The October 23rd Diwali Charity Ball held by Tinku Parmar, owner of the Tranquillity Day Spa, to help support her Service Club, The Rotary of North Delta was a huge success! There were over 400 people in attendance with entertainment, a fashion show, dancing and silent auction just to name a few of the festivities. There were many business owners in attendance including the Owners of Fruiticana and Gagan Foods, who graciously donated a cheque to the President of the Rotary of North Delta, Phil Hooper, for $2100 and $1000 to go towards their general funds that will help fund the local charity work the Rotary Club does in the community. Sean Hogan, a local Lawyer spoke about Rotary and the great work they do, including helping build a Skate Park in North Delta, supplying food hampers for some local schools with families in need throughout the year, helping fund the Van for the Boys and Girls Club, helping different charitable and non-profit societies, and much more. Phil Hooper, local Re/Max Realtor and President of the club thanked the crowd for attending and Sheri Brown, also a Re/Max Realtor and President Elect of North Delta Rotary, thanked the amazing efforts of Tinku Parmar for having the idea for the fundraiser and to include the whole community and the Diwali Celebration. Heather King, Councillor for Delta and Acting Mayor and Anne Petterson, Counsellor for Delta were in attendance for the celebration. Many Rotarians from the North Delta Rotary and their spouses were in attendance including the Past District Governor of Rotary District 50/50 and Now Newspaper editor, Gary Hollick and his wife Nita.

The background: Melanin is the natural component of our skin that gives us pigment, thereby determining our skin tone. It is “manufactured” by cells called melanocytes within the basal layer of our epidermis. Melanogenesis is the result of the immune system triggering an inflammatory response to protect the skin from things like heat and injury. This response causes a darkening of the skin as a result of melanin production. Here’s how the reaction works:
There are three main melanogenesis triggers:
1) UV rays, which skin gets from exposure to the sun, tanning beds and fluorescent lighting.
2) Fluctuations in hormone levels (such as pregnancy or menopause).
3) Surface irritation or abrasion of the epidermis from, for example, acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, ingrown hairs, eczema and bug bites.
There are also three steps to lifting hyperpigmentation:
1) INCREASE CELL TURNOVER. Exfoliating skin treatments, like superficial chemical peels, gently bring pigment to the surface of the epidermis and trigger the production of new skin cells. In addition, using products with low levels of retinol – part of the Vitamin A family – also helps cell turnover and is considered the most effective anti-aging ingredient.
2) INHIBIT TYROSINASE PRODUCTION. Using topical inhibitors of the enzyme tyrosinase will help stop the chain reaction that ends in melanin deposit. Common tyrosinase inhibiting ingredients include kojic, lactic, ascorbic and azelaic acids, as well as arbutin and licorice root extracts. These ingredients gently fade spots and even out skin tone.
3) PROTECT FROM FURTHER DAMAGE. Everyone should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF25 or higher) on a daily basis on exposed skin. This is particularly important for those trying to rid themselves of hyperpigmentation because daily UV exposure slows the process of evening the complexion and can trigger new damage. It is even more important to wear sunscreen after a peel treatment and when using exfoliating ingredients, which make skin more sun-sensitive.

Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean you should shelve your sunscreen. In Fact, The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a broad spectrum sunscreen year-round with an SPR15 or higher. Many doctors also recommend that sunscreen application becomes a daily habit, like brushing your teeth.
DID YOU KNOW?
Both UVA and UVB rays play different roles in damaging our skin. UVA has long been known to play a major part in skin aging and researchers have recently found that it may initiate the development of skin cancers. UVA is present with relatively equal intensity during all daylight hours throughout the year, and can penetrate clouds and glass. These rays are also 20 times more abundant than their UVB counterparts, which are responsible for sunburn and are the leading cause of skin cancer. UVB rays can damage your skin year-round, especially at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice.

Reiki energy works on all levels, the physical, spiritual, and emotional. Research studies have shown that it speeds wound healing time, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and is effective as part of a regime to manage pain. Reiki is balance. It complements other health care and medical treatments, speeds the healing process and can minimize the side effects of conventional medical treatments.

Giving or receiving Reiki is a peaceful, relaxing and joyous experience.