Is Your Calcium Source Right For You? by Norm Danniels, Canadian Nutritional Specialists.

Calcium has long been considered the ‘bone building’ supplement, but is beneficial to our bodies in far more ways. Bone density and formation, blood circulation, healing, muscular contraction, energy production, vitality, brain function, and the central nervous system all rely on calcium.  It is one of the most critically important minerals to the human body. The difficulties associated with consuming enough calcium are compounded by depletion in our bodies.  Almost as quickly as you take it in, it is depleted, making constant replenishment of
your body’s calcium supply vital to your health.  The importance of calcium cannot be overstated.  Here are some of the contributing factors to calcium depletion..... [ click here to read full article ]

Why is it that the most important issue (your health) never gets addressed until you are sick? If you are aware of the warning signs, the "little" symptoms that can lead to larger health problems, you can head off disaster. Prevention is far less costly than disaster recovery - physically, emotionally, and financially. Let's learn to read the signs and take heed when our body starts to warn us of impending ill health. Many of us don't know the "subtle" warning signals we experience on a daily basis. If we only temporarily relieve the symptom and don't get to the root cause of it, it WILL escalate and cause further damage to your body.... [ click here to read full article ]

Mediation empowers families to resolve conflict and negotiate separation agreement terms in a non- violent, collaborative way. A Mediator keeps the parties on task.  A Mediator will also ensure that you are heard and that you hear what you are saying which may have a profound affect on your thinking and way of resolving the dispute in a creative way that you never thought possible. A Mediator is a good listener. Through this listening process, parties can get to the root causes of their difficulty and begin to build a common ground on which to mutually and beneficially resolve their matter of dispute. [ click here to read full article ]

We all know that with the change in seasons comes cooler weather and the possibility of cold or ‘flu.
The following are some tips to help get you through the ‘flu season! such a vitamin C, ginger, garlic
and other herbs. During illness: If your body is hollering at you, get it back on track by increasing your intake of garlic. The best way to take large amounts of raw garlic is by making homemade garlic toast. Here are a few tips to keeping your immune system boosted by....[ click here to read full article ] This article also has some great recipes!

Fruit and vegetables are very alkalising, which is the opposite of acidic, like many of the foods we eat – meat, sugar, most grains, caffeine and proteins .Stress has an acidic effect on the body too, so as we need to be in a slightly alkaline state to function best. Fresh juices, preferably freshly made, can help to protect us against the ravages of the modern world and make the diet as a whole more balanced........[To Read More]

It is a good idea to get to know and understand the Glycemic Index, because choosing foods with a low GI rating more often than choosing those with a high GI may help you to: •  Control your blood glucose levels •  Control your cholesterol levels •  Control your appetite •  Lower your risk of getting heart disease •  Lower your risk of getting type 2 diabetes....... [Read More]

Just posted:

Nov 12:  Nov 19: Nov 26: 2008
FREE Lunch and Learn Seminars with chiropractor Dr. Cary Yurkiw
Nov 12: Aging and Arthritis: Can arthritis be helped?
Nov 19: Six Truths about Whiplash: How can it be helped?
Nov 26: Do you have 20 minutes for a better back? Quick tips for relief. Penticton Okanagan Wellness Centre

Nov 28, 29, 30, 2008
Weekend Body Imagine
This is a Weekend Workshop that coaches women to balance and integrate the physical, mental, emotional and creative elements of body image. The program provides the opportunity to acknowledge and release limiting beliefs and behaviours, and to create a structure for self care and support. You will leave the weekend with a clear plan for using the support and tools to actualize a healthy and balanced lifestyle.  Penticton Okanagan Wellness Centre

February 17 to the 20th 2009
Infant Massage Instructor Training Course
This intensive training is led by Francoise Lefebvre, a certified Infant massage Instructor for the IAIM. This four days intensive training session covers an extensive curriculum. It is a careful blend of theory, practice and learning experience allowing for academic advancement, self-discovery and fun. This course is designed for nurses, physiotherapists, massage therapists, childcare educators and anyone demonstrating aptitude and willingness to promote infant massage. The certification process allows participants to teach infant massage to parents and caregivers and to give lectures. Kelowna

