Don’t you find it annoying to be woken up from a wonderful dream by the urge to…pee?  Having a poor night’s sleep can literally ruin your day, not to mention sleep deprivation could have severe consequences, be it stress, irritability, cognitive impairment, memory lapses, compromised immunity, or a strain on personal relationships.  NOCTURIA refers to the need to wake up and void at least once a night.  This affects many of us, no matter our sex or race, but as we age, we become more prone to this bothersome trend.  POLYURIA (frequent urination) and nocturia can be related to various medical conditions which must be investigated by your physician (eg. overactive bladder, benign prostate enlargement, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, peripheral edema, liver diseases, sleep disorders, etc.).  As part of our series on sleep, we will look at a few supplements that could help you combat nocturia.

Polyuria can be due to an irritation or inflammation of the urinary tract.  In such cases, a good concentrated cranberry extract (such as NEW ROOTS “CRANBERRY”), or one with D-mannose built-in (such as AOR “UTI CLEANSE” or QUEST “D-MANNOSE WITH CRANBERRY”) may be beneficial in restoring urinary tract health.  A supplement called “URISTATIN” by THORNE contains buchu extract, echinacea, berberine, uva-ursi, and has been shown to work well together to help soothe an irritated urinary tract as well as promote growth of the good microorganisms.  Keep in mind, though, that if inflammation is not the trigger of polyuria, then some of the ingredients (eg. uva-ursi) in some supplements could actually worsen your symptoms.

A truly promising herb used to combat nocturia is the Icelandic herb, ANGELICA ARCHANGELICA, sold in BC as “SAGAPRO” by SAGAMEDICA.  It works by calming bladder muscle contractions.  Studies show that this allows the bladder to distend further and hold up to three times the volume between voids, with an accompanied three-fold increase in initial sleep duration.  SagaPro has been on the market in Iceland since 2005 and can be found at CLOVERDALE PHARMASAVE.  It is easy to take (once daily) and has been well-tolerated in both men and women.  There is also no effect on libido or testosterone.  Benefits are typically realized in a month or less.

A few homeopathic remedies have been used quite successfully to address polyurea and incontinence in both humans and pets.  “INCONTINENCE COMPLEX” is taken orally, typically 2-3 times daily, and is very safe and well-tolerated.  Results can be expected in a matter of days.

When you gotta go, you gotta go!  And when it occurs frequently throughout the night, it is impossible to get a restful sleep, and the negative health effects can be quite serious and lasting.  Do yourself (and your partner) a favour and consider minimizing nocturia with a herbal supplement such as SagaPro or a homeopathic remedy such as Incontinence Complex.

(Christine and Fred Cheng are a sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique family-owned and operated Pharmasave in Cloverdale, BC.  They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use.  Everything mentioned in their articles, and much more, can be found at their Cloverdale Pharmasave.  They would love to hear from you! 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.)

My heart does a little skip and dance when I see Do it Yourself decorating; it is a sure way to add personal character to a space, and it can go a long way in stretching your decorating budget.

Although it’s a balancing act, adding a few DIY objects in a home adds a layered and lived-in look. Too much DIY makes a space look under valued.  There are a lot of great DIY ideas to incorporate into your home, ensure that the projects you choose reflect your personality and compliment the style in your space.  Keep in mind some trends look great in a magazine, but stick-out like a sore DIY thumb in your space, if that happens, consider selling your DIY on Craigslist, then move on to the next project.

Small changes can come with a significant impact.  A coat of paint on items already in the home can dramatically change the mood and trend of the room.  I’m often found at the side of the house in a make shift paint booth changing the colour of large to small pieces in our home.

I follow style trends like a fiend and a can of spray paint or a roll of wallpaper can achieve a trend change on budget.  For instance, mix & match brightly painted coloured chairs in the kitchen.  Add a brightly painted chair from the kitchen to the front door, add a throw pillow and a small table to create a welcoming entrance way.

Wall papering a closet brings life to an otherwise forgotten space.  I wallpapered a foyer coat closet, it invites interesting comments from guests; when hanging coats.

Keep the leftover wall paper, consider wallpapering the back of a book shelf for an instant DIY update.  The same wallpaper in a frame becomes DIY instant art.  Wallpapering a clip board then hanging it on a wall becomes a decorative DIY message board, or a household bill clip.

Do It Yourself decorating ideas are endless, dip your toe into the DIY pool; it’s warm and fun.

Stay tuned… Continuing to love your space.

Roxanne Griese is an Artist; Design and organizing are her passions, to view more articles and artwork visit www.artbyroxanne.ca.

