Roughly 16% of couples in Canada experience infertility. This number has doubled since the 1980s, Traditional Chinese Medicine can help to reverse these numbers. Some studies have found that acupuncture may help with things like sperm quality, motility and counts in men, and increased blood flow to the uterus, with an impact in their quality of their eggs and regulation of hormones in women. Acupuncture has been used as a protocol all over the world when couples going through IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment, as it may increase the number of follicles produced and studies showed that the patients who received acupuncture before and after IVF transfer increased significantly their outcomes.

Winter months can be difficult for those experiencing a mental health challenge or illness, especially during and following the holiday season. There are, however, a myriad of evidence-based ways to boost your physical and mental well-being. One important tool is vitamin D. Research clearly shows the benefits of this powerful vitamin for improving body and thereby brain health. Our bodies synthesize this nutrient through exposure to the sun. However, during reduced daylight months we are unable to get what we need from our solar source. If low mood persists, contact your healthcare provider for additional information and resources.

Across the country, 1 in 3 women have experienced physical/ sexual intimate or non-partner violence. Fifteen percent of children witness intimate partner violence in the home. In 2020, 160 women were killed. On average, that is one woman or girl killed every 2.5 days.
SRWC Wellness Centre offers counselling and advocacy services for every stage of recovery, and continuing recovery for anyone living with addiction or other mental health issues. During the pandemic, SRWC has seen a significant increase in relationship violence due to social isolation, school and childcare closures, and unpredictable access to services.

The holidays bring plenty of joy, but it can also be a stressful season for many. Focus on workplace wellness to help employees maintain healthy habits and mental health. Choose healthy options for holiday events and give gifts of wellness to employees this year i.e., onsite massages or stress management lunch and learns. Encourage employees to stay active by hosting onsite yoga classes. Support employee’s financial wellness with minimal budgets on events and partnering with local business for discounts and promotions. Be mindful of your decisions and the impacts it may have on your employees. Healthy & Happy New Year!

An average of 10 impaired driving criminal charges and short-term licence suspensions were laid every hour in Canada in 2019, as shown in a new report from MADD Canada. The report shows:
• 86,964 total charges and short-term suspensions were laid;
• 232 charges and short-term suspensions were laid for every 100,000 Canadians; and an
• Average of 238 charges and short-term suspensions were laid, daily.
Stay safe this season:
• Never operate a car or any other vehicle while impaired;
• Never ride with a driver who is impaired;
• Call 911 to report suspected impaired drivers.

An average of 10 impaired driving criminal charges and short-term licence suspensions were laid every hour in Canada in 2019, as shown in a new report from MADD Canada. The report shows:
• 86,964 total charges and short-term suspensions were laid;
• 232 charges and short-term suspensions were laid for every 100,000 Canadians; and an
• Average of 238 charges and short-term suspensions were laid, daily.
Stay safe this season:
• Never operate a car or any other vehicle while impaired;
• Never ride with a driver who is impaired;
• Call 911 to report suspected impaired drivers.

The holidays bring plenty of joy, but it can also be a stressful season for many. Focus on workplace wellness to help employees maintain healthy habits and mental health. Choose healthy options for holiday events and give gifts of wellness to employees this year i.e., onsite massages or stress management lunch and learns. Encourage employees to stay active by hosting onsite yoga classes. Support employee’s financial wellness with minimal budgets on events and partnering with local business for discounts and promotions. Be mindful of your decisions and the impacts it may have on your employees. Healthy & Happy New Year!

SRWC has been helping people get and stay sober for over 25 years. We are open-minded and non-judgmental of everyone’s recovery path. We offer group and individual counselling for anyone living with substance use, addiction, and other mental health issues. We also help family members affected by addiction. Our programs are available DAY and EVENING to fit your schedule. We have a diverse group of professional staff and volunteers. They love to provide personalized, ongoing, recovery support. If you want to regain control of your life, WE CAN HELP. We’re here to support you.

During this global pandemic, the need for mental health support has increased fourfold. As an employee, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to be vocal. If you are struggling, speak up or use the Wellness Together Canada free resources. Waiting causes longer term damage impacting productivity and quality of life. If you are an employer, ask how you can support your team every day. Then, get a Mental Health First Aid kit and put it somewhere visible to demonstrate mental health is just as important as physical health. Our mental health kits contain motivational cards, mindfulness colouring and tools, stress balls, breathing exercises, a guide to psychological first aid, resilience tips, and much more.

You may be stressed if you experience the following symptoms frequently: Weight loss, sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety or panic attacks, frustration, low self-esteem, negative self-talk, under-eating, or over-eating. Here are 6 stress-management tips. 1. Identify your stress triggers. 2. Stay away from things and people that trigger your stress. 3. Enjoy two hours of “me time” per day. 4. Meditate and practice deep breathing. 5. Split your “to-do” list with your family. 6. Create a magic “mantra” for yourself. For example, “I am the boss of my life.” Keep repeating it to yourself during stress and continue this exercise until the mantra becomes a part of your reality.