Community News
Ask The Expert

Q.What is medication nonadherence?
A.Medication nonadherence is when a patient doesn’t take a medication, either willfully or inadvertently, as prescribed by their healthcare provider. Studies have shown that 50% of Canadians do not take their prescription medications exactly as prescribed. Each year, medication nonadherence is the cause of 10% of all hospital admissions, 25% of hospital admissions for the elderly, and 23% of all nursing home admissions. Medications are an important tool in the management of health, but if they are not used properly, they can cause serious harm.

Own Your Thoughts

Who’s responsible for your thoughts? If you are not responsible for how you think, then are you responsible for what happens to you? Are you a victim? Yes, if you think you are. Yet, it’s an illusion and is a powerless viewpoint. When you identify with your small self, you are a leaf in the wind, subject to the world around you. It means you will feel secure or safe, and you are subject to anxiety, fear of what could or might happen. Decide to choose your thoughts, and influence and reshape your world and the world of others.

Hair Loss and Cancer

New (or relatively old) technology has been around for over 50 years that actually works to prevent hair loss in cancer patients. Ice packs are routinely used in chemotherapy to prevent nail damage. Cooling the scalp during chemo can prevent hair loss in many patients and likely prevents permanent hair loss. New scalp-cooling technology is fast becoming the standard of care in the US at most of the major cancer centres, and has been used in Europe with great success. Many experts agree that a degree of control, body image, and privacy are important for cancer patients, and looking like themselves during treatment can help provide such confidence boosts.

3 Ingredient Banana Ice Cream

You will need: 2 peeled and frozen bananas, 2 T almond or peanut butter, 2 T almond or coconut milk. Optional add ins: nuts, chocolate chips, fruit, coconut, cocoa powder. Directions: In a blender, mix the bananas and the milk substitute. You may need to cut the banana into chunks depending on how powerful your blender is. Once they are partly chopped up, add in the nut butter. Continue to blend until you get a soft serve consistency. Spoon ice cream into a bowl and stir in any additional ingredients you desire. That’s it! Enjoy this healthy ice cream alternative!

Book Club: Beyond the Label

Beyond the Label offers a unique perspective on mental health: it shares the author’s own recovery from four major mental health conditions: anxiety, depression (attempted suicide), bulimia, and bipolar disorder type 1. The book outlines a detailed, step-by-step plan for how others can achieve optimal mental health. A combination of practical clinical experience and years of lived experience, the book shares insight into how diet, exercise, and sleep can be optimized for improved mental wellbeing, as well as strategies for coping with negative thoughts and emotions, and building self-love and compassion, among other skills.

Excited For The Next Chapter of Love

Being single is often very isolating. We live in a couples’ world. It is so important to have friends and a social circle, as well as taking up hobbies where you will meet new people. There are groups designed for singles’ outings, which are enjoyable, but what about love? Tiptoeing around online dating sites is often where people start, but is not recommended. An experienced matchmaker will have your best interest at heart and safely match you with the right person. It makes sense to trust your heart to an experienced professional who will present appropriate matches as they are available. This is the smart and safe way to date in 2018!

Quit Smoking with Laser Therapy

Is quitting smoking on your ‘Spring Clean List’? Have you tried just about everything, with little success? Laser Therapy is clinically proven to help to control cravings and withdrawal symptoms. In clinical studies, patients report a noticeable reduction in cravings, and have a higher chance of success in quitting. The benefits of quitting smoking with laser over other interventions include no medications with unpleasant side effects, no unhealthy nicotine in your system in the form of patches, and pleasant side effects of relaxation which are a result of the endorphins released in response to the laser.

What Defines Addiction?

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of the brain. It is a condition in which a person engages in use of a substance or in a behaviour for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behaviour, despite detrimental consequences. There is scientific evidence that the addictive substances and behaviours share a key neurobiological feature—they intensely activate brain pathways of reward and reinforcement, many of which involve the neurotransmitter dopamine. Studies show that there are genetic factors, making some people more susceptible to addiction. Are you or someone you love suffering from addiction and looking for help?

Community Profile: Core Mental Health

At Core Mental Health Support & Education, our focus is on anxiety and depression, as these are the most common mental health issues facing Canadians today. We provide one-on-one and group peer support, as well as education programs for individuals, families, and organizations. Our mission is to support, educate, and encourage Manitobans of all ages to optimize their mental health and well-being; positively impacting employment, education, and relationships in the home and community. We ensure that all individuals who are suffering from mental health concerns will receive timely and effective support in a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate environment.

Spirituality vs. Emotional Health

Many practices recommended for nurturing spirituality are similar to those recommended for improving emotional wellbeing. This is because there is a connection between the two—emotional and spiritual wellbeing influence one another and overlap, as do all aspects of wellbeing. Spirituality is about seeking a meaningful connection with something bigger than yourself, which can result in positive emotions, such as peace, gratitude, and acceptance. Emotional health is about cultivating a positive state of mind, which can broaden your outlook to recognize and incorporate a connection to something larger than yourself. Emotions and spirituality are distinct, yet deeply integrated.

Need Cosmetic Dentures?

Teeth have three main functions: chewing food, lip support, and speech. The loss of your teeth can have negative effects on your self-confidence and your overall quality of life. Since your teeth provide structure and support to your cheeks, tooth loss can result in the sagging of your face. It is essential that your missing teeth are replaced as soon as possible. A new set of cosmetic dentures can instantly improve your appearance and remove facial flaws. Age is inevitable, but cosmetic dentures can help brighten your smile and make you feel young again!