Enter here or below

August to October Contest. --------------Congratulations to all the winners of our last OK In Health`s contests:
Raven Holland, Lumby, - Eileen Nielsen, Vancouver Island,- Rhea Niehe, Penticton, - Lisa Lungal – Kelowna - Abby Koop, Falkland - Patrika Watkinson, Westbank - Christine Walters, Kelowna, - Corina Destree, Kelowna, - Sharyn Morris, Vernon - Angie Rachkowski, Kelowna, - April Ingram, Kelowna, - Darlene Allmark, Kelowna, - Ingrid Crook, Oliver,- Leslie Lauer, OKanagan Falls, Sonja Filipovic, Penticton - Sheila Stephenson, Penticton - Denise Prozny, Peachland, - Mary Berlie, Naramata - LorRaine Armstrong, Okanagan Falls - Cari Main, Penticton - Sue Ann Squires Penticton - Pamela Shelly, Kelowna, - Celeste Hayne, Summerland - Trina Olsen, Lumby - Sharron Morrow, Penticton , Lynn Barry, Kelowna,- Bethany Sutton, Kaleden - Amy Moreau, Red Deer, Alberta - Nicole Wiker, Sundre, Alberta.

Click here for Comments from previous contest winners

Win a Free Treatment:

1. Vancouver & All Areas
   One free 30 min Lemurian Oracle Reading with Sharon Taphorn from Playing With the Universe.
2. All Areas
   One free Distance Journeying for Power Animal Retrieval session by Dawn Dancing Otter (reading by phone or interent).
   
   
3. Kelowna and area
   One free one hour Quantum Biofeedback session ($60 value) with Marie-Jeanne Fenton at Energy Balance. (What is Quantum Biofeedback?)
4. Kelowna
   One free a Shiatsu treatment from Rite-Way Health with Marie Sperling.
5. Kelowna
   One free consultation in the area of Family Mediation with Cathay at Gibson & Associates Mediation.
6. Kelowna
   One free Feldenkrais session (regular fee $65) with Sandra Bradshaw, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner [ See upcoming workshops & What is Feldenkrais -Article]
7. Kelowna
   One free Reiki Treatment at Holistic Choices with Preben.
8. Kelowna,
   Win a free European lymph drainage massage with aromatherapy or Deep tissue massage with Larry Petty at Natural Sense Aromatherapy.
9. Kelowna
   One free pass to One Free Charka Yoga Class with Aunaray at flowering Consciousness, Kelowna.
10. Kelowna
    One free Reiki Treatment at Relax and Revive, with Kathy Collins. in Kelowna.
    
    
11. Penticton
    One free workshops pass to Homeopathic First Aid with Katharina Riedener. Come and explore homeopathy. November 22nd [ more details] This contest closes on Nov 10th.
12. Penticton
    One free 1.5 hrs Organic Facial Treatment (value $69) at Daydream Esthetics Studio - A Holistic Approach with Deanna Klan. Using only organic / chemical free products ( hemp oil, seabuckthorn... by nature's bounty)
13. Penticton
    One free first time Homepathic consultation with Katharina Riedener
14. Penticton
    One Free Reflexology treatment at Christina's Holistic Centre, with Christina Ince
    
15. Penticton
    One free Aqua-Chi detox footbath session (regular fee $30)at Christina's Holistic Centre, with Christina Ince.
16. Penticton
    One Free Reiki treatment at Christina's Holistic Centre, with Christina Ince.See previous contest winner feedback
    
17. Penticton
    One free session - hypnosis, or psychological, or energy work, communication with your body and/or talk therapy. Joy Green, Psychologist
    
