The YWCA Brandon is now accepting nominations for our 30th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Gala coming up on March 2, 2017 at the Keystone Centre, Brandon. The Women of Distinction Awards Gala is a formal event held to promote and showcase women’s achievements in the City of Brandon and Westman. This prestigious award recognizes women’s individual accomplishments, women who are inspirational role models and women who have made significant contributions to the community. Proceeds from this event support the essential programs and services provided by the YWCA Brandon. The YWCA Westman Women’s Shelter operates a domestic/family violence shelter for women and their children fleeing abuse and 24 hour crisis line (204) 727-3644. Our Meredith Place location operates 3 family emergency homeless units and a 21 bed coed transition housing residences. For nomination information contact BJ or Lorna at ywca2@wcgwave.ca, (204) 571-3680 or visit our website www.ywcabrandon.com
Community News
Acupuncture for Menopause
Many menopausal women complain that “hot flash” is too mild a word for an experience that they say is more like jumping into a fire. Hot flashes can include feelings of intense heat, profuse sweating and rapid heartbeat. Fortunately, a new study suggests that acupuncture can help to reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes with regular treatments. The most effective treatment for hot flashes is hormone therapy – the use of medication that contains estrogen or progesterone. However, such treatment can increase the risk of other health conditions, including stroke, heart disease and cancer. Many women also experience unwanted side effects from hormone therapy. This is why Acupuncture works so well as an alternative treatment. If you’re a woman experiencing painful hot flashes, give acupuncture a try!
Dr. Li Lin, Brandon Acupuncture, www.brandon-acupuncture.com
Innovation in Pilates
Pilates is a full-body exercise. It focuses on the core while training the entire body as an integrated system. The workouts include ones that improve strength and balanced muscle development, flexibility and increased range of motion. The moves may look simple but take a lot of precision and control. You can do Pilates on a mat in class, at home, or individually with an instructor. Areas that Pilates targets are core areas and legs with focus on stabilizing and strengthening your abdominals and back. It generates flexibility and strength using your own body weight! Top benefits of doing Pilates include becoming stronger, longer, leaner, and more able to move with ease. Pilates can be done by anyone, including athletes, in rehabilitation phases post injury, seniors, pregnant women and everyone in-between. There are literally hundreds of exercises and modifications for each client.
Marita Dowsett B.P.T., Physio 4 U
Find Balance in an Unbalanced World
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, out of balance? Do you lack purpose in your life? A new year often brings thoughts of promising to make a positive change! These changes can help you move towards a balanced life. There are 7 key areas of life that everyone deserves balance in; fitness, finance, family, field (career), faith, friends, & fun. This balance is called living an Oola Life! Oola is a program created by Dr. Dave Braun & Troy Amdahl that teaches you how to have that feeling of awesomeness or “ooo-la-la!” Check out the Community Events for info on the live Oola Balance: A Personal Growth Workshop in association with Young Living where you can learn how to construct a personal growth plan to enhance each of the 7 key areas of life & how essential oils can enhance your journey!
Sylvia Provenski, Young Living Essential Oils, www.canadianmoms.ca
What are the Bars? – Synergy in Motion
“The Bars” are 32 points on your head, which, when lightly touched, release old energies stuck in the brain and the body allowing for tremendous and easy change. The Bars take all the considerations, thoughts, feelings, emotions, decisions, judgments, and beliefs from any lifetime, that are electrically stored in the brain and releases them. This release occurs when the Bars are touched; it allows that stored junk to be released. What can Bars change? Phobias, depression, body pain, deeper sleep, more energy, dissipate stress, unlock creativity, find clarity and calm, melt emotional overwhelm, money flows, relationships, body bliss, the ease with exams, helps people who suffer from depression, anxiety, ADD, addictions, and so much more! How long does the effect of a Bars session last? Once you have your Bars done, the Bars “run” or continue to release stuck energy forever. The most dramatic effects tend to be noticed within 3-4 weeks of the session. Wendy Enns, Access Consciousness Bars
Yin & Yang
Yin Yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga with postures, or asanas, that are held for longer periods of time. For beginners, it may range from 45 seconds to 2 minutes; more advanced practitioners may stay in one asana for 5 minutes or more. Yin Yoga postures are more passive postures, mainly on the floor. The majority of postures equal only about three dozen or so, much less than the more popular Yang-like practices. Yin Yoga is unique in that you are asked to relax in the posture, soften the muscle and move closer to the bone. While Yang-like yoga practices are more superficial, Yin offers a much deeper access to the body. It is not uncommon to see postures held for 3 to 5 minutes, even 20 minutes at a time. The intimate practice of Yin Yoga requires students to be ready to get intimate with the self, with feelings, sensations, and emotions. We offer Yin classes (that we call “Soothe” classes) that are fun and accessible for all levels and abilities!
