10 Easy Steps to a Achieve Natural Wellness
 
Achieving optimal wellness can feel daunting sometimes—jam-packed schedules, long commutes and work weeks can make it seem impossible. However, all is not lost in your quest for well-being if you follow these ten easy steps!
1. Water
Staying well hydrated is so important for your body to function properly. Remember, it doesn’t just have to be water; fruit, soups and vegetables also contain water that contributes to hydrating your body.
2. Exercise
Movement is vital to achieve wellness. Whether you’re hitting the gym, skiing, dancing or simply taking a brisk walk—exercise will improve your sleep and stress levels, contributing to your optimal wellness!
3. Challenge the Mind
Keep your mind active by exercising the brain with activities like reading, crosswords, board games or even learning a new language! These brain training sessions help to delay symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease.
4. Pet Love
Get a pet! Research indicates that people with pets live longer and have lower rates of depression. Our furry little friends help lower blood pressure, lessen anxiety and boost immunity!
5. Nutrition
Eating right is by far one of the best ways to contribute to your long term wellness. Proper nutrition will help you to be at your best both mentally and physically—improving your energy levels, managing a healthy weight, protecting your heart, reducing disease like diabetes and keeping your brain thinking at full capacity!
6. Omegas
Add some fish to your plate! Getting more omegas helps protect your body from heart attack and stroke, type 2 diabetes and depression. These fatty oils also alleviate joint pain, eczema, arthritis and much more! If you’re veggie or vegan add some flax to your diet!
7. Try to See the Glass Half Full
Being optimistic is very important when it comes to health and well-being. Negativity can be like a poison that spreads and makes you feel less energetic and less interested in the things around you. When you find yourself in a difficult situation, try and step back and see the positivity in it.
8. Spend Time with Family and Friends
Making time for loved one is crucial to feeling your best. Meeting a friend for coffee or sharing a special meal with family helps to build a support system and makes you feel connected—improving your outlook on life!
9. Meditate
Most people know that meditation is great for creating emotional balance and calmness, however, it’s also great for increased immunity, lowering blood pressure, fighting inflammation as well as increasing fertility.
10. Give Back
Interestingly, giving back to your community or other charities around the world is great for well- being. It helps to ease stress, strengthen the immune system and activate “feel good” emotions that contribute to a better mindset. These “feel good” emotions are sometimes called a “helper’s high”—a rush of endorphins that act as natural painkillers and instill a feeling of calm and self assurance.
We want to hear your tips and tricks for achieving wellness, naturally? To learn more about our natural line of Wellness Products, click here.
Free the Mind with Meditation
With all the negative things that seem to be happening in the world, stress from work, everyday life, and financial worries—no wonder so many people find it hard to muster up a smile. After almost losing my oldest daughter over the Christmas holidays, I was searching for an antidote to the weariness that I found myself in. In the end, I turned to meditation to deal with this painful, stressful situation.
I was surprised to find out that meditation shows us that sometimes the only way out is in. Meditating revealed to me that I already have the answers inside of myself; I just had to be still long enough to find them. Meditation is the relaxed stated of looking inward to find true peace and lasting happiness.
Meditation helps to bring our mind back to the present, returning to the "nowness" of the moment. As we work with our mind, we begin to see what arises—our thoughts, sensations and even emotions, will disappear when we simply allow them to.
Making mediation a part of your daily routine a couple minutes a day can improve your health. Meditation lowers blood pressure—studies reveal that those who practiced mediation outlived the national average by 23%. Meditation enhances memory—experts say that when the brain is functioning in a more relaxed state, it's able to absorb and retain memory better. Meditating helps you stay focused with your efforts to cut down or stay away from nicotine, drugs or alcohol. Meditating frees your mind, enhances alertness and focus and is a great stimulus for new ideas and creative thinking.
So there you go, just a few of the many benefits of mediation. In an unscented spray mist add:
10 drops- Vetiver
Plan a peaceful setting for yourself. I found it to be relaxing to turn off or dim the lights and light a few candles. My husband prefers soft instrumental music. Others simply prefer silence in any sort of setting. Whatever your preference, be sure to create it for yourself. Spray your mediation spray and breathe..... relax.... and let your mind wander....
Besos, Gina
Natural Headache Relief
Most people seek relief from a headache by reaching for their favourite pain killer—from aspirin to acetaminophen and even naproxen sodium. At Escents Aromatherapy we believe that natural headache relief can be mastered by using the special blend of essential oils that make up our Headache Relief Roll-on. Made with Lavender and Peppermint then blended in an all natural Jojoba oil base, this tiny roll-on can be used as an easy, pill free go-to when your next headache strikes. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: For immediate relief, rub the oil on the temples and massage slowly in a circular motion.
