When you have a bright child who doesn’t achieve to his or her potential we often affectionately call them underachievers, because we know they are capable of achieving so much more. Over the years, I have found that bright underachievers often have vision problems which make reading difficult. It may surprise you to learn that many of the children who have vision problems interfering with learning actually have 20/20 eyesight (with or without glasses). A Developmental Vision Evaluation is needed to determine if a vision problem is interfering with reading.
Community News
Acupuncture for Stronger Immunity
As we head into the flu season this year, we have both the flu and COVID-19 to contend with. With no COVID-19 vaccine yet available, we must do our best to follow COVID-19 guidelines and make the right choices to keep our immune system strong. Acupuncture has been shown to increase the number of T cells the body produces, which help to destroy harmful viruses in the body. Increased production of T cells and white blood cells results in a stronger immune system, which means you may have less severe symptoms and a quicker recovery if you do get sick.
Community Spotlight: Millennium Medical
Millennium Medical is a Pharmacy and Walk-In Clinic conveniently located right across the street from the University of Winnipeg, at the southeast corner of Balmoral Street and Portage Avenue. We offer many convenient services for the Downtown Winnipeg community, including extended clinic hours, free prescription delivery, easy prescription transfer, prescription compounding services, and even medication counseling. We are also home to some of Winnipeg’s most experienced physicians, including our clinic’s Staff Physician, our Family Practitioners, our on-site Surgeon, and our OB/GYN Specialists. We speak many languages to better serve the Downtown Winnipeg community, including Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Cantonese, Spanish, Gujarati, Tagalog, Pampango, Ilokano, and Pangalatok.
Reducing Cognitive Decline
Untreated hearing loss may result in long term consequences to healthy brain functioning. Past studies of shown that treated hearing loss by wearing hearing aids reduces the risk of cognitive decline associated with hearing loss. Dr. Frank Lin from Johns Hopkins University recommends treating hearing loss before “brain structural changes take place.” He states, “if you want to address hearing loss well, do it sooner rather than later.” If you haven’t had your hearing checked there is no better time than now.
Benefits of In-Home Pet Sitting
To make sure your pets stay healthy and safe this winter, consider these suggestions. Cats should not be left outside for extended periods. They are very susceptible to frostbite. The colder it is, the less they should be out. Different dog breeds need different accessories when outside. Short hair and single-coated dogs may need jackets to keep them warmer. Dogs with long paw fur or walking in highly salted areas may need boots to keep ice balls from forming in their pads. Boots also help keep grime off the dogs’ bellies.
Stay Fit & Healthy This Winter
Winter is upon us! This is not the time to hibernate and pack on extra weight or overindulge, it’s a time to stay focused and committed to taking care of our bodies during a harsh northern season. Now is the perfect time to start a challenging and effective exercise program that you can do all while in the warmth and comfort of your own home! Once you get in the groove of an effective exercise program at home, you’ll have the right tools and mindset to get (and stay) in peak shape over the cold winter months. After all, a ‘summer body’ is made in the winter!
Book Club:
The Lily Nurse: Rebooted/Re-birthed and Finding a New Path by Julia Evans. Have you ever wondered what a near-death experience is like? Julia Evans can tell you. See the experience through her eyes as it loops, turns and links back together. Read how she steps out of the shadows she was placed into and learn how truly empowering it is for one’s self to finally be heard. For finding your voice has its own power in healing. Julia has lifted herself back to the light, helping people to believe in miracles, using her voice so others can find theirs. Julia Evans RN, BScN, CBP.
Clean Eating: Hot Chocolate
Store bought hot chocolate “packets” contain massive amounts of sugar and even hydrogenated oils (an unexpected, undesirable ingredient). You can serve this with whipped cream made of organic heavy cream with a little bit of stevia. 1/3 c full fat coconut milk (unsweetened) 2/3 c boiling water. 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder. 1 tsp. vanilla. 15 drops liquid stevia. (optional) 1-2 drops peppermint oil, whipped cream, or cocoa nibs. Boil water on the stove. Add in all remaining ingredients. Stir well. Let cool a little bit, serve and enjoy!
Supporting Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a noticeable impact on the mental health of Canadians, and the federal government has taken some good initial steps towards addressing this with an economic recovery plan and the free Wellness Together Canada portal. However, about 1.6 million Canadians were living with unmet mental health needs before the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian Mental Health Association is working to expand and adapt its virtual services and supports countrywide, and is also calling on the federal government to take further action to support Canadians’ mental health needs. For more information, please visit:
Weight Gain During Quarantine
Has the Covid-19 pandemic added extra stress to your relationship with food? You aren’t alone. The “Quarantine 15” – a reference to weight gain during quarantine has caused much anxiety. Instead of causing yourself more stress by researching yet another diet, eat mindfully and observe how adaptable your body is. Do your best to choose self-care which means sometimes choosing comfort food without judgement within and overall eating pattern that gives you energy, clarity, strength, and vitality. True self-care also means gently questioning what is leading to comfort eating and finding a way to address this in a way that will leave you feeling peaceful.
Best Treatment For Osteoarthritis
When it comes to osteoarthritis, the best approach is to treat it from the inside and the outside. Specialized nutritional formulations work on the inside of the body by turning off the inflammation producing mechanisms and strengthening the joints. N.I.R. Laser Therapy works on the outside of the body by decreasing inflammation, thereby reducing pain and stiffness. The laser penetrates to a level that breaks up scar tissue to shrink nodules and increase mobility. Following a multi-faceted approach that feeds and stimulates the joints at the same time greatly enhances the body’s ability to respond. That is why even long-term, severe arthritis sufferers can get relief.
