Community News
Break Free from Sadness

We know that sadness is appropriate when we face a loss of any kind. We also know that time has a way of bringing us back to enjoying those activities and relationships that are meaningful to us. In some cases, however, we feel stuck in sadness. With a decrease in sunlight, SAD (seasonal affective disorder) might even get a grip on us. If there’s often a sad undercurrent in your life that you sense doesn’t need to be there, it’s time to reach out for help. Brainwave Optimization is a technology that addresses issues through the brain itself, helping it reset itself so you can enjoy life again.
La Loba, LaLobaTraumaRelease.com

Have a Denture Check-up Every Year

Your dentures should be checked on an annual basis to ensure you still have a correct fit. Your face and tissues in your mouth change over the years, while your dentures are rigid and stay the same. Your appearance and comfort can be compromised the longer you delay receiving care from your denturist. Annual visits to your denture clinic can help ward off many potential problems including headaches, neck and joint pain, irritated gums, indigestion, problems with chewing, and even bone loss and occasionally changes in facial contour. Are you due for a check-up? Andrew Fast, Fast Dentures, FastDentures.ca

Natural Product Review: pureWash Pro

Are you still using detergent to wash your clothes? There’s a healthier, safer, and smarter way to do laundry. The secret is activated oxygen. PureWash Pro transforms ordinary water into a powerful cleaning agent by adding dissolved oxygen, giving you clean clothes while killing up to 99.9% of pathogens, mold, and bacteria. Used by hotels and hospitals for years, this amazing and affordable cleaning and disinfecting technology is now available for home use. Get your clothes clean without the need for soap or bleach, using only cold water. The oxidizing technology helps relax fabrics, so your clothes stay wrinkle-free without using fabric softener. Ideal for anyone with skin sensitivities, this is a product that everyone should use. Protect the environment, your clothes, and your washer. PureWash Pro pays for itself in months, saving you hundreds of dollars on hot water costs and laundry products. See the PureWash Pro at Aviva Natural Health Solutions, AvivaHealth.com

Do Sit-Ups Cause Pain?

There has been recent discussion that sit-ups are harmful to your back. Sit-ups engage hip flexor muscles, which are attached to the lumbar spine and lumbar discs. In theory, this movement and contraction can potentially cause irritation. However, this is all based on biomechanical theory and not real scientific evidence. The sit-up is a core exercise designed to activate our rectus abdominus, which is the muscle that shows off a wonderful six-pack of abs. The sit-up alone will not achieve this, as what is required is a well-designed and well-rounded exercise program, along with a sound nutritional plan.
Dan Girardin, MPT, BESS Physiotherapist, PrairieTrailPhysio.ca

Alkalizing Your Body

Having an overly acidic diet can lead to a weakened immune system. Here are six ways to alkalize your body! 1. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day to keep your body systems regulated. For an extra boost in alkalinity – add lemon! 2. Trade coffee for green tea. 3. Use stevia, coconut sugar, or small amounts of honey in place of sugar. 4. Eat more greens. 5. Exercise to create more oxygen and qi flow in the body, and to avoid stagnation. 6. Reduce stress by meditating, practicing deep breathing, doing yoga, and getting plenty of sleep.
Care At Home Pharmacy, www.careathomepharmacy.ca

Considering a Pet Sitter?

Planning a winter vacation? Arranging for pet care while you’re away can feel like an overwhelming decision. It’s important to look for caregivers who will not only provide for basic needs like food and water, but also companionship, reassurance, and playtime while you’re away. If you can find someone to come to your home, your pet gets to stay in his familiar surroundings, which is less stressful than taking him to a new location. You and your pet should feel comfortable about the care arrangements, so you can enjoy your vacation without worry! Lisa Tustin, Professional Pet Services

Take a Load Off

Maintaining workplace mental health is vitally important. Stats show that most people spend the majority of their waking hours at work. Using break times is one effective way to improve overall mental health and boost productivity! Oftentimes, busy schedules and looming deadlines prevent us from taking breaks when we need them most. A short time away, doing something we enjoy, helps to reduce stress and emotional exhaustion, while providing a fresh focus and the necessary energy to accomplish tasks. Stretching, walking, listening to music, and reading or watching something funny are all ways to help lighten the load.
Stacey Shule Krueger, CMHA MB & Wpg, mbwpg.cmha.ca

Product Review:

Serrapeptase, the little miracle enzyme! Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme, which means it breaks down long protein chains into amino acids that the body needs. These enzymes bind to the alpha 2 macroglobulin in our plasma where it is shielded from the immune system while retaining its enzymatic activity. They are then free to roam through the blood stream seeking to break down hard protein (non-living tissue), fibrin surfaces, scar tissue, granuloma, and even thin out mucous to ease conditions such as chronic sinusitis.

It’s been proven to be a safe and effective alternative to NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen) and should be taken on an empty stomach. The capsule must be a special DRcap (Delayed Release capsule) or enteric coated capsule that allows the Serrapeptase to pass through the stomach to the small intestine where the enzyme is then released. Enerex.ca

Do’s and Don’ts of Dating

In today’s distracted world, where people are panicked when they don’t have instant access to their electronics, face-to-face meetings can be a foreign concept. When getting to know someone, it is important that they feel you are giving them your undivided attention. Cell phones need to be on silent and put away while on a date. Exes are not discussed. Communication needs to be real. Texting and emailing are not appropriate ways to get to know someone. Take the time to call them and have a real conversation. Do an activity on your date where you have ample time to get to learn more about the person. Mini golf, bowling, the zoo, or walking through craft shows are some suggestions that allow you to get to know one another without pressure. Lianne Tregobov, CamelotIntroductions.com

Stressed about Stress?

Stress is often thought of as something that happens to us. However, stress is a response to an event and therefore mostly within our control. A major study found that when people view unpleasant physical sensations, like a racing heart and nervousness, as helpful instead of harmful, the risk of heart disease, stroke, and early death diminishes greatly. How can we change our mind about stress? By intentionally subjecting ourselves to a healthy stressor. Fifteen minutes of intense exercise releases endorphins – our body’s natural pain killers and stress fighters – which helps us associate a positive feeling with stress-inducing events. Sean Miller, CMHA MB and Winnipeg, mbwpg.cmha.ca

Is Your Skin Dry?

Colder months often wreak havoc on even the clearest complexions. Ganban-yoku, a Japanese thermal therapy, can not only provide lasting deep warmth for the body, but also a smooth, silky complexion. This is because of the sebum released during the session, which acts as an extra coating on the skin’s surface. This helps smooth and keep the skin moisturized, while making it glow. Ganban-yoku is also a useful relaxation therapy. By reducing stress, hormone levels stabilize and can result in better skin. The reduced stress level can also increase production of sebum to fight dry skin. Mieko Morisawa, PoccaPocaSpa.com