dentists, dental assistants and hygienists volunteering their time and talents. Clinic staff see four groups of people seeking treatment: • The growing number of working poor individuals and

families • Families who find themselves having to rely on the

welfare system • Seniors having difficulty getting by in today’s economy• The homeless who are in need of dental services

Clean, modern, and fully digital, the clinic rivals many private practices in the community. It is a family-oriented practice that uses the latest technology to provide service to clients. The office is completely networked and runs as a paperless operation. It boasts a digital pan/ceph, intra-oral X-ray sensors, and USB-based intra-oral camera systems.

Clinic staff practise the most current and stringent infection control guidelines. They strive to maintain an environment that is safe for both patients and staff, and adhere to all rules and regulations related to the operation of a dental practice, including workplace health and safety and environmental protection.

In May of this year, by unanimous decision of Kelowna City Council, the volunteer dentists received the 2014 Anita Tozer Memorial Award for exemplary community service. This award was presented “in recognition of extraordinary and positive contribution to the quality of life in Kelowna; presented to an individual, community group or business which has extraordinary contribution to the long-term benefit to the citizens of Kelowna; which has a unique impact on the citizens of Kelowna and added to the enjoyment of life in Kelowna.”

For more information about Kelowna Gospel Mission’s dental clinic, contact Ami Catriona, Marketing and Communications Director, at 250-763-3737 or [email protected]. n

cont’d from page 15

Kelowna's Gospel Mission expanded dental clinic now has five

chairs to serve the community.The August 7 grand opening showcased

the state-of-the-art facility.

The free clinic provides services to those who are least

able to afford dental care.


Wellness

By Barry D. Stein, BCom, BCL, LLB

March is colorectal cancer awareness month; a month dedicated to promoting awareness of the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada.

But promoting colorectal cancer awareness is not limited to the month of March for the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada (CCAC). This national, non-profit organization is dedicated to increasing awareness of colorectal cancer, supporting patients, and advocating for healthy lifestyles, population-based colon cancer screening programs, and equal and timely access to effective treatments all year long.

The CCAC carries out a wide variety of awareness and education events throughout the year by participating in and creating health forums and medical conferences, distributing educational material, holding patient information sessions, and producing public service announcements.

As a patient-based organization, the CCAC understands the needs of those touched by colorectal cancer as well as their caregivers and families, offering compassion and understanding alongside knowledge and information. The CCAC support groups connect patients, survivors, and caregivers and are heralded for their effective delivery of both knowledge transfer and support. Each support group dedicates a portion of its time to a presentation of research updates catering to the needs of the group’s membership, while at the same time providing peer-to-peer support. The CCAC website, www.colorectal-cancer.ca, is a rich resource for colorectal cancer patients and their caregivers. The content is reviewed and approved by the CCAC’s blue-ribbon Medical Advisory Board.

The CCAC’s Scotiabank Cancer Coach program enhances patient and caregiver support. Medical professionals instruct dedicated lay volunteers in areas of expertise that include surgical, medical, radiation, interventional radiology, and psychosocial oncology. These trained volunteers can then help address colorectal cancer-related queries and

provide one-on-one support to colorectal cancer patients and caregivers.

The CCAC sets its goals high and is always in search of new ideas to spread the important message of screening for colorectal cancer. The CCAC’s award-winning Giant Colon has caught the attention of the public, media, and provincial screening authorities across the country.

The Giant Colon is an astounding 40 feet long and 8 feet high and has been touring the country since March 2009 (it appeared at the Kelowna Health Show this past April). This multimedia, pink inflatable walk-through reproduction of the human colon features various pathologies, including colorectal cancer. It offers organizations across Canada a unique opportunity to inform the public about the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer and other diseases of the colon and provides important health information to encourage both primary prevention and screening. Hundreds of thousands of

Canadians have already passed through the walls of the Giant Colon and thousands more have viewed it in the media, inspiring them to get screened and initiate healthier lifestyles. You have to see it to believe it!

This year in Canada approximately 24,400 Canadians (13,500 men and 10,800 women) will be diagnosed with colon cancer. Sadly, about 9,300 will die from it (5,100 men and 4200 women). In British Columbia alone, an estimated 2,550 (1,400 men and 1,150 women) will be diagnosed with the disease and about 1,210 (670 men and 540 women) will succumb to it.

The CCAC is looking for committed volunteers to assist in their many programs and events. Please contact the CCAC at [email protected] or call 1 877 50 COLON (26566) if you wish to participate with the CCAC in activities or programs across Canada or help start a support group. To learn more about colorectal cancer, please visit www.colorectal-cancer.ca. If you would like to make a donation, click on the donate button or visit http://bit.ly/1nWqktA.

Colorectal Cancer: Preventable, Treatable, and Beatable.Together we can make a difference!

This year in Canada approximately 24,400

Canadians will be diagnosed with colon cancer.Learn more at

www.colorectal-cancer.ca


Fitness

Not long ago, a friend sent me a text message detailing her busy weekend, and among her

activities she listed playing pickleball. My immediate thought was, what on earth is pickleball? Because the text came while I was working, I decided to check it out in a free moment, but then forgot about it.

Later that same week, I ran into another friend who was on her way to pick up equipment for a new sport that she and her husband had taken up. You guessed it: pickleball. Wondering if I was the only person out of the loop, I decided it was time to investigate this game that comes with such an undeniably interesting name.

What Is Pickleball?According to the Pickleball Canada

website (www.pickleballcanada.org), pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America. It wouldn’t be a stretch to describe it as a cross between table tennis and badminton, with a little bit extra thrown in from other racquet sports. Teams of one or (usually) two players use solid paddles of wood or composite materials to hit a polymer perforated ball over a net.

History of PickleballPickleball has actually been around

a long time. It is commonly accepted that it got its start in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, at the home of Joel Pritchard, a politician who was elected in 1970 to the US House of Representatives for the state of Washington. Pritchard and several friends, returning from golf to find their children bored and in need of amusement, went to set up badminton but were unable to find a shuttlecock. Using a Wiffle ball instead, they lowered the badminton net and took plywood from a nearby shed to fashion paddles. While originally intended for children, pickleball quickly gained popularity as a game for players of all ages, and it is now played

in Canada, the US, India, and parts of Europe.

Opinions differ on how the pickleball got its name. According to some sources, it came from Pickles, the family dog, who would chase after balls and hide them in the bushes. Other sources claim that the name derives from the term “pickle boat,” which refers to the last boat to return with its catch.

How Is Pickleball Played?Pickleball is played indoors or on an outside surface with the dimensions and layout of a badminton court. The net is 36 inches high at the sides and 34 inches high in the centre. Scoring usually goes up to 11, but as the winning team must do so by two points, play continues until one team wins by that margin. In tournament play, games can be played to 15 or 21. Only the serving team can win a point. The receiving team must get the “side down” to win back the serve before earning points.

Given the original intent as a children’s game, it’s not surprising that the rules are simple with an emphasis on fun, with a little bit of strategy thrown in. One of the most enjoyable elements is the mix of ages that can play together, making it an ideal family activity. It’s a fantastic, low-impact way to burn calories and work various muscle groups with minimal risk of injury.

Where Is Pickleball Happening in the Okanagan?Several parks and community centres host regular pickleball games and tournaments. To find a location close to you, or for more information about the game, visit the following websites:Pickleball Kelowna: www.pickleballkelowna.comSalmon Arm Pickleball Club: www.clubshuswap.com/pickleballVernon Pickleball Club: www.vernonpickleballclub.org n

Anyone for Pickleball?Strange name… great game.