18. Penticton
    Win 1 of 2 "Every Drop Counts" T-Shirts - Donated by City Of Penticton`s Water Conservation Department
    
19. Penticton
    One free Tarot Card Reading with Norma Cowie
    
20. Summerland
    One Free Energy Reflex testing/health consultation with Summerland Reflexology with Denise DeLeeuw Blouin (What is ERT?)
21. Osoyoos
    One free Reiki Session at Yin Yang Chi Healing with Donna Phalen
22. Osoyoos to Penticton
    One free Pet treatment at 'Colour Me Healthy' with Linda Buhler. See previous contest winner feedback
    
    Discount Gift Card
    
23. Kelowna - 50% discount on the "Room to Write" on-line workshop which has a value of $85.00 by Annette Erickson, at Inner Pathways. 
24. Kelowna - Receive a $80.00 discount towards an In-Home Workshop (topic of your choice) with Sherri Mogenson at Passionate Living Services
25. Penticton - Receive a $25.00 off discount for one-day private massage training for a couple (value $100) at Christina's Holistic Centre, with Christina Ince.
26. Vernon - One $25.00 off discount for a Healing Touch Treatment at Maya Healing Centre with Shirley Pretty
    
    Workshop Contests - [ See upcoming workshops ]
27. Alberta Receive a $25.00 discount towards Angelic Healing workshops with Instructor Pamela Shelly at Mastering Wellness.
28. Alberta Receive a $25.00 discount towards Conscious Parenting workshops with Reiki Master/Instructor Pamela Shelly at Mastering Wellness.
    
29. Kelowna Receive a $25.00 discount towards Angelic Healing workshops with Instructor Pamela Shelly at Mastering Wellness. See previous contest winner feedback
30. Kelowna Receive a $25.00 discount towards Consciuos Parenting workshops with Instructor Pamela Shelly at Mastering Wellness .
31. Penticton Receive a $25.00 discount towards Reiki Level 1 & Level 2 classes, with Reiki Master/Teacher Christina Ince at Christina's Holistic Centre, Penticton, BC.

Enter here

www.okinhealth.com/about/Contest_BC.html

New quick & easy entry forms - submit one form only

Check out OK in Health's complete Practitioners Directory - click here

Horizon Homeopathic

Help your body heal itself... Homeopathy uses natural remedies both to help the body heal itself and be free of disease as well as helping the immune system perform at it's optimum. Having studied in England, I now live in the beautiful Okanagan and practice from my home on the Westside of Kelowna. Contact Sara Fitzharris at Horizon Homeopathic
250 769 7280 or sarafitzharris@aol.com Website: www.horizonhomeopathic.com

Gibson and Associates Mediation: - An Holistic practice of Family Mediation and Reiki.

   REIKI energy flows where it is needed with the intention to heal. If you have energy blockages due to unresolved stress or tension, this  non-invasive therapy can help.
FAMILY MEDIATION is a community-based practice empowering people
to resolve conflict and negotiate separation agreement terms in
a non- violent, collaborative way. A parenting plan is included. [see contests]
An Holistic Practice of Family Mediation and Reiki is a compassionate  process
of conflict resolution for coping with separation & divorce,enabling the body & mind, to restore balance & make key decisions in an empathetic, integrative environment.
Cathay  Gibson, M.A. Candidate Ph.D ---------------------------Reiki Master/Teacher, Kathy Collins
cathay@shaw.ca (250) 763-5636- ------ BBBBernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC --- - -  250-763-5997 kathycee@shaw.ca

Certified Quantum Biofeedback Specialist

The LIFE System is an advanced Quantum Biofeedback device designed to scan the body for individual reaction to thousands of compounds in a matter of minutes, and then provides corrective biofeedback to help bring the body back into balance. Address your pain, fatigue, disease, and release stressors in your energy flow. Marie-Jeanne Fenton - offers Quantum Biofeedback Treatments, also certified inTouch for Health, Reiki, Quantum Touch, & EFT. Contact Energy Balance in Kelowna. Click here for Email address or Website or (250) 862- 5121. See article: What is Quantum Biofeedback?

