Community News
Take Care of Yourself!

Self-Care is something that most of us forget about. We are so busy with work, family activities and all the demands of the day-to-day that we forget to take time for ourselves. We usually remember self-care only when we are already burnt out or sick, and then we have no choice but to take time out for ourselves. If we could only somehow incorporate some “me” time in our weekly activities. Pencil in an appointment with yourself even if it is only for a half hour. Sign up for an exercise class or meditation class once a week to help with stress. Maybe a painting class or dance or crafting class could help you unwind for a bit and change the scenery for you. And if it resonates with you, then make a point of going on a regular basis to relieve stress and to feel the therapeutic effects the therapy can do for you. You Deserve it!

Rositha Jeanson, RCRT/teacher, Balance and Harmony, www.rositha.ca

Go Green!

Over the past year, more and more Manitobans are making the switch to renewable energy. With rising energy costs of 42% over a 9-year period and Hydro’s recently announced solar program, the appeal is higher than ever. Hydro incentives are making it easier to become an independent energy producer. Offering a rebate of $1 per watt installed and a loan with a low interest rate of 4.9% and up to $30k in financing. There are free assessments available to you so you can learn what it takes to go green today!

Lorena Mitchell, www.evolvegreen.ca

Product Review: doTERRA Essential Oils

Founded in 2008, doTERRA (a Latin derivative meaning “Gift of the Earth”) was built on the mission of sharing therapeuticgrade essential oils with the world. In addition to their intrinsic benefits to plants and their beautiful fragrance, essential oils have long been used for food preparation, beauty treatment, and health-care practices. New to essential oils? Try these best-sellers! Lavender: Lavender has a soothing effect on the body, and it is often used to ease the pain of headaches, help soothe a burn or sting and relax tense muscles. It is often added to products like candles because the scent of lavender calms the nerves and eliminates stress. Peppermint: Peppermint has healing and soothing properties, which make it useful for people with anxiety. It also is helpful as a digestive aid as well. Lemongrass: Lemongrass is often used in cooking and studies show Lemongrass can support digestive health and soothe aching muscles. It can be used for topics, aromatic, or dietary purposes.

Thea Juenke, Rejuvenate Massage Therapy

 

Let’s do More “Firsts” this Valentine’s Day

Let this be your “First” Valentine’s Day where you celebrate you! Buy yourself flowers or treat yourself to a fancy meal. Do whatever it is that brings you joy! Firsts and/or exciting experiences create a new neural pathway and releases dopamine in the brain. As these pathways develop, it creates a new map of how we think. Many rewards like chocolate increase the level of dopamine. This sounds like a win-win – chocolates and new things to try! While experiencing things for the first time can be fun, there are a few more things that you can do to increase dopamine. Even things like accomplishing a to-do list; listening to music you really like; eating certain foods. Exercise is another large one, along with being creative, and no surprise – meditation. Recording your achievements toward a goal, like drawing a big heart on your calendar, releases dopamine. Here is to more “Firsts” in your life this year!

Patty Parsons, www.parsonstherapy.com

The Power of Touch

Studies from the Touch Research Institute have looked at people of all ages with a variety of health conditions and complaints. The range of benefits is remarkable. Here are some highlights from a few of the many published studies. Migraine headaches: Massage therapy decreased the occurrence of headaches along with sleep disturbances and distress symptoms. Asthma: Children with mild to severe asthma who received regular massage were better able to exhale (a problem with asthma because the air passages constrict). In addition, the children suffered less stress and anxiety. Premenstrual symptoms: After massage therapy there was improved mood and a decrease in anxiety. Pain and symptoms of water retention were also reduced. Pregnancy: Women who had massage through pregnancy showed decreased levels of stress hormones and experienced less anxiety. There were fewer complications before and after birth including fewer premature births.

Chelsea Nault, RMT, Soulful Instinct Massage Therapy

Need Help Getting Physically Active?

