It’s both! Tea tree, also known by its Latin name melaleuca, was once used to make medicinal tea. Now, it’s frequently used for its essential oil, of which there are three common types. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree essential oil) has antibacterial and medicinal properties and is used for a variety of conditions such as lice, body odour, cold sores, and foot fungus. Melaleuca quinquenervia (niaouli essential oil) has similar disinfecting properties to tea tree essential oil, but is gentler on the skin. Melaleuca cajuputi (cajuput essential oil) actually has similar properties to eucalyptus and lemon oils.
Community News
Mental Health and Your Gut
Did you know that there is a direct line of communication between your digestive tract and your brain? New evidence is showing us that the microflora in our gut activates this communication, via the vagus nerve, and can play a crucial role in mediating our mood. This means that disruption of the intestinal tract can result in inappropriate signals being sent up to the brain, influencing your mood. Refined foods, chronic stress, and the overuse of antibiotics can lead to this kind of disruptive communication in the body. Restoring the function of the digestive system can be an effective way to help balance your mood… with no side effects.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular choice for people who have one or two missing teeth, but they can also be a good choice for people missing several or all teeth. As long as your gums and jaw are healthy, two or more implants can serve as a base of support and provide many benefits over conventional dentures. Benefits may include improved speech, decreased irritation of gum tissue, elimination of the need for denture adhesives, more biting force, and increased ability to chew properly. Denturists can help determine whether dental implants are right for you and refer you to an oral surgeon.
Travel Tip: Cindy Knows Travel
Traveling, for most, is an exciting and enlightening activity filled with rich experiences and a plethora of surprises. But it can also present challenges, especially in the context of maintaining one’s wellness routine. I recently had the opportunity to travel to Marrakesh, Morocco—a totally outside-the-box trip that I was equal parts excited and nervous about. Morocco, as a whole, has never been at the top of my bucket list. Keeping up with my healthy habits is relatively easy when I’m in, say, Costa Rica or the Virgin Islands, but Morocco presented new challenges. Here are five things you should know when travelling to a country like Morocco: 1. Pack healthy snacks. 2. Download a few meditations. 3. Indulge in a spa treatment. 4. Hydrate all the time. 5. Be flexible and kind to yourself.
Summer Day Camps
Preschool and school-aged camps at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Historic Fort Normandeau guarantee lots of warm weather fun! Outdoor adventures, mystery solving, a trip through time: something for every young explorer! Register up to three days before camp: $72 preschool/$150 school-aged, per child. Early drop off/late pick up available. Call 403-346-2010, ext. 111 or visit WaskasooPark.ca for more information or to register.
Disc Golf, Anyone?
Did you know that there are two 9-hole disc golf courses in Red Deer? They’re in Victoria Park (Allan Street) and Kentwood (Kent Street and Kendrew Drive). All players have their own disc (from local sports store) or frisbee. Each player throws their disc into the baskets using as few throws as possible. Great fun for families, friends, or special events. Visit CADGA.ca to join a league. Scorecards for each course can be printed off at reddeerpcn.com. Portable disc golf sets can be borrowed from RDRPCN for events.
Product Profile: The Beam™
The Beam™ by Nimbleback is a simple self-care tool used for exercise that may have some benefits when used with yoga stretching and breathing exercises. The Beam™ is based on yoga stretching theory and uses the breath to focus on releasing tension. It allows you to take 10 minutes a day to relax and focus on your breath with yoga stretching that will help to release tension and relax the mind and body. Release, relax, and restore your core.
Big Bend Market
Big Bend Market supports local farm families and locally made food products, and believes that we are what we eat. We specialize in hormone and antibiotic-free meat and have a variety of gluten-free products. Supplying Alberta with natural, local, healthy produce since October 2007, Big Bend Market South, located in Southpointe Common, is your full fine meats and fresh cuts deli. We also carry ready to go homemade meals: chicken pot pies, cabbage rolls, perogies, tourtiere, meatballs, and stuffed potatoes. Local organic milk, fresh farm eggs, fresh local vegetables, and a variety of locally produced products. We truly are your year-round farmer’s market!
One of a Kind
Skin protection – blah, blah, blah! Why should you care? Well, we all know about the risks of cancers, wrinkles, pre-mature aging of the skin, etc. Make sure that your sunblock matches the activity, age group, and best way to apply for you. Additionally, as we spend more time out of doors, we tend to do other things that we need to be aware of regarding our protection. Applying chemicals, servicing equipment, painting or staining projects, among other tasks, also require you to pay attention to how you need to address skin protection. So read those labels, folks; you are irreplaceable!
Yoga is for Everyone
Are concerns about how you look or that you’ll be expected to do advanced poses keeping you from attending a yoga class? Yoga is a great experience for every body size and type, at any age. A few simple stretches of the hands, feet, legs, arms, torso, and neck done regularly can help you regain and maintain flexibility. Seek out experienced and empathetic instructors, who specialize in providing a relaxed and supportive environment where these stretches are complemented with safe, accessible balancing postures. With this support, a path to greater physical comfort and security becomes available and you experience only joy when fear and pain are gone!
Dealing with Difficult People
How can you be present when you are around so-called “difficult people?” First, remember a person can only behave at their current level of consciousness, and their behaviour is not who they are at their core. Begin by accepting what they do and how you feel about it. In that moment, an opening is created by your acceptance. You’ve given them permission to be who they are and provided personal peace. Bring your complete awareness to your daily activities, including conversations and interactions with other people. Use what life gives you as an opportunity to choose your reactions throughout the day.
