By Christine Cheng, R.Ph., and Fred Cheng, R.Ph.

Mapping every available washroom along one’s daily routine is a reality for many women of all ages who experience some form of urinary incontinence. It is estimated that nearly 10% of Canadian women are affected and although it is often assumed that incontinence is a normal part of aging and only the elderly are affected, this is not always the case. “Stress incontinence”, the involuntary leakage of urine when a person coughs, sneezes, strains or makes a sudden movement, can result when the muscles and tissues around the opening of the bladder get weak. This weakness occurs when the muscles get stretched, which can be caused by injury, weight gain, pregnancies and/or vaginal births. Another common type of incontinence is “Urge incontinence” which is the accidental leakage of urine that is accompanied by a sense of urgency. Even the sound of running water may trigger the leakage of urine and sufferers may find themselves running to the washroom even if their bladder is near empty. This type of incontinence is associated with spasms of the bladder muscle due to damage to the nerves or muscles in the area, which could be caused by stroke, an infection or inflammation of the bladder. Those who have “Mixed incontinence” experience a combination of the two types described above.

The more commonly known remedies include wearing incontinence briefs and/or doing Kegel’s exercises to tone the area. Others may turn to prescription medications to help with the symptoms, then be dissatisfied with the side effects these can cause. Thankfully, there are several other options including SAGAPRO, a preparation of the Icelandic herb Angelica archangelica that works by calming bladder muscle contractions which allows the bladder to distend further. Sagapro has been highly successful in many of our clients.  It is taken once daily and is well-tolerated with no known side effects. Benefits are typically seen in about a month or less. Another option is the homeopathic “INCONTINENCE COMPLEX” that has been used quite successfully to address incontinence in many species (yes, dogs, cats, horses, humans…). This is also taken orally, typically two-three times daily and is very safe and well-tolerated. Results can be expected in a matter of days.

For those in whom Kegel’s exercises does not provide adequate relief, using electrotherapy to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles to improve their strength and endurance may be the answer. The ELISE PELVIC FLOOR STIMULATOR FOR INCONTINENCE is a discreet pelvic floor exerciser that is designed for home use and—– provides different electrotherapeutic programs to help with Stress, Urge and Mixed incontinence. There is also a “Tone” program used twice weekly to help maintain the benefits achieved from daily use of the other programs. Results can be seen in as little as two weeks for those using it for Urge incontinence and in as little as one month for those experiencing Stress incontinence where the muscles will need more exercising. The Elise is safe, pain-free, easy to use, and drug free.

Incontinence is not necessarily a part of normal aging. Come speak to one of our knowledgeable pharmacists to discuss the possible solutions.

Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-owned and operated Pharmasave in Cloverdale, B.C. (open 7 days a week). They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.

Creative Surrey, a Festival City

Surrey Cultural Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) members replaced their January board meeting with a three-hour brainstorming workshop at Surrey City Hall. Stickhandling the culturally rich power of British Columbia’s rapidly growing second largest city requires cooperation, imagination and dedication.

How best could the 14 organisations represented channel our communal efforts to profile, promote, support, and continue to build the future of what has evolved into a festival city.

Established four years ago by dedicated arts supporter Councilor Judy Villeneuve, we meet monthly to share city arts scene updates. Province-wide delegations regularly make presentations hoping to feature in Surrey’s expanding arts calendar.

‘Stickies’ festooned idea boards generating spirited discussions, questions and clarification from attending city staff.  More theatres, requested one member. Increase First Nations presence, lobbied another. Affordable, easily accessible, space for artists is critical. How to address that? How best to promote events within the city limits, and beyond? Grants, funding, partnerships, priorities, tourism, visioning – the stacks of Post-It Notes were put to good use.

So, what’s on the 2016 calendar so far?