Step 2: Roll on the back of the neck and massage into the neck muscles.
Step 3: For time released pain relief, roll the oil on the bottom of the feet. The skin is thicker on this area, which allows the essential oils to enter the system more slowly than the rest of the body.
The Headache Relief Roll-on also provides relief for the following:
- nausea
- cold/flu
- mental fatigue
All of Escents wellness products are all natural, phthalate and dpg free, no artifical colours and made with 100% pure essential oils. For a limited time, spend $85 on the web and get a FREE Headache Relief Roll-on. (offer varies in-store.)
Paraben and Sulfate Free Hair Care
Posted by Shay Sinclair-Product Specialist on 1/16/2013
to Wellness
 You might have heard the news: our shampoos and conditioners
are now free of parabens and sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS). If you’re
scratching your head, or if you know that getting rid of those
ingredients is a good idea but aren’t quite sure why, read on!
Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives, mostly in products
like shampoo, lotion, and liquid soap. Because parabens are cheap and
effective – no moldy lotion here! – they’re used in most commercial
products. That is, they were; over the previous decade, serious doubts
have been raised about the long-term safety of using products containing
them. Like many other chemicals, parabens can mimic estrogen
under the right conditions. We know introducing estrogen into the body
can be dangerous (hence the discontinuation of hormone replacement
therapy for menopausal women), and several studies back up this concern.
High levels of parabens (of the type found in skincare products) were
discovered in breast cancer tumours, and up to 60 per cent of breast
cancer tumours occur in the area closest to where deodorant is applied.
These studies were small, and more research is needed. However,
switching to paraben-free products where available is an easy way to
play it safe with your health.
SLS is a slightly different story. There isn’t enough research
to say it’s unsafe, but the evidence we have indicates that switching to
SLS-free products might be a good idea, particularly for anyone with
sensitive skin.
As a surfactant, SLS provides the foaming, cleaning power found
in all kinds of liquid washes – like shampoo, bubble bath, and body
wash. In its pure form SLS is a strong skin and respiratory irritant,
but in the miniscule dilutions found in most products it was thought to
be harmless.
Unfortunately, many people using SLS products have reported
painful or irritating reactions: eczema, dandruff, acne, and skin
sensitivity can all be caused by a relaxing bubble bath. At the very
least, SLS strips the skin and hair of important nutrients and
protective oils.
One debunked claim is that SLS can cause cancer. Thankfully, no reputable scientific studies have shown any link thus far.
There are a lot of claims floating around about parabens and
SLS, and a lot of hyperbole on both sides. In the end, there just isn’t
enough information to make the call, but switching to products free of
these chemicals is an easy way to err on the side of caution.
Wellness Resolutions
 Now that the New Year is upon us, everyone has a plan to kick-start their healthy living strategy into full gear. Whether you are hitting the gym, embarking on a cleanse or simply trying to clear your mind and find peace and clarity, we have some quick tips for a healthy you.
Exercise: It can be hard, but to be healthy and vital, one must get their body moving. It doesn't have to be complicated; choosing simple exercises like walking can make a huge difference when it comes to cardiovascular health. Once you’re finished with your workout, relax your achy muscles with a bath salt such as Escents’ Purify—a detoxifying blend of 100% pure therapeutic salts full of nourishing and skin-soothing nutrients. Dead Sea salt helps to reduce fluid retention; Himalayan salts cleanse and detoxify the skin, while Epson salts ease sore, tired muscles. The essential oils of Juniper and Grapefruit help to uplift the spirit and increase circulation—getting you ready for your next workout! Sleep: Getting enough sleep is a necessary part of health and well-being. Without enough rest, our bodies become tired and susceptible to bacteria and infection—not to mention having low energy! Getting the body ready for sleep is an important part of any sleep routine—aromatherapy can work wonders for this. Products such as our Sleep Aroma Mist can be sprayed on the pillow and on the sheets before getting into bed. The essential oils of Chamomile and Ylang Ylang help to reduce tension and set the mind at ease so you can peacefully drift off to the Land of Nod.
Nutrition: Everyone knows that eating right is one of the key contributors to a healthy lifestyle, however, it can be hard to say no to certain foods when hunger strikes. Fortunately, essential oils such as Patchouli, Bergamot and Fennel can help to calm cravings. Simply add some drops to a diffuser or add to carrier oil such as Jojoba Oil and rub on the abdominal area. You'll be turning down those office pastries in no time!
Healthy wellness resolutions can be accomplished in no time with the help of Escents. What are some of your resolutions this year?
