Dejardins Financial Security Independent

Network

The Dejardins Financial Security Independent Network Excellence Awards took place on January 7, 2023. DFSIN continued its tradition by recognizing the hard work and dedication of all its employees. Thus a special evening was organized in their honour.

Concord Pacific

Darpan Cruiser In Your City was at Concord Pacific Developments Inc’s Metrotown Centre Concord Pacific Metrotown Centre to celebrate their “Homes for the Holidays” promotion launch. The event showcased several real estate projects for Burnaby, Surrey, and Richmond, highlighting unique features of the various buildings.

Consulate General India Vancouver

Consulate General of India in Vancouver hosted an annual get together of mainstream ethnic media from the Vancouver area. Discussions focused on Govt of India’s achievements and policies, India’s G20 Presidency, AKAM & Consulate activities, trade, and investment opportunities, bilateral developments and the role of the Indian diaspora at large.

By Shweta Kulkarni

Mood disorders, anxiety and depression are very common today and surprisingly one of the root causes for it is nutritional deficiencies. Read below to know how improper nutrition can impact your mental health.

Ever experienced a strange unexplained moodiness and sadness? Or noticed a sudden lack of energy and drop in motivation?

Well, you may not be in need of any mood-uplifting antidepressants, rather it could be that you are missing out on some essential nutrients. One can’t refute the fact that food plays a crucial role when it comes to our mental health, yet far too often we overlook the importance of proper nutrition in favour of quick, convenient meals that offer little in the way of nutritional value. From Omega-3 fatty acids to iron, a lack of certain vitamins and minerals can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Hence, taking the time out to identify and address our nutritional deficiencies can be an important step towards improving our mental health and overall well-being. Here’s a look at some of the important nutritional deficiencies that could be impacting your mental health and mood.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation and play a crucial role in proper brain functioning. Studies have shown that dietary deficiencies of omega-3 fatty acids can not only cause anxiety but also increase the risk of developing various psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and autism. So, what’s the best way to ensure that you don’t fall short on this essential mineral? Well, load your plates with fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines whenever possible. Vegetarians don’t need to stress, as these healthy fats can be found in walnuts, flaxseed and chia seeds as well.

Iron

The role of iron in our physical health is well established, however, its role in our mental health is increasingly becoming evident now. While iron is needed for the production of red blood cells and regulating oxygen transport around the body and to the brain, it also helps to create feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. An iron deficiency can lead to symptoms similar to depression, and extremely low energy levels. Hence it is important to keep your iron levels up-to-date. And what better way to do that than by consuming more iron-rich foods such as spinach, pumpkin seeds and tofu. It’s important to note that iron from plant-based foods is not as easily absorbed as that found in meat, so vegans and vegetarians may need to take a supplement. However, do consult your doctor before starting any supplements.

Folate

Folate is a B vitamin that is needed for the production of neurotransmitters, the chemicals in the brain, which play a vital role in regulating our mood and energy levels. Then obviously a folate deficiency can affect your mental health and mood and increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Again food is the key to maintaining proper folate levels in the body. Folate is found in foods such as spinach, broccoli, asparagus, avocado, and eggs. A lot of the foods that contain folate are also high in saturated fat. This means that people who are on a low-fat diet may have to take an extra supplement.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is renowned for providing some incredible health benefits, including maintaining a healthy nervous system. A deficiency of Vitamin B12 can cause neurological and psychiatric problems, which can further lead to irritability, changes in personality, depression, and memory loss. Low levels of Vitamin B12 can also worsen depression and anxiety issues. Vitamin B12 is found in foods such as salmon, liver, eggs, and fortified cereals. Vitamin B12 is not absorbed as well from plant-based foods, which means that vegans and vegetarians may need to supplement with a higher dose.

Zinc

If you are facing strange and sudden mood swings, chances are you have a Zinc deficiency. Zinc is a mineral, which is crucial for our immune system and the health of our nervous system. Clinical studies have found that patients suffering from depression have low zinc levels and low levels of this mineral are one of the primary causes of clinical depression. Low zinc levels can also lead to irritability, emotional instability, and induced deficits in social behaviour. The best way to give a boost to zinc levels in our body is by ensuring that we consume zinc-rich foods like oysters, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and spinach. Zinc supplements are also available in pharmacies, however, like any other supplements, it is recommended to consult your doctor before

Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency can be a big problem as it is an essential mineral, which is needed for many bodily functions including our mental health. Magnesium is important for the formation of neurotransmitters, which impact our mood and mental health. It’s also needed for the production of energy and the regulation of blood sugar. A magnesium deficiency can lead to feelings of fatigue, as well as feelings of anxiety and depression. Almonds, spinach, and avocado are good sources of magnesium, which should be included in our diet regularly.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is responsible for the production of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine, it also aids hormonal balance, hence it plays a vital role in the regulation of our moods, immune system and nervous system. Vitamin D deficiency is linked with depression, mild Alzheimer’s, altered sleep patterns, mood issues, and fatigue. While sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D for our body, vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods such as egg yolk, fatty fish, red meat and mushrooms.

Iodine

Iodine is a mineral that is needed for healthy mental and physical development. An iodine deficiency can lead to an increase in mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It’s also important for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which can lead to a decreased metabolism and low energy levels. You can get iodine by using an iodine-enriched salt or by eating foods such as fish, dried seaweed, eggs, shrimp, and dairy products.

