The COVID-19 pandemic has had a noticeable impact on the mental health of Canadians, and the federal government has taken some good initial steps towards addressing this with an economic recovery plan and the free Wellness Together Canada portal. However, about 1.6 million Canadians were living with unmet mental health needs before the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian Mental Health Association is working to expand and adapt its virtual services and supports countrywide, and is also calling on the federal government to take further action to support Canadians’ mental health needs. For more information, please visit:
Community News
Improve Workplace Wellness with Gratitude
At work, it is easy to feel stressed, overwhelmed or confused during times of uncertainty. However, research has shown that when meetings start with intentional gratitude and a short debrief at the end, collective intelligence and productivity increase substantially. How does it work? Put a standing item of reflection/gratitude/quick win in the agenda template and assign someone to share a positive note. When the meeting is over, check-in to ensure you met your objectives, everyone was heard, and everyone is ready to move upwards and onwards.
Tips for Better Immunity
Maintain a strong, healthy immune system with this 3-pronged approach during the current pandemic and beyond: #1: Lifestyle: Limit stress, turn off the TV or computer, and get at least 30 minutes of exercise 3-5 times per week and 7-8 hours of sleep per night. #2: Nutrition: A diet high in lean protein, fruits, vegetables and the right macronutrients is the most important element to overall health. #3: Hydration: Without adequate hydration and the right electrolyte delivery system, your body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs to recover from illness or infection. Proper hydration is key to a well-functioning body.
Bandits Wellness Essential Oil Blend
Bandits Wellness Blend is a powerful combination of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary essential oils that fills any space with a rich, spicy aroma. This blend is a powerhouse of usefulness and supports overall wellness! As one of our most popular products, it is no wonder that Bandits Blend is added to so many home diffusers, cleaning and personal care products. Add several drops of Bandits Blend to a spray bottle with water and mist the air in your room, car or office as needed to leave your space smelling fresh and clean.
Dementia-Friendly Technology
Dementia affects parts of the brain responsible for language, learning, and memory. Those living with dementia can find it scary and overwhelming, but there are some devices that can help make them feel safe and secure. An easy-to-read clock placed in clear view can help with daily routines and reduce anxiety. A wearable GPS tracker device can help locate someone with dementia in cases of emergency. Automated pill dispensers open automatically with an alert sound when it’s time to take medication. Finally, a wearable monitoring device can detect falls and alert medical responders to ensure those with dementia are safe.
An Important Step to Solve Reading Difficulties
When a student struggles with reading and learning it is important to first rule out the possibility of a vision problem. Often this can be an eye coordination problem which means that your child will pass most vision screenings in school and even at the pediatrician’s office. Vision screenings typically test for how clearly one can see the letters on the eye chart (“20/20”) which is only 1 of 17 visual skills required for reading and learning. If reading is difficult and homework takes longer than it should, be sure to schedule a binocular vision evaluation, with a Developmental Optometrist.
What is BodyTalk?
BodyTalk is a simple, safe and astonishingly effective system of integrative health care. BodyTalk is a holistic approach to healing, based on proven principles of energy medicine. The body is a complex ecosystem with a delicate balance between physiological biochemical functions, emotional and mental interactions, environmental influences, and hereditary and genetic restrictions. BodyTalk helps synchronize the body’s natural functions – to achieve and maintain healing and growth on all levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. The BodyTalk System can treat a number of physical and mental health issues, but it is designed to improve the body and mind as a whole.
Walking with Man’s Best Friend
Walking is vital to build a strong relationship with your canine companion. Try to aim for at least 30-60 minutes daily. Wear proper footwear,and use a traction aid when walking in the winter. When bending to pick up deposits, make sure to squat down instead of bending at your waist to prevent injury to your back. Use a “No Pull” harness or halter, and ensure the leash is not too long so that your dog will not become distracted or entangled around you. Obedience training will help to teach your dog loose leash walking beside you. Happy walking!
Clean Eating: Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups milk or milk substitute, 1 1/2 cups water, 2 1/2 cups quick oats, 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp salt. Direction: Bring the milk and water to a boil in a saucepan that’s large enough to prevent boil-overs. Reduce the heat to low. Add the oats and then stir in all other ingredients. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until oats are done and oatmeal is thickened to your liking. Enjoy!
Stress Check
Our bodies hold stress, and may surface as muscle tension, sleepless nights, mood swings, and so much
more. Even contributing to disease and chronic pain if we do not address it. Take a moment to check if
your body is in a stress hold position. Are your teeth clenched? Tongue against the roof of your mouth?
Hands balled into a fist? Stop and take a breath if you answered yes. Breathing in deeply through your
nose, and exhaling slowly and forcefully. By doing this, your brain scans your body and resets you
to a more relaxed state.
Product Review: Colflex® by Innotech™
ColFlex® Super Oregano Oil Spray is a great-tasting 4-in-1 oral spray containing essential oils of oregano, thyme, and spearmint oil in an extra virgin olive oil base, sweetened with stevia and fortified with vitamin D3. Spray orally to help relieve coughs, sore throat, travelling challenges, that “under the weather feeling” and for general oral hygiene and fresher breath. Lab tests show that ColFlex inhibited the growth of bacteria such as S. aureus and S. pneumonia after 27 minutes and inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. typhi after 9 minutes.
