Omega Oils: Essentials for Everyone

Good health to you! Tina Foster, RHN Essential Remedies

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to health, and must be consumed because the body cannot make them on it’s own. Benefits include cardiovascular health, eyesight, brain function, immunity, and so much more! This most potent source is from fatty fish like salmon, mackeral, sardines, and anchovies. You would have to eat these regularly to get a sufficient amount, so it’s a great idea to supplement. For vegetarians, you can get smaller amounts omega 3s from flax, chia, and hemp seeds. These plant type of omega still need to be converted in the body from ALA form into the EPA/DHA form that is ideal for its antiinflammotory benefits, and especially for the brain development and maintenance aspects. Along with eating these wonderfully nutritious seeds, you can take algae oil(which is what the fish eat that actually makes their body so rich in omega3 EPA/DHA).

Fortunately for everyone, there is both a high-quality fish oil or an algae supplement available. Nature’s way is made in Canada, non-gmo, certified free from heavy-metal checked, and has the ‘Friends of the Sea’ ethical alliance stamp. Contains all natural preservation ingredients like rosemary and green tea extract, and no harmful chemicals or flavourings. They also make a few algae only derived formulas, that are even more bioavailable, eco-friendly, and better for the fishies. Sealicious is another popular Canadian brand that also carries the ‘IFOS’ stamp. All formulas are natural and very potent, so you need only take a small amount daily.

Some of our popular formulas on the shelf:

1. Arthritis - featuring an extra potent fish oil from anchovies. High EPA for its inflammation fighting benefit, as well as brain essential DHA. Available in softgels.

2. Dry Eye - This is a formula that is a blend of various rich fish oils, along with the beneficial evening primrose oil and borage oil- which are the sources of antiinflammatory GLA fatsexcellent for its skin helping benefit, moisturizing from the inside out, greatly assisting eye health, skin disorders or just dryness of all mucous membranes. Available in liquid or capsules.

3. Sealicious - Raspberry Lemonade, Tropical, or Tangerine Lime liquids, or lemon capsules containing also added vitamin D.

4. NutraVege - this is the plant-based superstar for all the vegetarians and vegans out there. Derived from the primosource of Omega 3, Algae of the sea. Available in extra-strength orange-cranberry liquid, lemon liquid, or capsules.

5. Prenatal - while all quality fish or algae oil is a must for a developing fetus, this one is particularly geared for pregnancy for its extra-high DHA content (which is the component of Omega3 vital for brain development). and.....this one is also sourced from algae! So it is suitable for all pregnant and breastfeeding women!!

Essential Remedies

141 Craig St, Duncan 250 748-9632 www.essentialremedies.ca

Cremation & Reception Centre-Duncan by Arbor Memorial

Janice Winfrey

Funeral Director tel: 250-746-5212 • fax:250-746-7034 sandsfuneral.com/duncan email:sandsduncan@arbormemorial.com

187 Trunk Road, Duncan, British Columbia V9L 2P1

Pacific Pearl Dental Hygiene Clinic

Pacific Pearl dental hygiene clinic opened its doors to provide a service that has been long overdue. To help families with a more efficient and affordable way to care for their teeth. “We recognized a need.” shares dental hygienist and coowner Ricki Weissbach “People just want to have their teeth cleaned without the pressure and anxiety that the dental office brings. Without the huge wait times and extra fees associated with exams and x-rays.”

Professional teeth cleaning is an important step to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. While brushing and flossing every day is key, regular visits with a hygienist are necessary to inspect gums for tarter and plaque build up which can lead to gum disease. When left unchecked, gum disease also known as periodontitis can lead to early tooth loss.

This busy clinic located in the heart of Ladysmith has three hygienists on staff to serve you. With almost 30 years of experience between them, all are licensed with independent licences (degree equivalent plus the dental hygiene diploma). Their services cater to all ages and they strive to provide gentle and efficient treatment and offer a flexible schedule which includes evenings and weekend appointments. No dental exam needed to book in. “We take all families and can help parents navigate the government subsidies in regards to dental programs for children under 12 years of age (Universal Dental Care).”

“We are essentially a teeth cleaning spa”. smiles Ricki “Experienced dental hygienists doing thorough gentle cleanings. Cleanings takes place in a low stress environment without the sounds of drills or smells of a dental office.” The fees are lower because Pacific Pearl is only billing for the teeth cleaning, not the exams or x-rays which incur the extra fees. If concerns do come up, they refer their clients to their dentists for additional check ups. Accepting new patients and all insurance coverage plans. Ask about their senior and student discounts. 740 First Avenue, Ladysmith (above the library) 250 802-2812 www.pacificpearl.ca

Spring Tips for Nurturing Soil Microbes

LuckMacGregor Certified Soil Food Web Laboratory Technician

Withthe spring warmth comes that sense of shift in energy and vitality, like something inside us is unfurling. Soil microbes also undergo this transformation, emerging from dormancy to partner again with aboveground life. Plants need both energy and nutrients to unfurl themselves - with the sun and air comes that energy, and with the microbes come those nutrients. Nature has a fabulous strategy, but unfortunately most of us are dealing with degraded soils. How can we help this little micro-herd, and thus our plants? How do we encourage their optimal numbers, balance, and functioning? Humbly, to begin with, as we expand our knowledge. The main principles mirror those used in regenerative agriculture – a way of growing that enhances and improves soil health versus further degrading it over time, as many current practices do.

1. No till. Tilling/plowing/ digging over the soil chops, slices and dices beneficial fungi and bacteria bloom under these conditions, releasing organic matter and greenhouse gasses. If few microbes are in your soil then perhaps you might find a compost teaming with them and gently rake it in, or till it in one last time (this may be necessary if you are dealing with compaction). Apply a layer of good compost every spring, and plant directly into that.

2. Cover bare soil. Prone to compaction and moisture loss, bare soil is difficult for microbes. They need water and air! Microbes also need fuel, which they get from organic matter (a minimum of 3%) and root exudates. Maximise living roots with low-growing, perennial (preferably native) ground cover plants with a preference for a fungal to bacterial ratio that is the same as the crop you want to grow. You get year-round soil cover and food for the right microbes! The next best choice would be mulches. Think about your mulch… do you want to feed the fungi, or the bacteria? What does your plant need most?

3. Diversity, diversity, diversity! The more diverse the plants in your main crops and your ground cover, the more diverse the microbes who are getting their needs met below, and the more diverse the nutrients that ultimately make it into you. Research which plants grow well together, and experiment.

Happy unfurling, y’all.