By Dianne Fowlie


Feature Story

We Canadians love our water, whether it be liquid, snow, or frozen hard. Because of this

love, we need to be aware of the many dangers associated with being in, on, or around water. The statistics for the past few years show a rising trend in water-related incidents and fatal accidents. Every year, the lakes will take their toll of unprepared victims, and these events are always tragic for everyone involved.

In the Okanagan Valley, summertime provides a wealth of opportunities to experience our lakes large and small, and our rivers slow and fast. There are, in fact, so many ways to explore our area’s waterways that several reports would be needed to try and cover all the different safety precautions.

To this end, I will generalize the most important issues that I see as a prevention/enforcement officer. During the summer months, we check as many small boats and pleasure craft as we can to help educate about, and sometimes enforce, proper safety regulations.

1. Create a Sail Plan. Water safety does not start out in the middle of a lake. It begins at home where you plan for a day out on the water. An excellent start is the creation of a Sail Plan. A Sail Plan has vital information

that you give to someone who calls the authorities if you do not return as scheduled. It contains the following important details:• The lake you are going to be

exploring• The boat launch where you will

be parking your vehicle (a quick search of the parking lot for your vehicle can save precious minutes of search time)

• What time you expect to be on the water

• What time you expect to be off the water

• Where you plan to travel and explore

• Cell phone numbers• The make, model, size, and colour

of your vessel, and the registration numbers (a photo works best)

If you create the Sail Plan electronically and email it to your contact person, you only need to update it for each new day you’re out .

2. Carry Documentation. Every vessel operator is required to carry the following documentation on board at all times:• The vessel’s Pleasure Craft

Licence (PCL) documents. The PCL number must be displayed on both sides of the bow. The licence allows police and search and rescue to search a databank of information about your vessel,

Water Safety Is Everyone’s ResponsibilityDon’t let complacency or lack of preparation ruin your summer fun.

By Robert Daly, Sgt. Rural Operations NCO Vernon North Okanagan Detachment


including owner’s name. This helps police in the recovery of stolen boats.

• A Pleasure Craft Operator’s card. Every person who will be driving the vessel is required to carry this card, which shows that the operator has taken some form of education on safe boating practices. The program has been in effect since 1999. There is no excuse for not having your operator’s card. Anyone 12 years and older can obtain the card. Children under 12 can operate a powered vessel under 10 horsepower. From the ages of 12 to 16, a child can operate a vessel up to 40 horsepower. After 16 there is no restriction on horsepower. Of special note: no one under the age of 16 can operate personal watercraft (better known as Seadoos).

3. Have the Required Safety Equipment. The list of required safety items depends on the size (length) of your vessel, but a number of common items are required for all vessels, whether they are human powered or powerboats:• A Canadian-approved lifejacket or

Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for every person on board

• A sound signalling device• A 15m buoyant heaving line• A reboarding device • A watertight flashlight• A bailer• A manual propeller (better known

as a paddle)

• Emergency signal flares• A portable fire extinguisher

For a complete list for your size vessel, Transport Canada has published a Safe Boating Guide. This guide is what police officers use out

on the lake when conducting safety compliance checks. The guide is also downloadable to any Internet-capable phone for ease of use.

Lifejackets and PFDs are literally the first defence in surviving any incident out on the water. The boat operator must have one on board for every person. PFDs must be in good working order, and they have to be size appropriate – a child does not fit an adult PFD. They must be approved for use in Canada. There are many jackets that are not approved. Water-

skiers prefer these vests for better flexibility and maneuverability. They can still wear the unapproved vest, but there must also be an approved jacket on board for them. To ensure that your vest is Canadian approved, look inside the vest for a Transport Canada logo,

a Canadian Coast Guard logo, a Fisheries Canada logo or a combination of the three. The fastest way to know that you are likely Canadian approved is the printing inside the vest will be in both French and English.

A sound signalling device can be the horn on the boat itself, a compressed air horn, or a pealess whistle. Whistles are inexpensive and I recommend placing one on every PFD on the boat. This way, in the event that everyone ends up in the water in the dark, you can find one another to group up.

A 15-metre buoyant heaving line is exactly that, a single line of rope that floats. It is designed to throw over the head of a person in the water; this way, accuracy isn’t required by throwing over

and past the person. Some part of the rope will land on them or near enough that they can grab onto it and be pulled in. This rope is usually bright yellow and can help aircraft spotters locate persons in the water.

For power vessels, a reboarding device is required to assist persons back into the boat. These consist of a swim platform ladder or a transom ladder. Reboarding seems easy enough, but for a person in cold water and suffering the signs of hypothermia, it is far more difficult than it appears.

Okanagan Synergy Hea l th and We l l nessWe are now offering Shockwave Therapy

… a non-invasive solution for chronic painNew to Vernon:

#2 - 4010 27th Street, Vernon • 778-475-0322 • New Patients Welcome

Shockwave uses high energy soundwaves to accelerate the recovery of injured soft tissue, bone, heel and joint pain.

Conditions treated:• Plantar Fascitis • Achilles Tendinopathy • Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow

• Jumper’s Knee • Rotator Cuff Tendinitis • Stress Fractures• Scar Tissue • Non-Healing Ulcers • Myofascial Trigger Points

• Deep Tissue Massage

• Stress Reduction Massage

• Trigger Point Release• Myofascial Release• Pregnancy Massage

Pain from Soft Tissue Injury?

Treatments can help reduce headaches, chronic muscle pain, sciatic pain, sports injury, TMJ dysfunction and more.

Book online @ aleshabradleyrmt.ca • cell 250-307-3433Dr. Kirk Lewis

Alesha BradleyRegistered Massage Therapist

Lifejackets and PFDs are the first defence in surviving any incident on the water.

Remember the operator must have one on board for every person.

Feature Story


A watertight flashlight must be in working order. Always ensure the batteries are in the light and it is working before you stow it away for the day. In the event that your vessel breaks down and it becomes dark, the lights on your vessel might not be working and this flashlight is your only sustained form of light in the dark.

A bailer must have a 9 cm opening and be capable of pouring out 750 mL of water with each scoop. Anything can be used as a bailer as long as the opening is large enough.

A manual propeller, better known as a paddle, is a very slow and tiring way to make your way back to shore. Paddles make excellent signalling devices if you wave them back and forth to get the attention of other vessels. They can also be used to help push off rocks and water hazards or prevent the vessel from smacking into a cliff face.

Depending on your vessel, signal flares may be a requirement. The flares must not be expired. There are many different types and applications. The operator should be familiar with how to activate and shoot off a distress flare.

Portable fire extinguishers come in many varieties and sizes. Refer to the Boating Guide for your make and model of vessel. What is important is that the extinguisher is properly charged and has not expired. Because the vast majority of vessel fires occur in the engine compartment, I recommend that the extinguisher not be mounted too close to the engine but, instead, closer to the driver (the heat from an engine fire will prevent the driver from reaching the extinguisher if it is too close). Every adult on board should know where the extinguisher is stowed. If you spend time searching for an extinguisher only to find it is expired and of no use, you have lost precious time for survival.

Not on the list but good to have are a waterproof first aid kit stocked with fresh water and energy snacks and sunscreen, a couple of spare ball caps for the sun, and a waterproof bag containing extra warm bulky clothes and blankets, in case you are stranded into the night.