I am often asked what exactly a tankless water heater is. Why would I get one? What are the benefits? I see a lot of advertising out there promoting tankless water heaters, but not really explaining what they are, how they work, and how they can be a benefit to you. People are confused. I am going to help you understand what a tankless water heater is, and help you determine if it is the right piece of equipment for you.

Today’s well informed home owners decide on a tankless water heater for 3 good reasons. First, they know that tankless water heaters are used throughout the World where energy costs are high. Canada’s energy costs are rising. Secondly, they recognize that a 92-97% thermal efficient gas tankless water heater compared to a 50 – 60% standard gas tank type water heater will save money and help reduce their carbon footprint. Thirdly, the tankless water heater doesn’t store hot water but produces it on demand.

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 almost anywhere. 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.

Tankless heaters are not new to the market. They have a proven record dating back to 1950 in Canada. They come in many sizes to suit your needs. Experienced contractors can help you select the right unit.

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.

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. Although, electric tankless water heaters are less expensive to purchase and operate, they typically have less capacity, which makes them less practical for large families or households that consume large amounts of hot water at one time.

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. 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.

For more home-improvement information, to send Shell an email, or to watch Shell’s Ask Shell Coffee Break go to www.AskShell.com

As I write this the music of Brahms wafts gently around my office. Having just returned from the Czech Republic, perhaps Bohemian-born composer Gustav Mahler’s work would be more appropriate. Either way, music – like theatre, red-tile roofs and excellent cheap beer – strike me as cornerstones of daily life in this small country that proudly brandishes a long, dramatic history.

Consider Český Krumlov, for example. The mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architecture along the cobblestone streets vies for attention.  Towering above looms the impressive castle after which the town in named. The Vlatava River, a natural divider for the hilly town, meanders tranquilly through this classic middle European tableau.

The town is one of 12 Czech UNESCO World Heritage sites. The substantial castle complex – which is well-worth exploring – houses a superbly preserved operational Baroque Theatre dating back to 1766.

Until this visit to southern Bohemia, I confess that – despite my interest in theatre – the only thing I knew about Baroque Theatre was that such an art form existed.

It was, therefore, a pleasure to meet the effervescent power behind the scenes, Castle Theatre Director, Dr. Pavel Slavko.

With infectious enthusiasm he emphasized the uniqueness of the fully functioning wooden machinery, ornate stage and backdrop intricacies, and the company’s pride in a collection of 600 fragile costumes – some of which date back to the 17th century. In Baroque Theatre, lighting is critical and illusion is everything. Ropes, pulleys and winches maneuvered by a team of 35 experts under the stage facilitate complex scene changes. Wind, rain, and the sounds and moods of the elements, are replicated with an assortment of huge carefully crafted wooden props. Clearly this theatre is loved, respected, and, we are told, very fragile.

The Baroque Arts Festival Český Krumlov takes six months to plan. It was established in 2008, and takes place each September. Reputedly performances are unique experiences perfectly synchronized by technicians and artists. Due to climate controls, theatre tours during the summer are strictly limited to advance on-line bookings. For more information e-mail info@ckrumlov.cz

If Baroque isn’t your bag, fear not, the surroundings aren’t short of tourist entertainment. It’s a walkable town. Narrow winding streets dotted with assorted shops and cafes offer much to explore. The river lures many to admire the scene by canoe, or do as we did – discover a riverside park were two student buskers were taking the opportunity to practice their flutes. A park gate sign indicated that everything was forbidden – except music.

I’d like to have visited the Romany gypsy cafe, but music in only featured on Saturday nights.

Český Krumlov is a about an easy three-hour drive through attractive pastoral countryside south of Prague. Although it can be a day trip, I was there during an uncharacteristically hot week, and overnighted the Hotel Bellevue at the gates of the old town. Although the service was extremely genial, the rooms and showers were small, minus bedside clocks, and, like most accommodation outside Prague, sans air conditioning.

For more information go to http://www.czechtourism.com

Ursula Maxwell-Lewis is a freelance British Columbia writer and photographer.

A familiar Langley face wants to bring a new voice to Langley City politics.

Mel Kositsky, who began working as a local journalist in Langley City during the late Seventies, will be seeking the Mayor’s chair in the upcoming by-election, expected to be held in September to fill the vacancy created by Mayor Peter Fassbender’s success in Surrey as an MLA. Mayor Fassbender is expected to resign his position sometime in July.

A longtime Langley resident, Kositsky has served the community for decades as a member of the media, volunteer and was elected as a Township Councillor for 18 years.

