Community News
Develop Your Touch Vocabulary

Touch is a language of human connection! Compassionate touch is so biologically important to us that we cannot survive without it. Yet, how much education do we have for this language of touch? Studying Thai massage opens the door to expanding your touch vocabulary in a supportive learning environment. Training in Thai massage builds a platform of communication, gives you a way to help others with the skill of manual therapy, and profoundly influences the relationships you have with others.

Cats and Essential Oils

There has been much talk recently about cats and essential oils. Are oils safe, or unsafe? What should you believe? The truth is essential oils are indeed a toxic threat to cats. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and through the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. Cats lack an essential enzyme in their liver, and as such, have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating many essential oils. Cats are also very sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds, which can be found in some essential oils. The higher the concentration of the essential oil (i.e., 100%), the greater the risk to the cat.

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.

Gluteus Maximus

The gluteus maximus muscle is located in the buttocks and is regarded as one of the strongest muscles in the human body. It is an important muscle because it is a prime mover of the leg bone into extension (moving the leg backwards) or propelling the body forward as when walking and running. By strengthening your gluteus muscles, your spine will have more support and your pelvis will automatically begin to stabilize. Both of which are essential to improved posture. Having strong gluteus muscles can prevent injuries to your knees, lower back and hamstrings, all of which are essential to simple daily activities. Strengthening your gluteus muscles can help improve low back pain, as well as make sitting down, standing, picking up heavy objects and climbing stairs easier. The gluteus maximus is one of the primary muscle groups that help us rise from a chair. See your physiotherapist for a specific gluteus strengthening program.

Bust Stress and Boost Your Health

Chronic stress takes a high toll on mental and physical health. Some may not even recognize the symptoms, which can range from insomnia, irritability, mental fog, headaches, and fatigue, to more serious physical health problems including weight gain, osteoporosis, digestive problems, hormone imbalances, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Access BARS are a relaxing way to deal with stress, and all of the thoughts that do not serve you. Lightly touching 32 points on your head, this healing modality has been known to reduce stress, and improve sleep, focus, and physical and mental health.

Product Review: Avena Original’s Superfood

Hand-harvested and sun-dried, Avena’s Original’s Super Foods choose deliver outstanding nutrition. They combine dense greens and herbs with the nutrition your body needs to thrive. A scoop of Superfood contains 100% RAW living foods such as Cellulase Enzymes, Alpha-Amylase Enzymes, Beta Carotene, Pineapple Fruit, Celery Seed, Kelp, Beet Root, Broccoli Stem/Flower, Kale Leaf, Irish Moss, Artichoke, Echinacea Root, Siberian Ginseng, Horsetail, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf, Barley Grass, Catalase, Whole Mushroom, Acerola Cherry Fruit, Maltase, Alfalfa Herb Top, Dulse Whole Plant, Pea Protein, Protease Enzymes, Milk Thistle, Tomato Fruit, Spinach, Dandelion Root, Lipase, Wheat Grass, & Phytase Enzymes. Every serving is the equivalent of eating a fresh salad or green smoothie!

Fudgy Black Bean Brownies

• 1-1/2 cups black beans (drained and rinsed well) • 2 tbsp. cocoa powder • 1/2 cup oats • 1/4 tsp. salt • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey • pinch stevia or sweetener • 1/4 cup coconut oil • 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract • 1/2 tsp. baking powder • 2/3 cup chocolate chips Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients, except chocolate chips, in a good food processor, and blend until completely smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips, and then pour into a greased 8×8 pan. Cook 15-18 minutes, and then let cool at least 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Community Event

Beginning April 5. 12:00 pm Join us for Pilates classes every Thursday! All skill levels welcome. Physio 4 U, 459 23rd Street, Brandon, 204-725-4066, www.physio4u.net

Pilates—How it Works

These exercises are usually done in a specific order at various levels of difficulty. 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. Pilates targets core areas and legs, with a focus on stabilizing and strengthening your abdominals and back. It generates flexibility and strength using your own body weight, but it is not a cardio workout.

Community Event

March 16-18; Mar 23-25; Apr 13-15 Navina® Principal Certification Thai Massage Training. Classes run Friday – Sunday, over three weekends. (204) 729-8596. Robinchant.com

Book Club: The Natural Makeover Diet

We all want to look our best, feel attractive and be healthy. Energy and appearance are important at any age. And now achieving these results is possible without unsafe quick-fix diets, risky surgical procedures or other invasive measures. Whether you want to increase your energy levels; improve your skin, hair or nails; or lose weight, your true beauty will shine through when you achieve optimal wellness from the inside out. By following Dr. Joey’s four steps to inner health and outer beauty, you will quickly see and feel long-lasting results.