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

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.

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 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.

Autumn Dyck’s passion for health and nutrition began as she tried to navigate the world of nutrition herself. Finding it to be confusing and complex, Autumn decided to embark on her own nutrition education journey. She completed her B.Sc. with a major in nutrition and integrated dietetic internship at the University of Alberta. She is a registered member of the Alberta College of Dietitians and proud member of Dietitians of Canada. Autumn launched RD Nutrition Inc. in 2015, and today she enjoys talking about nutrition and teaching people how fun and easy it can be.

Reflexology is a non-invasive therapy that applies pressure and massage to areas on your feet and hands to promote the body’s powerful self-healing capabilities and optimize physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Reflexology of the feet is the most common, and according to reflexologists, you have reflex areas in your feet that match or correspond with every part of your body. Done either sitting up or lying down, depending on preference, most who get reflexology treatment comment on how it feels soothing and relaxing, and helps you unwind, de-stress, reduce anxiety, and recharge.

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!

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

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