Community News
Hypertension

It is quite surprising and frustrating that the cause of primary hypertension has not been discovered yet, even though it has been around for centuries. Primary hypertension means hypertension that is not a complication from another disease, and 70% of hypertensive patients are diagnosed with the primary type. Hypertension is called the “silent killer” because, after a long period without prominent symptoms, death often results from the absence of blood pressure control. Unfortunately, many hypertensive patients give up taking medications because of adverse effects. Some antihypertensive agents may weaken the heart and some may cause mineral imbalance. I’m not against taking medications for hypertension. It is much better than doing nothing. When you can’t tolerate the adverse effects of the medications, you can find other measures rather than giving up controlling blood pressure. Sometimes, losing visceral fat, changing your diet, or taking the right nutritional supplements works more or less.

Yong Han Lee, ReVitamins of Charleswood, Facebook.com/revitamins

Benefits of Ganban-yoku

Ganban-yoku, a Japanese natural thermal therapy, can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It has a wide range of benefits like relieving pain, improving circulation, helping to reverse the effects of aging, detoxifying, and aiding in weight loss. The treatment has been well received by many visitors. Here are some of the comments from clients after their first session.

“It was so relaxing and my skin feels very good.” ~ Joy.

“Very relaxing and relieved my congestion.” ~ Sunshine.

“Such a relaxing experience. Meditation for the mind and tranquility for the body.” ~ Edward.

“The stone bed started to feel like foam, it was very relaxing.” ~ Grace.

Mieko Morisawa, Founder|Owner, PoccaPocaSpa.ca

Meet Your Practitioner

Meet Yolanda Yeung. Yolanda is originally from Halifax and attended pharmacy school at Dalhousie University. After graduating in 2012, she moved to Brandon, where she gained a variety of skills unique to pharmacy practice. Her time in Brandon has given her experience in long-term care management for group homes and nursing homes. She takes a holistic approach to pharmaceutical care by meeting frequently with clients to assess their medications and working closely with their physicians and care-givers to resolve any drug-related issues. Yolanda is excited to continue her career with Care At Home Pharmacy and to experience the difference pharmacy makes in bettering the lives of each client.

Care At Home Pharmacy, CareAtHomePharmacy.ca

All You Need is Love

In a world with more than 7.28 billion people, finding love should be an easy task. As humans, we have a tendency to complicate things, especially when our emotions are imprinted by our relationship history. If the methods you have used in the past to find love have not worked for you, then it is time to change things up. A professional matchmaker handpicks potential partners who are screened and presented to you one by one. Their intentions have been determined and many of the important compatibility factors have already been established. When meeting for the first time, plan an activity that the two of you do together, such as mini-golf or bowling, to eliminate pressure and allow you to get to know one another in a lighthearted way. Allow your meeting to grow into a friendship. The best relationships start off as friendships and evolve into loving relationships.

Lianne, Camelot Introductions, CamelotIntroductions.com

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 (NonSteroidal 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 Botanicals Ltd., Enerex.ca

Book Club: The Brain Diet

A nutritional plan for raising smarter children; improving your mental and physical well-being; and improving your odds against depression, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, migraine headaches, ADHD, and more, as you age.

Clean Eating: Chicken Taco Avocados

Filling:

1 c. black beans, cooked
1 c. corn
1 c. shredded chicken
1 c. shredded cheddar, plus more for topping
1 package taco seasoning
2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, plus more for topping
3 ripe avocados.

Dressing:

1 c. ranch dressing
1/4 c. lime juice
1 tbsp. fresh cilantro
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. black pepper.

Directions:

In a large bowl, stir and combine filling ingredients. Halve and separate avocados, removing pit and hollowing out insides. Mash insides in a small bowl and set aside. Place avocados face up and fill each with 1/3 cup of filling. Sprinkle with more cheddar, then broil until melted. In a medium bowl, combine dressing ingredients. Fold in mashed avocados and mix until smooth. Remove from oven and transfer to serving dish. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with more cilantro, if desired.

Adapted from Delish.com

Benefits of Ganban-Yoku Treatment

Our regular Ganban-yoku session is done on beautiful stone beds. Clients can choose their own comfortably heated bed from three different types. The session involves lying on the bed for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Once the body is heated, clients step out to the lounge for some water to hydrate and cool down for a few minutes. From there, the steps are repeated until the session time is up. The treatment will gently warm the entire body from the core, burning about 200 to 300 calories, while increasing metabolism and blood circulation. The session will leave the body feeling like you just went jogging instead of lying down. The stones release far infrared rays naturally and can reduce joint pain, as the heat will penetrate deep into the muscle tissues. Heat can also reach deep into the intestines to improve the digestive system, leading to detoxification.

Pocca Poca Spa, PoccaPocaSpa.com

Let Stress Melt Away

Perhaps the most well-known effect of floatation is the reduction in stress from pre- to post-float. But don’t just take our word for it. A 2005 meta-analysis (Dierendonck, 2005) confirmed these findings by studying the effects of floatation REST across 27 studies, with a total of 449 participants. The analysis showed that the impact floatation REST had on physiology, well-being, and performance was significant, and in some cases, it was even more effective than other popular stress management techniques. It also found that healthy people who floated regularly experienced greater benefits the longer they kept up the practice. Float on…

Brad, Float.Calm, FloatCalm.com

Benefits of Kinesiology Taping

Kinesiology Taping, or KT taping, is becoming more popular in the sports world, as well as for the general population. The tape has an ability to stretch to 120-140% of its original length. The weight and thickness of the tape is the same as your epidermis, or top skin layer, and so mimics the physical qualities of skin. The glue is heat-activated, so it lasts for 3-5 days, even with showering or swimming. Depending on your therapist’s application technique, there are a number of potential benefits that can be achieved with KT taping, including the following: reduced muscle fatigue, muscle facilitation, reduced/delayed onset muscle soreness, pain inhibition, enhanced healing such as decreased oedema, and improved lymphatic drainage and blood flow. Depending on your injury, you may be a candidate for KT taping.

Susanne Robson, BMR(PT), BPE, Prairie Trail Physiotherapy, PrairieTrailPhysio.ca

How You Affect Others

In a world full of billions of people, it is easy to believe the only way to initiate change is to take extreme action. Yes, there are times when that is absolutely necessary, and yet each of us has the ability to change the world in our own small way every day. Everything we do affects people in our lives and in return ripples outwards. The impact we can have in our world – our smile, a compliment, a thoughtful gesture, our attitude, the power of our words, our willingness to show up – can touch the lives of everyone you come into contact with. Believing in your ability to spread goodness by your thoughts and actions is like throwing pebbles into calm waters…their impact is greater than you can ever imagine. Why not become a part of a tidal wave of loving kindness!

D’Arcy Bruning-Haid,D’Arcy Bruning-Haid