Calcium

Since we were kids, we have heard that calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth. But apart from being a vital nutrient for our bone health, calcium levels in our body also have a major impact on our mental health. Calcium deficiency can often lead to feelings of anxiety and depression as well as an increased risk of mood disorders. Calcium is found in foods such as dairy products and broccoli.

Disclaimer: Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you are on prescription drugs.

Discover your best complexion by ditching old skin cells

f you’re wondering how to achieve brighter, smoother, clearer, softer, glowier skin, it’s really quite simple: Exfoliation. Incorporating this “

The best time to exfoliate is in the evening. Skin does need to recover, that is why you should not use these products daily.”

Dr. Jason Rivers, Certified Dermatologist & Founder, Riversol Skincare

step into your beauty routine is the optimum way to reveal your best complexion. “When we’re babies, the dead skin cells at the top layers of our skin slough off easily; as we age, that function slows,” explains Jean Godfrey-June, Beauty Director at goop. “That’s why babies’ skin looks so beautiful: dead skin cells that stick to skin leave it looking uneven and dull, and the cells themselves can clog pores. And skin treatments—even just plain moisturizer—have a harder time getting into skin to do their work when dead skin cells, dirt, and debris are in the way.”

Exfoliation helps to open pores which helps to reduce acne breakouts, says Dr. Jason Rivers, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Riversol skin care brand. Other benefits of exfoliation, Rivers says, are a reduction in uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. It can also produce collagen stimulation.

“The mild disruption of the skin barrier will also allow other agents (e.g. serums) to penetrate the skin to some degree, potentially enhancing their benefits,” Rivers explains. Certainly, the reduction in surface skin cells from the upper most layers of the skin (stratum corneum) will make the skin smoother which makes the skin appear brighter and allows for the more even application of makeup.”

There are two ways to approach exfoliation: using a scrub which has small particles that work to “scrub” away the dead cells or a chemical product that lifts them away.

“Physical exfoliants— anything from a washcloth to a scrub containing beads or small granules that you massage into your skin manually—use grit or texture to sweep away the top layer of cells,” Godfrey-June says. “They can feel really nice on skin—or can be too intense, depending on the product and your skin. The only real downside is using irregularly-shaped particles (think the really harsh apricot-kernel-type scrubs of

By Michele Marko

the ‘90s) can cause micro tears in skin, which can disturb the skin’s natural barrier.”

Chemical exfoliators, which are acids, help to dissolve the bonds holding skin cells together, Rivers says. The most common ones are alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), beta hydroxy acid (BHA), and polyhydroxy acid (PHA) or fruit-derived ones.

So how to choose the right one for your skin? Rivers says chemical exfoliators are generally safe to use on dry to normal skin but recommends for those with sensitive skin, “a test area should be tried first before using the product over large areas of skin.” If the skin reacts negatively, rinse it off immediately.

For acne-prone and oily skin, Godfrey-June says both physical and chemical exfoliation can work. “If you get breakouts often, use chemical exfoliators to fight the oil and acne from a deeper level in the skin. AHA and BHA acids (like salicylic, lactic, and glycolic) will be most effective. Use a physical exfoliator—one with fine, even particles—and avoid abrasive physical exfoliators with harsh grains.”

For sensitive skin she suggests a PHA chemical exfoliant, which is gentler on skin than AHAs or BHAs, “or a mild, gentle, even-particled physical exfoliant will efficiently remove dead skin cells but are less likely to irritate skin.” Once your skin is acclimated, you can slowly introduce AHAs and BHAs and stronger physical exfoliants to your regimen. AHAs, she says, work well for dry skin and if you experience any stinging, just rinse the product off, and adds that physical exfoliants or a combination of both can also be effective.

“The best time to exfoliate is in the evening,” advises Rivers. “Skin does need to recover, that is why you should not use these products daily.” He suggests only exfoliating your skin two to three times a week but if you have very dry or sensitive skin, it should be limited to once a week. After exfoliation, Rivers says apply a serum and/or a moisturizer but advised not to use “any toners as this will reduce surface oils further and could lead to skin irritation.”

Godfrey-June advises that you ensure that your moisturizer doesn’t contain any exfoliant ingredients like Vitamin C which is a mild exfoliant. It shouldn’t be used after exfoliating with strong products. “And even if you’re using it after exfoliating with less-powerful products, watch how your skin reacts.”

Exfoliating makes skin more sensitive to sun exposure, so wearing a sunscreen is vital to both protecting your skin and avoiding any irritation. “If you don’t wear it, you’re undoing all the benefits you just gained with exfoliation.” Godfrey-June says.

Make a Great first impression

By Shweta Kulkarni

Attention fashionistas! Get ready to build on to your wish list, because the must-have fashion trends for 2023 have been unveiled! And the good news is, this year’s trends certainly don’t disappoint. From bold and vibrant colours to eco-friendly clothing to a return to 50s style, there are a lot of possibilities for what we’ll be wearing in the coming year. So, read on to know all about the hottest trends that shall reign in 2023, and stay ahead of the fashion curve this year.

2023 is about vibrancy. And designers across the globe have made it clear that the bold and vibrant colour trend from last year is here to stay in 2023 as well. Expect to see a mix of bold colours such as purple, red or neon shades. Shades of pink will be ruling and should be your go-to colour if you wish to make a statement. Popular trending pieces like super-sized hoodies, bold coats, oversized blazers, dresses in loud colours will dominate the fashion universe in 2023. So, hug your bright clothes dearly this year as well.