Hangover Helpers!
Posted by megan on 12/19/2012
to Wellness
 With all of the office parties, dinner parties, New Years Eve and all the festivities in between, it’s the time to spread holiday cheer! Unfortunately, at times, a bit too much cheer can be had…….This season, if you find yourself in one of those situations where you’re feeling less than stellar in the morning, why not try out one of Escents Aromatherapy’s naturally remedies. You’ll be feeling tip top—or at least somewhat better with one of these hangover helpers!
Headache Roll-on: This top seller is fantastic at easing sharp headaches. Made with a blend of Peppermint and Lavender in an all natural Jojoba base—this little miracle worker will have you feeling better in minutes. Apply to the temples and back of the neck for effective relief.
Stay Alert Inhaler: Feeling a little tired and worn out after staying up past your bedtime? Escents’ Stay Alert Inhaler will perk you up with the all natural essential oils of Rosemary and Basil. Place the inhaler in each nostril and inhale. Purify Massage Oil: After a night on the eggnog, it is often recommended to give your body a detox. Let Escents’ Purify Massage Oil cleanse you of your impurities with the uplifting properties of Grapefruit and the stimulating effects of Juniper. Massage the moisturizing oil into the skin or use a tablespoon in the bath for a purifying soak.
So eat, drink and be merry this season, but remember to treat yourself to wellness the next day!
DIY Bug Repellent Recipe
Posted by Alicia on 8/17/2012
to Wellness
Check out our DIY Bug Repellent Recipe in 24 Hours magazine Vancouver! This recipe is great smelling and is a perfect alternative to less natural products on the market. If you don't want to make your own, try our Zap Away line complete with a spray, body balm, oil blend and shampoo bar. Get creative, smell better than everyone else and keep those pesky insects at bay!
Fighting Stress Naturally with Escents
Posted by megan on 8/13/2012
to Wellness
Five months ago, we received a phone call from the producers of the Dr. Oz Show. They were looking to feature our popular Stress Relief inhaler on a segment called, Worry Cure. Since then, we have helped thousands of people deal with their stress with our effective Stress Relief products. These products are all natural and easy to use—providing a simple way to relieve stress, naturally. Our Stress products have been so popular; Oprah mentioned them on her blog! Our Stress Relief line contains a calming stress relief blend, which is a unique combination of Neroli and Bergamot. Originating from Tunisia, Neroli works to ease depression, melt away anxiety and control mood swings. Bergamot is a related to the citrus family and has its roots in Italy. Bergamot oil is great for to fighting fatigue and energizing the body as well as soothing unwanted tensions.
Aromatherapy Spring Cleaning with Essential Oils
 Spring
is finally here! With the start of the season comes the urge to give
your home a fresh start with spring cleaning. And what better way to put
a little spring into your home than with the smells and benefits of
nature's essences, essential oils.
I find that when I infuse my home with natural scents as spring comes
into full bloom, my family becomes more eager to get outside and enjoy
nature to its fullest.
Here are a few ways to use essential oils in your spring cleaning line-up: - Vacuuming. Add 1-2 drops of anti-bacterial lavender or geranium essential
oil into your vacuum bag to keep it fresh and to diffuse the scent into
the air as you clean. For bagless vacuums, add the drops to a tissue
and put it into the collection receptacle.
- Surface Cleaner. Create your own multi-surface disinfectant spray to use on any surface, sink and counter.
- Drawer Fresheners. There's nothing like putting on fresh smelling clothing! Put one of our aromatherapy bath bombs into your drawers to give them a nice, fresh scent of your choice.
- Dishwashing.To add fragrance or to improve the antiseptic action of your liquid soap , add several drops of essential oils like spruce, pine, lemon, bergamot, and orange. You can also add a few drops of these oils to dishwasher to help disinfect and purify it.
- Carpet Deodorizer. Whether you're removing smells from pets, cigarettes or cooking, you can make your own essential oil carpet deodorizer easily freshen and sanitize your carpets.
- Window Cleaner. Get your windows squeaky clean without the sour smell of commercial sprays with this essential oil window cleaner you can make yourself.
- Yoga Mat Spray. Is your stinky yoga mat keeping you achieving inner peace? Create your own essential oil yoga mat spray to disinfect it, giving it and you a fresh start.
- Air Fresheners. There are a number of ways to freshen the air in your home. Our favourite is to use ultrasonic diffusers to
purify your air and disperse the beneficial scents of essential oils
throughout your home. For convenience (and because everyone in my family
likes different scents!), I have a diffuser in all the main rooms of
our home. Another option is essential oil reed diffusers,
which passively disperse oils into the air. They're great for
bathrooms! Or if you want to combine that with a spray for "when you
need it", try getting one of our essential oil air freshener spray with a matching scent. If you like to combine fragrance with candle effects, try our aromatherapy soy candles.
