Giving can be good for your mental health. Research has shown that helping others can reduce stress, improve your emotional well-being, and even benefit your physical health. Here are some specific ways giving can be beneficial for health: 1. It promotes physiological changes in the brain associated with happiness. 2. It provides a sense of belonging. 3. It helps keep things in perspective. 4. It can boost confidence and optimism. 5. It can reduce stress and boost the immune system. 6. It can help get rid of negative feelings. All of these benefits can equal a longer, happier life!
Community News
Patient Means Being a Partner
Patient safety is everyone’s responsibility, including patients themselves! Getting involved improves your care. This is why MIPS offers free patient safety presentations to the public, providing information, resources, and tools that people can use to learn how to: 1) engage with their healthcare team 2) ask questions 3) be informed 4) take part in decision-making, and 5) advocate for themselves & others. If you are looking for valuable education for your community group or organization, and are interested in booking a virtual presentation, visit MIPS.ca/presentations.html for more details.
Hearing Loss and Brain Health
Hearing involves not only your ears but also the brain, so it’s no wonder that hearing loss can go hand in hand with thinking and memory problems. Studies are increasingly linking hearing loss to issues such as faster brain shrinkage, earlier onset of significant cognitive impairment, and up to a quintupled risk of dementia. Addressing conditions such as hearing loss, however, could help prevent a third of dementia cases worldwide, per a UK research collaborative. With hearing health and overall wellness so connected, it’s important to seek regular hearing checks and address listening difficulties early.
TMJ? Acupuncture Can Help!
TMJ can be caused by a combination of muscle tension (teeth grinding), anatomical problems, and injury. The symptoms include everything from headaches, neck/shoulder pain, and dizziness to pain whilst chewing or opening your mouth. Fortunately, for those suffering from TMJ, acupuncture is extremely helpful. A recent study of patients receiving acupuncture for TMJ indicated that 85% benefited with an average reduction in pain intensity of 75%. The primary reason acupuncture is preferred is because it seeks to resolve the origin of a condition. We treat the root cause – stress, muscle tension, system imbalances, as well as the pain in the jaw area, all in one treatment.
How Does CBD Work?
Cannabidiol or CBD is a naturally occurring component of cannabis extracted from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce the ‘high’ sensation. All cannabinoids, including CBD, produce effects in the body by attaching to receptors in the brain or immune system. The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that produces some cannabinoids of its own and receives and translates signals from cannabinoids. The ECS helps to regulate functions such as sleep, immune-system responses, and pain. CBD directs the body to use more of its own cannabinoids to produce the therapeutic effects associated with CBD
Importance of Safe Skincare
Skin is our body’s largest organ and our protective barrier and keeping it healthy is essential for our wellbeing. With conventional beauty products, we are exposed to numerous harmful ingredients, such as preservatives, fragrance (both synthetic and natural) and dyes. some of which can lead to skin reactions. On top of it, there have also been major concerns about side effects of long-term exposure to many of these ingredients. Natural skincare is a niche market was born out of consumers’ concerns for product safety. When properly formulated, natural products provide healthy, effective, safe and environmentally friendly solutions for your skin.
Brain Tumor Awareness Month
The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s mission is to reach every person in Canada who is affected by a brain tumour through support, education, information, and research. Every day, 27 Canadians are diagnosed with a brain tumour. We work to serve the needs of both malignant and non-malignant brain tumours. Research funded by Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada has helped improve the accuracy of radiation treatments, shorten treatment regimen times, limit side effects from chemo, and improve quality of life for patients after surgery. We are the sole funder of the Brain Tumour Tissue Bank, providing free samples to clinical researchers around the world to further the search for a cure.
Diversity and Inclusion
This topic has become a focus for workplaces and the benefits are clear. Many companies have spent money on training their leaders on this topic, but they have not seen the changes in behaviour that they had hoped for. This is because although they may come away with a better understanding of the topic, there are no specific corrective actions for them to take. Coaching can be a powerful and effective tool to help leaders, managers and underrepresented employees come up with solutions to their challenges. Are you looking for a safe space to open for growth?
Say Hello to Allergy Season
It’s important to know the difference between seasonal allergies easily treatable with a simple OTC antihistamine and more serious symptoms that may require more attention. Seasonal allergies typically cause a runny nose, itchy or teary eyes, sneezing and sometimes itchy skin or a mild rash, and are caused by pollen or other airborne particles. If more serious symptoms like hives, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat or feeling faint appear suddenly it may be the result of a more serious allergic reaction and immediate medical attention should be sought. Your local pharmacy is always happy to provide you with the medication suitable for your symptoms if appropriate!
Stump Grinding Makes Mowing Easier
Are you banging up against a stump in your yard? Are old stumps a tripping hazard? Are bugs and vermin using a stump near the house as a beachhead? New equipment makes removing stumps easier than ever. The width of a common garden gate, the tracked unit with auto sweep can go 8”- 12” deep, removing the woody material and roots. A line locate is generally required to ensure that the stump removal can be done safely. After the stump is removed (depending on location) it can be planted back to grass or another plant can be planted.
Step Wisely
Do you realize we take our feet for granted? Of course we do! So here are some simple tips to keep our feet in good health. Check your feet daily before you put on your socks and then again before you put on your shoes. Wear white socks so it is easier to see if you have damaged your foot. And, if you are shoe shopping, do that in the morning when swelling is not so prominent. If you have any concerns about your feet follow up with your family doctor, podiatrist, or your favorite foot care nurse.
