Community News
Ice or Heat?

One of the most frequently asked questions of physiotherapists is: ice or heat?
Ice is for injuries — calming down damaged superficial tissues that are red, hot, and swollen. The inflammatory process is a healthy, normal, natural one that, unfortunately, also happens to be incredibly painful. Be careful not to ice too long, as frostbite can occur.

Heat is for muscles, chronic pain, and stress — taking the edge off of symptoms like muscle aching and stiffness.
Generally speaking, ice is for fresh injuries, and heat is for stiff, aching muscles. But it’s best to seek advice from your physiotherapist as to which is best for your condition.

Access Consciousness

The target of Access Consciousness is to help get people to the point where they are conscious enough to create change within themselves, so that it is also possible to change everything that is not working for them in their everyday life. Once people begin to be more conscious, it will be easier to thrive in the face of the shifts that are occurring everywhere on the planet right now. There are courses available for helping you get real-life tools you can use and showing you how to get where you would like to be. Are you ready to invest in YOU? Robin Chant, Inspire You Studio, RobinChant.com

Clean Eating: Simple Vegan Eggnog

Ingredients: 1 15-ounce can coconut milk (400 ml), 1/2 cup raw cashews, 1/4 cup water, 3 tbsp maple syrup, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Directions: Soak the cashews overnight or for at least 1 hour. Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve the eggnog chilled, so keep it in the fridge for at least 1 or 2 hours. Enjoy the Holiday Season!

Book Club: Making Sense of Mindfulness

Do you practise mindfulness? Manitoba-born author Keith Macpherson (BEd) is a mindfulness life coach and motivational speaker who has been inspiring audiences for more than twenty years.nown for his popular “daily intentions” on social media and his regular column “Keith’s Corner” in several corporate wellness magazines, Keith inspires thousands of people daily with his messages of mindfulness. This book is available now at your local book store.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of over 85 naturally-occurring constituents identified in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, it won’t get you “high”, which makes it an appealing option. The most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in hemp, CBD is becoming increasingly popular due to highly publicized exposure in the media and the wide scope of its benefits on health and wellness. Clinical reports and mounds of test data showing little to no side effects and a lack of the psychoactivity typically associated with marijuana products and high THC levels have also contributed to CBD’s rise in popularity. CBD will not adversely affect sensory awareness, perception, consciousness, reaction time, or behavior.

Disability Tax Credit for Type 1 Diabetes

The Disability Tax Credit is a program designed to help those with disabilities or their caregivers reduce the amount of income tax they pay, offsetting some of the significant medical and treatment expenses. What diabetes-related activities are covered? According to CRA, the following activities qualify in the 14-hour-per-week calculation:

• Checking blood glucose levels
• Preparing and administering the insulin
• Calibrating necessary equipment
• Testing ketones
• Keeping a log book of blood glucose levels

With children, the 14-hour-per-week eligibility criteria can usually be met by combining the parent and child’s time.

T1D is an expensive disease and the disability tax credit can provide some financial relief for those who qualify.

Boost Immunity with Echinacea

Many of Echinacea’s chemical constituents are powerful immune system stimulants that can provide significant therapeutic value. How does Echinacea help with colds? The University of Connecticut performed a meta-analysis study that determined that Echinacea cuts the chances of catching a common cold by 58%. It also reduces the duration of the common cold by almost one-and-a-half days. Craig Coleman, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice and lead author of the study, added that, “The take home message from our study is that Echinacea does indeed have powerful cold prevention and cold treatment benefits.” It can be used as one of several effective natural cold remedies.

Essential Oils for Winter Wellness

Cold and flu season is here! Many naturally occurring essential oils from plants and spices, such as clove, cinnamon, and tea tree, can ward off unwanted germs. Citrus oils that contain limonene, like lemon or orange, are great for supporting the immune system. Some oils like oregano and thyme have natural anti-viral properties that are important when faced with viral infections. Essential oils can also speed recovery and help relieve symptoms. For example, peppermint provides a cooling sensation for fevers. Eucalyptus is helpful for chest congestion, and oils of myrtle and pine will help clear a stuffy nose.

Product Review: Pure Green Energy

Kickstart your day with a super clean, raw and nutritionally dense organic drink that increases alertness and stamina. Coconut MCT, Maca super-food, Matcha green tea and many other key juiced powders, together with zero calorie Monk fruit, and even human strain probiotics round out this fantastic Kickstarter! A health-packed alternative to coffee & conventional energy-boosting drinks, PURE GREEN ENERGY gives vigor without potentially harmful effects of excess stimulants. It is also a perfect pre-and-post-workout supplement to replenish essential nutrients, improve cardio performance, and revive your workday energy drain.

Need Help Getting Physically Active?

Individuals who are physically active have a lower risk of obtaining health conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Physical activity has been shown to improve mental health by having a positive impact on depression, anxiety, and stress. Kinesiologists are heavily involved in facilitating and improving physical activity levels of individuals of varying goals and capabilities. Kinesiologists are experts in the field of human movement, exercise prescription, fitness training and conditioning. A Kinesiologist uses evidence-based research to develop exercise programs for individuals looking to increase their physical activity levels. Many fitness and wellness centers in the city employ Kinesiologists as personal trainers who can guide and provide you with the tools to become healthier and more physically active.

When to Seek an Energy Healer

Energy healing is a holistic practice that activates the body’s subtle energy systems to remove blocks. By breaking through these energetic blocks, the body’s inherent ability to heal itself is stimulated.
Any time is a good time to visit an energy healer. If you are stressed, anxious, or physically drained, an energy healing session can help you relax and feel more balanced.
Energy healing is totally accessible. There are many different types of energy healers, and you can find them practically everywhere.
All you need to begin your energy healing journey is curiosity and a willingness to learn. Who knows, you may get hooked!