Sleep deprivation can play a role in the body’s inflammatory process, potentially increasing inflammatory molecules like cytokines, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein (an inflammation marker that’s often elevated in people at risk for heart disease and diabetes). Chronic inflammation can lead to the development of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. Studies have shown that acupuncture may help to improve insomnia symptoms, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency, as well as symptoms of conditions that can affect sleep, such as restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, pain, anxiety, and depression. Improving sleep may help to decrease inflammation in the body.

Dopamine, our motivation chemical, is highest in the morning. That’s why it can be helpful to tackle the “hardest” things first and set up a dopamine wave early in the morning. Have a morning routine consisting of discipline-building behaviours – a cold shower is perfect, as it is uncomfortable. Once you overcome an obstacle this big, the other “hard” tasks seem easy in comparison. Other examples are a morning workout or meditation session. This can help you face everything your day throws at you, big or small. Life is won with a series of decisions that build on each other!

These differences – 25% less body water than men, and less enzymes in their stomach and liver to break down alcohol in their system, means that alcohol goes through a woman’s system undiluted, and in higher concentrations. Research has shown given a man and a woman, both the same weight and physical condition, and given 3 standard drinks of alcohol in an hour – women consistently show a higher BAC level than the man. Women are often the designated drivers and if she consumes 2 or more standard drinks, she could show an elevated blood alcohol level of .08 and above.

Research indicates that the sooner one accepts help for their mental health and substance abuse problem – as in any health-related problem – the better the prognosis for recovery. Those closest to the individual, employers, co-workers, friends and family, are often in the best position to intervene and support them in their recovery journey. SRWC can assist in the intervention process.

Be mindful of the Federal Health Guidelines for the use of alcohol in moderation and avoiding high risk situations. The Federal Health Guidelines state that safe levels of use for women is one drink a day or less, and two drinks a day or less for men. These recommended safe use amounts can assist in avoiding health related risks such as high blood pressure, stroke, liver, and colon cancer. High risk activities include driving while over the limit, taking over-the-counter and prescription medications that interact with alcohol, or drinking and participating in activities which require skill, coordination, and alertness.

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.

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.

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.

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.