Surrey Festival of Dance celebrates its 50th anniversary from March 29 to April 30. Established in 1966, the festival has leapt from 450 entries to 10,000 competitors ranking it one of North America’s premier dance competition festivals. www.surreyfestival.com

Charlotte Diamond headlines at the Surrey Children’s’ Festival from May 26 to 28 at Bear Creek Park. Established as a Millennium Project 16 years ago, the festival attracted over 20,000 attendees in 2015. With a total of 163 performances during the three-day event you can bet many youngsters (and parents) leave arts-inspired each year. www.surrey.ca/childrensfestival

The 24th Annual Surrey International Writers’ Conference takes place Oct 20 -23 at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford. Twenty-four years ago the late Surrey Treasure, Ed Griffin, lead five of us in the charge to establish SiWC at Johnson Heights Secondary School. Initially co-sponsored by the former School District #36 Adult Education program, we optimistically booked the Sheraton the following year. Now SiWC ranks as one of North America’s top writers’ conferences. Registration opens in June. The SiWC Writing Contest opens in April. www.SiWC.ca

The Fusion Festival! Look for this vibrant event July 23-24 in Holland Park.

April 23 is Vaisakhi Day (New Year on the Sikh calendar). The Surrey Khalsa Day Parade, the biggest in Canada, welcomed 300,000 visitors of all religions and cultures last year.  A colourful parade, mouthwatering foods, dancers, and more, have put this event on the map. Check www.surreyvaisakhiparade.ca for details.

Surrey Libraries, and SFU’s Surrey Campus, regularly host literary workshops and presentations. Ask about genealogy records, and family history programs at Cloverdale Library.

Remember Surrey Museum’s Children’s Interactive Gallery in Cloverdale. Free admission courtesy of The Friends of the Surrey Museum and Archives Society. Open Sundays.

The Ultimate Traveller series, new this winter, begins with ‘In the Footsteps of the Incas – A Cultural & Photographic Tour of Peru’, Sunday Feb. 21 at 2.30 p.m. in the Museum Theatre. Noted international photographer and historian, Peter Langer, never fails to impress. Check www.theultimatetraveller.com.

In 2015, the talented Renée Sarojini Saklikar was welcomed as Surrey’s inaugural Poet Laureate. A Surrey Public Library and Surrey Council literary arts initiative.

Theatre life is vibrant, too. Last month I attended the opening of Lucia Frangione’s ‘In a Blue Moon’ at Surrey Arts Centre. Arts Club Theatre Company productions, like this one, are regulars in Surrey. Convenient and cost-effective for lower mainland theatregoers, the February Surrey Spectacular series includes ‘The Nashville Hurricane’, February 6, ‘Vitaly: An Evening of Wonders’ (magic!), February 20, and ‘4000 Miles’ (Arts Club on Tour) February 17-27. As an Edith Piaf devotee, I can hardly wait for ‘Piaf & So Much More’ with Joelle Rabu in Concert, March 12. Check the full line-up at http://www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation

Don’t forget Surrey Little Theatre, which is battling for survival due to encroaching road and construction expansion, and our excellent theatre neighbours in Langley, White Rock and New Westminster.

Canadian currency may be down, but local artistic currency is up – and it’s a good investment.

Ursula Maxwell-Lewis is a British Columbia journalist and photographer. Contact her at utravel@shaw.ca

Q: I would like to know exactly what a tankless water heater is. What are the benefits and why would I get one?

A: Tankless water heaters are capable of providing an instant, endless supply of hot water. Because these systems function on an on-demand basis, they do not require a holding tank to store pre-warmed water. No storage or holding reserve means that tankless water heaters have a life span that is twice as long as traditional systems because of the risk of rust and corrosion is significantly lowered.

They are hung from the wall saving floor space. They can be installed anywhere an outdoor exhaust vent can be provided. Most have warranties up to 15 years with all parts being replaceable and 100% recyclable. They do cost more initially but looking at all the benefits including the re-sale value of your home, they are well worth the expense.

A tankless hot water heater will save you money, save space and you will never run out of hot water again. Best of all your home and family will be environmentally friendly. Note: Recommended in households with large families requiring more showers.

Electric tankless hot water heaters

Electric units heat the water as it passes over an electrical element. To run an electric tankless water heater, you will need to have it hardwired to your circuit breaker/electrical panel. In most cases you will require a new 40 amp service.  Although, electric tankless water heaters are less expensive to purchase and operate the cost to install and provide electric service could be prohibitive. Tankless water heaters may slow down the water volume due to the water being heated on the move. Have the technician explain cost effectiveness in relation to the number of people in the home.