In case you’re thinking that nothing will ever happen to you, remember that all this equipment isn’t just for the care of the people on your vessel but to assist other vessels in distress. You may be the only difference between a small boating accident and a tragic incident.

Before you head out for the day, check the weather. Okanagan weather can change on a moment’s notice. Winds on the larger lakes can whip up fast and furious.

Once you take to the water, enjoy your day. The police may stop and conduct a safety compliance check and you will be ready. Keep an eye for other vessel traffic. Follow the rules of the road for passing and avoiding collisions. Always ensure you have a spotter if you’re towing or water skiing. Know your skills and limits. Practise safe boating tactics and discuss those tactics with the children on board so they grow up using them. n

Health & Wellness Market Place

Inspiring, Strengthening, Poetic, Passionate, Creative, Toning, Lengthening, Playful, Dynamic, Welcoming,

Calming, Quality Classes!Find our fantastic schedule at www.ariseyogavernon.ca

Facebook.com/ariseyoga or call 250-540-7280Arise Yoga-Alpine Centre 100 Kal Lake Rd., Vernon, BC

LMRP U B L I S H I N G

Let’s Make it

Real

But did you know that we also do...Books k Manuals k Brochures k Newsletters

Dedicted to making your idea become a reality!Leanne Christie 250.503.7472 [email protected]

Proud Publisher of OHW Magazine

Hot, Healthy Authentic Vietnamese Food

#2904 - 33 Street , Vernon, BC V1T 5S7

DINE-IN OR TAKE-OUT

778.475.6112

VIETNAMESE Family Restaurant

STEVE WITVOET BScPT, BAPhysEd, Diploma Sport Physiotherapist

To book appointments, visit www.thrivephysiotherapy.ca#27 - 100 Kalmalka Lake Rd. Vernon, BC V1T 9G1

P: 778.475.5910 E: [email protected]

Would you like to help? Volunteers and short-term foster homes are needed. When you help us, you help animals in your community.

www.theroadhome.ca [email protected]

Providing support to animals and their owners in times of emergencies

Feature Story


Natural Health

What is all the buzz about? The humble honeybee, working away day in and day out, no one notices, no one hears. But what if there were

no honeybees? What would our dinner plates look like? What would the pharmaceutical industry do without honey, propolis, and pollen? Would our cosmetics be the same without beeswax? Could we survive without honeybees?

Scientists say no. We humans would last about three to four years and disappear too. In their quest for honey, which is their food for survival, these industrious little creatures create the pollination of the majority of our food crops.

The honeybee is the only insect that supplies us with food, and honey is the only food that never goes bad even without processing. This precious little insect produces less than one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime and visits over 200 flowers per day searching for nectar.

What is honey? It is the nectar from plant flowers, carried into the hive by the female worker bees and deposited into wax cells, where it is allowed to evaporate to approximately 17 percent or less moisture. This precious substance, now capped in wax, is honey. In its complexity, honey contains invert sugars, water, minerals, protein, amino acids, enzymes, and vitamins. The variety of minerals and trace elements include vitamins C and B and

can contain A, D, and K. Two tablespoons of honey contain 25 mg of potassium. The vitamin and mineral content of honey is dependent on the floral content, which also creates a variety in taste and colour.

Honey is a concentrated source of energy that is quickly absorbed and digested but contains no fat. Reportedly, an antioxidant cleanses the liver and removes toxins from your body as well as inhibiting oxidation of free radicals. Raw honey retains all of its nutritious elements because it does not have to be refined like white sugar. It is eaten in its

pure and natural state. Honey is sweeter than sugar so less is used. Yummy straight out of the jar or versatile to use in recipes.

The health benefits of honey go beyond that of an antioxidant and natural sweetener. It is an exceptional healer for wounds and burns. The process called inhibine is honey’s ability to enzymatically liberate the antiseptic hydrogen peroxide and microbial activity against most pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Keratolytic properties,

in which honey’s enzymes digest dead skin cells, reduce scar tissue buildup and stimulate tissue repair. Honey is a natural emollient and humectant. Its hydroscopic properties allow skin to absorb and retain moisture, keeping it soft and supple.

Honeybees produce bee pollen, which is the only known food to contain all 22 amino acids and all eight essential

By Helen Kennedy

The Plight of the Honeybee

These hardworking insects provide incredible benefits to the planet, but they also face threats

from natural predators - and humans


enzymes. It is rich is vitamin B complex, carotenes, and is about 55 percent carbohydrates. Pollen contains more protein per volume than beef. It is a popular food supplement believed to improve the body’s metabolism, provide energy, longevity, clarity and focus, alertness, and athletic performance and endurance.

Propolis produced from plant resins is referred to as nature’s penicillin, a powerful anti-fungal, anti-bacterial medicine. The bees use it to seal their hives from drafts and create a sterile environment for the hive.

Beeswax from uncapping the honey makes the most environmentally friendly candles that actually clean the air by creating negative ions to attract dust, moulds, and other c o n t a m i n a n t s . Other uses include cosmetics, p o l i s h e s , lubricants, sewing aid, bowstrings, braid balm, corporate seals, and instrument m o u t h p i e c e s . Everything from within the beehive is good for human use.

If this isn’t enough to buzz about, these incredible little creatures are

in danger. Threatened by natural predators such as wasps, hornets, bears, skunks, and mice, they are also the victim of the industry that needs them most: agriculture. GMOs, neonicotinoids, other herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and monoculture are killing off the bees and other much-needed pollinators in large populations. Weakened by mites and threatened by the viruses mites carry, combined with other diseases, these tiny creatures suffer the peril of the environment.

What can we do to help? Be knowledgeable of the plight of the honeybee, plant species, heritage or open pollinating flowers. Ensure the bees in your yard have a fresh

supply of water. E n c o u r a g e mason bees, butterflies, and h u m m i n g b i r d s to your yard. Please leave the beekeeping to the professionals. Attend information sessions and watch film documentar ies to understand how serious this

problem really is. Support your local beekeepers by purchasing your honey from a local and reliable source. n

The Difference between Bees and Wasps

WaspBee

Natural Health


Natural Health

Only a small fraction of our nerves transmit pain. When we think of back pain, neck pain,

or a pinched nerve, most of us think about how that feels, or how painful it is. But neurophysiology research suggests that 99 percent of all nerve transmission is below conscious perception. In other words, you can’t feel, sense, or experience much of what’s happening in your body. You don’t have to think about digesting your food, or how much insulin to secrete following a meal, or how to direct your spleen to gobble up senescent red blood cells. Your body just does it all subconsciously, directed through the wiring of your nerves.

Think about all the sensations you can notice on your skin that aren’t necessarily pain related. Our skin is laden with receptors that transduce various stimuli from the outside world into tiny electrical signals that the brain receives and interprets. Vibrations, tingles, and sensations of hot and cold are just a few examples of stimulation that the brain uses in response to the outside world.

Your body is bound together by connective tissue which is also highly innervated and largely responsible for allowing you to move and balance on two feet. If you bend your arm or finger, you don’t have to see that it’s bent to know its position. The positional sense

of your body is called kinesthesia. This means that your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and facia are all riddled in tiny nerves that communicate below your conscious radar, constantly letting your brain know where they are in space so your muscles can be told how to maintain your balance in gravity.

