As the New Year begins, we all begin to anticipate our yearly resolutions. One goal that always seems to top the list? Weight loss! For most overweight dogs and cats, we can usually blame free-feeding and lack of exercise, though there can be some medical reasons why our pets are struggling with extra pounds.
Pets’ lifestyles tend to reflect our own. We come home after work, head to the sofa…sitcoms & snacks. Burger & fries with Fido? Be aware of recommended daily caloric intake by using a measuring cup for food, and some treats can add up to an entire day’s caloric values! Don’t free feed; stick to a breakfast and dinner plan. Commit to daily exercise – 30 minutes (or longer) walking with our dogs, or using interactive toys with
our cats. Please feel free to talk with your vet about successful weight loss plans for our furry family members! Rob Lamont, A Pet Lovers Warehouse. APetLovers.com
Organic vs. Conventional Produce
Did you know that a healthy diet need not be comprised of organic food only? In fact, some organically grown and produced foods confer no greater health benefits than conventionally grown options. How do you decide? A general rule of thumb is to choose organic when it comes to soft or thin-skinned fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and meats. Good conventional choices consist of most thick-skinned foods, and exceptions like kiwi, onions, cauliflower, cabbage, and asparagus. In all cases, frozen and fresh contain comparable nutrient content. When buying organic, look for the “certified organic” seal to ensure authenticity. Sean Miller, CMHA MB and Winnipeg, MBWPG.CMHA.ca
Allergies & Bio-Resonance
The bio-resonance method has become well-known for its ability to treat allergies swiftly and effectively. Word of its obvious success has rapidly spread amongst clients, and consequently, many allergy sufferers are seeking out the practices of bio-resonance therapists. This is certainly attributable to the fact that the number of people suffering from allergies has been steadily increasing for years. This includes allergies to food, animals, pollen, fragrances, and various toxic substances. A bio-resonance therapist will search for the allergens triggering your symptoms and then work to alleviate those symptoms using frequency therapy. Bio-resonance therapy is completely painless and non-invasive. Dennis Ludwig, Evergreen Holistic Health Centre
Burnout Relief
When life’s stresses have us burning the candle at both ends, quite often burnout has us looking for a way out, looking for something better… anything to get us out of the hopelessness and emptiness that entraps us. Instead of choosing an expensive leave of absence, a recent client opting for Brainwave Optimization declared: “I like this better because it allows me some integrated burnout relief that supports me in the here and now, helping my brain function better so I make better choices right in the midst of the emotional and physical exhaustion. All I need sometimes is to get away from it all – this does it!” La Loba, LaLobaTraumaRelease.com
4 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immunity
There are plenty of natural remedies to help you boost your immune system and stay healthy all winter long:
1. Focus on Vitamin D. Did you know that most people have low vitamin D levels? Even dangerously low, within a range that could severely limit your immune system.
2. Eat More Garlic. Garlic is one of the most potent of all superfoods that goes back thousands of years for treatment of illness.
3. Get Your Probiotics. 70% of your immune system lies in your gut flora and the health of the friendly organisms in there to protect you against pathogens and sickness.
4. Avoid ALL processed foods and sweetened soft drinks. This is no time to bombard your body with processed foods, fried foods, high-fructose corn syrup, refined sugars or chemical additives.
Vegan Cashew “Cheese”
Are you interested in trying a vegan diet, but aren’t ready to give up all cheese? You must give this recipe a try! Here’s what you need: 3/4 cup raw cashews, 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, ¼ cup water, ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar, black pepper to taste. Here’s how to do it: Place cashews in a bowl with warm water and soak for at least 2 hours. Drain and add to food processor along with all other ingredients. Pulse until thoroughly combined. Enjoy this “cheesy” alternative!
Adapted from www.eatliveandplay.com
Community Event
Jan. 11. 12:00 p.m. Join us for Pilates classes. All skill levels welcome. Physio 4 U, 459 23rd Street, Brandon, 204-725-4066, www.physio4u.net
Honour Yourself During the Holidays
The holidays can be a time of loving reunions, catch-ups, heartfelt connections, and joy, or they can be filled with obligations, expectations, and old patterns with emerging drama. When we can empower ourselves to know we have a choice as to where to best put our energies, what to let go of and forgive, and where to take a stand and set boundaries, we honour ourselves. Despite the illusion of social media, the “perfect family” does not exist where all things look “wonderful and together” all the time. Instead, the holidays offer us the perfect opportunity to stay true and nurture ourselves in the midst of giving and receiving.
D’Arcy Bruning-Haid, www.souls-journey.com
Book Club:
The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact
by Chip Heath, Dan Heath
Many of the defining moments in our lives are the result of accident or luck—but why would we leave our most meaningful, memorable moments to chance when we can create them? The Power of Moments shows us how to be the author of richer experiences.
Natural Product Review: pureWash Pro
Are you still using detergent to wash your clothes? There’s a healthier, safer, and smarter way to do laundry. The secret is activated oxygen. PureWash Pro transforms ordinary water into a powerful cleaning agent by adding dissolved oxygen, giving you clean clothes while killing up to 99.9% of pathogens, mold, and bacteria. Used by hotels and hospitals for years, this amazing and affordable cleaning and disinfecting technology is now available for home use. Get your clothes clean without the need for soap or bleach, using only cold water. The oxidizing technology helps relax fabrics, so your clothes stay wrinkle-free without using fabric softener. Ideal for anyone with skin sensitivities, this is a product that everyone should use. Protect the environment, your clothes, and your washer. PureWash Pro pays for itself in months, saving you hundreds of dollars on hot water costs and laundry products. See the PureWash Pro at Aviva Natural Health Solutions, AvivaHealth.com
Let it Snow!
Shovelling snow improperly can lead to muscle and joint injuries. Before shovelling, perform a short warm-up. Use an ergonomic shovel (with a curved handle) that is the proper length for you. Bend your knees and hips, not your back, and keep abdominal and gluteal muscles engaged. Take several small steps to relocate the snow instead of twisting. Move small loads and push, rather than lift. Go slowly with snow blowers so they are easier to handle and can process the snow. Take breaks as needed and if you experience any prolonged shortness of breath or chest pains, seek medical attention.
Melissa Wishart, M.P.T., Physio First Clinic, PhysioFirstClinic.ca