Community News
Does Your Dog Have Hot Spots?

They’re commonly known as hot spots, but the medical term for those bare, inflamed, red areas you often see on dogs is acute moist dermatitis — a bacterial skin infection. Anything that irritates your dog’s skin enough to make him scratch or chew can lead to pain and infection. A hot spot’s location can help your vet diagnose its cause. Fleas, for example, may be the source of a hip hot spot, while a hot spot at the ear might point to ear problems. Treating hot spots may involve shaving and cleaning the irritated area, antibiotics, steroids, or topical medications, depending on how bad the hot spots are, and how much pain your pooch is in. Healthy skin is the key to preventing hot spots! If your pooch has a thick, heavy coat, groom him regularly to prevent his coat from matting. Matted fur traps moisture and parasites, creating the ideal environment for hot spots.

Lisa Tustin, Professional Pet Services

 

Successful Love Stories

“I joined Camelot Introductions and thought I would not have a match and could go on with my happy single life knowing that I had tried and it wasn’t meant for me. Then, we were introduced and one year and one month later, we were married! Lianne gave good advice and continues to support us. I have never been happier in my life, with all the ups and downs, there is nowhere else I’d rather be than with my husband. I love him so much.” ~ M.

“I joined Camelot Introductions and met the love of my life (my soulmate). Richard was my first match. I felt an instant connection with Lianne. She is so intuitive! Richard and I met 2-1/2 years ago; got engaged on April 24 and our wedding day was on August 22. I am so thankful to Lianne. What a wonderful journey it has been!” ~ Liliane.

Camelot Introductions, CamelotIntroductions.com

6 Ways to Alkalize Your Body

Did you know that your immunity is based on how alkaline your diet is? Having an overly acidic diet eventually leads to a weakened state, and our bodies become susceptible to disease. Here are six ways to alkalize – and healthify – your body!

1. Drink plenty of water. Drink half your body weight in ounces every day to keep your body systems regulated. For an extra boost in alkalinity – add lemon!

2. Trade coffee for tea. Green tea is highly alkaline. Try jasmine, sencha or matcha.

3. Kick that sugar habit. Use stevia, coconut sugar or small amounts of honey in place of sugar.

4. Eat more greens. Vegetables are highly alkaline and oxygen rich. Consume fresh green vegetables often as possible.

5. Move. Exercise to create more oxygen and qi flow in the body and to avoid stagnation.

6. Reduce stress. Meditate as often as possible, practice deep breathing, do yoga, and get plenty of sleep.

Care At Home Pharmacy, CareAtHomePharmacy.ca

Clean Eating: Cantaloupe & Cucumber Salad

Here’s a refreshing side salad for a change of pace. It’s delicious served with a spicy grilled chicken, tofu, or fish. Or serve this over a bed of leafy greens with extra dressing on the side. Gently fold together 1/2 small cantaloupe and 1 medium cucumber (cut into 1/2 inch chunks), 1/2 cup crumbled feta, and 6 big basil leaves (sliced thinly). Whisk and add to salad: 1 tbsp olive oil, 2-3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and freshly ground salt and pepper to taste. Top with 2 tbsp sunflower seeds. (This is the perfect place to showcase your gourmet balsamic vinegars and good quality olive oil. Skip the salt and sprinkle with a little Fleur de Sel for some drama!)

Lisa Kehler, OffYourPlateNutrition.ca

Book Club: The Dirt Cure

Growing Healthy Kids with Food Straight from Soil. In the tradition of Michael Pollan, Mark Hyman, and Andrew Weil, pioneering integrative pediatric neurologist Maya Shetreat-Klein, MD, reveals the shocking contents of children’s food, how it’s seriously harming their bodies and brains, and what we can do about it.

Maya Shetreat-Klein, MD, Dirtcure.com

Grilled Vegetables With Herbed Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

Mix of: eggplant, zucchini, onions, sweet potato, peppers. Italian or Greek Salad Dressing (regular or low-fat). Small block of goat cheese at room temperature (regular or low fat). Fresh garlic, roasted garlic or garlic powder. All-purpose salt-free herb and spice seasoning mix (or dried Italian seasoning).