My favourite essential oil blends for the spring are ones that remind me of flowers in bloom. Try Love (with Rose and Jasmine), Wild Gardenia (with Ylang Ylang and Jasmine), and Lavender Meadow (with Lavender & Orange). I also really like refreshing blends that smell like the clean, outdoors like Air (with Cedarwood & Spearmint), Coast (with Lavender & Frankincense), Breeze (with Bergamot & Oakmoss) and Green Forest (with Lime & Basil). Do
you have any special ways of cleaning using essential oils? Which are
your favourite essential oils and blends for the spring? Jacqui MacNeill
4 Aromatherapy Tips To Help You Sleep
 Insomnia
is a problem for many people. Not getting enough sleep makes it harder
to perform your daily activities, both mental and physical. It also
weakens your immune system. There are many great tips and articles for
improving sleep patterns (here's one I like), but sometimes it's not enough and people need a little extra help. Sleep Aromatherapy, using particular essential oils can give you a little extra help getting to sleep naturally without chemical drugs.
Create a Relaxing, Aromatherapy Sleep Ritual To
make the best use of aromatherapy methods, create a customized,
anxiety-reducing relaxation ritual for yourself in the 1-2 hours leading
up to bed time. A good friend of mine was having trouble sleeping due
to stress and anxiety. She developed the following routine and now
sleeps like a baby and even looks forward to bedtime. She starts by
taking a relaxing aromatherapy bath or shower, lighting a candle or
running her aromatherapy diffuser
in the bathroom while she bathes. When she gets out, she writes down
her worries in a journal and lets her mind rest knowing that she can
handle them in the morning. She then sprays a heated shoulder wrap with lavender aroma mist then reads until she falls asleep. 
Essential Oils that Help You Sleep Lavender oil, chamomile roman oil, ylang ylang oil, marjoram oil, and clary sage oil all have sleep-inducing qualities. They can be used on their own or you can mix these essential oils to create your own sleep-inducing essential oil blend.
You can also try Escents' own Sleep, Rest and Night Time Blends. Sleep
with Chamomile and Ylang Ylang is a classic blend designed to help you
to relax and get to sleep faster and allows for a deeper, more peaceful
sleep. Chamomile was included in this blend because it has been used for
centuries in teas as a mild, relaxing sleep aid, treatment for fevers,
colds, stomach ailments, and as an anti-inflammatory. Ylang Ylang evokes
calmness and can melt away anxiety, tension and stress.
Night Time
with Chamomile and Lavender, is a new blend designed to help you leave
the day behind and let your worries melt away and help you rest and
sleep. Along with the benefits of Chamomile, Lavender is used in this
blend and is the most versatile essential oil and has been used for
centuries from calming and relaxing the mind. Night Time is great to diffuse when you're reading a book before bed or getting ready to hop between the sheets.
Rest
with Lavender and Rosewood, is also new and can help relieve tension so
you can rest and prepare yourself for sleep. This blend can also be
used throughout the day when you just want to relax and unwind.
4 Ways to Use Aromatherapy to Help You Sleep 1) Aromatherapy Diffusers. Add 5-8 drops of your chosen essential oils or our Sleep essential oil blend to
some water in an ultrasonic diffuser and turn it on when you go to bed.
It will purify and permeate the air in your bedroom with your chosen
oils. Be sure to use one that shuts off automatically like our Ultramist Diffuser you don't have get up and turn it off. Do NOT use a candle diffuser. Candles should never be left unattended. 
2) Essential Oil Mists. Add 40 drops of essential oils to an unscented mist. You can also our Lavender Aroma Mist or our Sleep Aroma Mist. Lightly spray the mist on bed linens before getting into bed to go to sleep. 3) Roll-On Therapy. Add 20 drops to an unscented roll-on or try our Sleep Aromatherapy Roll-On. Apply to wrists and neck before going to sleep. 
4) Relaxing Aromatherapy Bath or Shower. Add 10-20 drops of essential oils to 30ml of unscented bath oil or unscented wash & bubble bath.
Draw a nice, warm bath adding the mix to your water. Make sure the
water is not too hot or cold or else it may stimulate you rather than
relax you. Alternatively, you can use our wash & bubble as a body
wash in the shower or try out our new Rest Therapeutic salts or our Night Time bath oil. 
Have you found an essential oil blend or aromatherapy ritual that works well against insomnia? Please comment and let me know!