This is where chiropractic philosophy unfolds in a profound way. The body’s natural tendency to strive towards a harmonious balance, or to maintain homeostasis, and to encourage the survival of its 70 trillion cells, is called “innate intelligence.” This intelligence is executed largely through the nervous system, where tiny wires

By Elliot Lysyk, DC

Rather than trying to suppress pain, recognize it as a signal that something is wrong

Pain: Your Body’s Fire Alarm


Natural Healthsend and receive little electrical messages – kind of like Morse code. Your brain and organs are tapping out signals to each other by the trillions so that your body can always remain in sync. As long as the synchronization of these messages is kept optimal, there is a high likelihood that your body will remain functional and healthy.

But what happens when the spine misaligns and a nerve gets pinched? Sure, there’s pain, eventually. But before that? I usually demonstrate this in my health presentations by placing an elastic band on the wrist of an audience member. My point is made quickly as their hand begins to tingle, swell, turn red, throb, lose strength, and, eventually, hurt. Interestingly, pain is often the last symptom to show up.

When the beautiful cascading volley of electrical signals within a nerve gets blocked, pinched, or interfered with, your brain and body are unable to talk properly. When your body can no longer do its job, when it can’t function according to its normal plan, it is said to be dis-eased, or un-healthy. And when this happens, when the subconscious realm of your body’s functioning is compromised, your body creates pain and discomfort as a warning system. In other words, if ever your body’s innate intelligence (99 percent of which lies below conscious perception) is stifled, stymied, blocked, choked, pinched, or otherwise interfered with, the remaining 1 percent kicks in (the pain) to alert you like a fire alarm. It’s a well-executed plan where pain is the result, not the cause.

When you stop to consider the rampant use of over-the-counter painkiller drugs as a common treatment for pain, you may realize that these drugs block the brain’s ability to register the damage that the body is actually feeling. Think about that. Painkillers block your body’s inner knowing that something is wrong, that there is, in fact, a fire in your body causing damage. Painkillers destroy your feelings, muffle the fire alarm, but the fire rages on. Somehow we all inherently understand this, yet many patients I meet don’t think twice about slamming down a few painkillers a day and what that means for their body. When you link the downside of adverse drug reactions with sustained use of painkillers, like gastrointestinal bleeds, kidney failure, heart problems, kidney cancer, and many others, maybe we would be wise to consider a different path unless absolutely necessary.

Pain represents the alarm signal and accounts for only a very small fraction of your health. It helps you understand that something much larger is at stake—that your nerve function is being choked off. Doctors of Chiropractic work to find out what could be blocking or pinching off the body’s nerve flow, ensuring that its innate intelligence can flow

through your body’s wiring unobstructed. And since your spinal column flexibly protects the main circuit board of your nerve system (the spinal cord), ensuring the spine’s proper

alignment is most necessary for great health.

In our office, we commonly see that patients seeking treatment for pain are pleasantly surprised by other health benefits they weren’t expecting under our care, because suddenly the brain and the body can talk again. The fire alarm (pain) disappears on its own once the elastic band is removed. The tingling, redness, swelling, throbbing, and loss of strength return to normal. Function is restored.

I have had the privilege of helping thousands of patients in my 11 years of practice, and nothing is more satisfying than

seeing a patient’s health concern clear up by addressing and correcting spinal imbalances and improving posture. Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the spine so that your body’s power can flow again, creating optimized function and wellbeing. n

250.275.7616Alpine Centre #7 100 Kalamalka Lake Rd. Vernon, BC

www.arisechiropractic.com

Dr. Elliot Lysyk, DC Dr. Deane Studer, DC Dr. James Mayne, DC

Do you have neck and back pain?Have you been told that you have arthritis in your neck or back? Do you get pain into your arms, hands, legs or feet?What about tingling into your arms, hands, legs or feet?Have you been diagnosed with degenerating discs in your spine?

Success With Back and Neck Pain:

Spinal Decompression Therapy

l Herniated/Bulging Discs l Sciatica l Spinal Arthritis l Low Back and Neck Pain

l Numbness in Arms or Legs l Degenerated Discs

Now available in Vernon - Non-Invasive, Non-Surgical treatment for:

“When you stop to consider the rampant use of over-the-counter

painkiller drugs as a common treatment for pain, you may

realize that these drugs block the brain’s ability to register

the damage that the body is actually feeling."


Natural Health

By Lori Anderson

If you were asked what is the best thing you can do to ensure healthy, bright, more youthful looking skin,

you might suggest eating a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and applying sunscreen. While all these things are very beneficial, did you know one of the best ways to care for your skin is through daily topical application of vitamins? We must “feed” topical supplements such as vitamins A, C and E directly to the skin, as doing so can make a significant difference in preventing premature aging and protecting it from damage caused by UV rays.

Vitamin A is vital for healthy skin and has many benefits. It reduces

sun damage and skin aging, treats acne, reduces wrinkles, improves hydration, fades dark discolorations and promotes faster wound healing. Vitamin A also encourages cells to grow and therefore it thickens the skin, contrary to the belief that it thins the skin. The skin will also become softer as the top layer of old, dead cells become exfoliated, flatter and more compact. Wrinkles will be lessened by slowing the breakdown of collagen and stimulating the production of new collagen.

Vitamin A is highly sensitive to UV light and is depleted from our skin with daily exposure to sunlight. Skin that is deficient in vitamin A tends to

age faster and shows more signs of sun damage. Simply applying vitamin A daily will replenish what is lost every time we go out into sunlight. This theory should be put into practice at a very young age. We must not wait until the signs of sun damage or aging are visible to start applying vitamins to our skin. The skin functions are the same in our younger years as in our adult life and while we cannot prevent the depletion of vitamin A from our skin, we can easily replenish it each day with topical creams. It takes several days before diet alone can restore the normal levels, whereas vitamin A cream applied topically can restore levels within hours. The quick

Feeding the Skin with Vitamin A

Daily topical applications can help replenish

depleted stores for softer, more radiant

skin.

Jacqui Hughes REALTOR®

Never to busy to help you or those you care about!

Executives Realty Ltd.

The Don Miller Group2907 - 32nd St. Vernon, BC

Business: [email protected]

www.thedonmillergroup.ca

Jacqui Hughes

Jodi Scott COACHING. C

Om

Relationship Coach&

Life Strategist Upcoming Program

CHOOSE YOULoving Yourself Whole Between Relationships

How to Make the End of Your Relationship the BEST Thing That Ever Happened to You!Program Details & E-Book Available

at JodiScottCoaching.com


degrading from light and air also makes it necessary to look for creams that are packaged in an airless pump rather than jars which can allow light and air in.

Vitamin A comes in many forms and not all are easy for the skin to accept. When the skin is depleted of vitamin A you must slowly adapt your skin to using it, so the form we choose to apply becomes an important factor.

Prescription strength vitamin A is retinoic acid, also known as Tretinoin. It is very active and acidic, so much that many people have a hard time complying with the recommended dosage because it can make the skin quite irritated with redness and peeling. The skin will eventually adapt but it may take several weeks and unfortunately many people stop using it before it subsides.

Retinol is the alcohol form of vitamin A and can cause skin irritation as well, but less than retinoic acid. It is the “buzz” word these days in the cosmetic industry and is found in the latest night creams of many big, brand name companies. The problem with these creams is the amount of Retinol that is actually in them, which may not be enough to produce the results most people are expecting.

Retinyl acetate and retinyl palmitate are other forms of vitamin A. They are much less irritating to the skin and safe to use. They will be converted into retinoic acid in the cells and will give the same results without the irritation.