Directions

  1. Cut peppers in half and remove seeds. Slice the other vegetables in 1/4 inch slices.
  2. Combine vegetables and enough dressing to coat everything in a resealable bag.Turn a few times to distribute dressing and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.
  3. Blend goat cheese, garlic and seasoning mix (to taste) and refrigerate. For convenience you can use a garlic and herb soft cheese like Boursin instead of making your own.
  4. Place veggies on oiled grill at medium heat. Cook 8 – 10 mins checking and turning often until done to your preference. Discard the dressing used for the marinade and use fresh dressing to baste occasionally if you like.)
  5. Arrange warm vegetables on a platter or individual plates and top with a generous dollop of goat cheese. Drizzle with a little olive oil and top with fresh ground pepper if you like.
  6. Serving options: serve at room temperature as part of antipasto plate or use in a sandwich with a good smear of goat cheese mix.

Lisa Kehler, Off Your Plate Nutrition, OffYourPlateNutrition.ca

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

Taking Control of Finances

Wish you had a secret savings account for bills that pop out of nowhere? Learn our Save to Spend 6-Step Strategy. Forms are online at www.creditaid.ca/save-to-spend. 1) Transaction Register, or app like My Check Register – Record what’s going in and out, and include all monthly pre-authorized debits. 2) Monthly Budget Form – Prepare a draft spending plan and estimate monthly spending for each category. 3) Irregular Expenses – Identify annual costs that you can save for monthly, such as vehicle/house repairs or birthdays. 4) Payroll Planner – Can help you identify expenses to pay, by pay period. 5) Track the Real Spending – Save all receipts each month, add them up by category, and enter on the Monthly Budget Form. 6) Separate Savings Account, i.e., “My Secret Savings” – Save “irregular expenses” in a separate savings account each month and move these funds from chequing into a savings account you can name by category.

Brian Denysuik
Creditaid.ca

Eliminate Brain Fog

When we call the plumber, we expect to see debris from unclogging the pipes that needed addressing. Little did we know that those pipes had accumulated so much “guck” over the years! The same, unfortunately, can be said for our bodies. Too often, it is only when the “pipes” don’t work anymore that we call for help. When our lymphatic system and our arteries get clogged, illness gets diagnosed. With so little flow in our system, we shouldn’t be surprised if we are experiencing a foggy brain. On our journey towards wellness, we can expect some “guck” to be released when we visit a practitioner. To support the “plumbing” experience, we need good tools: water to flush the guck, rest so the body can integrate the changes it needs to make, and good protein to increase the brain’s energy resources.

Joanne Couture, RMFT, RSW
Brainwave Optimization®
LaLobaTraumaRelease.com

The Perfect Workout Snack!

Whether you’re hitting the gym early in the morning or right after work, it’s always easier to have a ready-made snack you can eat quickly on the go. One option that provides your body with protein, carbohydrates, and fat is peanut butter protein balls. These require only 5 simple ingredients.

To make approximately 10-12 balls, you will need:

1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
2/3 cup quick oats,
tbsp mini chocolate chips
1 tbsp honey.

Mix ingredients in a mixing bowl thoroughly. Use a tablespoon worth of the mixture and roll into balls. These are great to eat prior to or after a workout. Eating 1 or 2 with a piece of fruit is the perfect quick and easy snack. Remaining protein balls can be refrigerated. You can also try adding other ingredients (coconut, dried cranberries, roasted pumpkin seeds, etc.).

Heath Vermette, CAT(C)
SouthSherbrook.com

Happy Thoughts

In the philosophy called Science of Mind, “We teach how to think, not what to think”. When you truly understand how you create your life with your thinking, you unlock the power of life. When you think about something for a long time and add strong feelings to it, an experience is created. Life responds by mirroring your beliefs. This is the ‘How’ part of all of life. We encourage an awareness of ‘What’ you think. When you begin to think with awareness, and deliberately, the result is empowerment and a happier life. You are always free to choose what to think. And when you understand infinite good is possible, you will wisely choose your ‘What’. Did you know reactions are thoughts? And usually negative in nature. These negative thoughts resonate in your body. These thoughts cause deeper wrinkles, diminished health, and less joy.

Rev. Anne Ahokangas
cslwinnipeg.org