Jacqui MacNeill
What you're saying about our Stress Relief Inhaler
Posted by Johanna on 3/15/2012
to Wellness
 "I have to say I am so happy this Blend is getting so much attention lately! I have been using Stress Relief for years. I inhale it, diffuse it, and spritz it all the time, whether it's work related stress or just feeling down. It's heaven!!! It came to my rescue again a year ago when my Dad died-I lived four and a half hours away, my house was on the market and sold a day after he died. I could not have gotten through this tremendous stressful time without this amazing blend. I am never without it! Thank you for creating it." - Christina C. from Brampton, ONWhat do you think? Post your stories in the comments section here and/or on Facebook.Don't forget to "like" us when you're there!
Thank you Dr. Oz and Dr. Tasneem Bhatia!
Posted by Johanna on 3/13/2012
to Wellness
When you need to calm down quickly, you can try Escents Stress Relief
Aromatherapy Inhaler, available online for around $7. The scents of
bergamot, lavender, eucalyptus, petitgrain, and jojoba go straight to
the amygdala – the brain’s fear and anxiety center – creating an
immediate sense of calm and lowering your blood pressure.
Watch us on Dr. Oz this Tuesday!
Posted by Johanna on 3/9/2012
to Wellness
When we arrived to work this past Monday, Megan, our newest team member at our Head Office, received a phone call from the producers of the Dr. Oz show. They asked if they could include a few of our products in an upcoming episode about stress management.
What did we say? Yes! Of course! What a wonderful way to start the week!
So...please tune in (or set your PVR) to Dr. Oz Tuesday, March 13th. Check your local listings for details.
Want to know what Dr. Oz has to say about Escents? Keep checking back here and sign up for our newsletter (if you haven't already).
What Wellness Means to Escents
Posted by Jacqui MacNeill on 2/13/2012
to Wellness
Escents philosophy is to work hard
to launch products that are safe, effective and kind to the
environment. We are committed to living well and our Mantra is that we
are all “born from nature” and so, as our products will be put onto
your bodies, they must also come from nature. We always do our best. We
work hard to keep up with the latest ingredients, most safest
alternatives to things like laurel sulphates, parabens and
preservatives. We believe less is more. Simple as possible. We believe
that taking great care of your skin means understanding what you put on
it. Especially since most of what goes on your body, makes its way into
your body. The good, the bad and the ugly. So we’ve created body care
and aromas that don’t just smell nice, they are nice.
Win two Tickets to The Vancouver Wellness Show
In celebration of our 20th year, Escents is going to the Vancouver Wellness Show this weekend February 17, 18 and 19.
 Come visit us in booth 316A to get to know our Natural Wellness products and meet our founder, Jacqui MacNeill.
We're going to be giving away great prizes, doing custom blending and offering amazing show specials.
We want you to come visit us so badly that we're giving away two pairs of tickets.
TO ENTER*: post a comment below telling us about your favorite Escents product and/or wellness tip. Two winners will be drawn at random on Thursday, February 16th at 3:00 pm. Winners will be announced here and contacted via email.
See you at the show!
*open for entries until Thursday, February 16th at 2:59 pm.
Jacqui's Favorite Essential Oils for the Fall
 Each season has its ups and downs and we notice these most at the onset of each season. The fall is represented by transformation and harvest. It is a time we feel thankful for all of nature's bounty, whether this comes in the form of harvest feasts or simply the beauty of it all as we walk in the woods and appreciate the colour changes in the leaves.
Many people find that the change in season brings about its own unique physical and emotional quirks for people making its impact strongest at the onset. To help make sure that we're making the most of the fall season it's good to nip these things in the bud so to speak. Below are some health solutions using essential oils to help you manage issues related to seasonal change.
1. Low Immunity. While winter is widely regarded the "Cold & Flu" season, our immune systems often get caught off guard when while our bodies acclimatize to the change in temperature that comes with fall leaving us more vulnerable to illness. Try to maintain your activity levels and healthy eating habits as the season changes to help keep your immune system strong. See our essential oil health solutions giving your immune system an extra boost. As the cooler temperatures make me feel like nesting inside, I find I am using my diffuser more and more, with our Pure Imunity Blend. I also use this blend in my lotion as it's a great way to boost my immune system - my kids bring home so many germs from school! If I do start feeling under the weather or just run down, I roll our Respiration Blend throughout the day, it always helps to make me breathe better.
