Community News
Canine Astraphobia

As we head into summer, we know thunderstorms are heading our way. Thunderstorms can be beautiful to watch, however, your dog may not have that same positive perspective. Did you know that 20% of dogs have a fear of thunderstorms, also known as Canine Astraphobia. It can be heart breaking to watch our dogs suffer from this. Some dogs will seek out bathrooms with metal piping or metal tubs. The thought there being there may be a static charge in the air that is decreased by the metal. There are tools on the market and medications that may help. Working with a Canine Behavioural Consultant can help you work with your dog ahead of time, before thunderstorm season comes to form a protocol consisting of desensitization and behavioural modification designed specifically for you and your dog.

Shalin Hustad, Grassroots Canine
www.grassrootscanine.com

Mothers Were Right – Beets Are Good For Us!

Beets are an excellent antioxidant that contains betalains. Betalains act as an anti-inflammatory for every body system; Cardio-vascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, respiratory, muscular, kidney, liver, reproductive, excretory systems, joints and your skin. Betalains Help balance blood pressure levels and promote mental alertness & energy. They improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels and help stimulate glutathione production for detoxification. Betalains give you increased oxygen levels to help prevent disease and purify your blood and liver. There are many ways to eat beets – raw, roasted or juiced, however it’s easier to take a concentrated betalain capsule without the sugar, carbs or calories to restore your health.

Donna Ladan, Evolv Health
www.donnaladan.myevolv.com

Feeling Stressed?

70% of doctor visits are said to be stress related. Disturbances in your mental well-being can have a serious impact on your health. When you are under stress your body releases a hormone called cortisol at very high amounts. The long-term effects of high cortisol levels can be quite disruptive. High levels not only make you feel fatigued, they are also implicated in weight gain, poor immune response and a greater risk of developing chronic illness. While it is not easy to avoid stress, nature has provided us with nutrients that can decrease cortisol levels and balance other hormones. One of the best medicinal plants that can help achieve this is Rhodiola Rosea. The brand name, Rhoziva™, is becoming a favourite of many naturopathic and medical doctors who are noticing its benefits. If this sounds like something you could benefit from, visit Nutrition Plus to receive your free trial pack.

Nutrition Plus
www.nutritionplus.com

Beat the Heat

The HEAT will come…when exercising outside. The time of day is important; try to avoid exercising from 10-3, the hottest part of day. Wear loose, light-colored clothing; the lighter color will help reflect heat, and cotton material will help the evaporation of sweat. You may also want to try specially designed, “hi-tech” exercise shirts and shorts. Sunscreen is a must; protect your skin, buy the ‘sweat-proof’ brands. You can get burned and suffer sun damage to your skin even on cloudy day. Stay hydrated. Before you go out, drink a glass or two of water. Carry a bottle of water or even a hydration pack. Take a drink every 15 minutes, even when you’re not thirsty. When you’re done with your workout, have a few more glasses of water. Exercise safe Winnipeg!

Concourse Physiotherapy
www.yourphysio.com

Movement Screening

If you have ever had an injury that has popped out of nowhere, maybe it’s time that you have someone screen your movement! Movement screening has become increasingly popular in recent years with professional sports, but it can be used on anyone who is active. The main concept behind screening revolves around the idea that pain and injury at one site can be due to impairment above or below the affected site. Addressing restrictions or mobility issues in the ankle or hip, for example, can alleviate your knee symptoms. Our Athletic Therapist has Functional Movement Screening (Level 1 and 2) in addition to selective Functional Movement Assessment geared towards rehabilitation. Whether it trying to alleviate pain at work or at the gym, let us help increase your movement competency.

Jason Moniz, South Sherbrook Therapy
www.southsherbrook.com

Made in Manitoba

Optima Organics is a new ‘Made in Manitoba’ Natural Skin Care Company that uses only natural high impact ingredients. Enhanced with Sophisticated Skin Nutrients and essential oils, Optima Organics will give you the results that you are looking for in a skin care line – without any of the chemicals. Created by two Manitoba women; (1) a skin care specialist for over 20 years that has seen the damaging results from chemicals being used from facial products, and (2) a natural alchemist and skin care manufacturer from Manitoba, that were fed up with products claiming to be natural but laden with hidden harmful chemicals. Together we have created a truly all-natural face care cream.