Gas tankless hot water heaters

In a gas unit, a gas burner is utilized to heat the water. Gas-powered systems are fueled by propane or natural gas. To operate one of these units, you will need a gas line running through your home to where the water heater will be installed as well as a larger vertical vent to the outside or combustion and condensation venting through an exterior wall. It can easily provide endless hot water for one major application at a time. This unit is a great replacement for the traditional 40-gallon storage tank water heater. Again I would suggest discussing cost effectiveness with the technician.

By Rick Millikan

Cruising through the Panama Canal to San Diego aboard the Veendam offers us memorable Central American destinations, including Antigua. After a scenic ninety-minute coach-ride through rolling green countryside, we arrive in Guatemala’s World Heritage city. “Welcome to our colonial capital and heart of the Mayan world,” smiles guide Karen.

Along narrow raised sidewalks, our walk winds past several earthquake-damaged buildings. Cobblestone streets bustle with pedestrians and traffic. Villagers often approach to sell hand-woven textiles, musical instruments and jewelry.

Two short bell towers flank Church of Mercy’s white-filigreed, yellow façade. Atop, we sight San Pedro Nolasco, 13th-century founder of this Catholic order. Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy stands in the central niche. Of two saints standing on her left, one holds a rope recalling his martyrdom. To her right, a bishop and the order’s first nun.    

Inside Antigua’s first monastery, we learn these Mercedarians helped heretics escape the Spanish inquisition and supported families of convicts. In turn, appreciative prisoners created the mosaics we see decorating stout interior columns. With wide arches, the sanctuary and cloister withstood earthquakes such as the one that destroyed 3,000   buildings in 1717.

Onward, we notice religious figures inside off-street enclosures. “Those are for Holy Week from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday,” Karen explains. “Celebrating the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection, worshippers carry them, as well as Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene and saints, along streets carpeted with flowers and coloured sawdust. It takes one hundred men to shoulder the larger floats.”

We soon pass under the 17th century Santa Catalina Arch, a covered passageway built to protect reclusive nuns from view. In the central plaza, Karen identifies the city hall and governor’s palace. “Founded in 1543 by Spanish conquistadors, Antigua became the military governors’ seat for 200 years,” she says. “The Spanish colony of Guatemala then included much of Central America and Chiapas, Mexico’s most southern state.”

Constructed in 1554, Saint Joseph Cathedral now stands in baroque splendor. Destroyed repeatedly by earthquakes, only the front remains. Skeletal ruins behind recall its original grandeur. Here we see the tombs of Bernal Diaz, diarist of the Spanish conquests and Pedro de Alvarado, Cortez’s second-in-command, who became Guatemala’s first governor. His powerful consort Luisa was a Tlaxcaltec Chief’s daughter who protected native communities. Karen points out her underground shrine where Mayans come to light candles.

Exiting past 17th-century university buildings, we enter Santo Domingo Monastery founded in 1538. Devastated by the Santa Marta earthquake and abandoned for centuries, it once boasted two towers with ten bells. Much of this city suffered similar destruction, so authorities moved the capital to Guatemala City in 1776.

Part of this demolished monastery has become today’s Hotel Casa Santo Domingo. Seated at tables amid its lush gardens, we enjoy a Guatemalan lunch of rice, black beans, chicken, beef, guacamole and handmade corn tortillas.   

An onsite Art Gallery exhibits recovered monastery treasures, an interesting collection of religious art and artifacts. Before leaving we admire a magnificent Ceiba tree, the Mayan tree of life. Believing branches form crosses to ‘show the way;’ Spanish priests promoted Christianity through such native lore.    

An archaeologist at the Jade Museum provides an overview of Mesoamerican jade. Showing us replicas of famous pre-Columbian relics, she discusses importance of jade for over 3,000 years in cultures as far away as Costa Rica and southwestern Mexico.

While sampling aromatic Guatemalan coffee, we watch workshop artistes design jade objects for the showroom. There, we find Mayan glyph pendants for birthdays, bracelets and necklaces in dazzling colours. I opt for droplet earrings in pale green.

