Did you know that there is a difference between men and women, where alcohol is concerned. The differences have a profound impact on women’s health. Women have 25% less water in their body, and less enzymes in the stomach and liver to break down alcohol. Alcohol goes through their system in undiluted and higher concentrations. Consequently, the effect for women is a higher risk for breast cancer. If you have a history of breast cancer in the family – you should limit your intake. Alcohol is not recommended in any amount, if you have had breast cancer.
Community News
Substance Abuse in the Workplace
Among full-time workers age 18-64, substance abuse has become a major source of revenue loss to small, medium, and large corporations? The direct and indirect costs to Canadian employers are calculated at $38 Billion per year, with Manitoba employers experiencing a loss of 1.4 Billion per year. (Canadian Centre on Substance use and Addiction, citing the Canadian Substance Use Costs and Harms Scientific Working Group 2018). The economic cost in 2019-2023, and the effect of substance abuse on the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2022, is expected to be staggering.
Who is SRWC?
SRWC is a unique, welcoming, recovery-oriented community, accompanying individuals, families and friends affected by substance abuse in their journey towards recovery. We offer, group individual, couples counselling, and family counselling and education programs during the day and evening, co-ed and gender specific programs and support for individuals and their families. The Access, program for those awaiting a program of their choice, Exploring Options participating in a recovery plan, gender specific Continuing Recovery Program, or our co-ed evening Work Sober Program focusing on recovery maintenance. We support your recovery by helping you find the services you need.
Three Tips to Boost Focus
1. Practice Mindful Journaling: set aside time every day to write down how you are feeling right now, sensations you feel, and why you are feeling the way you are. Do this without judgement and be kind to yourself. 2. Practice Gratitude: every day tell a family member or colleague three things you are grateful for – your overall positivity will skyrocket after one month. 3. Try Uni-tasking. That is, focus only on one thing at a time. Want more tips? Check out our full Guide to Mindfulness at Work at wellnessworkscanada.ca.
Local WellnessBOX Winner!
Congratulations to Gayle Erlendson the winner of our January Local WellnessBox. A prize package worth over $700 filled by Local Businesses from Hashtag Balance, Yourstyle Financial, San Vito Coffee House, Christina Norris Salon and Soy Harvest Candles. Subscribe to WellnessNEWS.ca & ManitobaWellnessHUB.ca for your chance to win! Thank you for supporting LOCAL.
Pay it Forward
Your HELP is vital to saving lives. Be a HERO today. Donations of money or time can make a big difference to a small local charity like SRWC Wellness Centre. For over 26 years, SRWC has helped people from all walk of life find their personal recovery path. SRWC supports recovery and harm reduction for substance abuse, addictions, and other mental health issues. You can donate over the phone by calling Candace at 204-956-6650 ext. 104, or mail a check or a money order to: St. Raphael Wellness Centre Inc. 2nd floor, 225 Vaughan Street Winnipeg, MB, R3C 1T7. Donations can also be completed online.
Heart Healthy Workplace
Employees are the heart of your company! An estimated 1.6 million Canadians are living with heart disease or effects of a stroke. Much of this is preventable. Empower your employees to reduce the impacts with prevention and supports. Encourage nutritious eating by putting healthier snacks in vending machines, bring in a dietician, and encourage employees to take breaks to eat lunch. Exercise is good for the whole body. Host walking meetings, offer onsite or gym memberships and bring in someone to do yoga. Health screenings can be life saving though. Send out reminders or host onsite screenings at your workplace.
Hearing Loss and Heart Disease
It might come as a surprise, but there is a connection between heart health and hearing. Both rely on blood flow, so heart problems that cause plaque buildup in the arteries and restrict blood flow can potentially damage ears. Nerves in the ears can also be damaged by poor circulation. Studies have shown that the better someone’s cardiovascular health, the better their hearing tends to be. It’s important that older adults eat a healthy, balanced diet; get regular exercise; quit smoking and have their hearing tested every two years, to help maintain a healthy heart, and therefore healthy ears.
Nurturing Our Relationships
How can we possibly put our own needs aside, just for a moment, to understand what our partners might be going through in times of stress? How does building empathy for others helps us build more empathy for ourselves? Listen to Podcast by Natasha Ross – Individual and Relational Therapist. Natasha talks about the work of couples therapy, and the importance of community and connection. Safe Harbour Therapy.
Acupuncture for Knee Pain
Knee pain caused by osteoarthritis or injury can have a negative impact on quality of life, reducing mobility and getting in the way of your daily activities. One study of 18,000 patients found acupuncture to be helpful for many pain conditions, including knee osteoarthritis. When the acupuncture needles are placed on the body, a signal is sent along the spinal cord to the brain which may trigger a release of endorphins, helping to reduce pain. Acupuncture also may decrease the production of cortisol in the body, a hormone that helps control inflammation. With reduced pain sensations and less inflammation, knee function and mobility can be improved.
February is Heart Health Month
High blood pressure, or hypertension, often goes unrecognized and untreated because there are no symptoms. Your pharmacist can help you reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke, by: 1. Reviewing your medications, helping you take them as prescribed and managing potential side effects. 2. Teaching you how to use a blood pressure monitoring device independently. 3. Helping you maintain a healthy weight with a low-sodium diet, and 4. Helping you quit smoking. Learn more about how to keep your blood pressure under control by speaking with our pharmacist.
