The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact
by Chip Heath, Dan Heath
Many of the defining moments in our lives are the result of accident or luck—but why would we leave our most meaningful, memorable moments to chance when we can create them? The Power of Moments shows us how to be the author of richer experiences.
Community News
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
Where Is Love?
You’ve decided enough is enough. You have plenty going for yourself and you want to share your life with someone special but where on earth are you going to find them? Times have changed. We live in an electronic world but computers don’t have hearts and you don’t know if the person behind the screen is authentic. You have asked your friends and coworkers if they know anyone right for you and you have been insulted by who they have suggested! A matchmaker specializes in finding love for people who are looking for one special partner. An effective matchmaker meets with all potential clients in person and determines who the right person is for them. A criminal record check should be conducted on each client. When choosing a matchmaker it is important that you work with a service that has been in business for quite some time and has many success stories. Lianne Tregobov, Camelot Introductions, Camelot Introductions.com
Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal glands can affect our mental function. Adrenal fatigue causes chronic mental fatigue, depression, mental slowing, anxiety, cravings for salty foods, overuse of stimulants like caffeine, difficulty in getting up early, and inability to lose weight. The function of the adrenal glands tends to degrade as one gets older, with variations in the rate of the degeneration due to genetic and environmental factors. Environmental factors include stress, diet, pollutants, and habit. For example, caffeine overuse and smoking negatively affect the organs because they accelerate the exhaustion of key nutrients that prevent adrenal fatigue.
Yong Han Lee, Re Vitamins of Charleswood, Facebook.com/ReVitamins
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