2. Allergies. Depending on where you live and what you're allergic too, the fall can be a bad season for allergies, oftentime worse than spring. If you suffer from fall allergies, let someone else do the raking, mowing, composting, etc and stay indoors. Avoid hanging clothing or bedding outdoors so you don't expose them to pollen and mold. One of our store Managers was telling me that she uses Niaouli in her Arometherapy Pendant (the ones that appeared on Dragon's Den!) as a great way to reduce affects of allergies. I would also recommend burning Niaouli in a diffuser at bedtime or even adding it to your shower gel so the benefits can really get into your system. See our essential oil health solutions for allergies.
3. Fatigue. With the gradual decrease in daylight, people often find themselves more and more physically and mentally fatigued as fall sets in. People also start to "hibernate" more, decreasing the physical activity that helps keep energy levels up. Of course, you should try to maintain your fitness regime, but aromatherapy can also help, so here are tips for dealing with fatigue using essential oils. Most of our Escents staffers have a diffuser in their offices, and many of us use Rosemary in them to combat the mid-afternoon slump, or use it in a lotion or wash as a perfect way to increase energy. A quick trick I often use when I'm driving and needing to perk up is to roll Headache Relief on the back of my neck - honestly, there aren't many things that Headache Relief doesn't work on; there must be a reason it's been our best seller for nearly 20 years!
What essential oils do you find most useful or appealing in the fall? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Jacqui MacNeill
Our Run for the Cure in Memory of Jessica Leavitt
Posted by Jacqui MacNeill on 9/29/2011
to Wellness
 On Sun. Oct. 2, Escents will be entering a team in Run for the Cure. We are dedicating our run to the memory of Jessica Leavitt, Escents' Operations Leader who passed away suddenly on September 17th. She is survived by her husband and her daughter and son. Jessica had been with Escents for years, and was truly the embodiment of all this company stands for. The thing we will remember her most for was her positivity; she signed off every email with "Make it a great day!" and she truly lived by her words. She always gave her best and expected nothing less from every single member of her team, and her passing has left a giant hole in our hearts. We can only seek to follow her example and do our best to always, "Make it a great day."
Breast Cancer Awareness
We aren't always able to do anything about the cards that are dealt to us in life, but with breast cancer there are many things that can be done to reduce the risks and potentially its severity. Awareness is the key. That's why we believe so strongly in all the various activities the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation does. Their goal is to not only fund research for the cure, but also to raise awareness to minimize the impact of this disease.
Risk Reduction
Some risk factors, such as age and family history, are non-modifiable, meaning there is nothing that can be done to change them. There are, however, a number of modifiable risk factors, such as body weight, physical activity, alcohol use, exposure to tobacco smoke, etc, that can be changed to reduce your risks of developing breast cancer. Read more about established risk factors.
Early Detection
If breast cancer can be detected at an early stage of development, the chances of successful treatment are usually better. It can allow for a greater variety of treatment options like less aggressive treatment or breast conserving surgery. The 2 most common forms of breast screening are clinical breast examinations and screening mammography. You can also learn to become more " breast aware" by knowing how your breasts normally look and feel so that if you notice any significant changes you can have them checked by a doctor.
Run with or Support the Escents Team
Want to get involved with Run for the Cure? We are inviting everyone to join or support our team and receive special rewards for their efforts. Our goal is to raise at least $1,500, but we hope to do even better.
There are 2 ways you can get involved:
1) Run with the Escents team. Join our team and get a free Red Rose Soy Jar Candle, plus a 15% discount on any single purchase at our retail stores. You'll also get a special Escents team t-shirt.
2) Donate to support the Escents team. If you support our team by making a donation, you'll get a FREE Red Rose Hand Repair Cream, plus a 15% discount on any single purchase at our retail stores.
Jacqui MacNeill
Running for the Cure!
Posted by Admin on 9/14/2011
to Wellness
All of us here at Escents are busy preparing for the CIBC Run for the Cure on October 2nd by fundrasing and lacing up our shoes. We would love to have you either join our team for the race or make a donation to help us reach our goals and we are provding some fun incentives to do so!
While we have a lot of enthusiasm for the race amongst our staff, there was some hesitation from some who had perhaps never entered a race before, or even run, period, and many nuggets of advise have been passed around as we encourage our fellow staffers to join in the fun of race day.
Here are just a few of the tips we have compiled to help you along if you're new to running or are joining in the the run on October 2 just for the spirit of community and awareness for a great cause.
Equipment: It's important to wear a comfortable and supportive shoe for any phyiscal activity, and most of us can find something suitable to wear for a 5k run. If you're considering a longer term training schedule (perhaps looking at a 10k or something even longer in your future), it really is best to visit a running store to be properly fit for a good pair of shoes. Running doesn't require a lot of equipment like skiing or rock climbing, so investing in a pair of shoes to train with will be next to the only thing you have to buy. This brings us to sports bras. Ladies, if you're planning to stick with a running program, this is another item you may want to spend some time and money on and get one that really works for you.