Sole 2 Soul

Offers wellness services that specialize in: Reflexology treatments, Relaxation massage,
Infrared sauna therapy, Nutrition counseling, and Detox foot spa service . The practitioner is: a certified reflexologist, has training in relaxation massage and is a nutritionist. The studio is located in Vernon.
Contact Nora Donovan-Ward at 250-488-5107 or 250 545-2474 or click here for email address-------------

Need a novel idea for a Christmas Gift ?
Find a luxury therapy, relaxing treatment, or a inspiring workshop to delight your Loved One! Request an Gift Voucher from one of our many practitioners or workshop organizers.
Check out OK in Health's complete Practitioners Directory - click here

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup quick cooking oats, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp cinnamon, 1 cup chocolate chips,
½ cup raisins, 1 cup margarine, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 8 oz can Baked Beans in molasses, mashed.

Instructions Preheat oven to 350 F. In bowl, combine dry ingred including raisins. Cream margarine, add sugar & mix well. Continue mixing while adding eggs & vanilla. Stir in beans thoroughly. Add ½ of dry ingred and mix with spoon until well blended. Add remaining ingred & mix. Drop by 2 tsp portions onto lightly greased or nonstick pan. Bake 14-16 minutes or until lightly browned Yield: 5 doz.

Snack on a quarter-cup of pumpkin seeds and you will receive 46.1% of the daily value for magnesium, 28.7% of the DV for iron, 52.0% of the DV for manganese, 24.0% of the DV for copper, 16.9% of the DV for protein, and 17.1% of the DV for zinc.

To clean: Separate the pumpkin seeds from the stringy membrane of a freshly carved pumpkin.
Rinse the pumpkin seeds in a colander, until they are free of any membrane matter.
Dry with paper towels.
To roast or toast: Coat 1/2 cup of seeds with 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon seasoning of your choice. NOTE: You can use any seasoning blend you like. Adjust the amount to your taste buds. Place in 250 degree F. oven for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. They are done when they are light brown in the toasted.
Additional seasoning ideas:
Try additional seasonings on your pumpkin seeds: Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and garlic salt are some of the many possibilities. Storing:  Store baked pumpkin seeds in an airtight container.

How to Roasted Almonds

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Rub the butternut squash with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then place it in a shallow roasting dish to bake for one hour. After it is finished roasting, let it cool enough for you to comfortably work with it. Slice the roasted squash in half. Use a spoon to scoop out seeds and remove the peel. Put starchy flesh into a large bowl and mash it well.
Heat remaining olive oil in a medium to large-sized pot. Cook onions in oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until onions are tender and translucent. Add mashed butternut squash and cook together with onions for another couple of minutes, stirring the squash and onions together. Add water or vegetable broth to the mix, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Transfer entire soup, in batches if necessary, into a food processor or blender and process until it becomes creamy and smooth.

Transfer processed soup back to pot, then add vanilla, sea salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to incorporate vanilla and seasoning.
Just before serving, scatter chopped fresh cilantro over each bowl. Add a few avocado slices to the top of each bowl. Just before serving add cilantro. from steve

Here is an easy recipe for bars that you can also give to your animals.

DEACON BUDDY BARS
2 cups dried fruit, unsulphured 1 cup raw, shelled pecans
1 cup shredded coconut
4 tbsp fruit juice

Would you like a Raw foods information page on OK in Health - email OKinHealth

Put ingredients in a food processor (be sure you don't use raisins if your cats or dogs will be eating this too).
Blend well and push into an 8" square glass pan. Refrigerate to firm, and then cut into square or other shapes. Keep refrigerated.
Makes about 9 - 2-1/2" bars. Choose dried fruits that are unsulphured as many people and pets are sensitive to these additives which have been linked to allergic reactions, asthma, and bowel disorders. They may be slightly less appealing to the eye (colour may be darker), but the flavour will still be good. Store dried fruit in an airtight container in the refrigerator. From Maureen from Sound & Energy Awareness.

