Wellnessnews, Author at Wellnessnews

Soothe That Itchy Scalp

It’s here! Winter has arrived! And with that comes a dry, itchy scalp. The itching is a sign your scalp needs care. The origin of the symptoms can be varied, but there are always suitable solutions at hand to bring some welcome relief. Let’s face it; we live in a desert with our Manitoba winters. High winds, low humidity, electric heat, cars blowing hot air at us…all reasons why your head might get itchy. Ensure you don’t have any underlying scalp issues before deciding what to do to calm the dryness. See our Certified Trichologists to help with your scalp issues.

Sylvie Gautron, www.citylooks.ca

Shovel Snow Safely

It’s that time of year again as the snow is upon us. Shoveling snow can be a very physical and grueling task. With any physical activity, there comes the risk of injury if we don’t apply proper technique while trying to clear the snow. Shoveling is demanding on our muscles and joints, but can be also on our cardiovascular system. Posture is critical. There are shovels with curved handles that keep you from having to bend over so much; this will help decrease the risk of low back pain. There are even shovels built with scoops to push the snow with both hands. It is far easier to push snow than to lift it. A smaller plastic shovel may be right for you, as metal ones can be quite heavy to lift. Also, avoid shoveling first thing in the morning and make sure you are properly warmed up beforehand. Taking breaks throughout your snow clearing session can decrease the amount of stress on your cardiovascular system. Make shoveling easier on yourself this winter!

Heath Vermette, South Sherbrook Therapy, www.southsherbrooktherapy.com

Your Fitness for 2016

Intensity is key, even in those ‘short, 15 mins a day’ you have to exercise. Weights are necessary, but movement is your second key. For example, include a few dynamic lunges during your next mall walk! Hydration, safety and relaxation are your third key; the required water bottle, great shoes are an absolute and a foam roller will help you maintain your joint/muscle mobility at home…ask your Physiotherapist how to use a foam roller today! Learn to breathe and incorporate more core exercises into every workout. Remember those pre-natal classes? You can breathe more efficiently, you can stabilize your pelvis better and you can obtain more core strength for work, home and play.

Chris Bisignana, www.yourphysio.com

Good Dog Behavior

Have you ever had company over to your home and had to profusely apologize to your guests as your dog attacks them with love. “Sorry” as you pull your dog away. It happens. Now envision a scenario where your guests come to the door, your dog goes and lays down waiting patiently for permission to “Go Say Hi”. Then, once your dog goes and introduces them they go back to their designated spot and waits for further instruction, as you stand there proudly thinking “Yeah that’s my dog”. Now which scenario would you prefer? Obviously the latter would make life simpler. By teaching our dogs that when people come to the door, it does not mean chaos, it means calm. By changing your dogs attitude you are giving them a lot more balance in their life, making them a happier dog and a happier family.

Shalin Hustad, www.grassrootscanine.com

Bowenwork® Therapy

A painful body is often accompanied by an anxious mind. Bowenwork® therapy is a gentle, medication-free therapy for the body and mind. It works to balance and restore the musculoskeletal system, hydrate fascia and resolve related neurological issues, providing relief for acute and chronic injuries. This gentle, yet effective technique is also ideal for individuals who might find conventional body work painful, as such it can bring relief to fibromyalgia sufferers and for individuals undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. Another key feature of Bowenwork® is the ability to shift the autonomic nervous system (ANS) from the sympathetic (fight/flight) response to the parasympathetic (rest/repair) response. When in pain, the body’s natural tendency is to go into the fight/flight response to protect the area with pain. Shifting towards the rest/repair response promotes healing. During a session, this shift may be apparent as a sense of profound relaxation. In this New Year may you all find peace for your body and mind.

Julia Rempel, PhD, Certified Bowenwork® Therapist, Sage Water Health, www.sagewaterhealth.com

Apple Cider Vinegar for Beauty

If you’re only using apple cider vinegar in the kitchen, you’re missing out! Apple cider vinegar is one of nature’s most powerful ingredients that offer many health and beauty benefits. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is rich in acetic, citric and malic acids as well as vitamins, enzymes, minerals and amino acids. For those struggling with acne or pimples, it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help keep your pores free from bacteria. ACV increases blood flow to the skin and minimize pores. In addition, it helps restore and balance your skin’s pH, which is essential to prevent skin breakouts. To use: Mix 1 part raw, unfiltered ACV and 2 parts water in a bowl. Soak a cotton ball and apply it on the affected skin. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water. Reapply a few times daily for a few days.