Start Slow: You can't expect to go out running for the first time and be able to keep going for any great distance at any great speed - it just doesn't work that way. Having a beginner's training program can be very helpful in easing you into running with a walk/run routine that gradually increases your indurance. We like the Couch to 5K Progam (there's even a phone app to help you) and any of the recommendations by renowned running coach, Hal Higdon. At the very least, these resources can show you that there is no shame in walking and that progress should be gradual and also fun.
Nurture Yourself: Try to eat well and fuel your body with nutritious, fresh choices. Hydrate before, during and after a run. Another part of any training program (and life) is rest. Make sure you get enough sleep and don't overtrain; your muscles need recovery time to get stronger for your next run.
Enlist Help: With the cooler days ahead of us, it's not always going to be all that enticing to leave a warm spot on the sofa to head out for some exercise. If you have your family supporting you and holding you accountable to any changes you'd like to make, it will be that much easier to reach your goals. Consider making a date to walk or run with a friend so you can spend some time together; it's unlikely that you'll wimp out on your training if someone is waiting to do it with you.
Record and Celebrate: As you train, keep track of how you're doing on a calendar or in a training log. When you have a discouraging day, you can easily look back and see just how far you've come, and you'll also have evidence to support a celebration when you reach a milestone (like finishing your first 5K!)
Above all, it's important to Make It Fun! We're encouraging all of our staff to come out for some fresh air, some time away from our roles at Escents, and walk/run/shuffle the 5K and we are going to have a blast. Please consider joining us.
In the spirit of community, what tips do you have for new runners? Please share your thoughts; we'd love to hear what you have to say.
Introducing Our New Natural Deodorants
Posted by Jacqui MacNeill on 7/20/2011
to Wellness
I'm pleased to announce the introduction of our new natural deodorants to Escents' product collection. We've put a lot of thought into the development of this product and are very proud of the formula we've created, one that relies on vegetable protein in combination with pure essential oils rather than aluminum chlorhydrate or other aluminum compounds. Vegetable Protein Deodorant Formula vs. Aluminum FormulasA number of medical studies suggest that if aluminum enters your blood, it can be absorbed and accumulated in the body. According to some research there may be an association between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease. For this reason many people are choosing to avoid formulas that contain aluminum.
The vegetable protein base used in Escents' deodorant formula is based on a bio-fermentation technology from yeast, and contains enzymes such as hydrolases, de-Esterases, reductiveases, and oxidases, which are said to promote the conversion of a wide range of malodorous substances to their heavier molecule weight, non-odourous salt forms. It neutralizes odours caused by perspiration, human waste, vomit, cigarette smoke, food, mildew, pets and depilatories. Essential Oil Blends in Our DeodorantsHow to Use Our Natural DeodorantsOur natural deodorants can not only be used under your arms. They can also be used on your feet or anywhere else you want to fight odour naturally. One day after walking around in sandals all day I found that both my feet and sandals stank. I tried the new formula on my feet and noticed that not only did my feet stop smelling, the sandals I was wearing also stopped smelling. At that moment, I knew we had developed something great!
Our natural deodorants coming in a standard size and a travel size for when you're on the go. Give either one a try and let us know how it works out for you! :)
From Treating Acne to Getting ZZZs: The Versatility of Lavender Oil
Posted by Jacqui MacNeill on 6/21/2011
to Wellness
 With the onset of summer upon us, lavender is in full bloom and is ready for harvest for the creation of Lavender Essential Oil, one of the most popular and versatile of all the essential oils. With a scent that is soft and floral, fresh and herbaceous, yet with a touch of sweetness, it blends well with a variety of other essential oils, making it a popular choice for use in perfume. It also has a long history of use for wellness and healing purposes due to its versatility for treating a wide variety of healing properties. It also can be used directly on skin without diluting it, unlike most other essential oils.
