Home > Health, Wellness, Karma & Beauty

Whether it's a lifestyle choice or a survival necessity, your inner and outer health is essential. Here we spotlight cosmetics, medicines and herbal remedies, and our experts attempt to dispel some of the myths and mythologies around their use

Asthma, Breathing difficulties, Pollen-count, Air Quality (13) Baby-boomers, Longevity & Good Health (378) Birthing, Pregnancy, Maternity, Caesarean, In Vitro, Fertility (89) Children's Health, trans fats, medicine & obesity (38) Cosmetics and New Product Reviews (108) Environment & Ecology Watchdogs, Conservators (69) Fit Foods, Nutrigenomics, Nutriceuticals, Functional Foods (102) Fitness & Regional / Westcoast Spas (63) Good Karma / Bad Vibes, Random Acts of Kindness, Being a Mensch (310) Health News & Views, Environment (1030) Healthy Hair (16) Hearing Impairment, Remedies, Hearing Aids, Resources (0) Hygiene: Personal Grooming & Dental Hygiene (48)

Medical Alert Bracelets (1) Medical, Doctors, Surgery, Health policy, Alternative treatment (336) Men's health, Prostate concerns, Cancer screening (16) New Health Product Reviews (8) Pain Management (78) Podiatry, Foot-health, Foot-care, B.C. Podiatrists (16) Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Chlamydia, Herpes, AIDS, Hep-C (7) Skin: Healthy skin, clear skin, youthful skin, plastic surgery (66) Supplements, Vitamins, Rx & Nutrition Guidelines (177) Vision, Eye Health & Safety, Glasses, Contacts (80) Weight, Diet, Fat, Body image, Dieting, Metabolism (179) Women and Health, HRT, Menopause, Mammograms, Cancer (55)

Primary Sites:
Absolute Spa helps fill empty stockings *
"The Empty Stocking Fund is a vital fundraising initiative for Lower Mainland families in need," says Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, Absolute Spa Group President. [More]

AIDS advances on the Russian front *
HIV has struck the country with a vengeance, the UN reported this week, and Canadians are helping to man the barricades. CAROLYNNE WHEELER reports from Siberia. [More]

Allsup Alters Procedures as SSA Suspends Part of Disability Initiative *
Disability coverage should continue without disruption. [More]

Anne Garber's Guide to Healthy Eating & Lifestyle Books, 2005-2006 ****
Anne's picks for the best new books (and cookbooks) on diet plans, lifestyle improvement and improving your body and health! [More]

Arsenic in King George III's hair contributed to bouts of madness *
A study revealing high concentrations of arsenic in a sample of King George III's hair is published in this week's issue of The Lancet. The authors believe the presence of arsenic in the King's hair contributed to his unusually severe and prolonged bouts of madness. [More]

B.C. podiatrists name Top 10 foot problems *
May is World Foot Health Awareness Month: If you have aching feet, you’re not alone, according to the B.C. Association of Podiatrists. [More]

Buying medical products & dietary supplements online *
A few tips and cautions about buying medical products & dietary supplements online. [More]

December 10, 2002: Wildflowers Aromatherapy and Gifts *
Even if you think aromatherapy's not your bag, you'll be surprised -- even macho car-washing essentials are sold here. [More]

Forces hope to lure doctors, dentists with cash *
The Canadian Forces are offering bonuses of up to $180,000 to attract dentists and doctors who are looking to add a bit of excitement to their daily practices. [More]

Garber Gastronomic: Food & Diet Resolutions for your New Year *
Just a handful of foods do most of the damage to our diets and health -- which means that a few simple changes could greatly improve your health and cut your risk of heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. [More]

Garber Gastronomic: Keeping the weight off *
It's January; with every great intention, you've quit smoking, cut down on sweets and are trying to eat healthier and get more exercise. [More]

Garber Gastronomic: Starting the New Year right *
What are your culinary New Year's resolutions? Use olive oil instead of butter? Cook cleaner, simpler meals? More comfort foods? Eat healthier and smarter? Cut costs? [More]

Harrelson: 'I make films for subcultures' *
From his childhood boycott of processed cheese slices to his new film documenting Woody Harrelson's crusade for organic living, Ron Mann has always been the master of the marginal, SARAH HAMPSON writes [More]

Health Stuff: SudaCare night-time vapor (vapour) plug (Garber review) ****
When we travel now, I always bring one of these small plug-in units and replacement pads, so we can counteract any smoke nearby. [More]