Poor Posture & Your Health

Poor posture has been linked to numerous side effects including the most obvious – muscle/joint pain. Headaches commonly occur with a chin forward posture because it causes your teeth to clench. These headaches have the potential to turn into migraines if severe enough. Shoulder pain is common from the shoulders being in a forward position. This causes the space between the bones in the shoulder to become smaller putting the rotator cuff tendons more at risk for impingement and possibly tearing. The nerves running through this area can be pinched from tight muscles causing numbness and tingling to go down the arm. However, posture can affect more than just our musculoskeletal system. Posture can cause reduced lung function, clouded thinking, fatigue and slower digestion. If you are interested in improving your posture and don’t know where to start, book an appointment with a physiotherapist for an assessment today!

Kristi Hunter MPT, BSc, www.prairietrailphysio.ca

Life Assure

Life Assure Medical Alert is Canada’s foremost provider of medical alert devices for seniors. Our goal is simple, to keep seniors safe and allows them to live comfortably in their homes while remaining independent. Life Assure provides state of the art technology with each one of our extremely affordable and reliable units. With Life Assure Medical Alert Units, you can have peace of mind knowing that at any time, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, help is available at the push of a button. Whether you need to contact a family member, friend, or the local paramedics, our team of highly trained and dedicated staff is available whenever you need. Our simple and low monthly prices provide premium services with no hidden charges or extra costs. Additionally, our lifetime guarantee makes it easy for you to maintain the lifestyle you enjoy, while also staying safe. Remain independent and protect your life with Life Assure

Medical Alert. Life Assure, www.lifeassure.com

Communicating With Your Animal

Do you ever wonder what your animal is thinking or trying to tell you? Do you ever wish your animal could understand what you are saying? Do you wish your animals would get along better? Animal communication sessions can help! Animal Communicators are able to liaise between you and your animal(s) to resolve any issues that may have gotten in the way of household harmony. Communicators understand how cats and dogs think and feel and can respond in kind. We are gifted with the ability to intuit any ill health in cats and dogs; physically, emotionally and spiritually. Animal Communicators are often well versed in many holistic therapies including Reiki, herbal supplementation, acupressure, food therapy, crystal reflexology and crystal healing among several others. In a session, the communicator “speaks” with the animal to discern the best course of action for treatment.

Jill Saifer, Animal Communicator/Healer, www.soulsticespirithealing.wordpress.com

Book Club: Ritalin-Free Kids

by Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman, ND & Robert Ullman, ND
Ritalin-Free Kids offers a natural alternative to Ritalin and other drugs such as Adderal and Dexedrine for the treatment of ADHD. The authors describe their experiences with more than 400 ADHD patients whom they have treated. You will learn how lives have been dramatically changed and improved through the use of homeopathy. Before parents agree to give children stimulants, they should read this book. http://healthyhomeopathy.com

Dr. Anke Zimmermann, BSc, ND, FCAH, www.drzimmermann.org

Clean Eating: 3 Ingredient No-Bake Applesauce Brownies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup coconut flour (sifted)
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup coconut palm sugar (or any natural sweetener)
1/4 cup nut butter of choice (optional)
Cinnamon

Instructions:

Line a small baking tray with baking paper and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine your coconut flour and coconut palm sugar and mix well.
Add your applesauce and nut butter (if using it) and mix until a very thick batter is formed.
Transfer the batter to the lined baking tray, top with cinnamon and refrigerate for an hour or so, until it has firmed up slightly.
Cut into brownie-sized pieces and enjoy.

Note:

Depending on the brand of coconut flour, you may need more applesauce. Keep adding more in until a thick batter is formed- Firm but still quite moist. Brownies are best kept refrigerated and can be frozen.

www.thebigmansworld.com