“Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.” – Orison Swett Marden
Community News
Clean Eating: Hot Chocolate
Store bought hot chocolate “packets” contain massive amounts of sugar and even hydrogenated oils (an unexpected, undesirable ingredient). You can serve this with whipped cream made of organic heavy cream with a little bit of stevia. 1/3 c full fat coconut milk (unsweetened) 2/3 c boiling water. 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder. 1 tsp. vanilla. 15 drops liquid stevia. (optional) 1-2 drops peppermint oil, whipped cream, or cocoa nibs. Boil water on the stove. Add in all remaining ingredients. Stir well. Let cool a little bit, serve and enjoy!
Book Club:
The Lily Nurse: Rebooted/Re-birthed and Finding a New Path by Julia Evans. Have you ever wondered what a near-death experience is like? Julia Evans can tell you. See the experience through her eyes as it loops, turns and links back together. Read how she steps out of the shadows she was placed into and learn how truly empowering it is for one’s self to finally be heard. For finding your voice has its own power in healing. Julia has lifted herself back to the light, helping people to believe in miracles, using her voice so others can find theirs. Julia Evans RN, BScN, CBP.
Local Health Services
Red Deer PCN and Your Family Doctor are here to help you.
Your family doctor and Red Deer Primary Care Network (RDPCN) are here to support your health and wellness. They can help with whatever ails you, not just COVID-19. RDPCN group classes for help with anxiety, healthy lifestyle, grief, happiness, pain, diabetes and relationships are available through a live online format. Call 403.314.3297 to register. To connect with your family doctor call their office. Visit reddeerpcn.com for a list of doctors accepting new patients and for information on RDPCN programs.
Supporting Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a noticeable impact on the mental health of Canadians, and the federal government has taken some good initial steps towards addressing this with an economic recovery plan and the free Wellness Together Canada portal. However, about 1.6 million Canadians were living with unmet mental health needs before the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian Mental Health Association is working to expand and adapt its virtual services and supports countrywide, and is also calling on the federal government to take further action to support Canadians’ mental health needs. For more information, please visit:
Improve Workplace Wellness with Gratitude
At work, it is easy to feel stressed, overwhelmed or confused during times of uncertainty. However, research has shown that when meetings start with intentional gratitude and a short debrief at the end, collective intelligence and productivity increase substantially. How does it work? Put a standing item of reflection/gratitude/quick win in the agenda template and assign someone to share a positive note. When the meeting is over, check-in to ensure you met your objectives, everyone was heard, and everyone is ready to move upwards and onwards.
Connecting with Seniors Safely
Practicing social distancing and self-isolation is an important way to help limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Older adults are at the greatest risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and family members should avoid exposing their loved ones to the virus. But social distancing can have a negative impact on your loved one’s mental health, so what are some ways to socialize with them safely? 1) Stay in touch with regular phone calls and/or texts. 2) Use video chat to have a virtual dinner party, movie night, or game night. 3) Arrange homecare services to support your loved one.
Product Review: Colflex® by Innotech™
ColFlex® Super Oregano Oil Spray is a great-tasting 4-in-1 oral spray containing essential oils of oregano, thyme, and spearmint oil in an extra virgin olive oil base, sweetened with stevia and fortified with vitamin D3. Spray orally to help relieve coughs, sore throat, travelling challenges, that “under the weather feeling” and for general oral hygiene and fresher breath. Lab tests show that ColFlex inhibited the growth of bacteria such as S. aureus and S. pneumonia after 27 minutes and inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. typhi after 9 minutes.
Check Your Child’s Feet
As parents know, children’s feet can grow quickly, meaning shoes that fit last month can be squishing their toes today. Here are a few tips; 1. Look for signs of irritation. 2. Don’t choose shoes “they’ll grow into.” 3. Don’t pass shoes to siblings. 4. Do look for a shoe with support. Take the toe and heel and try to bend them toward each other. The shoe should bend where your foot bends. Try to spiral the shoe, moving the toe and heel in opposite directions. You want a little movement. Finally, pinch the heel counter. You want it to be firm. 5. Size well, size to the longest toe.
Tips for Better Immunity
Maintain a strong, healthy immune system with this 3-pronged approach during the current pandemic and beyond: #1: Lifestyle: Limit stress, turn off the TV or computer, and get at least 30 minutes of exercise 3-5 times per week and 7-8 hours of sleep per night. #2: Nutrition: A diet high in lean protein, fruits, vegetables and the right macronutrients is the most important element to overall health. #3: Hydration: Without adequate hydration and the right electrolyte delivery system, your body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs to recover from illness or infection. Proper hydration is key to a well-functioning body.
Bandits Wellness Essential Oil Blend
Bandits Wellness Blend is a powerful combination of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary essential oils that fills any space with a rich, spicy aroma. This blend is a powerhouse of usefulness and supports overall wellness! As one of our most popular products, it is no wonder that Bandits Blend is added to so many home diffusers, cleaning and personal care products. Add several drops of Bandits Blend to a spray bottle with water and mist the air in your room, car or office as needed to leave your space smelling fresh and clean.