How do you explain dystonia? *
Having a rare condition with bizarre symptoms can be an isolating experience. Friends can't relate, strangers stare and doctors are bewildered. [More]

Madeleine Litchfield and USANA: Taking charge of your health *****
I've heard many claims for product lines, but I have to honestly say I've never seen a line that has so many completely positive testimonials, and is backed up by so much thorough research and quality control. [More]

Madelyn Miller's Guide to Healthy Eating & Lifestyle Books, 2005-2006 ****
Madelyn's picks for the best new books (and cookbooks) on diet plans, lifestyle improvement and improving your body and health! [More]

Medical Arts Press *
If you are a dentist, doctor, veterinarian, chiropractor, podiatrist, eye doctor or other health practitioner, you will want to shop Medical Arts Press for all of your healthcare office needs. [More]

New Beauty Product: Spectro HydraCare Facial Moisturizers (Garber review) *****
The simple, smart science behind Spectro skin care -- great skin, revealed. [More]

New Beauty Product: The o.b. purse pack (Garber review) ****
Spring / summer 2009's must-have purse accessory -- the o.b. purse pack. It's free! [More]

New Beauty Product: The Ultrasonic Beautifier (Garber review) *****
Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, pigmentation, sun damage, acne, pimples, redness, rosacea, tightens and tones. Advanced system made portable and easy to use. Five stars! [More]

Promoting Healthy Body Image *
Wondering what you can do to encourage your daughter to develop a healthy relationship with food, an active lifestyle, and a positive body image? [More]

Sleep: Less really is more *
A good night's rest doesn't mean what we thought it did. ANDRÉ PICARD reports we've been getting too much shuteye at our own risk. [More]

Sticking to a healthy lifestyle *
NHL coach Ken Hitchcock once weighed 475 pounds. Now a strict regimen helps him take on a pressure-filled career. [More]

The 13th Annual Wellness Show *
February 4, 5 & 6, 2005, Vancouver, BC [More]

The bus could save your life *
For those who hate to drive (count me among them), here are a few facts that will fuel your paranoia of the roads. [More]

Tooth and nail *
Welcome to the dental spa, where orthodontic ails are pampered away. [More]

Vancouver Wellness Show 2006 *
It has been almost a month since you made your New Year's Resolution. Have you kept to it, have you already faltered or are you taking it to the next step? If you need support, the Wellness Show might be for you. February 3, 4 and 5, 2006, Vancouver, BC. [More]

Vitamin D may prevent tooth loss *
Periodontal disease is a common chronic inflammatory disease and a major risk factor for tooth loss. [More]

Vitamins E, C cut Alzheimer's risk, study says *
People of retirement age who took supplements of both vitamin E and C daily saw their risk of Alzheimer's disease plummet by almost 80 per cent, a new study shows. [More]

Well-being and Breast Care *
They used to avoid it, but now masseurs are focusing attention on the breast -- for health reasons, writes JESSICA JOHNSON [More]

What is Kinetix, and How Can it Change Your Life? ****
Meet Jamie and Meagan today (Saturday) at London Drugs Lonsdale (North Van) or Brentwood. Call stores for times. This new fitness concept and snack support system will help you lose weight and enjoy life more. [More]

Why a high fever can be good for baby *
Few things are more frightening to new parents than to see their baby burning up from a high fever. But a new study suggests a few bouts of fever at a very young age can ensure better health later in childhood. [More]

WondaWedge inflatable lounge pillow (Anne Garber review) ****
We used it while camping, and our son co-opted it for playing games in his living room, but we're certain it would be just as useful at the beach, on campus or just plain relaxing while watching TV. I would rank this as an ideal Christmas present for almost anyone on your list. [More]

Secondary Sites:
* Truth & Lies about human trafficking and prostitution *
Vancouver has been identified as a primary North American port city for the international entry of sexual human trafficking victims. Here's the lowdown on the low-down. [More]

A $1,000 checkup *
With the public health-care system squeezed and patient rosters ballooning, private clinics are offering premium services for a fee, writes MARINA JIMENEZ. But is it worth shelling out cash to determine the elasticity of your eyeballs? [More]

Amazon dot com *****
Amazon.com is our tried-and-true source for books, kitchen equipment, DVDs and more. We love their fast shipping and reasonable prices, too! [More]

BC Podiatrists: If you love your feet, knock your socks off *
Close to 70 per cent of British Columbians love their feet, yet at their last general physical only 43 per cent took their socks off, and only 27 per cent had their feet examined in the last year by a medical professional, a survey released today says. [More]

