Your immune system works hard to protect you from injury, illness, and disease. This process usually involves inflammation, a natural response to stress, tissue damage, and harmful stimuli like viruses, bacteria, and toxins. Inflammation functions similarly to an engine warning light, alerting you to the presence of a problem through symptoms such as heat, pain, redness, swelling, and/or loss of function. 85% of the immune system is located in our gut. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E and the mineral selenium provides your gut with the ingredients it needs to bolster immunity and achieve optimal mental and physical health. Sean Miller, CMHA, mbwpg.cmha.ca
Community News
Community Event
Every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. – Beyond the Law of Attraction. Every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. – Heart Mind & Spirit Recovery Group. Every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. – Let’s Go Choir! Everyone welcome! Centre For Spiritual Living Winnipeg, 625 Spruce St. 204-899-1911
Explaining Savings Versus Spending To Your Kids
Teaching your kids good money habits is not easy. It is not a one-time tutorial, but instead an ongoing process of setting good examples, explaining money concepts and letting them learn by trial and error. However, it is an important lesson that is often learned from their parents. Teaching them the value of saving versus spending is the first step.
Learning the Value of Saving
As frustrating as it may be to a young child not to get what they want, when they want it, it can also be rewarding. Most children learn the basics of saving through getting an allowance or payment for chores around the house and using that money to buy the things they want. However, many parents easily give in to children who beg and plead for a new toy or treat instead of teaching them the valuable lesson of how to save.
Beyond teaching children how money works, the more important value that parents can impart to their children is the satisfaction that comes from earning rewards. If a child wants a particular toy, explain the cost and what they will need to do to earn that money and how long it will take. Do not give in to children who already understand the concept of credit and asks to have the treat or toy now and promises to do chores later to earn it. This is exactly what you do not want to teach them! Instead, allow them the satisfaction of working hard to save the money they need to purchase the reward. They will appreciate what they buy even more, and learn a valuable lesson.
Here are some financial concepts you can discuss with your children as they grow up. For example, help your children learn to:
Ages 4 to 8:
- understand that people have a limited amount of money to spend
- use money to buy basic goods and services for simple transactions
- divide allowances or other money received among the financial goals of saving, spending and sharing
- understand that there are choices when it comes to money, and that money spent on one thing means that there is less money available for something else.
Ages 9 to 14:
- recognize the difference between needs and wants
- understand the importance of saving a portion (for example, 10 percent) of all money they receive and the value of an emergency fund
- create a savings plan for short-term and long-term financial goals
- identify regular financial commitments families have and know that families use household income to meet those commitments
- create a simple budget for an activity or event.
Ages 15 to 18:
- understand the pros and cons of different payment options such as cash, debit cards and credit cards
- understand different kinds of basic investments (GICs, stocks, bonds and mutual funds)
- understand the time-value of money (for example, past, present and future worth of money) and opportunity costs
- understand the concept of “living within your means” and why it is important.
Financial lessons are better learned earlier than later, when credit scores can haunt them for years to come. Give your children the tools to learn the value of saving versus spending from the very beginning, to prepare them to be independent and financially responsible.
Brian Denysuik is a local credit counsellor and registered insolvency counsellor at Creditaid who has been in the financial services industry for over 35 years.
The Law of Reciprocity
Volunteering your time, giving your money generously, or offering your energy and talents to help others doesn’t just make the world better—it puts you in the flow of receiving more of what you give out back to yourself.
I know…your thinking …”That’s pretty selfish!” It’s a proven fact that the act of giving boosts your happiness, health, and sense of well-being. And when you give generously, the law of reciprocity bring you more!
When we give or serve, we set spiritual forces in motion and we’ll experience the results. Usually we receive in ways more amazing than our limited thinking and beliefs may allow. Holding back limits the results. Develop a trust for this law, work with it in your life. Be generous, and life blesses you with more in every part of life. Then you can express even more.
Here are seven scientific benefits of giving generously:
- HELPING OTHERS CAN HELP YOU LIVE LONGER.
Give to people and places that encourages self-empowerment. Volunteering improves your ability to manage stress and avoid disease as well as reduce depression and increase your “joie de vivre”—when performed on a regular basis. Volunteering reduces loneliness and enhances your social life—and these improvements significantly affect your long-term health.
- PHILANTHROPY IS CONTAGIOUS.
When you perform a good deed, it causes a chain reaction of other altruistic acts. People are more likely to be generous after observing you do the same. This effect ripples throughout the community, inspiring others to make a difference too.
- HELPING OTHERS MAKES YOU HAPPY.
Did you know that people who described themselves as “very happy” volunteered at least 5.8 hours per month? This sense of well-being is a great reward. Giving back can give you a mental boost too.
- HELPING OTHERS HELPS WITH CHRONIC PAIN.
In one study, people who suffered from chronic pain worked as volunteers. As a result, they experienced a reduction in their own symptoms.
- HELPING OTHERS LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE.
If you’re at risk for heart problems, your doctor has probably told you to change your diet or reduce the hours at a stressful job. However, consider adding: a regular volunteer schedule to your routine. Research shows that older individuals who volunteered for at least 200 hours a year decreased hypertension by an amazing 40 percent.
- HELPING OTHERS PROMOTES POSITIVE BEHAVIORS IN TEENS.
According to sociologists, teenagers who volunteer have better grades and self-image. An empowered positive self-image is the cornerstone of a great life! Giving of their time talents and resources also builds tremendous life skills.
