Community News
Why Use Organics?

Did you know that the average person is exposed to over 120 highly toxic ingredients every day before 9 am? These ingredients are absorbed by your skin, transfer into your bloodstream and end up accumulating in your organs. This of course can end up causing serious inflammation and illness. Taking small steps to replace some of your daily products with 100% Organic and Chemical-Free Products can cut your toxic intake by as much as 87%!  Make sure to take the time to read the ingredient labels on your products.  Look for ingredients you can understand, and also look for Certifications like 100% Organic and Toxic-Free. You’ll find yourself with a healthier home and body, and confidence in knowing that you are giving your family the best products available!

Angel Balichowski, www.theorganicmommy.com

5 Questions About Your Finances

Money plays a huge role in your life. Being able to answer questions about your finances helps plan for the future and present. Start with these questions:

1. How much do I actually make and owe each month? Knowing when you get paid and how much you owe during the month can help avoid a month-end cash crunch.
2. If I need $500.00 for an emergency, can I get it? Prepare by having money set aside – just in case.
3. What happens if I die? Questions about your finances and wishes are best answered during your life; a will can help clarify things.
4. If I lose my job, what then? Make a plan, include an emergency savings account and updated resume.
5. What rates do I pay and earn? Aim to pay low interest rates and earn high on savings/investment.

LC Taylor Trustees in Bankruptcy, www.lctaylor.com

Winter Safety for Dogs

Although our dogs have fur coats on, that doesn’t mean that they don’t get cold just like we do! If you have a short coated dog, make sure to get them a sweater or jacket to wear on walks. All dogs need to have their paws taken care of when outside in the winter. Either boots, or their feet need to be wiped off when they come inside. All that salt on the pavement is extremely bad for not only the health of their feet, but it can also be poisonous when consumed. If you have noticed that your dog’s feet are getting dry on the bottoms, try using paw wax! This can be used before you head out, and when you get home as a moisturizer. Too cold for you and your pet outside? Why don’t you try an indoor day camp!

Desiree Klippenstein, Owner, www.wooftopia.ca

Book Club: The Lucky Years 

How to Thrive in the Brave New World of Health. Bestselling author David Agus unveils the new world of medicine, one in which we can take control of our health like never before and doctors can fine-tune strategies and weapons to prevent illness. In this bestseller, he builds on that theme by showing why this is the luckiest time yet to be alive, giving you the keys to the new kingdom of wellness.

David Agus, www.davidagus.com

L-Carnitine & Chromium

L-Carnitine with Chromium is a blend of two nutrients that play important roles in the metabolism of fat. L-Carnitine is required for the breakdown of fats into energy, while chromium supports healthy glucose metabolism. Its main function is to help insulin carry sugar into muscle cells where it is stored as energy. A lack of chromium could cause fluctuating blood-sugar levels which trigger sugar cravings. As a carbohydrate dependent society, increasing the amount of L-Carnitine & Chromium in our diet in our formula’s proportions will assist the body’s ability to manage its carbohydrate cravings and, in turn, assist with a successful weight management protocol.

Brett & Andrea Griffin, www.myvalentus.com/Manitoba

Diabetes & Alzheimer’s Disease 

Research shows a link between Type 2 Diabetes and an increased risk for Alzheimer’s Disease. High levels of insulin, insulin resistance and high blood sugar are hallmark features in people with Type 2 Diabetes. These features are associated with low grade inflammation in the body and brain. New research links inflammation with protein abnormalities in the brain called beta amyloid plaques and tau-protein tangles. Current hypothesis is that the presence of these 2 neurotoxic proteins is associated with a loss of nerve functioning that presents itself as Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest that controlling or preventing type 2 Diabetes can reduce the risk or severity of Alzheimer’s Disease later in life. Struggling with Diabetes or know someone who is? A few sessions with a Diabetes Educator can help lower blood sugar levels and lower risks of toxic effects on the body and brain long-term. You can manage diabetes instead of diabetes managing you!

Mathilda Prinsloo, www.seniorcarepharmacypractice.com

8 Ways to Radiant Skin

1) From the holistic perspective, feeding yourself quality ingredients is the way to look and feel your best.
2) Talk nice to yourself. You are already a beautiful creature! When you know this from the heart, it shows on your skin. That kind of confidence cannot be bought.
3) Get to know yourself spiritually, you are part of limitless potential and you can do whatever your heart desires.
4) Believe in who you are.
5) Feed yourself with good books, music and loved ones.
6) Go into nature and take deep breaths. Sit and breathe, walk your dog and breath, ski and breath, do something to calm the mind and get oxygen into the body.
7) Take time for you.
8) Eat healthy, get exercise, and do not over do anything.

Lori Cohen, Optima Organics, www.immortellerevolution.ca

Concussion Awareness 

Will Smith’s new movie “Concussion” has recently created a buzz. The topic of concussions has become more popular in today’s sporting world. Head and neck injuries may not always appear serious, but it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of concussions in order to decrease the risk of the long-term affects they can have. Subjective complaints don’t automatically rule in the presence of a concussion, but they should be monitored in case they worsen. Common ones are headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, balance problems, sensitivity to light or noise, change in emotions, blurred vision, neck pain, and even loss of consciousness. Problems don’t always show instantly, but can arise during the first 48 hours post- injury. Those affected should not drive, drink alcohol, or take any medication for pain. Being aware of the signs and knowing when to seek medical attention is key in providing care for those who sustained a head or neck injury.

Heath Vermette, www.southsherbrooktherapy.com

Acupuncture for Mental Health

Anxiety and depression remain two of the most common mental illnesses worldwide. As research continues, acupuncture and other forms of complementary therapies are gradually being proven to be legitimate treatments for anxiety and depression. Acupuncture, a traditional form of Chinese medicine, works by stimulating points in the body to correct imbalances in energy flows (Qi). This form of medicine is based on the interaction of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, water and metal). Depression and anxiety are considered to be problems with the Qi circulation through your body.  In general, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional wellbeing.

Ling Zhao, Ph. D of Traditional Chinese Medicine, R.TCM.P, R.Ac, RMT, www.winnipegacupuncture.com

Winter Athletics 

So here we are: the middle of the winter season. I see more people running in winter than ever before, with the advancement of clothing and shoes. It’s easy, right? You should almost count miles as double in the winter with the extra wear n tear. Use traction devices and splurge on socks, so important! Ever want to try those lightweight snowshoes? How about Cross-Country skiing? It’s a great time to learn a new sport! However, proper hydration and nutrition remain key; these winter temperatures and conditions put your body and stamina to the test. Learn the warning signs for hypothermia, and take advantage of that long, ‘cool-down’ period afterwards. Know your biomechanics; even shorten your stride to keep your feet under your center of gravity, to improve balance and traction. Play safe!

Chris Bisignano, www.yourphysio.com

Chocolate Hemp Snackers 

Need a quick pick-me-up that’s loaded with protein, fibre, and is a little bit sweet?  Try a Chocolate Hemp Snacker.  Hemp Snackers are the innovative crunchy macaroon-like energy bar listing organic hemp seed as the #1 ingredient.  Full of protein, fibre, Omega 3’s and 6’s, inulin, antioxidants, and magnesium, they’re a snack you can feel good about eating.  Because they’re dehydrated at low temperatures rather than baked, they’re crunchy and easy for your body to digest. We chose organic Canadian maple sugar to sweeten them with, both for the unique flavour as well as the nutritional benefits. Only 150 Calories per one bar.

Natalie Dueck, www.rawnata.com