Vitamin A should be used every day and we should start at a young age. The higher the dose the better the results, but you must slowly work up to the higher amounts to avoid adverse reactions. Start at a mild level and gradually increase as your skin becomes acclimatized to it. Seek guidance from your skin care professional who can analyze your skin and advise you what form is best for your skin type. Start incorporating daily topical applications of vitamin A and antioxidants and watch your skin become healthier, softer and more radiant. n

Seniors Health

Not too long ago, older people were thought of as powerless, non-contributors to society, feeble and too fond of repeating stories, living in the past and, in some cases, not worthy of medical intervention to save their life or improve their quality of life.

What society forgot, and what may change again, is that in the distant past, before modernization and the industrial revolution, older people were considered the gatekeepers of knowledge; they were advisors, leaders of their communities, judges, and lawgivers.

Today, a quiet revolution is happening. The baby boomers -- those born between 1946 and 1964 - are pressing to change society and bring back the strength older people enjoyed in the past.

According to the video Future of Aging (http://vimeo.com/90718741), based on an insightful discussion at the 2014 conference sponsored by

Creative Activities in Aging

Fend off boredom, have a sense of purpose, and improve your wellbeing.

By Dalia Gottlieb-Tanaka, PhD

Manfred and Flo engaged in stage decoration for a play


Seniors Health

the American Society on Aging, the older population is growing in numbers due to higher standards of living. The conference raised some serious questions: Are we doing enough to catch up with the emerging new (old) status of older people in society? What is the purpose in life of older people? And, last, a question very relevant to the topic of this article: What shall we do with our remaining years?

To answer these questions we could rely on our individual experiences, where each older person could tell us what they would like to see happen in their older years. However, to bring significant changes in a relatively short time that would influence governments and policymakers to take the baby boomers more seriously, we need to turn to science for statistical facts. This article focuses on how to make our lives more exciting and fulfilling, and why.

In addition to anecdotal reports, science has proved that being engaged in activities that use our creative abilities increases our health; we are less depressed, we visit doctors less, we enjoy new friendships, our confidence grows and we feel more in control. It proved that being engaged in the creative arts postponed the development of dementia by two years. In a recent article, Activity and Well-Being of Older Adults, Does Cognitive Impairment Play a Role (January 2013), authors Justin D. Johnson, Carol J. Whitlatch and Heather L. Menne concluded that “the greater number of activity occurrences older adults participated in during the week, the higher they rated their quality of life. This major finding strongly reinforces the idea that supporting older adults to engage in activities, regardless of their cognitive status, is very important for their well-being.” For the full text of the article, see http://roa.sagepub.com/content/36/2/147

To be engaged in creative expression activities, none of us needs to be an exceptionally talented artist. My favourite saying is this: If you are a human being and

lived long enough to express yourself, then you are creative. We all sang at some point in our lives, took a pencil and drew something. Most of us tried to dress uniquely or conforming to society rules, perhaps cheated a little while writing an exam, solved small and serious problems in order to survive, offered help to neighbours and loved ones, kept a garden or at least told the gardener what we would like to see grow there. What about hosting, preparing a great planned meal (at least once), sewing and knitting? Not to mention creating costumes for Halloween and volunteering to decorate in schools. If you did not do any of it, I can guarantee your creative abilities are waiting to be released.

To be engaged in the creative arts, all you need to do is look around your community. In many c o m m u n i t i e s older people get together to play bingo, cards, and do some sewing and knitting. To make it more beneficial and achieve the results science promises, add a few more activities. As an example, this is what we are doing at the At This Age group at the Schubert Centre in Vernon.

The group is participant-led with some guidance from me. These folks took the initiative and they are now getting together and working on various projects whether I am present or not. Starting last year during July, a core group of about 12 seniors gathered. They enjoy being exposed to music, art, painting, telling stories, planning a play on aging, trying ethnic foods, sharing life experiences and making new friends.

Creating such a group is easy. All it takes is a few friends who would like to change their lives for the better. Art supplies can be obtained from recycled materials. Each person contributes about $5.00 a session to buy new materials. If the group meets at a regular centre, grants opportunities can be explored. The main idea is to stay active, fend off boredom and contribute to self well-being as long as possible. n

Margaret and Jeanne at the art exhibition of the At This Age group

Cherry Park Retirement Residence 317 Winnipeg Street

Penticton, BC V2A 8J9250.492.2447

www.PrimeTimeLiving.ca

Okanagan Chateau2100 Benvoulin Court

Kelowna, BC V1W 3A4250.862.9088

www.OkanaganChateau.com

Orchard Valley Retirement Residence 2829-34th Street

Vernon, BC V1T 9G4250.545.0455


The Shores Retirement Residence870 Westminster Ave

Kamloops, BC V2B 1N9250.376.0315


RETIREMENT LIVING CAN BE THIS CAREFREE.Experience the joy of summer.

Excursions | Hobbies | Parties | Games | Together Time | Friends | Dining

CALL TODAY TO BOOK A PERSONAL VISIT.

YOU DO THE LIVING WE DO THE REST™


Nutrition

Diet, age, stress, microbial infections, and environmental toxins can deplete the body of

beneficial bacteria needed for optimal health. The bowel is home to over 500 different types of bacteria. They help keep the intestines healthy and assist in digesting food. Nerves, endocrine, and immune cells are chemical detectors that rely on our microbial population to promote healthy tissues and organs.

Probiotics outnumber our human cells by ten to one and most adults have three to four pounds of beneficial bacteria and yeast living in their intestine at any time. These beneficial bacteria support metabolic (cellular

communication) and inflammatory conditions and help modulate a healthy immune system.

Probiotics have been extensively researched and used for many health conditions. These include:

• lung and sinus infections • yeast infections• skin disorders • Celiac Disease• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) • Crohn’s disease• ulcerative colitis • leaky gut syndrome• metabolic disorders

• acne • diarrhea • food allergies• high cholesterol• high blood pressure

Probiotics can be used along with a bowel cleanse to keep yeast overgrowth in balance and help support the breakdown of highly toxic manmade chemicals that play havoc in our body. BPA (Bisphenol A), heavy metals, and pesticides are just some of these environmental toxins that probiotics help to eliminate.

Antibiotics are used to reduce

By Shauna Jones

Pro “for” + biotics “life” = FOR LIFE

Probiotics 101


harmful bacteria in the body in the case of an infection; however, antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria. This can cause yeast or other pathogenic bacteria in the intestine to outnumber the beneficial bacteria, leading to dysbiosis, an imbalance of good vs. bad bacteria. The latest research indicates that increased antibiotic use in infants is associated with increased risk of developing allergies and asthma. If antibiotics are necessary due to the type of infection, know that you can still take a probiotic supplement in between antibiotic use. Many naturopathic doctors recommend taking probiotics for a month after a course of antibiotics.

Probiotics are found in a wide variety of dairy products like kefir, yogurt, and cheese and in other fermented vegetables like sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and tempeh. Most of these products contain only one or two strains of bacteria and usually in too low a dose to treat any serious health

conditions. Studies have shown that many different strains of probiotics treat different health conditions, and the need to have a variety of beneficial strains is vital in the healing process. They have also noted that the amount of good bacteria required to bring the intestine back into balance is dependent on the length of time a health condition has been present. In most cases, the maximum amount of good bacteria found in foods is just not enough.

