Physical activity should be considered as a first-line treatment for depression and anxiety, according to a scientific review that analysed more than 95 scientific reviews involving 128,000 participants. The study found that physical activity was more effective than counselling or medication in some cases, and provided positive impacts across all studies. Shorter exercise interventions of 12 weeks or less were found to be the most effective in reducing mental health symptoms. The research highlights the need for exercise to be prioritised as a mainstay approach for managing depression and anxiety, particularly as it can make a positive change to mental health quickly. Study found in The British Journal of Sports Medicine – https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2023/03/02/bjsports-2022-106195

Migraines impact one billion people across the globe and is recognized as the #2 cause of disability worldwide. While a migraine is a headache, a headache isn’t always a migraine. Headaches cause pain in the neck, sinuses, face, and head. Migraines, however, cause debilitating pain, visual disturbances, or both. They can last for hours or days and are often chronic. Without relief, migraines can cause other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness and can also lead to depression. Some of the most common triggers include stress, bright lights, sleep changes, alcohol, foods such as aged cheeses, and changes in exercise habits. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on prevention and treatment.

Horses are a flight animal meaning that they are hyper-aware and observant of their environment. A horse can sense a person’s emotions and is highly attuned to things such as stress or anxiety. Horses are capable of sensing a person’s feelings instantly and giving feedback such as moving toward or away from the client (Emerge Equine, 2023). A horse can move off of the intention and energy alone creating a symbiotic relationship. Additionally, horses are large and powerful animals that have the ability to support and encourage participants as they overcome fear, gain confidence and self-esteem in this healing process.

EAL seeks to help facilitate building upon coping skills and strategies through the use of equine supports. EAL uses experiential learning techniques such as role-playing, role-reversal, and mirroring, combined with equine-based activities including grooming, walking and sometimes riding a horse. The session begins with defining the session objectives, and co-creating a safe environment for participants, horses and facilitator. The facilitator guides participants to support them in meeting objectives by facilitating communication, and asking open ended questions to engage participants. After the activity, participants then process and debrief feelings and behaviors associated with the activities within the session (Emerge Equine, 2023).

Eqine Assisted Learning seeks to help facilitate building upon coping skills and strategies through the use of equine supports. EAL uses experiential learning techniques such as role-playing, role-reversal, and mirroring, combined with equine-based activities including grooming, walking and sometimes riding a horse. The session begins with defining the session objectives, and co-creating a safe environment for participants, horses and facilitator. The facilitator guides participants to support them in meeting objectives by facilitating communication, and asking open ended questions to engage participants. After the activity, participants then process and debrief feelings and behaviors associated with the activities within the session.

CONTACT US: Call SRWC at (204) 956-6650 or email [email protected] to make an appointment or get more information about our programs. DONATE TODAY: SRWC 2nd. flr. 225 Vaughan St. Winnipeg, Mb., R3C 1T7. DONATIONS can be made on line at srwc-mb.ca. For Credit Card, call (204)956-6650.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Equine Assisted Learning Contact Meghan Wilson, SRWC Family Program Coordinator at (204) 956-6650 and/or visit sagehillstables.com for more information.

I used to believe that worrying about blood sugar was just for those with Diabetes, boy was I wrong! Your mood and energy respond to blood sugar levels in the body. And on top of that, stress raises your blood sugar as well! It can be a vicious cycle. To get off the blood sugar roller coaster, make sure to combine protein, healthy fats, and fibre with your carbohydrate intake (eg. apple slices dipped in almond butter sprinkled with chia seeds). Also, focus on complex carbs like whole grains, vegetables, and beans as opposed to simple carbs like baked goods, sugary drinks, white bread, and pasta.

Do you hide your mouth because you feel embarrassed about missing teeth? Missing teeth not only affects your general health and appearance, it may also contribute to depression and low self-esteem. Social embarrassment as a result of missing teeth and poorly fitting dentures may result in people avoiding social interactions. Don’t let tooth loss or improperly fitting dentures affect the quality of your life. Your denturist can explain the best ways to restore the function and appearance of your smile. Properly fitting dentures can help restore your self-esteem and bring back your smile.

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. This month we are illustrating the recovery and healing benefits of Equine Assisted Therapy.