Antigua’s architecture, historic insights, culinary delights and my jade memento make a wondrous daytrip.

After a trip often it is the memories of the food and wine we experienced, that lingers, rather than the material purchases, since we tire easily of the things we own. In Nov.2010 UNESCO honoured Mexico for its gastronomy as part of their “Intangible Cultural Heritage”, reflecting traditions passed down from generation to generation.

Therefore I was thrilled during MEXICOfest on Sept 9, 2015 that Chef Betty Vazquez brought Mexican Culinary Tourism to a gala in the Richmond Country Club. Exec. Chef Betty Vazquez runs El Delfin Restaurant in the family’s Garza Canela Hotel in San Blas, north of Puerto Vallarta in Riviera Nayarit. Originally Chef Betty trained as an airline pilot but food was her passion. At Texas Univ. in Houston, she studied Hotel Hospitality and continued with the University Culinary Arts Program at Cordon Bleu in Paris. Having travelled internationally learning about the cuisine in New York, France. Spain and Italy, Chef Betty created a fusion of flavours, making her Mexican menus more dynamic.

Chef Betty told me she was delighted to work with the Richmond Country Club’s Chef Fabien Angeard and his multi-national staff preparing the 4-course menu.

For the 1st course, in honour of BC, Chef Betty constructed a BC salmon only, fish ceviche scented with tequila and mixed with red onion, serrano pepper, parsley, sea salt and lime juice with a drizzle of crumbled toasted tostados lining the plate.

Poblano pepper is a mild chile, sweet with subtle heat and is named after the State of Puebla. The Tomatillo or Mexican husk tomato was part of the culture of the Maya and Aztecs. Hierba Santa, meaning sacred leaf in Spanish, has a heart-shaped velvety leaf with an aroma of eucalyptus and mint. The 2nd course, a Poblano Pepper Cream Soup, blended poblano pepper, green tomatillo, hierba santa, pumpkin seeds, onion and garlic and was topped with an oval goat cheese quenelle, tortilla strips and an edible purple flower.

Chile guajillo is sweet with a hot finish and chile de arbor, tree chile or bird’s beak chile, is thought to be traceable to cayenne pepper. For the main course I chose Sablefish in 2 Dried Peppers Sauce and another guest chose the Angus beef with the same sauce combining chile guajillo, chile de arbol, cumin, oregano, onion, garlic, tomatoes and orange juice. The same sauce went well with both the meat and fish. Peller Estates Merlot with flavours of cherry, black tea and spice paired well with the  Angus beef and the Sablefish was paired with the Peller Estates Chardonnay with hints of vanilla, oak, pear and honeysuckle.

When in Mexico, I like to buy pure vanilla. Vanilla is derived from orchids of the genus vanilla and mainly from the Mexican species, flat-leaved vanilla. Apparently Hernan Cortes introduced vanilla and chocolate to Europe in the 1520’s. Vanilla is the 2nd most expensive spice after saffron, since hand-pollination is required to set the fruit, from which the flavoring is obtained. How appropriate it was for our dessert to be Vanilla cake and Chocolate ganache with chile de arbol.

Our beautiful meal was made even more enjoyable learning about the history of its ingredients. Muchas gracias.

Cold & Flu…Go Away!

By Christine Cheng, R.Ph. and Frederick Cheng, R.Ph.

The changing colours of the fall leaves are an indication that cold and flu season is upon us. Although for most people, these are not life-threatening illnesses, they can make your life miserable, especially during the holiday season. Protect yourself from the cold and flu by following these simple steps.

At the top of the list are some non-drug options. Stay well-hydrated, eat your fruits and veggies and ensure adequate protein intake because all of these actions will help your immune system function optimally. Wash your hands frequently, even if you do not feel they are dirty. We inadvertently touch many surfaces throughout the day and then touch our faces, risking the introduction of viruses and bacteria into our body through the eyes and nose. Simply washing your hands several times throughout the day can minimize your risk of exposure to cold or flu viruses.