Supplementing with a probiotic can bring faster results when adding a prebiotic, such as inulin fibre from chicory root (often called FOS or Fructooligosaccharide). I use probiotics daily for preventative health because I know that my fast-paced lifestyle and the environment I live in is a major factor in the depletion of these beneficial microorganisms. n

Nutrition

Your One Stop Health Shop on Gordon DriveYour One Stop Health Shop on Gordon Drive

8-3818 Gordon Drive, Kelowna (Next to the Lower Mission Post Office)

www.abacohealth.comShop online at

✔ Vitamins & supplements ✔natural skin Care and makeup ✔Weight loss ✔natural pain relief ✔ Bulk herBs & teas ✔ infrared sauna

✔ Bulk organiC foods ✔ loCal milk and Bread ✔organiC frozen meats ✔ gluten free & organiC foods ✔ espresso Coffee & smoothies ✔ reVerse osmosis Water 24/7

Your Online Natural Health Store

Yogurt can be a good source of probiotics but sometimes for serious health conditions supplements are best.


Nutrition

Literally, its meaning comes from the Greek, “takes first place.” Protein is vital to living tissue, so unless you’re part of the Zombie movement, I suggest paying

attention to this nutrient for good health and vitality.There are so many good uses for protein, and I won’t

even attempt to cover them all. But I want to share the fact that, believe it or not, we are all different! That means that we all need different amounts. Based on our activity, health status, age process, and fitness goals (just to name a few), the grams of protein needed will range from 2.0 to 2.9 per kilogram of lean body mass. Now, some will argue this is too much; however, if your kidney function is not compromised in any way, you’re fine.

Building a house without a few two-by-fours and nails is next to impossible, and neither can you build and develop a muscular body without proteins. They are the building materials our bodies need to grow and repair, and in some cases, provide us with energy. Good sources include chicken, turkey, fish, lean red meat, wild game, fat-

free Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and supplements like whey isolate. (Organic, grass fed, free range, non GMO, and so on, are excellent choices for all sources.) Beans, legumes, and nuts also provide protein, but are considered either a carbohydrate or fat (nuts) based on the ratio of macronutrient in the food source.

Each protein is made up of amino acids, some essential (obtained from external sources) and others non-essential (not because they’re not needed but rather because they are inter-convertible depending on supply and demand). It’s important to know when to feed your muscles, especially around a workout, and amino acids are the building blocks. I tell my clients, “Feed your muscles 15 minutes after you work out, then feed yourself 45 to 60 minutes after that.” This easy rule will discourage muscle breakdown (catabolism) and support muscle building (anabolism). Of course, making sure you’re properly fuelled pre-workout is also part of the equation. So, if you want to synthesize lean mass, it’s imperative to include approximately 20 to 25 grams of a

By Sarah V. Rilkoff, BScN, CFNS

And the Winner is...Singing the Praises of Protein.


Obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes have been the subject of

much discussion and concern as the levels of these diseases are reaching epidemic proportions in North America.

Numerous public health programs have been created in an attempt to educate the public at large about calories, sugar consumption, and exercise in an attempt to try and change eating habits and reduce the rates of these diseases.

Doctors often tell their patients to simply cut back on calories and sweets and exercise more. The challenge, however, is that body weight and diet are regulated by complex biological and behavioural pathways that can lead to real frustration for an individual trying to lose weight. One of the most

influential is the taste of sweetness.Sweetness is actually a very

powerful driving force in increasing consumption. Our taste buds can detect sugar at a concentration as low as about 1 part in 200, so we are quite sensitive to it. Our brains like the stimulation of sweet. If you think about it in evolutionary terms, we should probably enjoy foods that we need to consume for our calories.

It’s important to recognize that this preference for sweetness does not necessarily lead to obesity or other diet-related diseases. Problems occur when sugars – chiefly sucrose and the chemically similar product, high-fructose corn syrup – are

Reconsidering the Sweet Life

By Chris Spooner, BSc, ND

Artificial Sweetners, rather than helping with weight control, may actually be contributing to

those extra pounds

fast-digesting protein source like whey isolate into your post-workout shake or meal 15 to 20 minutes after you work out.

Are you vegetarian or vegan? If so, here’s some vital information to digest. The protein obtained from plant sources has a lower bioavailability compared to animal sources. Humans lack the enzymes necessary to break them down into small enough peptide chains, so some will pass the absorption stage in the small intestine and go straight to the large intestine. Bacteria will try to break them down and can cause gas and bloating (once thought to be due to the high fibre content of legumes). Vegetarians should also be aware that plant sources are not complete proteins. So if your diet is plant based, be smart. Know the amino acid profiles of your foods so your body is not lacking in anything, especially the essential ones. It takes a lot more plant protein to do the same job of animal proteins.

To bring this home, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to control blood glucose levels. Enter our first-place winner, protein. The slow digesting action of protein and slower gastric emptying time stabilizes the release of glucose into the bloodstream and tempers insulin release. For this reason, it is important to eat a protein every time you eat a carbohydrate. You will notice feeling satiated longer, with more focus and energy, when you eat these two in combination.

I will leave you with a few favourite protein tips:

• When you cook chicken, cook it like you mean it! Big batches, portion, then freeze.

• Always have on hand egg whites, fat-free Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese.

• For “on the go, quick, I need a shake!” stock up on whey protein isolate.

• When choosing a protein bar for a quick snack, look for one that is high in fibre, with no added junk.

Now - go move your body and feed your muscles! n

Nutrition


refined, concentrated, and consumed in large amounts. Combine this with the universal availability of refined carbohydrates in our foods 24/7/365 and we have the makings of a big problem

Sugar-containing foods in their natural form tend to be highly nutritious. For instance, an 8-ounce apple contains beneficial vitamins, minerals, and plant nutrients but has fewer calories than a 2-ounce portion of bread. Apples would be considered nutrient dense with low caloric density. The combination of low calories with bulk from fibre means that most fruits produce a high level of satisfaction (satiety) relative to calories.

The fibre and nutrients in natural foods provide a certain amount of protection as they slow the rise of blood sugar and the amount of insulin produced to move sugar out of the bloodstream. Refined sugars have the opposite effect and increase blood glucose and insulin levels rapidly after consumption, increasing concentrations of triglycerides, inflammatory mediators, and reactive oxygen radicals.1 In contrast to whole fruit, intake of refined carbohydrate increases risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illness.

The response of food manufacturers has been to use artificial sweeteners as substitutes for sucrose, thus keeping the sweet taste without the calories. These include saccharin, acesulfame, aspartame, neotame, and sucralose. These synthetic substances are hundreds to

thousands of times more potent than sucrose and provide an intense sensation of sweetness in trace concentrations. The idea is that using these sweeteners will promote weight loss when substituted for calorie-containing products.

It’s a nice thought, but unfortunately overstimulation of sugar receptors, through frequent consumption of hyper-intense sweeteners, may cause taste preferences to be skewed in favour of sweet, with limited tolerance for more complex tastes. Individuals who habitually consume artificial sweeteners may find more satisfying but less intensely sweet foods (e.g., fruit) less appealing and unsweet foods (e.g., vegetables, legumes) less palatable. This has the effect of reducing overall diet quality in ways that might contribute to excessive weight gain.

Diet drinks, in particular, are the worst offenders. They have essentially no calories, unlike most artificially sweetened solid foods that typically contain other nutrients. In many cases, diet drinks are often consumed in the absence of other foods, providing the stimulating effects of sweet but lacking any calories or nutrients that lead to appetite satisfaction (satiety).