Robin Chant, Inspire You Studio, www.inspireyoustudio.com
Book Club: Year of Yes!
How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person, by Shonda Rhimes. Shonda was an expert at declining invitations others would leap to accept. With 3 children at home and 3 hit shows on TV, it was easy to say that she was too busy. But in truth, she was also afraid. Shonda’s introvert life revolved around burying herself in work, snuggling her children, and comforting herself with food. Shonda’s sister muttered something that was both a wake-up and a call to arms: You never say yes to anything! The comment sat like a grenade until it detonated. Then Shonda knew she had to embrace the challenge: for one year, she would say YES to everything that scared her.
Clean Eating: Banana Quinoa Breakfast Bars
1 cup steel cut oats
1 cup quinoa
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon, a pinch of sea salt
3 large ripe bananas, mashed
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
3 tbsp natural nut butter
1 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
Optional: 1/4-1/2 cup add-ins like chocolate chips, coconut, chopped dried fruit.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray or grease a 9 x 9 baking dish with coconut oil. In a large bowl combine oats, quinoa, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add in bananas, flax, peanut butter, coconut oil and maple syrup. Stir until well-combined. Sprinkle with optional add-ins. Let batter sit for 10 mins to let flax absorb some liquid. Add batter to baking dish and spread out evenly. Bake for 25 mins or until edges are crisp and center is cooked through. Let sit for 20 mins before cutting into 9-12 squares and allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer.
4 Things You Should NEVER Feed Your Dog
All pet owners are aware of the dangers of chocolate. But have you heard of these ones? Suprisingly, only 30% of dog owners know these facts! Keep your pup away from the following: 1. Onions – Plants of this family, including chives and garlic, are not suitable for dogs. Eating these could cause your animal to develop anemia, weakness, rapid breathing and reddish or brown urine. 2. Grapes or Raisins – This fruit can cause severe liver damage and kidney failure. It’s been proven that even a few grapes can potentially be fatal for your pet. 3. Xylotol – Is found in gum, baked goods, and anything else that is sugar substituted. It is extremely toxic to dogs, and it can cause seizures, liver failure and possibly even death. 4. Salt – Eating salt will cause excessive thirst and urination. If they managed to eat a lot, it could cause vomiting and diarrhea, hyperthermia, depression, tremors, seizures, and death.
Lisa Tustin, Professional Pet Sitter
Boost Your Mental Health This Winter
Winter months can be difficult for those experiencing a mental health challenge or illness, especially during and following the holiday season. There are, however, a myriad of evidence-based ways to boost your physical and mental well-being. One important tool is vitamin D. Research clearly shows the benefits of this powerful vitamin for improving body and thereby brain health. Our bodies synthesize this nutrient through exposure to the sun. However, during reduced daylight months we are unable to get what we need from our solar source. Because low levels of vitamin D are associated with depression, it may be beneficial to add vitamin D through your diet, light therapy, or a supplement. If taking a supplement, choose the “D3”version and consume with a fatty meal. Be sure to speak with your doctor before starting a nutritional supplement program. If low mood persists, contact your healthcare provider or local CMHA for additional information and resources.
Sean Miller, Canadian Mental Health Association, mbwpg.cmha.ca
6 Toxic Chemicals in Your Laundry Detergent
The laundry detergent you’re using may contain a cocktail of potent chemicals. Not only can these chemicals wreak havoc on your health, but they also are contaminating our waterways and harming the environment. Because laundry-care product manufacturers are not required to list all laundry detergent ingredients on packaging, it can be difficult for consumers to make informed choices. There are 7 toxic chemicals likely found in your store-bought detergents, according to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep. Cosmetic Safety Reviews, research studies show that the chemicals in detergents link to allergies, irritation of the skin and eyes, organ toxicity, developmental/reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, ecotoxicology, and biochemical or cellular changes. Do your research as you may find out that it’s your laundry detergent that is causing your skin irritations or allergies.
Kevin Shale, Low Environmental Impact Technologies, leit.ca
