Compassion is a fundamental trait for addiction recovery and for life. Compassion for other’s suffering and a deep desire to relieve that suffering plays an important role in addiction recovery. The connection between self-compassion and substance use has been well studied. Recovery from addiction is often complicated by shame and regret over actions and behaviour during their active addiction. Self compassion is related to less drug and alcohol use, and people who develop severe alcohol problems, have better recovery outcomes including longer period of abstinence and fewer negative emotions such as stress, depression, and anxiety.

Unfortunately, negative emotions such as guilt, shame, and self-criticism come more naturally to us than positive emotions. This is especially true for people recovering from addiction and mental health issues.

Your experience of compassion may be directed toward other people, or it may be directed inwardly toward yourself.
• Compassion for others: When you experience compassion for others you feel their pain. You want to find a way to relieve their suffering. These feelings compel you to take action to do what you can to make the situation better.
• Self Compassion: Treating yourself with the same compassion and kindness you show to others. Rather than beating yourself up over mistakes you have made in the past you feel understanding, and are mindful and accepting of yourself and your imperfections.

What is the meaning of Compassion? Different aspects of compassion’s meaning are emphasized by various dictionaries. Merriam Websters’ definition of compassion, states “The meaning of compassion is to recognize the suffering of others and then take action to help.” Merriam Websters’ definition embodies the component of action. Other definitions refer to the broad sympathetic feelings associated with compassion such as empathy, sympathy, pity, or other compassion synonyms. One may feel sympathy, but not act on it – compassion gets involved. When others keep their distance from those who are suffering, compassion prompts us to act on their behalf.

Compassion can have a positive impact on your life, from improving your relationships to boosting your overall happiness. Some of the positive effects are:
• Giving feels good: One reasons feelings of compassion can be effective is both giving and receiving compassion can improve your psychological well-being. As a recipient you get the support you need. But giving support to others can be just as rewarding.
• Compassionate people live longer: Activities such as volunteering can improve your longevity. Studies have found that people who volunteer out of concern for others tend to live liver than people who do not volunteer.

SRWC is a unique community-based recovery-oriented agency that offers a holistic approach to recovery from addiction and substance abuse problems, encompassing physical, mental, spiritual and sexual health. We have short wait times for intakes and entering co-ed and gender specific programs for men, women and moms in recovery, morning, afternoon, and early evening, providing individual and group counselling, and family support. SRWC is committed to a flexible schedule in order to meet your recovery needs. SRWC supports health enhancing activities such as, exercise, mindfulness, nutrition, and gardening.

It’s time to do mental healthcare differently and The Mood & Mind Club is where we start! Let’s empower ourselves to take back control of our health and throw away the band-aid approaches that don’t offer the lasting results we need. In this private membership we’re creating a community of women that are supporting their mental health in a more natural, holistic way. They don’t want to be on meds, they see the power in nutrition, mindset work, self discovery and self responsibility. Want to know more? Visit https://www.shinetruewellnessco.com/moodandmindclub

Vitamin deficiency may be a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices. Let us explore the symptoms associated with each deficiency. Difficulty in walking, numbness in hands, legs, feet. – You may need Vitamin B. Eat eggs, liver, bright vegetables like pumpkins, carrots etc. Dry skin and slowly healing wounds – You may need Vitamin C. Eat more fruits, green vegetables. Fatigue, tiredness, depression, weak bones – You need Vitamin D. Expose more to the Sun and drink milk. Each body has different needs. Visit an expert for personalized recommendations that supports your medical history.

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that merges modern scientific knowledge with natural and traditional forms of medicine. It is based on the philosophy that stimulating the healing potential of the body, and treating the underlying cause, the body can return to a state of balance and health. Symptoms are viewed as warning signs of imbalance or improper function that need to be corrected. By addressing root cause(s) of disease many patients with chronic illness have found tremendous benefit. Although naturopathic medicine is a distinct health care system, treatments run in conjunction or support of your current medical plan.
WHAT NEUROPATHIC MEDICINE CAN DO FOR YOU
Naturopathic medicine addresses many health concerns — pediatric – geriatric, from acute symptoms – chronic illness, and from physical – psychological concerns. They are able to treat a wide variety of patients with a variety of therapeutic tools. In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation and traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture. Naturopathic doctors also have access to a variety of special tests to help identify any underlying issues, and create a plan specifically for you. Naturopathic doctors are able to treat you as an individual not a condition with a single course of action.
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
The digestive tract and the microbiome influence every aspect of our health. These effects can promote health or promote disease depending on the health of the microbiome. Naturopathic medicine has long valued the importance of digestive health and the microbiome, and have a variety of tools to repair a damaged digestive tract and improve the health of the microbiome. Diet and targeted supplementation, healing herbs, pre and probiotics are among the more common interventions. The food that we eat is more than enjoyment and calories. It is information and fuel for our microbiome and is the source material for every cell in our bodies.
EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE DIGESTIVE TRACT
Nearly every system in the body can be impacted because of the damage done to the digestive tract and the liver. In large amounts, alcohol can devastate the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and liver which results in direct damage to the digestive tract and other organs. Alcohol can cause inflammation through a variety of mechanisms. Chronic alcohol intake leads to intestinal inflammation by: altering intestinal microbiota composition and function, increasing the permeability of the intestinal lining, and affecting the intestinal immune balance.
Changes to the digestive tract create a vicious loop of inflammation and tissue destruction eventually leading chronic inflammation and tissue destruction. This can lead to a wide variety of systemic conditions like: malnutrition, liver disease, altered immune function, altered sugar metabolism, neuroinflammation and psychiatric disorders. In fact the three leading causes of death attributed to alcoholism are liver disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
HOW NEUROPATHIC MEDICINE CAN HELP
Naturopathic medicine is an excellent fit because Naturopathic medicine takes a whole-person approach to addiction management and recovery with treatment plans varying depending on the specific needs of the patient. Naturopathic interventions include but are not limited to counselling, lab testing, herbal medicine, orthomolecular interventions (vitamins, minerals and amino acids) and acupuncture. Choosing a treatment regime for any patient is influenced by the patient history, the amount of time used, type of drugs used and the impact the addiction has had on the body
Editorial – Dr Andrew Byrk, ND.

Bone mineral density (BMD) testing is crucial in assessing the risk of developing osteoporosis or fractures. Women and men over 65 and those with risk factors for fracture should get a BMD test. Combining BMD tests with clinical risk factors can determine fracture risk and inform treatment decisions. Protect your ability to live your best life with Echolight™, the new ultrasound bone density measurement scanner that takes 15 minutes to do. First time in Manitoba. You have the option of either having the scan in our office or in the comfort of your home since we have a portable one. Echolight™ is radiation-free, safe, accurate as well as Health Canada and FDA approved.