Staying healthy isn’t always easy and on busy days it can be even harder but there are some simple, affordable options that can make a real difference. Take a cup of the right tea for example. Used for centuries and enjoyed the world-over, tea is quick to make, convenient to carry, easy on the budget and very effective. That’s why specialty teas that are packed full of goodness to target particular health issues are raising in popularity and fast-becoming a ‘go to’ for those who care to make a real difference in their health. Sooth your day and feel YOUR best!
6 Health Problems Caused by Smoking
Here are 6 health problems caused by smoking that you probably didn’t know about!
1. Going Blind – Smoking increases your risk of age-related macular degeneration.
2. Erectile Dysfunction – Tobacco causes narrowing of the blood vessels all over your body, including those that supply blood to the penis.
3. Ectopic Pregnancy – Is a life-threatening reproductive complication in women that is more likely in smokers.
4. Hip Fractures – Smokers lose bone density.
5. Colorectal Cancer – Smoking is linked to an increased risk of developing and dying from this type of cancer.
6. Rheumatoid Arthritis – It causes painful swelling that can eventually result in bone loss and joint deformity.
All Chest Pain is Cardiac…
…Until proven otherwise. There are many non-cardiac reasons for chest pain. Consider cardiac etiologies first when chest pain occurs. Muscular strain or injury in the chest wall can worsen with movement. Respiratory issues can cause pain with coughing or breathing. Indigestion or heartburn can mimic cardiac pain. Fibromyalgia, arthritis, and even skin conditions can cause pain to the chest. A cardiogram offers valuable information. For more subtle cardiac events, blood work at an ER or urgent care facility is essential. You’ve gotta have heart! Never second guess chest pain.
In Your Neighborhood
Good Neighbours Active Living Centre offers a variety of presentations that are of interest to those 55+. Coming up in September, we will be offering the following presentations:
• Turning Pages – program for individuals 50-70 who are struggling with sadness, anxiety or later life transitions • Winnipeg General Strike • Coffee & Conversation with the Rainbow Resource Centre • When We Were Growing Up • Falls Prevention • Vacation Properties • Travel Talk: Africa • Ukulele 101 • Estate Planning
For more information, please call 204-669-1710, or email [email protected].
Sore, Itchy, Burning Eyes?
It could be “Dry Eye”. This is a medical condition that occurs when the eye does not produce the correct volume of tears, when tear chemistry changes, or when tears disappear too quickly. Dry eye can be a temporary or chronic condition caused by risk factors such as hormonal changes, certain medications, diseases, ageing, and laser eye surgery. Dry eyes are not vision threatening but can affect everyday life in doing things comfortably like computer use and reading. It should be managed to avoid future potential problems such as corneal scars. See your Optometrist, as they will assist in prescribing proper relief of symptoms.
Improve Your Focus & Concentration
Very often, the brain and nervous system become fatigued and overloaded. Much like a computer receiving too much data all at once, the brain can become overwhelmed, slow down, or even crash. This can result in an inability to focus, brain fog, memory loss, ADD/ADHD-like symptoms, a “wired” feeling, or the inability to cope with daily life. The key to turning these conditions around is to give the body what it needs to strengthen specific areas of the brain and nervous system. This can be achieved naturally with specialized nutritional formulations, which will replenish the body and alleviate symptoms.
The Beauty of Aloe
The best beauty tools often come from nature! Using aloe vera as a skin care treatment has many benefits. It’s long been used to help relieve and heal sunburn by acting as a protective layer and replenishing moisture. Its antioxidant and nutritional properties are excellent for healing purposes. These attributes also make it a great everyday moisturizer, especially for those with oily skin. Men can use aloe vera after shaving to treat small cuts and soothe facial skin. Aloe vera’s ability to reduce inflammation is also useful to treat acne and signs of aging, as well as stretch marks.
The Foot and Back Connection
It has been stated that lower back pain will occur in 80% of the population, sooner or later. An increase or a loss of the normal lumbar curve causes a loss of normal vertebral function and pain. This phenomenon is generally linked to a loss of normal foot function. Simply put, what your feet are doing, your lower back and pelvis will repeat. Collapse of the arches and ankle pronation causes lumbar spinal misalignment, leading to altered spinal curves and disc degeneration. This is addressed by the use of corrective orthotics to give the body a proper foundation, and with chiropractic care, to restore normal function.
In Your Community: Private Wellness Consults
Do you want to implement a long-term lifestyle plan to better your overall health and wellbeing? Do you want to thrive in levels of optimal energy, stamina, and performance? Are you looking to improve your quality of sleep and combat stress? Are you preparing for a major sporting event and need the proper nutritional and mindset fuel to reach your desired result? Red River Co-op is now offering personalized Health & Wellness consultations with our resident Health & Wellness Advisor, Paige. Appointments are approximately 15-20 minutes, personalized and completely FREE! Simply fill out an application online or in store.
Hearing Loss and Brain Health
Hearing involves not only your ears but also the brain, so it’s no wonder that hearing loss can go hand in hand with thinking and memory problems. Studies are increasingly linking hearing loss to issues such as faster brain shrinkage, earlier onset of significant cognitive impairment, and up to a quintupled risk of dementia. Addressing conditions such as hearing loss, however, could help prevent a third of dementia cases worldwide, per a UK research collaborative. With hearing health and overall wellness so connected, it’s important to seek regular hearing checks and address listening difficulties early.
Supporting Your Quitter
If your friend or loved one is trying to quit smoking, there are many ways in which you can support them on their journey. Familiarize yourself with the reasons quitting can be so difficult by reading articles, brochures, and other information. Understand your own relationship with smoking and ensure you are celebrating their successes, being supportive, and avoiding being too critical. Be positive when the person you know who is quitting wants to talk about their goals, setbacks, and other aspects of the process. Helping to distract your friend or loved one, or helping them to de-stress, can also be a great way to offer support.