Getting a FLU SHOT is one of the best ways to minimize the impact of the flu virus on your body. Notice we do not say that it prevents you from getting the flu as that can only be achieved by not inhaling droplets containing the virus. The flu vaccine works by showing your immune system parts of the flu virus and stimulating your body to produce antibodies and other killer cells that fight the virus. Then if your body does encounter the live virus, you will already be armed with the weapons to fight it. Thus, the flu shot does not prevent you from getting the flu, rather it minimizes how sick you feel since the body is able to fight it before the virus causes you to be symptomatic. You may have heard that some years the flu shot does not cover the strains of influenza that are found to be the problematic in our area that year. However, that is not say that the flu shot did not do them any good at all as those who were vaccinated now have antibodies in them that would protect them when these strains do come around our area during future flu seasons. Come talk to us about getting vaccinated.

Supporting the immune system can help prepare it for its fight against seasonal viruses. For those who have a contraindication to the flu shot or choose not to receive it, or as additional protection against the flu, consider using THYMULINE and INFLUENZINUM on an alternating schedule to balance and prime the immune system homeopathically. Additionally, most of the Cloverdale Pharmasave staff keep ESBERITOX on hand during the winter months. Chewing a few tasty tablets three times a day at the onset of a cold can reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms. For those who prefer a liquid, PASCOLEUCYN is used in much the same way. Both Esberitox and Pascoleucyn can be used by almost all the members of the family with dosing provided for as young as 4 years of age and infants, respectively. The family of SAMBUCUS products all contain a cultivar of black elderberry that is reported to contain higher levels of naturally-occurring flavonoids, which supports the immune system. Black elderberry is a traditional remedy used to help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. It is combined with Echinacea in the SAMBUCUS IMMUNE product for relief against both the cold and flu.

Although the forecast is for El Nino to bring us a mild winter, this does not necessarily translate into a mild cold and flu season. Protecting yourself against the winter viruses can also help protect the more vulnerable members of our population such as the very young, the very old and those who are immune-compromised.  Do your part in keeping everyone in your family healthy during the cough and cold season: wash your hands, eat healthy, get a flu shot, and use complementary medicines as necessary.

(Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-owned and operated Pharmasave in Cloverdale, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use.  Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.  They would love to hear from you or meet you at one of their seminars.  Please call if you would like to schedule a seminar at your community facility.  604-576-2888; www.cloverdalepharmasave.com.  Of course, before you begin any activity program or try any OTC supplementation, check with your physician and pharmacist.)

“Ask Shell” with Shell Busey

Q: We like to leave our bedroom windows open at night rain or shine.

However when it has been raining we hear an annoying drip, drip, drip

sound coming from the gutter down spouts. Is there a magic solution?

A: Yes, that can be a very annoying sound which only seems to get louder and louder as the night goes on. This dripping sound will occur where gutters are installed at locations where there is very little or no overhang to require elbows to run the water back to the side of the house and down. Without any elbows water is allowed to run directly from the gutter into the vertical down pipe sometimes dropping 8 feet before being directed to the drain spout or perimeter drainage system. When the water changes direction at this lower elbow it makes a loud dripping sound.

To correct this take a length of brass or galvanized 1 inch link chain and dangle it down in the down pipe to the elbow. Secure the chain by placing a 6 inch galvanized common nail through a link of the chain and bridging the downspout opening keeping the chain at the side of the gutter.

This will force the water to run down the chain breaking the fall of water and silencing the dripping sound. If water is entering the downspout from both sides at the top you will need to loop the chain before putting the galvanized nail through allowing the chain to touch both sides of the downpipe. This will force the water to run down the chain from both sides.

Fix Those Squeaky Floors

Q: I live in a very nice 30 year old townhouse. My problem is squeaky floors. I plan to have new carpets installed in the near future. Is there anything I can do before laying the new carpet to prevent the squeaking.

A: Yes there certainly is and now that you are installing new carpet it is the perfect time to get rid of the squeaks. Using 2 inch wood screws tighten the plywood underlay to the floor joists before installing the new underlay and carpet. Note: do not use drywall screws. You must use wood screws placing them 12 inches apart.