Explore the city of Red Deer one pathway at a time! The Run Red Deer Race Series consists of three events – April 21, June 30, and October 27 – open to all ages and abilities. Chip timing and low fees, a great way to stay motivated all year long. Register for one or get all three with a series package and save! Run Red Deer Race Series, Series.RunRedDeer.com

Ayurveda, an Eastern holistic healing system, advises having a daily routine is as essential to your body as a foundation is to a house, and your morning routine ABSOLUTELY sets the tone.
1. Set an intention. This keeps your actions purposeful and focused. 2. Drink warm lemon water. Toxins collect when we sleep; this helps eliminate them. 3. Move that body! This is the time your body is crying to be stretched and moved the most. Take five minutes to stretch your spine, chest, and legs. Now get out there and tackle the world like a boss!

Exciting NEW weekend program starting March 3! Day 1 – craft and interactive show and tell, Day 2 – guided outdoor activity. Games, walk n’ talks, critters, rock hounding, snowshoes, space science, and more! All ages welcome. Suggested $2/person/day. Drop-in program from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, some exceptions (e.g., Easter Sunday event). Call 403-346-2010, ext. 111 for more info.

Never underestimate the value of taking a deep breath, chewing each bite of food 20 times, going for a walk in nature, or getting 8 hours of good sleep. If you can be consistent 80% of the time with these simple little habits, then you can maintain your health. When “busyness,” skipping meals, or just wolfing the food down regularly occurs in your life, revisit these simple little habits, start anew and get back on track. Janet Casey, RN, Wellness Coach, Owner/Operator, Corner Mountain Inn & Wellness Centre, CornerMountainInn.ca

School-aged children can join an interpreter for a week of nature-based fun, both indoors and out! Monday, March 29 to Thursday, March 29, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cost: $45/day/child or $160 for the week. Early drop off/late pick up available for an extra $5/day. Call 403-346-2010 or visit www.WaskasooPark.ca to register or for more info.

One of the best motivators for regular walking is to walk with others. Walking regularly has benefits, including healthy weight; chronic disease prevention; better strength, balance, and fitness; as well as better overall happiness. Walking in a group in your community allows you to familiarize yourself with community resources, make new friends, and build a safer community. Getting fresh air and enjoying nature are inspiring bonuses. Look for the numerous resources and supports that exist, such as the Red Deer Primary Care Network.

If you have crooked or gapped teeth, you may be tempted to try DIY orthodontics using videos on YouTube or at-home kits that are advertised on TV. These options are said to save people money by avoiding appointments with dental professionals. The truth is, DIY orthodontics are unsafe and could end up costing you more money later on. Complications can arise from placing DIY or mail-order dental appliances over decayed teeth or infected gums. Only a professional can determine the presence of these problems and ensure they are fixed correctly. Options like Invisalign 5 offer people with mildly crooked or gapped teeth a way to straighten them with clear aligners instead of braces, in as little as six to eight weeks, at a cost comparable to those mail-order products. Bower Dental Centre, Invisalign5atCost.com

Studies show that there are numerous benefits for connecting children with nature at an early age. It supports creativity and problem solving; enhances cognitive abilities; improves academic performance; reduces Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) symptoms; increases physical activity; improves nutrition, eyesight, social relations, self-discipline and reduces stress. Kerry Wood Nature Centre, WaskasooPark.ca/nature-nursery

When was the last time you did something for yourSELF? Self-care is the most selfLESS thing you can do. If you consistently put other things or people ahead of your needs, it can deplete you and your happiness. What you are actually giving is a burned-out version of you. Give 100% to yourself first, then you’ll have more to give to others. Try self-care on for size: go to bed earlier, play that guitar, go to that retreat. Do what FEELS good and others will see your light. Kendra Irvine, Certified Wellness Coach, Living Light, KendraIrvine.com

Various dates and times: Red Deer Primary Care Network offers FREE group Happiness Basics workshops for anyone wanting to learn these skills. Four and 7-week long options available. Call 403.343.9100 for more details. RedDeerPcn.com

Do you experience an increase in aches and pains at night? Repetitive strain and overuse injuries affect tendons, muscles, nerves and joints in the arms, hands, shoulders, neck, upper and lower back, and the legs and can range from being mild discomfort to excruciating pain. If your symptoms persist more than 3 months, or are not responding to physiotherapy or other conservative treatments, your problem may have become chronic and would benefit from regenerative treatments such as injections with platelet rich plasma, prolotherapy or stem cells. Dr. Comeau, BMSc, MC, CCFP, Horizon Medicine Centres, HorizonMedicine.ca