Individuals who are physically active have a lower risk of obtaining various health conditions including cardiovascular disease, various types of cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Physical activity and exercise have been shown to improve mental health by having a positive impact on depression, anxiety, and stress. In Canada, Kinesiologists are heavily involved in facilitating and improving physical activity levels of individuals of varying goals and capabilities. Kinesiologists are experts in the field of human movement, exercise prescription, fitness training and conditioning. A Kinesiologist uses evidence-based research to develop exercise programs for individuals looking to increase their physical activity levels. Many fitness and wellness centers in the city employ Kinesiologists as personal trainers who can guide and provide you with the tools to become healthier and more physically active. With the new year ahead of us, let’s use this fresh start to get moving and become more active individuals!

Albert Amante, Certified Athletic Therapist, Innovative Therapy Solutions, www.innovativemedicalsupplies.com

Migraine, or Something Else?

Splenius Capitis Muscle Syndrome typically mimics the patterns of temporal tendinitis and migraine headache. Usually, the pain is described as being in the back of the head, with noticeable pressure behind the eye, sensitivity to light, pain radiating to the neck, shoulder, and arm at times, and/or nausea and vomiting when pain is intense. Splenius Capitis Muscle Syndrome is often caused by motor vehicular trauma, blunt trauma, falls, and in particular, postural situations where superior and inferior lateral oblique movements of the head on the neck occur. The most effective way to confirm the diagnosis of Splenius Capitis Muscle Syndrome is to put pressure on the back of the head by the hair line where the head and the neck attaches. If the area is painful, it’s best to get it looked at. At an early stage, massage may be helpful. Anti-inflammatory injections may be required in case of chronic inflammation and severe pain.

Perla Lopez RMT., www.nateramassage.com

The Connection Between Your Eyes and Your Ears

As we age, we’re more susceptible to hearing loss and vision changes. Both conditions can creep up on us, making preventive measures essential to sustaining the quality of life we’re used to. According to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), you’re at greater risk of social isolation and reduced community participation if you have a vision loss. The same goes for hearing loss. Having both a vision and hearing problem can affect your ability to lip-read, which is detrimental to communicating with co-workers, family, and friends. A decreased ability to socialize is linked to a greater risk of dementia. However, Statistics Canada reports that 90 percent of people with hearing loss can improve communication with a properly fit hearing aid, counseling, or environmental changes.

Lisa Reid Audiology, www.lisareid.ca

Take Care of Yourself!

Self-Care is something that most of us forget about. We are so busy with work, family activities and all the demands of the day-to-day that we forget to take time for ourselves. We usually remember self-care only when we are already burnt out or sick, and then we have no choice but to take time out for ourselves. If we could only somehow incorporate some “me” time in our weekly activities. Pencil in an appointment with yourself even if it is only for a half hour. Sign up for an exercise class or meditation class once a week to help with stress. Maybe a painting class or dance or crafting class could help you unwind for a bit and change the scenery for you. And if it resonates with you, then make a point of going on a regular basis to relieve stress and to feel the therapeutic effects the therapy can do for you. You Deserve it!

Rositha Jeanson, RCRT/teacher, Balance and Harmony, www.rositha.ca

Make Exercise Fun!

It’s a brand-new year and the gyms are busy with people starting their new year’s resolutions. There are different goals we can choose, ie – burn calories, increase strength, improve cardio, or simply be more active more often. There are different exercise approaches to attain these goals, but they must be right for you. You can tailor it for yourself to ensure you are getting what you want out of it, but are enjoying it as well. Cycling, swimming and even playing tennis are just 3 of the many ways you can attain your goals. You can burn between 475-550 calories for just 1 hour of moderate intensity of one of these activities. There are so many ways to meet your goals without simply lifting weights and running on a treadmill. By performing one of these you can get a workout, get a sweat, and of course, have a lot fun!

Heath Vermette, CAT(C), www.southsherbrook.com

Kundalini Yoga for Lungs and Circulation

You feel full of energy and in control when the lungs and circulation are in excellent shape. Sadhana means spiritual practice and there is no greater spiritual practice than breathing deeply into lungs that are healthy and consciously coordinated. From February 10th until March 22nd Yoga Public and Karma Yoga Winnipeg are teaming up to help you to transform your body and mind by becoming a master of your breath. For more information regarding this exciting new program, please contact us at 204-990-9642. “For breath is life, and if you breathe well you will live long on earth.”

Sanskrit Proverb. Jitendra, www.karmayogawinnipeg.com