Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to naturally treat many acute and chronic conditions of the digestive system, including nausea and vomiting, functional disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and diarrhea), peptic ulcer disease, Crohn’s disease, postoperative ileus (a predictable delay in gastrointestinal motility that occurs after abdominal surgery), and gall stone disease. Digestive disorders may be caused by a variety of factors, such as chronic stress and other dietary issues. Acupuncture, in conjunction with medical treatments, can help with digestive imbalance by reducing stress and regulating the endocrine and nervous system hyperactivity that often accompanies digestive disorder patterns.
Community News
Change Your Money Mindset
After the busy holiday season that often involves a lot of spending, you might find you need to work on your money mindset. This is often shaped by various attitudes, beliefs, and emotions that you connect to things like spending, saving, and investing. These can include: ‘Money is bad’, ‘more money solves all problems’, or ‘money is tied to worthiness’. Take time to review your money mindset by asking yourself without self-judgment: 1) What do you believe about having/saving money? and 2) What do you believe about spending money? Compassionately exploring our beliefs and emotions about money can help us have a healthier relationship with money.
Safe Disposal of Expired Medications
It’s not uncommon to have bottles of expired medications sitting in your cupboard or medicine cabinet, but why hold on to them? Start the new year off right by going through your health products and getting rid of anything you no longer need. To dispose of expired prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and other natural supplements properly, bring them into your local pharmacy instead of flushing them down the toilet, placing them down the sink, or throwing them in the garbage. Medications that aren’t disposed of safely can cause health risks for people and animals who might unknowingly ingest them.
Make Saving a Life Your New Year’s Resolution
Did you know that eating donuts can help save lives? The blood donation process takes one hour from start to finish, but only 10 of those minutes are actually spent donating blood. After your donation, having a donut, cookie, and juice helps your body recover by reintroducing fluids, sugars, and salts back into your system. Often, your unit of blood will be used within five days of your donation. Consider donating with friends and family in 2020 to support local patients in need. Book online at www.blood.ca
In Your Neighborhood
Good Neighbours Active Living Centre (720 Henderson Highway) is holding a series of Holiday Concerts:
December 1 – Choristers Christmas Concert at River East Mennonite Brethren Church, 755 McLeod, $15 – tickets at the door
December 13 – Harmonica and Sing it Like You Mean It Concert– No Charge
December 20 – Recorder and Handbells Concert – No Charge.
Refreshments follow each concert. Please call 204-669-1710 for more information.
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Life
We all want to be healthy, however many people disregard their oral cavity and teeth (whether real or false). The body is a holistic and interconnected system, one that can only function optimally if everything runs smoothly. Old or ill-fitting dentures can cause an array of health issues. From headaches, digestive problems, temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ), and hearing loss. Also social isolation may occur if you are unhappy with your smile because of missing teeth or old dentures. It’s imperative to see the right specialist for any health issues. When it comes to dentures see a denturist first.
Your Child’s First Eye Exams
Optometrists recommend that babies have their first eye examination between six and nine months of age to ensure their eyes are healthy, eye alignment and eye muscle movements are developing properly, and the eyes are focusing together. A number of serious eye conditions exist that can be identified during their first eye exam. If left uncorrected, these conditions can result in serious vision problems. Vision development continues into the preschool years – depth perception, eye-hand coordination, and visualization skills. Doctors of Optometry recommend children have at least one eye exam between the ages of two and five, and yearly after starting school.
Benefits of Companionship
Whether it is a close friendship or an intimate relationship, social interaction is needed to prevent health decline in seniors. Loneliness is a risk factor for functional decline in adults over the age of 60. Something as simple as a friendship can enhance aging hearts and strengthen the immune system. Companionship can decrease the physical risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol. The psychological benefits include increased self-esteem, decreased stress, and a sense of belonging. Older adults can also benefit from having a pet. Dogs, in particular, can open seniors up to new activities and interests.
Drink Water on an Empty Stomach
Drinking water on an empty stomach right upon waking up and before brushing your teeth helps with some illnesses, such as headaches, body pains, asthma, TB, bronchitis, epilepsy, heart issues, kidney issues, and meningitis. Drink a total of 640 ml of water, brush your teeth, then wait 45 minutes before eating or drinking anything. After 45 minutes, you can eat and drink as normal. Even if you aren’t suffering from a particular illness or condition, you will likely find that you experience more vitality and energy using this method, particularly if you drink ionized antioxidant-rich water.
Beating the January Blues
Christmas is over…now what? The excitement, parties, presents, and the like, are done. Most people are literally feeling the weight of too much food, late nights, and bills piling up, and are left feeling depressed and out of sorts. Want to skip the January Blues this year? Access Bars can help. Thirty-two points on your head, when lightly touched, release the electromagnetic charge of all the thoughts, feelings and emotions that are presently hindering your happiness and health. People have reported better sleep, focus, happiness, and calm. Start your year off in the right headspace – get your BARS run.
Travel Can Be a PAIN!
Getting to your destination can take a toll on your body, whether it’s in a car or at the airport. Take time to stretch! When travelling, turn your head slowly right to left. Place a pillow behind your lower back. When driving, stop every hour for a walk and stretch your legs. At the airport, your travel partner and you can take turns going for a walk. Do some neck and back stretches to prepare for the upcoming flight. When on the plane, pump each foot to help with circulation. Your physiotherapist can assist with prevention of “travel pain!”