The concern is that there can be a disturbance of the mechanisms that regulate hunger and satiety. A study that looked at this effect found that rodents fed saccharin compared with those fed glucose had increased calorie intake, along with increased body weight. Another study found that when rodents were given the choice of intravenous cocaine or an oral saccharin solution, most animals, including those with prior cocaine exposure, selected the lever that dispensed saccharin over the lever that dispensed cocaine. The conclusion was that sweetness is incredibly addictive and may actually increase the desire for more sweet flavours.

So, we now have a situation where increasing concern about the health effects of refined sugar has driven a significant increase in the consumption of artificial sweeteners, especially in liquid form. Consider that regular consumers of diet drinks consume, on average, more than three 8-ounce servings per day.

Artificial sweeteners may indeed have a role to play in weight loss and blood sugar control. But for now, diet drinks may best be considered an aid in transitioning from high-calorie beverages to traditional, minimally sweetened beverages like water, mineral waters, teas, and coffee with no more than 1 gram of sugar per ounce (i.e., 2 teaspoons per 8-ounce cup). It’s important to recognize that sweet flavours, in the absence of fibre and other nutrients, can lead to increased craving for more sweet stimulation, resulting in increased calorie consumption.

You may want to give yourself a bit of a self-test and see how sweet other whole foods such as fruit taste to you. How about diluting juices, half water, half juice? Do you find these choices boring and flavourless? If you do, consider taking a week to cut out sweet flavours and see how you feel. Do you feel a bit irritable and cranky? After a week, try some of the fruits again and see if they taste different. You just might find that there’s more flavour than you remembered. n

!!!!!!

A new way of thinking about healthcare

!Dr. Chris Spooner ND - Melissa Spooner B.Sc. Nutrition Jen Bond RMT - Rhonda Rabuck B.Sc. MTC Counsellor

778.475.3822 paradigmnaturopathic.com

Dr. Chris Spooner is proud to announce the opening of…

#104 - 2802 30th Street, Vernon BC

Nutrition


Nutrition

Rainbow Salad with Herbed Vinaigrette

Makes: 8 servingsIngredients:

Vinaigrette:½ cup total: use any one of these: lemon juice, raw apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, coconut vinegar3 green onions or ¼ cup red onion, minced (or use a bunch of chives 1 clove of garlic, minced or crushed¼ cup nutritional yeast¼ cup of dulse, stripped into pieces¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes and/or dried sweet peppers1 tsp minced lime zest (optional)1 tsp real maple syrup¼ tsp Celtic or Himalayan salt¼ tsp cracked pepper¼ cup total: use any one of these: extra virgin olive oil, avocado, walnut, pumpkin seed or flax seed oil

Salad:8 cups assorted salad greens (look for the ‘wild’ varieties), torn apart into bite size piecescut up/grated veggies (color your plate): beets, radishes, red/yellow/green/orange peppers, and cucumbers

Directions:Whisk together all of the vinaigrette ingredients, except oil, in a bowl. Continue whisking while slowly drizzling in the oil. Season to taste. Just before serving, toss greens with just enough vinaigrette to lightly coat.

Here’s to Healthy EatingBy Michale Hartte, BASc (Nutr), NNCP, CH

This recipe was created to find a way to use the left over carrots and apples we seem to accumulate. This is the great thing about this recipe. It seemed to pull together everyday items all into one satisfying snack. This muffin recipe is very versatile. If you do not have any carrots, but have an excess of zucchini’s then just use extra zucchini’s. Same with the apples. If you have a family that eats more pears or even peaches, then feel free to make the exchange!

Makes about 12 medium sized muffins

Ingredients:½ a ripe banana1 apple, cored and cut into chunks1 ½ cups almond flour 2 tbsp coconut flour or Brad Kings VEGA Fibrelean1 carrot and 1 zucchini, grated¼ cup chia, hemp or flax seeds, (previously ground)¼ cup maple syrup, honey or 8 dates (pits removed)4 eggs¼ cup coconut butter1 serving of Brad Kings Whey protein powder1/3 of a cup filtered water1 tsp molasses (optional)½ tsp baking powder

1 heaping tablespoon carob (optional)½ tsp Celtic or Himalayan salt

Directions:Preheat oven to 350 °F.In a food processor, place all ingredients in and mix.Place parchment paper muffin cups into the muffin tin.Fill muffin cups about ¾ full. Bake for 30 minutes. To test for readiness, insert a toothpick into the middle of a muffin. If it comes out clean, it is ready.

Serve warm topped with organic butter. To reheat, cut in half and toast.

Carrot/Zucchini Nut Muffins

Kale Soup with Veggies

Makes: 6 – 8 servingsIngredients:

1 tbsp coconut oil1 large onion, minced2 carrots, finely chopped2 celery sticks, chopped1 cup zucchini, grated1yam, washed and finely chopped1 tomato, chopped2 cloves of garlic, crushed½ tsp mixture of: thyme, marjoram and/or basilPinch of freshly ground pepper (black)1 ½ tsp Celtic or Himalayan salt6 cups water1 bunch of kale or Swiss chard, finely chopped and stemmed¼ cup lemon or lime juice

Directions:In a stockpot, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, zucchini and yams; sauté, stirring often until tender (about 5 minutes). Add tomato, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. Add kale or Swiss chard to soup and cook until leaves are wilted and tender, about 5 minutes. Puree half of the soup and add it back in. Mix in lemon or lime juice.


We love our pets, particularly when they are behaving the way we want. But, just as with people, our pets are likely to show some behaviours that you

absolutely love, and a few you really don’t appreciate. All too often, people focus on the negative behaviours being displayed by their dog (or other pet), instead of focusing on the positive behaviours they want from their dog. They look to resolve the unwanted behaviour using traditional training techniques that impose physical punishment such as leash corrections or electric shock when bad behaviours are displayed. While this may stop the behaviour at that moment, it does not communicate to their dog the behaviour that is acceptable.

The first step of positive training begins with a change in a person’s point of view from a negative one: “I don’t want my dog to jump up on people when they come over” to a positive one: “I want my dog to welcome people politely.” Once you have identified the desired behaviour, the training can commence. Through the use of a tiny device known as a clicker, bad behaviours are extinguished, desired behaviours are learned, your relationship with your pet

is strengthened, and the fun of positive, lifelong learning begins!

So how does positive training work? Remember Pavlov’s dogs? Pavlov noticed that when he fed dogs they would salivate when food was presented. He then started to ring a bell before the food was presented and quickly noticed that the dogs would salivate upon hearing the bell in anticipation of the food that was to follow. The dogs learned to associate the sound of the bell with the presentation of food.

Clicker training works in a similar fashion, whereby animals learn to associate the sound of the click with receiving a reward. The clicker is used to make the precise moment your pet performs a desired behaviour with an identical sound each and every time. When this is followed with a reward, your pet will quickly learn to associate the click to receiving a reward and will be more eager to provide the desired behaviour necessary to acquire that click. Through repeated positive reinforcement of good behaviours, your pet will be motivated to continue to offer these behaviours.

How are undesired behaviours handled? With positive training, bad behaviours are diminished using negative punishment. Negative punishment means the removal of something desirable in order to reduce the bad behaviour. So to deal with the earlier example of the dog jumping up

By Shelly Korobanik

The Power of Positive Training

Make learning a fun experience, and both you and your dog will reap the rewards.

Quantum Healing Studio

Quantum-Touch® it’s the most simple and effective way to run energy with amazing results on

both people and animals

Brigitte Thom

2910 30th Ave. Vernon, BC 250.503.6493 [email protected]

www.facebook.com/QuantumHealingStudio

Pet Health


LOOKING FOR LOVE?

