Jan. 19. 10 am – 5 pm. The Healthy Living Expo showcases exhibitors and demonstrators that promote all aspects of wellness, sustainability, innovation and a healthy lifestyle. Join us at the Harvest Centre at Westerner Park.

Jan. 28 11:15 am. The Lending Cupboard’s First Annual Winter Luncheon fundraiser features Jann Arden sharing her songs and experience with Alzheimer’s and her mother’s long goodbye. Join us at the Sheraton Hotel in Red Deer.

Several Winter classes to choose from such as Zen Inspired Landscape Cards, Watercolor Class and Lettering Art Guild led by Sally Towers-Sybblis. No experience necessary. Visit ‘Events’ section of SallyTowersSybblis.com or call 403-597-1594 to register.

One of the SIMPLEST ways to boost your immune system during cold and flu season is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! When dehydrated, your cells become less efficient at removing toxins AND the cells that form your skin, gut tract lining, and mucus membranes (e.g., lips and mouth) form tiny “micro-cracks”, which can allow even more water loss. These tiny openings can be points of entry for viruses and bacteria and are the easiest way for them to hijack your system. So, drink more water in the winter – don’t wait until you’re thirsty, make it a habit.

In the words of a past participant, “Learn to focus on your life rather than your pain.” Moving on with Chronic Pain is an 8-week group program teaches skills to decrease and better live with varying levels of chronic pain. Program features interactive sessions where participants learn the role the mind-body connection has in chronic pain, and how certain lifestyle factors can improve this relationship via simple changes, goal setting and practice. Discussion and a positive atmosphere foster both accountability and learning. Ask your doctor for a referral or self-refer by calling 403-343-9100.

Jackie Kobsar, health advocate for over 20 years, struggled with daily stomach aches in her youth after every meal. Doctors sloughed it off as IBS, and offered no help, so her battle with constipation and diarrhea continued. Looking at options, she tried Colon Hydrotherapy at 15. The next morning, the first time in four years, she didn’t have a stomach ache and her life changed. Now part of her health regimen, she no longer has IBS symptoms. Thirteen years ago Jackie become an I-ACT Certified Colon Hydrotherapist and helps others on their health journey.

Holistic dentistry is not a dental specialty but a philosophy of practice that promotes health and wellness instead of the treatment of disease. It is a less toxic approach at fixing oral issues in order to better a patient’s teeth, mouth and overall health. Riverstone Dental Clinic’s goal is to treat patients in the safest and most natural way possible while still providing all the modern dentistry you would expect of a dental office and provide a lifetime of healthy smiles. We are fluoride-free and do not support the use of Amalgam (mercury) fillings.

Mark your calendar to go to Udaya Wellness Clinic’s Grand Opening February 23 from 12 pm to 4 pm. This new and innovative wellness clinic opens in January 2019! They bring new and collaborative health programs to the area, business partners Dr. Candice Staniek and Stephen Roberts, Counsellor/Brainspotting Specialist have gathered a team of specialized practitioners to create a space where you can experience the very best complete, holistic care; physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. This synergistic approach addresses your whole health, through programs that are individually customized for optimal results.

A new year, a new you. The new year often brings resolutions to make positive changes in eating habits and patterns. We all have favourite foods we reach for when feeling stressed, lonely or down. With Emotional Wellness and EFT/Tapping, the need and desire to calm ourselves with these foods and drinks can be eliminated as it enables us to recall a happy memory to calm ourselves in times of stress. Clients can have a strong desire for the food or drink at the beginning of the session and by the end, want to throw it in the garbage. Marnel Hesterman, InciteInspirations.com

What do back pain, sinus issues, fibromyalgia, depression, sciatica, frozen shoulders, shingles, and irritable bowel syndrome have in common? They are all conditions that can find relief and treatment from the Chinese Medicine modality of acupuncture. Acupuncture is a natural drug-free way to encourage recovery from degenerative conditions and bring the body into balance for continued maintenance of good health and over all well-being. “I have extreme anxiety and digestion issues and the acupuncture and herbal medicine have made me a new person,” says Rani from Red Deer.