Healing Properties of Lavender Oil Antiseptic/Antifungal/Antibacterial: These properties make it ideal for dealing with all sorts of skin and bodily issues, including, acne, burns, athlete's foot, insect bites, cold sores, cuts/wounds, lice prevention, etc, and is ideal for use in germ prevention strategies. Calming Effect on Nervous System: Widely used for this characteristic in treating headaches/migraines, stress/anxiety, insomnia, hyperactivity (ADHD), depression, nervousness, etc. Improves Circulation: This property makes Lavender effective for boosting immunity, reducing foot/leg swelling, treating hemorrhoids/varicose veins, etc. Helps with Breathing Issues: Lavender is used for a wide variety of respiratory disorders, including coughs/colds & flu, asthma, snoring, sinusitis, etc. Anti-Inflammatory, Pain-Relieving: This makes Lavender a good choice for soothing muscle soreness, joint sprains/strains, arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc. Helps Facilitate the Digestive Process: Great for easing nausea, colic, abdominal cramps and indigestion. Lavender Oil in Escents Due to its versatility, you'll find Lavender Oil in a vast number of Escents products. It is an ingredient in wellness products such as our Natural Headache Relief Roll-on, Blemish B'Gone Acne Treatment Gel, and Stretch Mark Prevention Oil. You'll also find it in a variety of calming essential oil blends, including Relaxation, Soothe, Blue Water, and Lavender Meadow. And because of it's beautifully versatile scent, you'll find it in a number of our most popular signature essential oil blends, including Matcha Tea, Red Rose, Verve, Willow, Chic, and Coast. I use Lavender practically every day, whether it's for relaxation, healing, or in my bath and body products. What's your favourite way to use Lavender? Jacqui MacNeill
Advice to Share about Skin Cancer
Posted by Jacqui MacNeill on 5/9/2011
to Wellness
Escents President & Founder Jacqui MacNeill shares a touching video with advice about preventing skin cancer and asks you all to spread the word and pass it around.
7 Ways to Control Food Cravings to Help Lose Weight
Posted by Jacqui MacNeill on 3/28/2011
to Wellness
Everyone knows that if you want to lose weight, you need to have a strategy that combines physical activity and sensible eating. Where many of us fall short is when we have cravings for unhealthy trigger foods that we're used to eating regularly. Read on for tips for controlling food cravings to help you lose weight.
How Escents Headache Relief Works
Posted by Escents on 3/12/2011
to Wellness
Escents Founder Jacqui MacNeill shares her story of how she developed the effective essential oil combination contained in the Escents Headache Relief line.
Asthma Relief Essential Oil Recipe
Posted by Escents on 3/4/2011
to Wellness
Trouble breathing? This recipe submitted by Michelle from Escents Commercial Drive is great for asthma or even to help clear passage for general respiration.
5 Benefits of Romantic Rose Oil
Posted by Jacqui MacNeill on 1/24/2011
to Promotions
Rose essential oil is associated with a wide variety of physical and emotional benefits, in addition to its captivating scent. Here are 5 benefits that can be derived from rose oil.
15 Ways to Use Healing Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil has a wide variety of uses and applications, especially for healing. We use it ourselves in many of our natural aromatherapy wellness treatments, but it is also quite versatile on its own. Here are 15 ways tea tree oil can be used in day-to-day life.
7 Ways to Calm Body & Mind with Cedarwood Oil
Cedar trees are also commonly found in landscaping in homes across Canada. It has a wide variety of uses in aromatherapy, particularly in ways that calm the body and mind. Here are 7 such ways.
3 Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreens
Posted by Jacqui MacNeill on 7/23/2010
to Wellness
Not all sunscreens are created equal. Some don't do everything you think they do. Others may be doing things you don't want them to. Here's a quick lowdown on what to avoid and what to look for in a sunscreen.
The Benefits of Using Rose Hydrosol (Rosewater)
Rosewater has been used for millenia for skin care, emotional & spiritual healing, even religious ceremonies. Here, Escents President and Founder Jacqui MacNeill shares some of the many benefits of this versatile tonic.
Essential Oil Immunity Booster Recipe
Posted by Escents on 1/31/2010
to Wellness
Help keep colds and flu at bay with this natural immunity booster recipe using essential oils submitted by Michelle from Escents Commercial Drive.
Natural Essential Oil Anxiety Relief Recipe
Posted by Escents on 1/30/2010
to Wellness
Dealing with post-holiday stress? This natural essential oil anxiety relief recipe submitted by Michelle from Escents Commercial Drive may be just want you need to soothe your soul.
Why Lavender Essential Oil?
Lavender essential oil is one of the best-loved and most used essential oils, and is usually the first oil that people buy when they are learning about aromatherapy. But why is lavender so popular, and what makes it so special?
Aromatherapy Tips for Travellers
Travelling, while usually enjoyable, does have its moments of unpleasantness. Essential oils can be a nice way to refresh your body and mind. Here are a few aromatherapy tips for making travel more pleasant.
The Do-It-Yourself Aromatherapy Pedicure
There are lots of easy ways to keep your feet looking good while avoiding summertime problems like toenail fungus, bacteria, cracked heels, and hangnails. And the best part is that you can do it yourself, on-the-go, in very little time.
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