- HELPING OTHERS GIVES YOU A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND SATISFACTION.
Looking for more meaning in your day-to-day existence? Studies show that giving of your time, talent and resources enhances your overall sense of purpose and identity—particularly if you are in “retirement or experiencing “the empty nest syndrome.” Giving to places and situations that encourage self-empowerment can help your life and definitely help our community too.
Give generously because you deserve the best life can offer. It must begin with you. It is an inside job…and all else will flood into your life in overflowing ways!
Rev Anne Ahokangas
Suffering from Lyme Disease?
Lyme is fast becoming a Manitoba epidemic. How do you get Lyme disease? From a deer tick passing a bacteria called Borrelia Burgdorferi into your bloodstream. This bacteria weakens your immune system, allowing diseases to enter the body. “Many people are infected by nymph ticks, but don’t suspect Lyme disease because they don’t recall being bitten. In fact, 50% of people infected don’t remember being bitten and LESS than 50% of people will get any over-emphasized rash” (Source – CanLyme.com). If you are noticing increasing health problems lately, you may have Lyme disease. One way to improve your immune system is with Bioresonance Therapy. This therapy involves sending healthy frequencies into your body. These frequencies increase the body’s energy and consequently improve your health.
Dennis Ludwig, Evergreen Holistic Health Centre
Meal Planning and Mindful Eating
Back to school, back to work…and lots of planning. Mindful eating doesn’t mean “just wing it”. Especially if it means not feeling good about or enjoying what you’re eating.
Mindful Meal Planning Tips:
1. Set the intention as convenience, nourishment, and pleasure, not rigid control or dieting.
2. Think of your plan as a sketch, not a completed picture.
3. Shop, prepare, and eat mindfully.
4. Rethink or modify your plan if it stresses you out or the approach limits spontaneity, flexibility, living, and above all, joy.
Love food. Live life. Have fun!
Lisa Kehler, OffYourPlateNutrition.ca
Need a Creativity Boost?
The benefits of floatation therapy are numerous and far-reaching. Perhaps the most universally appealing is floating’s tendency to enhance creativity, learning, and memory. From students to artists to working professionals, most of us would love to experience a boost in our ability to think, learn, and solve problems. Floating can do just that. Study after study has shown that time spent in a float cabin enhances our cognitive powers. Since all external sources of distraction are removed, floating provides an extreme form of rest, and this appears to amplify the positive effects of letting our mind take over.
Fluid Float Studio, FluidFloat.com
Health Product Review
Super Critical Omega Norwegian Gold by Renew Life.
With well over 7,000 studies on their safety and efficacy for many health issues, there is not a single natural health product with more scientific validation than omega 3 fish oils essential fatty acids. They are necessary fats that humans cannot produce, so we must get them through diet or supplementation. With so many fish oil supplements on the market, what makes the Renew Life Norwegian Gold line so different?
• 100% fish gelatin, not pork or beef. This makes them ideal for fish-eating vegetarians or those with religious dietary restrictions.
• Enteric-coated and contain the fat-digesting enzyme lipase, so there is optimal absorption and no fishy aftertaste.
• Have a 5-star rating from the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) program. This proves that they meet or exceed all national and international standards for purity, potency, and freshness.
• Friend of the Sea certified. This certifies that the products are from sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
Aviva Natural Health Solutions, AvivaHealth.com
Benefits of Ganban-yoku
Ganban-yoku, a Japanese natural thermal therapy, can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It has a wide range of benefits like relieving pain, improving circulation, helping to reverse the effects of aging, detoxifying, and aiding in weight loss. The treatment has been well received by many visitors. Here are some of the comments from clients after their first session.
“It was so relaxing and my skin feels very good.” ~ Joy.
“Very relaxing and relieved my congestion.” ~ Sunshine.
“Such a relaxing experience. Meditation for the mind and tranquility for the body.” ~ Edward.
“The stone bed started to feel like foam, it was very relaxing.” ~ Grace.
Mieko Morisawa, Founder|Owner, PoccaPocaSpa.ca
Meet Your Practitioner
Meet Yolanda Yeung. Yolanda is originally from Halifax and attended pharmacy school at Dalhousie University. After graduating in 2012, she moved to Brandon, where she gained a variety of skills unique to pharmacy practice. Her time in Brandon has given her experience in long-term care management for group homes and nursing homes. She takes a holistic approach to pharmaceutical care by meeting frequently with clients to assess their medications and working closely with their physicians and care-givers to resolve any drug-related issues. Yolanda is excited to continue her career with Care At Home Pharmacy and to experience the difference pharmacy makes in bettering the lives of each client.
Care At Home Pharmacy, CareAtHomePharmacy.ca
All You Need is Love
In a world with more than 7.28 billion people, finding love should be an easy task. As humans, we have a tendency to complicate things, especially when our emotions are imprinted by our relationship history. If the methods you have used in the past to find love have not worked for you, then it is time to change things up. A professional matchmaker handpicks potential partners who are screened and presented to you one by one. Their intentions have been determined and many of the important compatibility factors have already been established. When meeting for the first time, plan an activity that the two of you do together, such as mini-golf or bowling, to eliminate pressure and allow you to get to know one another in a lighthearted way. Allow your meeting to grow into a friendship. The best relationships start off as friendships and evolve into loving relationships.
Lianne, Camelot Introductions, CamelotIntroductions.com