Cheryl Fedeluk
www.currentexpressions.ca

Legs—you gotta love ‘em

They get you up off the couch and walk you through the park. We use our legs every day, so it’s easy to take them for granted and assume they’ll be just fine—until you can’t take the mile hike along the trail, or you have trouble going up and down the stairs. Your leg muscles are powerhouses that work together to propel you up out of your chair, out the door, and down the road walking or running. They support your body and are actively making adjustments to keep you balanced and vertical. Your calves help stabilize your ankles, your hamstrings and quadriceps work together to support your knee. The bottom line—you’ll maintain or improve day-to-day function and enjoy the physical activities you love. Bonus: your legs will look lovelier at the beach or by the swimming pool this summer.

Anita Wilson, Curves Southdale
www.curves.com

Hair Loss?

A receding hairline is one indication of male/female pattern baldness as well as a noticeably wider part. Thinning into the sides and crown of the head are signs of diffused thinning. Causes may be genetic, medical or environmental. Side effects of some medications and stress also play major parts in causes of hair loss. There may be more hair than usual in the shower, comb or hair brush. Average hair loss is 60-90 hairs per day. Early intervention and action is crucial in maintaining the current density of hair and slowing down existing hair loss. Some signs of scalp problems can include dryness, oiliness and itchiness. These are all indications of an unhealthy scalp environment. A scalp analysis is the best way to determine what is happening on the scalp and the proper treatment action to take.

www.citylooks.ca

 

Sports Massage

In today’s world of sports, athletes are always looking for a competitive edge. Banned substances are illegal and more often than not, result in the athlete being shamed, stripped of their medal or title and suspended or banned from their sport. But wait! There is a solution and it is totally legal. A pre-event and post-event sports massage may be just what the athlete is looking for. A pre-event massage is beneficial in preparing the athlete for his or her event and thus increasing performance and preventing injury. This is achieved by increasing circulation and blood supply to muscles and tendons resulting in more oxygen and nutrients to these tissues. The massage also stimulates proprioception which is instrumental in balance and agility. Likewise, a post-event massage speeds recovery time by stimulating muscles to relax, promoting drainage of lactic acid build-up and other metabolites and increasing circulation.

Derrick Hebb, RMT, Liquid Massage Therapy

Supplement Quality Important

The best way to ensure you receive more of what you need to stay healthy is through proper supplementation. Quality supplements can help maintain a healthy immune system. In the health food market there are many supplements from which to choose, and most people take them not knowing exactly what their body’s need. There is also a vast difference between high-quality supplements and those manufactured with lesser attention to ingredients, and which contain fillers. There is so much variety available in many different price ranges. All claim to provide health benefits. How do you know which products are good quality? Just as everyone has unique needs and requirements, each product offers different benefits. Make sure you ask a professional and make an informed decision.

Sandy Lefley, Juice Plus
www.slefley.canada.juiceplus.com

The Unexpected Gift

As a cancer survivor, I understand how difficult the experience can be. First, you are dealing with a devastating diagnosis and the uncertainty of what the future may hold. On top of all the doctor appointments, there is the challenge to find products and services that are safe. For women, hair loss may occur and one might want a wig or a scarf to wear. During radiation, one’s skin may become hypersensitive; soothing skin care is required, but you don’t know where to find it. Visiting a number of places to find what you need is a struggle. Opening at the end of June, there will be a compassionate and convenient location, a one-stop shop, to find all your needs. From specific skin care lines created for cancer patients, non-toxic and non-carcinogenic cosmetic and nail care lines, wigs, prosthetics, and mastectomy clothing lines, safe aesthetics, massage, lymphatic drainage, and other supportive programs.

Tara Torchia-Wells
www.theunexpectedgift.ca