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.
Community News
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.
Feeling Stuck in Your Job?
Career Counsellors/Vocational Rehabilitation Consultants help people navigate work, education, learning and life transitions. We develop and execute vocational rehabilitation and return-to-work plans with the purpose to achieve vocational and avocational outcomes. Our services are for all individuals whether you have a disability or not—our service philosophy is the same—to help you overcome barriers in finding employment. Oftentimes, clients arrive lacking sleep, are anxious and stressed, experiencing mental health issues and dysregulation. Providing mental health therapy helps encourage movement towards occupational choices, preparation for job search and interview success to result in goal achievement.
Bell Let’s Talk Day is January 26
Did you know, according to the Mental Health Commission, on any given week, more than 500,000 Canadians are unable to go to work due to mental health problems? Have you experienced this in your workplace? I would encourage employers to have a Workplace Mental Health Strategy that includes the 13 factors of the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. When considering each factor, read the definition, and then come up with action plans that make sense for your workplace. You will see a return on your investment. Take small steps to make positive changes today!
Make The Most Of Your New Year’s Resolutions
If you’re planning to adopt a healthier lifestyle this year you need to know an important fact – no matter what stress handling techniques you use, how well you eat, or how much exercise and sleep you get, to achieve your goals and get the most out of your efforts, your body must be functioning optimally. That is why it is important to find out if your body is lacking the crucial nutrients needed to properly function. Specialized nutritional testing can help you get the answers you need to improve your health and make your New Year’s resolutions a reality.
Acupuncture for Back Pain
Chronic back pain can often be caused by things like muscle or ligament strain, bulging or ruptured discs, arthritis, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, or osteoporosis. Anyone can develop chronic back pain at any age, and factors like lack of exercise, excess weight, disease, and physical injury can increase your risk. Acupuncture may help to lessen symptoms of chronic back pain by unblocking energy and restoring your body’s energy and flow. Studies have shown that acupuncture may improve chronic pain by reducing the brain’s response to the pain, as well as improving blood flow to the area causing pain.
Celebrate Recovery!
If someone you love is recovering from alcoholism, addiction, or other mental health issues, there is a way to celebrate. SRWC Wellness Centre: Your HELP is vital to saving lives. Be a HERO today. Everything makes a difference! You can donate by calling Candace at 204-956-6650 ext. 104, or mailing 2nd floor, 225 Vaughan St. Winnipeg, MB, R3C 1T7. Gifts can also be sent through the website at srwc-mb.ca.
No Patience for Meditation?
Not everyone has the patience for meditation. You may want to practice mindfulness in your daily activities instead. Try these today. Mindful Walking: Take your time. Notice how your body moves while you walk. Notice the sights, sounds, and smells as you walk. Mindful Eating: Instead of snacking mindlessly, pay attention to your food. Take note of the smell and the taste. Notice the colour, temperature, and texture. Mindful Chores: Whatever chore you do next, pay attention to how your body feels when you are doing it. Bring your awareness to the temperatures or textures you feel.
Understanding the Stages of Change
Whenever someone changes to a healthier habit, they go through several stages of change. Knowing these stages can help you achieve your change goals. Pre-Contemplation: This is before you see it as a problem or are motivated to change it. / Contemplation: You are aware of the problem but still deciding whether to change. / Preparation: Willing to change and making plans. / Action: Do the plan. intentionally choose new habits. / Maintenance: Sustain the new habit with increasing less effort over time (6 months.) / Slip: Brief return to previous habits. Can happen anytime. It is a natural part of the process.
There are no “High-Functioning” Alcoholics
Do you know someone who thinks they are a “high-functioning alcoholic”? Alcoholism is progressive, so they are likely in the early stages. They won’t stay there forever. Over time, they will need to drink more to feel the same effects. This will progress until they are no longer “functioning” as they once were. The longer they wait to cut back or stop drinking, the harder it is to change. It is never too early to be aware of how alcohol or other drugs are affecting your life and start making changes.