“I have watched Langley City develop into a complete, compact community under the guidance of Mayor Marlene Grinnell and City Council, and then become ‘the place to be’ under Mayor Fassbender’s leadership,” said Kositsky.

“I have always felt I have served both the City and Township throughout my political career. There are many shared services, programs and festivities involving residents of both communities, and I was always keenly aware and inclusive of City politics,” he said. Kositsky is on the record as being against amalgamation of the two Langleys.

“I have always been putting Langley first. I believe I have the knowledge, experience and energy to lead Langley City into the future,” said Kositsky, 62. “I am well aware of the issues facing City residents due to my past work with the Township, Metro Vancouver board of directors and the many committees and task forces that I have been part of.”

“I am also an active volunteer with many organizations, some based in the City,” he added. “My strengths are dealing with people issues – such as the homeless, drug addiction, diversity training, immigration settlement and the aging population. As a former chair or vice chair of national infrastructure and transportation committees, I will be able to seek solutions to the issues of growth and re-development facing Langley City.”

Kositsky said this is an exciting period for the next Mayor of Langley City. There are a number of strategic plans in place for downtown revitalization and redevelopment of old neighbourhoods. The City is updating its Recreation, Parks and Culture Master Plan and its Official Community Plan to meet the Regional Growth Strategy. He is in favour of the joint Cultural Task Force study regarding a performing arts centre. Having the two local governments and the universities collaborate on the idea is the right next step, he said.

Kositsky believes he has strengths in those areas, having served on the Board of Directors of the BC Recreation and Parks Association. He is currently on the Board of Directors of the Pacific Parklands Foundation and the BC Housing Management Commission. He currently does freelance writing and operates a consulting company.

“I have always treated Langley as one community while respecting its political and geographic boundaries,” he said. “I have worked cooperatively with all Langley politicians at the municipal, provincial and federal levels, as well as with School District officials. My style of leadership is to bring people together and get things done!”

Over the years, Kositsky not only covered Langley City Council as a reporter and editor, he also worked closely with many City Councils on collaborative initiatives and joint programs and services. As a member of the former South Fraser Joint Family Court and Youth Justice Committee, he advocated for the reopening of a Langley Court House and that will be at the top of the list of issues he would like to tackle.

“I also see the need for an action plan to help fill the vacant storefronts in the downtown core and continue to develop a pedestrian-friendly community. I also see a need to accommodate the growing number of electric wheelchairs and scooters moving around the core, so they can get around safely. We may even need to establish scooter re-charging stations like they are doing for electric cars.”

During his career in the local media, Kositsky worked or volunteered for companies that had offices based in Langley City. He started with the Fraser Valley News Herald in the late Seventies, moved onto the Langley Times in the Eighties and became editor in 1986. He also worked as the Langley representative for Vancouver and Fraser Valley radio stations, and wrote columns for the Langley Advance and Country Wave Magazine. Kositsky was also a television host and producer of community television shows from Rogers and Shaw studios in Langley City. He created the Langley People show and worked on other productions such as the Langley newsmagazine show called “56th Avenue” and “Along for the Ride”, which focused on the Langley horse industry.

In 2004, he ran unsuccessfully as an Independent candidate in the federal election for the newly-created Langley only riding. He was the only candidate to have his election office in Langley City. “Much of my support came from Langley City residents so they have voted for me in the past,” he said. Kositsky also ran unsuccessful for Mayor of Langley Township in 2011, finishing second to current Mayor Jack Froese.

This contemporary low scale foot stool was uninspiring when I spotted it at a local thrift store.  The small scale stool felt all wrong, with the sheen of the pale blue fabric to the outdated gold upholstery tacks widely spaced around the base… I knew right away it was coming home with me.

The stool would be a perfect pairing for a recently purchased slipper chair, a pleasant occasional chair, to suit any room and decor – using slip covers.

After unscrewing the stools legs, I removed the tacks and old blue fabric, using it as a pattern for the new upholstery.  By folding and ironing the edge of the new material, I produced a clean edge, I stapled the material to the bottom side of the stool.  After touching up the legs with Howard’s Restor-a-Shine, I re-attached the legs completing the newly inspired; matching stool to the slipper chair.  The whole process took about half an hour, recovering the footstool is a snap when you change the slip cover on the chair.

Quick Tip:  When purchasing slip covers consider buying an extra cover to use for reupholstering a stool or new covers for throw cushions.  Fabric framed can also become instant art.

Continuing to love your space.

Roxanne Griese is an Artist.

Decorating and organizing are her passions, to see more articles and artwork visit. www.artbyroxanne.ca