Canadian Health Care: It helps to be rich *
Health and well-being require more than just doctors, hospitals and prescriptions, says ROY ROMANOW [More]

Canadian Tire Store-owners rally for the Salvation Army and Vancouver's families in need *
Kettle donations are down, due to economic downturn. Canadian Tire leads the way . . . and you can help. [More]

CIBC's seven-day banking centre in Yaletown celebrates 1st anniversary with big donation *
Helps at-risk youth turn their lives around with $10,000 donation to Covenant House Vancouver. [More]

CURE DE NETTOYAGE (diète de nettoyage) *
C’est une diète qui donne surtout des résultants à long terme. La refaire périodiquement, soyez patientes et détendez-vous! [More]

DAB -- European Regulatory Literature *
The German Pharmacopoiea (Deutsches Arzneibuch, or DAB) contains monographs on the quality and standards of many herbal drugs, medicinal plant preparations, and natural substances (e.g., essential oils) sold in Germany. [More]

Flu season tips, 2008: Medicine Cabinet Clean-Up Ensures Your Family is Winter-ready *
Whether or not you get a flu shot, the key to doing battle with the flu bug is preparation. Preparing your medicine cabinet for "flu season" Is one of your first lines of defence. [More]

Folic acid crucial for mothers, research suggests *
Canadian researchers have made a startling discovery about the benefits of folic acid. The nutrient, which is added to foods to prevent neural-tube defects such as spina bifida, also appears to prevent one of the most common forms of childhood cancer. [More]

Garber Gastronomic: Heart-healthy Mediterranean diet cuts Alzheimer's risk *
The diet in question includes lots of vegetables, legumes, fruits, cereals and fish, while limiting intake of meat and dairy products, drinking moderate amounts of alcohol and emphasizing monounsaturated fats, such as in olive oil, over saturated fats. [More]

Generations of family planning *
Canadian women have been taking the pill since the early 1960s, writes ANDRÉ PICARD. And now age is a major factor in choosing among the dizzying birth-control options. [More]

Janice LeBlond: Healing Through Therapeutic Movement *
The solution to the well being of an individual is limited to a few truisms, of which the most essential is "Love your Health, Love your Body and Love Yourself." [More]

Kids and contacts not always a perfect pair: B.C. optometrists *
Parents should closely monitor cleaning and wear of lenses... [More]

Kraft trimming snack food ads *
Kraft Foods plans to curb advertising of Oreos, regular Kool-Aid and other popular snack foods to children under 12 as part of an effort to encourage better eating habits. [More]

Lillian Chan at book signing *
The Wellness Options: Guide to Health -- book signing... [More]

Peri-Peri Africa (Agnes Chung review) *
Agnes Chung introduces us to the heat and help of the versatile peri-peri chilli. [More]

Residents clean up in hygiene study *
SARS outbreak spurs hand washing [More]

RoC® Anti-aging Cleansers *
Finding a product that is right for you will take some research. I recommend asking for a sample before purchasing a product that simply doesn't work or causes adverse reactions. [More]

RoC® Soya Unify -- An Affordable Luxury *
Excessive sun exposure causing wrinkles combined with hormonal changes that unbalance the production of melanin causes our skin to develop blotchiness and brown spots are real concerns for women as they age. Luckily, science has come a long way and companies such as RoC® are harnessing the benefits of natural ingredients like soy to help combat these effects. [More]

Sound Healing Provides Respite to Urban Dwellers *
On Sunday, December 14, 2002, from 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm, Matthew Kocel and guest Marjorie Haynes will present a Sound Healing Ceremony at the Open Door Yoga Studio, Vancouver, BC [More]

Statins 'may cut dementia risk' *
Scientists have found further evidence that taking commonly used cholesterol-lowering statins may protect against dementia and memory loss. [More]

Stress linked to obesity in school-age children *
British researchers have found a new explanation for soaring childhood obesity rates: stress. [More]

Summertime health report: About Hot Dogs and Cool Cats *
As the August heat swelters in most parts of the planet, it's enough to make you want to stay inside with the air-conditioning turned up to "eleven." Here's how to guard your pets' health, too. [More]

Who wants salary and benefits when a stroll through the park can bring in minimum wage? *
Perhaps it is the time of life, more likely just the time of year. Or as Joni Mitchell sang it: "Maybe it's the time of Man." [More]

Women run double risk of lung cancer *
Female smokers are twice as likely to develop lung cancer as their male counterparts, according to a new study. [More]

Yoga: Feeling Postures at the Cellular Level *
This is a one-day workshop slated for April, Richmond, BC [More]