Ingredients:
5 medium apples
5 wooden craft sticks
3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 package (14 ounces) caramels, unwrapped
1 tablespoon water

Preparation:
Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. Wash and dry apples; insert wooden sticks into stem ends. Place nuts in shallow dish. Combine caramels and water in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until caramels are melted. Dip apples, 1 at a time, into caramel mixture, turning to cover completely. Remove excess caramel mixture by scraping apple bottoms across rim of saucepan.

Roll bottom half of apples in walnuts. Place on prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate at least 15 minutes. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate decoratively over apples. Refrigerate 10 minutes or until chocolate is firm. Wrap apples individually; store in refrigerator.

Prep Time: 20 minutes, plus cooling

• 2 cups hazelnuts, soaked overnight - 1 cup parsley, finely chopped - 4 stalks celery, finely chopped - 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice - 2 tsp Celtic salt - dash of cayenne and/or nutmeg

Process hazelnuts and celery in a mini food processor with 'S' blade until finely chopped; transfer to a bowl. Combine with remaining ingredients and mix well. Serve with flax crackers, on bed of lettuce, or in a wrap with romaine leaf and veggies.
Serves 4-6. From Maureen Terrey,Vernon.

Healing Rooms for Rent:- Call for Accredited Practitioners Okanagan Wellness Centre, a professional clinic in Penticton designed for full time and part time practitioners, is now accepting applications. Benefits include full-time reception, waiting room, on-site laundry, kitchen, training room, marketing and flexible scheduling. If you are looking for a professional space to greet and treat your clients, call Nora at 493-7356 or email owc@shaw.ca

For Sale: - La Fuma Zero Gravity Recliner Lounge Chairs and Faulkner Recliner Chairs, Reflexology T-Shirts, Maseur Massage Sandals, Reflexology Foot, Hand & Ear Charts, Books, DVD and self-help tools... www.pacificreflexology.com (604) 875-8818 or 1 (800) 688-9748

For Rent:- Seminar Room and Healing Rooms for Rent in Vancouver - Pacific Institute of Reflexology, 535 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver (604) 875-8818 or 1 (800) 688-9748

NO MORE VITAMIN PILLS - WE SHRUNK YOUR VITAMINS…!!!
  JUST FORGET ALL THE VITAMIN PILLS – ALL YOU NEED IS ONE OUNCE. THE ULTIMATE IN VITAMINS, MINERALS AND ENZYMES IS HERE… FORWARD-THINKING NANOTECHNOLOGY ENSURES YOUR CELLS IMMEDIATELY ABSORBS IT ALL. NEVER WASTE YOUR MONEY AGAIN!!! TAKE A MINUTE AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER…www.nomorevitamins.com

Enviro Website Promotes Reuse “Don’t chuck it; give it away!”
Do you have items you’d like to get rid of, which could still be used? Are you looking for a bike for a growing kid, a kitchen table for a college student, A fridge, or some free shrubs to improve your yard? Vancouver, and Okanagan, BC... More details on OK in Health`s Environmental page

OKinHealth has a great new yearly rate for practitioners and health related businesses- check it out

Did you know that OK In Health has a weekly newspaper health column?
It is called "A Healthy Focus" and is pulbished in:

• The Osoyoos Times
• The Similkameen Spotlight
• The Boundary Creek Times
• The Keremeos Review and
• Okanagan Falls Review
• Oliver Chronicle and more

Dare To Dream - Body, Mind & Spirit Centre - Kelowna.
CELEBRATING 11 YEARS. New age & Self help Books, CDs & DVDs, Crystals, Semi-precious stones & Jewellery, Tarot & Oracle Cards, Incense & Oils, Feng Shui, Chakra Energy & Himalayan Salt Products. Psychic Readings, Reiki & Shamanic Healing & Classes, Crystal Therapy, Massage & Counselling. Meditations & Various Classes for Personal & Spiritual Growth.
At #33 - 2070 Harvey Ave. Kelowna. Phone 250 712-9295. Join our e-mail newsletter for sales & classes.

