A strong immune system equips the body with the defenses necessary to fight infectious diseases and cancers and assists in recovering from illness. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic there is no time like the present to work on improving yours. A brief increase in body temperature during and directly following exercise may prevent bacteria from growing and may also help the body fight infection. Exercise helps regulate the autonomic nervous system which is responsible for regulating body temperature. Moderate exercise has been shown to bolster the function of certain components of the human immune system-such as natural killer cells, circulating T-and B-lymphocytes, and cells of the monocyte-macrophage system- thereby possibly decreasing the incidence of some infections.
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Rhythm from the Inside Out
Digestion, blood pumping through our veins, and breathing are just a few of the functional rhythms inside us that we rely upon to live. When we are unwell, we sometimes say that we are feeling ‘out of sorts’ or ‘out of sync’; it is a bit like losing one’s rhythm. We know when we have found it again because we feel more ‘in the groove’. Music therapy can be helpful in re-discovering that intrinsic rhythm when retrieving it ourselves is a struggle (as with mood and social cognitive disorders; rehabilitation from brain injury, stroke, or heart attack; cerebral palsy; Huntington’s disease; etc.).
Boost Mental Health & Performance at Work
During this global pandemic, the need for mental health support has increased fourfold. As an employee, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to be vocal. If you are struggling, speak up or use the Wellness Together Canada free resources. Waiting causes longer term damage impacting productivity and quality of life. If you are an employer, ask how you can support your team every day. Then, make or get a Mental Health First Aid kit and put it somewhere visible to demonstrate mental health is just as important as physical health. Include things like motivational cards, mindfulness colouring sheets, stress balls, breathing exercises and general resilience tips.
Dog Care Support for Seniors
Dog Care Support for Seniors
Does a senior in your life need help caring for their dog? Our goal is to enable older adults, who are experiencing challenges with routine care, to continue to benefit from their relationship with their canine companions. We work to keep the love in the home.
ElderDog volunteers provide a range of support services, including:
• Dog walking
• Minor grooming such as help with brushing
• Transportation to and from a vet or groomer
• Temporary care during illness or hospitalization
• Rehoming when staying together is no longer possible
ElderDog volunteers who work with seniors are required to wear an approved photo ID and complete a police check for work with vulnerable persons. There are no fees for our services.
What’s in Your Smoothie?
Move over, goji berries: there’s a new superfood in town. Meet the Aronia berry! Aronia berries have outstanding nutritional and pharmacological properties which have been well documented. They contain high levels of antioxidants which research has shown helps in fighting cancer, reduces inflammation, and helps to reduce blood glucose in diabetics. In the spectrum of nutrition, berries rank near the top, and among berries, none are more nutritious than the Aronia berry. Aronia berries contain five times the antioxidant level of goji berries with no bitter aftertaste.
The Power of Neutral Thinking
We have all heard about the power of positive thinking, but did you know that negative thinking is more powerful by more than 10 times! That felt really disappointing to me when I first heard this, until I realized there is a middle ground. NEUTRAL THINKING! This is a place that is neither positive nor negative, it is what is TRUE. When you add in the positive or negative that is an opinion or an emotion and, that is what is challenging. If you can get to a place of neutral thinking, then you can make a choice to think about a good choice and be positive about it.
Ask The Expert
Q: I have cataracts but I don’t want to get surgery for it because I’d like to maintain my ability to read in bed without glasses – am I correct in this thinking?
A: No, you probably have options for that. If it’s determined that you ought to have cataract surgery, just ask your optometrist or eye surgeon to plan around your wishes by choosing a desirable strength or design of the lens implants (which are used for the surgery).
New to Yoga? Give it a Try!
Are you interested in yoga but held back by concerns of injury, inexperience, or inability? In July, Heather led a successful Yoga Foundations series that introduced a small group of newbies to the practice. From the building blocks of movement to experimenting with sequences, Heather taps into her massage therapy background to focus on the individual needs of her students, prioritizing their safety and self-care capabilities. Another series starts in September and you are welcome to join! For more information and registration, visit www.getbodywell.com or email Heather directly at [email protected].
What are Hydrosols?
Hydrosols, also known as “flower waters,” are produced by distilling fresh leaves, fruits, flowers, and other plant materials. A hydrosol’s properties are similar to those of its essential oil, but they are more gentle. They can be used in creams, lotions, compresses, facial misters, body sprays and other recipes. Hydrosols are soothing and antiseptic- great for skin rashes, burns & after sun. Gentle enough to be used on children, pets, and the elderly, where essential oils may be too powerful. Do not take internally. We recommend keeping your hydrosols in the fridge to extend their shelf life as well as refresh you on a hot day.
A Collaborative Plan for Your Injury
It can be frustrating when getting treated by a single practitioner for weeks with no end in sight. At Origin Integrated Health, we go for a collaborative approach! We offer you an individualized treatment plan to follow that most often involves collaboration between experts in the field. We treat the cause of your pain and focus on strengthening your imbalances in motion. We call upon:
• Myofascial techniques and Class IV Laser with a Chiropractor
• Inter-muscular Stimulation or Acu-Stimulation with a Physiotherapist or Acupuncturist.
• Active Rehab with an Athletic Therapist or Kinesiologist.
• Injection therapy with Naturopaths and Acupuncturists.
Let’s make you a master plan to get YOU BETTER!
What are Hydrosols?
Hydrosols, also known as “flower waters,” are produced by distilling fresh leaves, fruits, flowers, and other plant materials. A hydrosol’s properties are similar to those of its essential oil, but they are more gentle. They can be used in creams, lotions, compresses, facial misters, body sprays and other recipes. Hydrosols are soothing and antiseptic- great for skin rashes, burns & after sun. Gentle enough to be used on children, pets, and the elderly, where essential oils may be too powerful. Do not take internally. We recommend keeping your hydrosols in the fridge to extend their shelf life as well as refresh you on a hot day.
