Community News
Protect Teeth from Acid Damage

Dental erosion is a form of tooth wear – where enamel and then dentin is worn down. It is defined as irreversible damage to the teeth caused by chemicals (usually acids). This acid can come from outside sources (e.g., food and drink) or from inside the body. External sources of acids include fruits and fruit juices (particularly citrus), soft drinks, sports drinks, wine, and vinegar. Internal acidic sources include stomach acids (think acid reflux and other gastric disorders), as well as frequent vomiting. Dental erosion is preventable. The use of a straw can help keep acidic drinks away from the teeth. Rinsing with mouthwash or water after eating can help neutralize the acid exposed to your teeth and gums.

Sarah Sangalang, Reflections Dental, ReflectionsDentalHealth.ca

Putting Others on a Pedestal

When we meet someone and fall in love, we often put that person on a pedestal…only seeing their best qualities, and unable to see the bigger picture of who they are. We all do this. As long as we remember that no one is “perfect” (I always say “perfect” is someone you don’t know well) and the pedestal phase of a relationship is just that, a “phase” that helps open our hearts to bond and connect. Everyone has their strengths and blind spots, so when we hold the illusion that someone can do no wrong, we don’t allow room for their humanness to emerge. Over time, the pedestal does not last and we become disillusioned and hurt with the very qualities we once admired. When we can embrace their shadow side and our own idealized projection, we can begin creating a deeper connection and intimacy.

D’Arcy Bruning-Haid, Souls-Journey.com

Hypertension

It is quite surprising and frustrating that the cause of primary hypertension has not been discovered yet, even though it has been around for centuries. Primary hypertension means hypertension that is not a complication from another disease, and 70% of hypertensive patients are diagnosed with the primary type. Hypertension is called the “silent killer” because, after a long period without prominent symptoms, death often results from the absence of blood pressure control. Unfortunately, many hypertensive patients give up taking medications because of adverse effects. Some antihypertensive agents may weaken the heart and some may cause mineral imbalance. I’m not against taking medications for hypertension. It is much better than doing nothing. When you can’t tolerate the adverse effects of the medications, you can find other measures rather than giving up controlling blood pressure. Sometimes, losing visceral fat, changing your diet, or taking the right nutritional supplements works more or less.

Yong Han Lee, ReVitamins of Charleswood, Facebook.com/revitamins

Which Legacy is Best?

Wouldn’t it great to be known as the city where the eradication of diabetes began rather than the city that is the Slurpee Capital of the World? As complex as the medical world makes diabetes appear, it is simply a metabolic issue with horrendous outcomes. There is no reason for Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes to exist, except for the current dietary environment in most nations of the world. To support our bodies with healing, we must return closer to what our ancestors consumed during evolution. The food that we are genetically adapted to consume. Eat like your life depends on it, because it does!

Tom White, becomeHEALTHY.ca, EndDiabetesManitoba.ca

Benefits of Ganban-yoku

Ganban-yoku, a Japanese natural thermal therapy, can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It has a wide range of benefits like relieving pain, improving circulation, helping to reverse the effects of aging, detoxifying, and aiding in weight loss. The treatment has been well received by many visitors. Here are some of the comments from clients after their first session.

“It was so relaxing and my skin feels very good.” ~ Joy.

“Very relaxing and relieved my congestion.” ~ Sunshine.

“Such a relaxing experience. Meditation for the mind and tranquility for the body.” ~ Edward.

“The stone bed started to feel like foam, it was very relaxing.” ~ Grace.

Mieko Morisawa, Founder|Owner, PoccaPocaSpa.ca

Meet Your Practitioner

Meet Yolanda Yeung. Yolanda is originally from Halifax and attended pharmacy school at Dalhousie University. After graduating in 2012, she moved to Brandon, where she gained a variety of skills unique to pharmacy practice. Her time in Brandon has given her experience in long-term care management for group homes and nursing homes. She takes a holistic approach to pharmaceutical care by meeting frequently with clients to assess their medications and working closely with their physicians and care-givers to resolve any drug-related issues. Yolanda is excited to continue her career with Care At Home Pharmacy and to experience the difference pharmacy makes in bettering the lives of each client.

Care At Home Pharmacy, CareAtHomePharmacy.ca

All You Need is Love

In a world with more than 7.28 billion people, finding love should be an easy task. As humans, we have a tendency to complicate things, especially when our emotions are imprinted by our relationship history. If the methods you have used in the past to find love have not worked for you, then it is time to change things up. A professional matchmaker handpicks potential partners who are screened and presented to you one by one. Their intentions have been determined and many of the important compatibility factors have already been established. When meeting for the first time, plan an activity that the two of you do together, such as mini-golf or bowling, to eliminate pressure and allow you to get to know one another in a lighthearted way. Allow your meeting to grow into a friendship. The best relationships start off as friendships and evolve into loving relationships.

Lianne, Camelot Introductions, CamelotIntroductions.com

Serrapeptase, the Little Miracle Enzyme!

Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme, which means it breaks down long protein chains into amino acids that the body needs. These enzymes bind to the alpha 2 macroglobulin in our plasma where it is shielded from the immune system while retaining its enzymatic activity. They are then free to roam through the blood stream seeking to break down hard protein (non-living tissue), fibrin surfaces, scar tissue, granuloma, and even thin out mucous to ease conditions such as chronic sinusitis. It’s been proven to be a safe and effective alternative to NSAIDs (NonSteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen) and should be taken on an empty stomach. The capsule must be a special DRcap (Delayed Release capsule) or enteric coated capsule that allows the Serrapeptase to pass through the stomach to the small intestine where the enzyme is then released.

Enerex Botanicals Ltd., Enerex.ca

Book Club: The Brain Diet

A nutritional plan for raising smarter children; improving your mental and physical well-being; and improving your odds against depression, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, migraine headaches, ADHD, and more, as you age.

Clean Eating: Chicken Taco Avocados

Filling:

1 c. black beans, cooked
1 c. corn
1 c. shredded chicken
1 c. shredded cheddar, plus more for topping
1 package taco seasoning
2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, plus more for topping
3 ripe avocados.

Dressing:

1 c. ranch dressing
1/4 c. lime juice
1 tbsp. fresh cilantro
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. black pepper.

Directions:

In a large bowl, stir and combine filling ingredients. Halve and separate avocados, removing pit and hollowing out insides. Mash insides in a small bowl and set aside. Place avocados face up and fill each with 1/3 cup of filling. Sprinkle with more cheddar, then broil until melted. In a medium bowl, combine dressing ingredients. Fold in mashed avocados and mix until smooth. Remove from oven and transfer to serving dish. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with more cilantro, if desired.

Adapted from Delish.com

Back Health vs Backpack

Most of us, at some point, have worn a backpack. For some it was during school to carry dreaded textbooks to school. For others, they were worn for single- or multi-day hiking trips as we explored the outdoors and the world. How many of us were taught how to wear a backpack properly? Most of us know that we should wear a backpack on both shoulders but what about the waist belt? How much weight should we be carrying? Most school-aged kids are carrying more weight than they should. This can lead to spinal misalignment and bad posture, which can contribute to neck and back pain in the teenage and adult years. Younger kids should carry no more than 10% of their body weight while the rest of us should carry no more than 15% of our body weight. To keep your back healthy, watch your backpack weight!

Dr. Amber Kenmuir, D.C., Long Lake Chiropractic Centre, MySpine.ca