OK In Health reaching communities
In October, we were at the South OKanagan's Seniors Wellness and on November 8th we will have a booth during "Strengthening Ties" Women in Agriculture Conference in Penticton. We plan to attend many Shows this year - in as many communities as we can. Let us know if you have a great local health show, event, or fair in your community? 

For more details and Special Announcements - visit OK in Health classifieds ------------------------------ To Post an classified, workshop, or advert
Contact us

Boost Your Immune System
Throughout our lives, our immune systems are under assault from environmental toxins. Living in crowded cities, traveling frequently in airplanes, and spending time in day care centers and schools all expose us to many more germs than people had to deal with in the past. We can protect and strengthen our immunity by eating right, getting enough activity and rest, practicing stress reduction, and cultivating healthy emotional states. There are also several herbs, such as astragalus, that can help enhance immune function. Obtained from the root of Astragalus membranaceous in the pea family, astragalus has a long history in Chinese medicine, where it is used to ward off colds and flu.

Seasonal Depression Affecting You?
The shorter daylight hours of autumn and winter can affect sleep, productivity and state of mind. Light therapy (also known as phototherapy) may help. It uses specially designed boxes that emit full-spectrum light to simulate sunlight. While still a relatively unknown treatment, light therapy has been shown to have positive benefits in addressing many health issues, including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), severe premenstrual syndrome, bulimia, and as a non-drug treatment for depression. If you have been suffering from SAD or just feel a little blue this time of year, contact your physician or healthcare provider - depression is a treatable condition; light therapy may be an option he or she recommends for you.

The Benefits of Rhodiola
Rhodiola is one of the rising stars of plant therapy. In infusion or gel capsule form, the plant sometimes called the “new ginseng” appears to protect the heart, prevent altitude sickness, improve moods, alleviating depression, strengthen immune system activity, improves both physical and mental performance, reduces fatigue, and more. “The plant was such a craze in Russia that it nearly disappeared. Rhodiola rosea's effects are attributed to its ability to optimise serotonin and dopamine levels, due to monoamine oxidase inhibition and to its influence on opioid peptides such as beta-endorphins. Rhodiola rosea should be taken early in the day because it can interfere with sleep.

Slow Down When Eating
Do you find yourself eating on the run or grabbing something quick to eat while you are driving or working at your desk? Experts believe that eating slowly may be better for your health. You actually improve what and how much you eat when you take the time to enjoy your food, including the smell, taste, and colors on your plate.

The Ideal Amount of Weight to Lift               
To be effective, weight lifting should become difficult as you reach the last few repetitions of each set. According to fitness experts, to build strength, lift a weight that tires your muscles after 8-12 repetitions. This is normally an ideal amount of weight for you to work with.

Clean Hands Keep the Doctor Away                 
Did you know that washing your hands is the most effective way to stop  the spread of illness?  Washing hands properly and thoroughly is very  important.  An effective hand washing technique is to wet your hands with warm water; soap and scrub for 20 seconds-it helps to sing Happy Birthday (under your breath) twice; rinse under clean running water; and dry completely using a clean paper towel or cloth.

Dry Skin
If chapped lips or dry skin are a problem, find natural relief with calendula, an herbal remedy made from the petals of the ornamental "pot marigold" flower.

Bean Power                                       
Beans, also called legumes, are inexpensive and quite filling.  Dietary Guidelines 1 recommends eating them several times each week.  Red, black, pinto, or kidney beans all pack a nutritional punch.  One-third cup of cooked beans has only 80 calories, no cholesterol, lots of complex carbohydrates, and little fat. They are also a great source of protein, full of B vitamins, potassium, and fiber. Experts believe that eating beans may reduce blood cholesterol,  a leading cause of heart disease.

For more healthy tip visit our Wellness Tips page.