Community News
Ask a Pharmacist, Your Local Medication Expert!

Medication mix-ups can and do happen. It’s easy for people to lose track of what they are taking and how often they are taking it. Asking a pharmacist questions is a powerful action that can improve medication safety, they are an expert in medications. Patients are also a very important partner in medication safety. Ask questions every time a new medication is prescribed, given or purchased. A full understanding of all aspects of medication is so important to help patients manage their health. Questions save lives, it’s safe to ask.

Optimize Your Health

Optimize your neurology and you optimize your health! Did you know that the metatarsal area of your foot has over 10,000 nerve receptors? Their main purpose in life is to report back to your brain, via your nervous system, what is happening in your body. A neurological problem, such as MS, Parkinson’s, and Fibromyalgia can compromise messaging to the brain. Voxxlife HPT helps to improve that communication. VOXX HPT is a very specific sequence and pattern of neuroreceptor activation on the bottom of the feet that triggers a signal that aides in the brainstem reaching homeostasis. Voxxlife is a proud “cause-partner” with the Canadian MS Society.

Keep Your Joints Happy

Many of us have an old injury, or joint that tends to stiffen up with a change in weather. With an increase in barometric pressure or humidity, especially in these nasty cold spells we’ve been experiencing, our joints get cold and cranky just like the rest of us. These changes cause the “synovial fluid” in our joints to increase in viscosity, causing inflammation. A few easy ways to keep our joints happy is with extra layers of warmth. For examples: Wearing Long John’s, a knee or elbow sleeve, tensor bandage or even putting your clothes in the dryer before putting them on. Stay warm out there!

Maximize Activity after Surgery

Almost 56,000 hip replacements and 67,000 knee replacements were performed in Canada in 2016-2017. To assist in successful outcomes of increased function and mobility, physiotherapy is critical after surgery. Increasing post-operative activity benefits your strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, energy, weight, outlook, and the ability to ward off other health problems. Your new knee or hip allows for greater independence through movement. Early return of joint range of motion and weight bearing is key to recovery, and physiotherapy is important in getting you back to your old self. Discuss a personalized rehabilitation plan with your physiotherapist and enjoy a successful outcome.

Benefits of Companionship

Whether it is a close friendship or an intimate relationship, social interaction is needed to prevent health decline in seniors. Loneliness is a risk factor for functional decline in adults over the age of 60. Something as simple as a friendship can enhance aging hearts and strengthen the immune system. Companionship can decrease the physical risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol. The psychological benefits include increased self-esteem, decreased stress, and a sense of belonging. Older adults can also benefit from having a pet. Dogs, in particular, can open seniors up to new activities and interests.

4 Tips to Sleep Like a Baby!

Diffuse essential oils in your bedroom like Lavender, Cedarwood, and Bergamot. These have well-known relaxing properties. Shut off screens at least 1 hour before you want to go to bed (including iPads and phones). The blue light that is emitted from our screens can actually disrupt sleep! Invest in a sleep mask, blackout blinds and a pair of ear plugs. Imagine how deep your sleep will become when the world is silent & there is no light sneaking in. And lastly, avoid sugars, alcohol, chocolate and candy 2 hours before bed, since these spike our insulin. Ready, set, ZZZ!

Community Profile: Kelburn Estates

Kelburn Estates Mental Health & Addictions Recovery Centre is a private residential wellness centre on 45 beautiful acres along the red river, here in Manitoba. We pride ourselves in providing confidential and multi-disciplinary expertise for our guests to reclaim, develop, and sustain a meaningful life. A life free from the destructive mental health disease and related substance abuse. Our mission is to create and maintain a lasting relationship with our guests, families, and community service providers. At Kelburn Estates, we will walk with you on your journey to recovery.

Need Some Quiet Time?

Studies show that noise has a powerful physical effect on our brains, causing elevated levels of stress hormones. Noise has also been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, tinnitus, and loss of sleep.
But now science has proof that not only noise HURTS, but that silence HEALS. Silence relieves stress and tension in our bodies, is replenishing, and nourishes our cognitive resources. Noise makes us lose our concentration, cognitive powers, and causes decreased motivation and brain functioning.
Perhaps the ancient masters had it right. Spending time in silence can immediately relax us, promote healing, and balance the body and mind.

Gut Feeling

Poor gut health has been linked to fatigue, mood disorders like depression and anxiety, and a variety of conditions associated with nutrient deficiencies, such as anemia. Fibre is a great way to keep things regular and increase the elimination of toxins and waste from your digestive tract. Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and grasses. If reaching the recommended 10 servings of vegetables per day seems unattainable, consider adding a greens powder to your daily routine to make things easier. Look for a product that is gluten-free, contains probiotics, and is cold-pressed, as this maintains enzymes that improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

4 Tips to Sleep Like a Baby!

Did you know that we spend one-third of our lives sleeping? It’s an integral body process that helps heal, restore and protect our many intricate systems and vital organ functions. When we sleep, our body is able to repair and recharge itself, leaving us with energy for the following day (and who doesn’t want more of that!?)

Take note of all of the following 4 behaviors that are proven to enhance sleep, and many of which are simple to incorporate starting tonight!

Tip # 1 There are various essential oil combinations that can promote restful sleep! Essential oils like Lavender and Bergamot are rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, compounds that have well-known relaxing properties. These oils can be diffused aromatically in the bedroom to create a calming and peaceful environment, perfect for getting a good night’s sleep. You could also try Vetiver, Roman Chamomile or Cedarwood.

Tip # 2 Shut off screens at least 1 hour before you want to go to bed (including iPads, phones, computers, TV)
The blue light that is emitted from our screens can actually disrupt sleep! Either shut down all devices or buy a pair of Blue Light Blocking Glasses. This will help to your body regulate its preferred sleep cycle.

Tip # 3 Invest in a sleep mask and a pair of ear plugs.
Though it may not be the most attractive way to sleep, imagine how deep your sleep will become when the world is silent & there is no light being emitted from your alarm clock, street lights or the stars. You could also invest in a pair of Blackout Blinds, which hide any light from outdoors, and make your bedroom a dark cave!

Tip # 4 Avoid sugars, alcohol, chocolate and candy 2 hours before bed.
Our body is sensitive to sugar, stimulates and simple carbohydrates (it gives us an insulin spike). In order to optimize the quality of your sleep, stop eating all food 2 hours before bed, and be especially conscious of the foods listed above in the 2 hour window before sleeping, as they can disrupt a good nights rest.

Ready, set, ZZZ!

Book Club: Hack Your Anxiety

How to Make Anxiety Work for You in Life, Love, and All That You Do. What if anxiety is not a monster to be tamed, but a resource to be tapped? In this revolutionary book, Dr. Alicia Clark recognizes anxiety as the unsung hero in the path to success and happiness. It can become the motivating force that will lead to a better you, and The Anxiety Advantage aims to restore anxiety to its rightful place as a positive resource. Reclaim your anxiety as a powerful energy source, and bring yourself peace, growth and success.