A pet will love you unconditionally

Help support our local not-for-profit animal welfare groups - provide a good home, volunteer or donate today!

Okanagan Health & Wellness Magazine / LMR Publishing

Pick up your copy of OHW Magazines’

PET Health Issue in localOkanagan Pet Stores

on people, when a dog jumps up, one would use negative punishment by removing one’s attention from the dog by turning away and ignoring him or her. In conjunction with this, one would click and reward when the dog’s feet were all on the floor or teach the dog an alternate, desired behaviour such as a sit, which is impossible to do while jumping. The dog will quickly learn that jumping up does not generate any reward, but the alternate behaviour (standing or sitting, in this example) resulted in a reward!

When it comes to learning, animals and people are quite similar. When learning is a fun and positive experience

instead of a punitive one, both animals and people are more engaged and willing to offer the desired behaviour, and a relationship of trust and mutual respect grows between the teacher and the student. Perhaps one of the most enjoyable aspects of clicker training is watching pets learn, seeing their “aha” moment when it all comes together for them, and knowing that they are responding to a request out of desire rather than fear of punishment.

Yes, positive training takes patience, but it is well worth it! There is nothing better than knowing that your dog will do what you ask because he or she has learned that good things happen – and will receive praise, a treat, a toy, or whatever it is that provides that positive reinforcement. Positive training leaves you and your dog feeling good! Sure, there can be some frustration as some dogs and/or handlers learn faster than others, but mainly there are smiles and wagging tails that solidify your relationship, based on mutual respect. The stage is set for a lifetime of fun, and that is the real power of positive training! n

Online version available at www.ohwmagazine.com

Pet Health


August 5 – 28: OKRDA’s OK Derby Dolls Fresh Meat recruitment camp. Practice times are listed on the Derby Doll’s Facebook page, Facebook event, and on osrda.org. Team meets twice weekly for 1-hour practices.

August 27 - 31: Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE), Armstrong. Meet the producers, marketers, suppliers, and distributors who put our food on the table. www.armstrongipe.com.

August 30 – 31: Kalamalka Classic Stand Up Paddleboard Festival. For more info or to register, visit www.kalamalkaclassic.com.

August 31: Summerland Sprint Triathlon and Kids of Steel Triathlon in Summerland. Visit www.oraswimclub.net for more information.

September 6: The Kelowna Wine Country Half Marathon, complete with a post-race wine and music festival. Visit http://destinationraces.com/runbc for more information.

September 6: The Parkinson SuperWalk takes place at Polson Park in Vernon. For more information contact Rhona at 250-308-8616.

September 6 & 7: The 14th Annual Penticton Dragon Boat Festival, Skaha

Lake Park, Penticton. For information, go to www.pentictondragonboat.com.

September 7: The Parkinson SuperWalk takes place at Waterfront Park in Kelowna. Contact Betty at 1-800-668-3330.

September 12: Prospera Credit Union’s Cinema Under the Stars takes place at Okanagan Lake Park in Penticton. For details visit www.prospera.ca/Community/ProsperaEvents/CinemaUnderTheStars/.

September 13: Prospera Credit Union’s Cinema Under the Stars takes place at Polson Park in Vernon. For details visit www.prospera.ca/Community/ProsperaEvents/CinemaUnderTheStars/.

September 13: The Parkinson SuperWalk takes place at McGuire Lake Park in Salmon Arm. Contact Doreen at 250-836-2509.

September 13: Salmon Arm Bike for Your Life Century Ride – a fun event that promotes a healthy lifestyle, family solidarity, and community involvement. Visit www.bikeforyourlife.com.

September 13 & 14: Last weekend of bonus riding at Silver Star Bike Park. Check out summer.skisilverstar.com for all the details.September 21: The Kidney Walk/Run in Penticton starts at Riverside Village. Visit www.kidney.ca/bcwalk to register.

September 21: Calling all mountain bikers to the Test of Humanity Race in Summerland. Choose from several categories and enter solo or as part of a team. Visit www.testofhumanity.com.

September 21: The Peak to Beak Run takes you from Knox Mountain to Quail’s Gate Winery in West Kelowna. For information go to www.freshair.bc.ca/fresh-events/run/peak-to-beak-18k.

September 28: The Campbell Mountain 8.2K run takes place in Penticton as the first in the fall 2014 Starting Block X-Country Race Series. Visit www.interiorrunningassociation.com.

If you’d like to submit an event, please email us at [email protected]. For a complete event listing, visit us at www.ohwmagazine.com.

Armstrong Farmers’ Market April – NovemberSaturdays: 8 am – noonArmstrong IPE Fairgrounds

Cherryville Farmers’ MarketApril to OctoberSaturdays: 9 am – 1 pmCherryville Artisans’ Shop, Hwy 6

Coldstream Farmers’ MarketAll year - Fridays: 2:30 pm – 6 pm9909 Kalamalka Road

Downtown Vernon Avenue MarketMay through SeptemberFridays: 4 pm – 7 pm30th Avenue, downtown Vernon

Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market April to OctoberWednesdays & Saturdays: 8 am – 1 pmDilworth Dr & Springfield Rd

Lake Country Farmers’ Market June 6 to September 26Fridays: 3 pm – 7 pm 10090 Bottom Wood Lake Road

Lumby Public MarketEnd of April to end of OctoberSaturdays: 9 am – 1 pmCommunity Park

Oliver Country Market A’Fair June to OctoberSaturdays: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Lions Park – Hwy 97NOsoyoos Market on Main – OsoyoosJune through AugustSaturdays: 8 am – 1 pmTown Square, Main St

Peachland Farmers’ & Crafters’ MarketMay to SeptemberSundays: 10 am – 2 pmHeritage Park, between Okanagan Lake and Beach Avenue

Penticton Farmers’ MarketMay through OctoberSaturdays: 8:30 am – noon100 Block Main Street

Summerland Farmers’ MarketApril through October (Tues)

July 4 to August 29 (Fri)Tuesdays: 9 am – 1 pmFridays: 5 pm – 9 pmMemorial Park, Wharton Street

Vernon Farmers’ MarketApril through OctoberMondays & Thursdays: 8 am – 1 pmKal Tire Place, 43rd Avenue

Westbank Farmers’ MarketJuly to mid-SeptemberSaturdays: 9 amWestridge Shopping Centre, Main Street/Elliott Road

West Kelowna Outdoor MarketSaturdays: 8 am – 1 pm2466 Main Street

Upcoming Community Events

September is…Breakfast for Learning Month

Childhood Cancer Awareness MonthMen’s Cancer Health Awareness

MonthNational Arthritis Month

Ovarian Cancer Awareness MonthProstate Cancer Awarness Month

Take Time to Visit the Local Farmers Markets

OHW Magazine

Helping you be the best you can be...

Okanagan Health & Wellness Magazine is a

lifestyle magazine devoted to providing readers

with local information on health and wellness.

Our goal is to inspire readers to improve their

wellbeing, achieve their goals and become their

vision of the best they can be. Our editorial

is fresh and inspiring, providing readers with

information on natural and alternative health and

wellness, food and nutrition information, exercise

and fitness tips, mind, body and spiritual health,

pet health and much more - all with a local flair!

www.ohwmagazine.comDon’t miss our Fall Issue

coming October 2014

summer 2014 ohw magazine

Documents