Known as the “Immortal Health Elixir” by the Chinese and originating in the Far East around 2,000 years ago, kombucha is a beverage with tremendous health benefits. With more literature being published regarding its effectiveness in weight management, immune system enhancement as well as its role in improving digestion, and boosting energy, the fondness of this ancient drink is growing. It’s also beneficial for protecting hair and teeth and battling certain types of cancer. Exactly what is kombucha? Simply put, kombucha is a living drink. It’s made by fermenting tea, sugar, and the kombucha culture otherwise known as a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). After being fermented, kombucha becomes carbonated and contains vinegar, b-vitamins, enzymes, probiotics, and a high concentration of acid (acetic, gluconic and lactic), which are linked with positive effects. Some outcomes are improved digestion, weight loss, increased energy, cleansing and detoxification, immune support, reduced joint pain, and cancer prevention.
Community News
Seasonal Allergies on the Rise
Do you suffer from a stuffy or runny nose? What about suffering from itchy, watery eyes, or skin irritations? Do you want to avoid daily use of over-the counter drugs such as anti-histamines, eye drops, and nasal sprays? Allergies occur when the body’s protective Qi (pronounced “chee”) becomes weakened. When this Qi is not functioning optimally, harmful environmental influences are able to invade the body, giving rise to allergies and illness. Acupuncture is a highly effective, natural alternative to strengthen and support the body’s immune system. This is great for the prevention and control of pesky allergies! Consider trying acupuncture for your annoying seasonal allergies and hay fever. You will be pleasantly surprised at the relief you experience once your body’s defenses are back to full strength!
Naomi Johnson, www.heklaacupuncture.com
Natural Product Review
Oil of Oregano is no average herb. Before modern science could point the finger at bacteria, herbalists and traditional doctors used oregano to effectively treat infections of all kinds, both topically and internally. Oil of Oregano is a potent herbal antimicrobial that effectively tackles bacterial, yeast, fungal, and parasitic infections. It is also a powerful antioxidant capable of scavenging free radicals and preventing cellular damage. It is a more potent antioxidant than vitamin E, and is four times higher in antioxidants than blueberries, and 12 times higher than oranges. Oil of oregano has anti-inflammatory qualities as well as demonstrated anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties. Natural Factors Organic Oil of Oregano is available in both liquid and convenient softgel formats. The oil can also be used topically on bug bites and minor skin irritations as well as to relieve muscle pain.
Nutrition Plus
Stay Active This Winter
As the days get shorter, temperatures begin to drop, and the snow flies it becomes increasingly challenging to stay active. There are numerous strategies a person can implement to combat inactivity through the winter months. The first choice is to bundle up and get outside. Snowshoeing, skiing, skating, snowball fights, and snowman making are all great activities that can only be enjoyed at this time of year. There are also many ways to stay active indoors. Recreational sports leagues and gyms are available throughout the city. However, workouts can be performed in the comfort of your own home with little to no equipment. They can be self -guided or you can follow along with a workout video. If doing a formal workout isn’t for you, then try doing some housework or walking the malls. It’s important to develop a workout program and stay active this winter!
Kristi Hunter, prairietrailphysio.ca
Grow Your Mo’
Movember is the month formerly known as November, where men and women across the globe join together to raise awareness and funds for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer to affect Canadian men. One in eight men will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. Prostate cancer can be slow-growing and some men who develop it may live many years without ever having the cancer detected. It is important to get screened regularly so that if you do develop prostate cancer, the appropriate action can be taken. The moustache is our ribbon. This Movember, grow your Mo and use it to raise funds for men’s health.
Care At Home Pharmacy, www.careathomepharmacy.ca
Community Event
As part of Manitoba Addictions Awareness Week, St. Raphael Wellness Centre is hosting the “SEX AND ADDICTIONS Conference” on November 15-17th at the Norwood Hotel.
The conference begins on November 15th from 7-9 pm with a public forum, entitled, “ Porn Crisis? The Porn Dilemma in Today’s Culture.” Discovering that someone close to you is secretly watching porn is usually met with a range of emotions and most of us do not feel prepared to navigate a conversation about it. This community presentation will describe six principles of sexual health that can be a foundation for talking with someone about their use of pornography.
This will be followed by a day and a half discussion on sex/drug-linked behaviour. Family members, counsellors, therapists, mental health professionals and others who want to help individuals talk about and address issues of sexual health and substance addiction will want to attend.
http://straphaelcentre.ca/srwc-conference-2016-2/
10 Ways to Cultivate Self-Acceptance
Be intentional. Articulate your goal of self-acceptance and dedicate yourself to it each day. Celebrate your strengths. Name one of your strengths each day. Create a support system. Surround yourself with people who accept and believe in you. Forgive yourself. Accept past mistakes, learn from them, and move on. Shush your inner critic. Be gentle to yourself and treat yourself the way you would a loved one. Grieve the loss of unrealized dreams. Acknowledge the loss and then move forward. Perform acts of kindness. Giving to others enriches your life. Be kind to yourself. It is not selfish to love yourself. You are worthy of self-compassion. Understand that acceptance is not resignation. Letting go of the things you cannot control allows you to grow. Speak to your highest self. Visualize your best self in times of stress. Tap into the wisdom that lies within you.
Canadian Mental Health Association Manitoba, www.winnipeg.cmha.ca
Book Club: Chakra Wisdom Oracle Toolkit
A 52-Week Journey of Self-Discovery with the Lost Fables Paperback by Tori Hartman. Let this book guide you in opening up your intuition, removing blockages from your life, improving your relationships, and realizing your highest potential. Have you ever wondered about chakras? You may wonder how to open your chakra channels or just understand what they are. Maybe you just wish to make your life more colorful and become something more. Become a successful, interesting person, a witty talker, a person who knows more and is determined to continue developing. This book is for you.
70 is the New 50
Working into retirement, postponing having kids, living longer – the lifecycle of Canadians is changing. This has implications on personal finances and retirement savings. New research suggests that old age now starts at 74, with middle age lasting at least nine years longer than current estimates. What we think of as old has changed over time and it will need to continue changing in the future as people live longer, healthier lives. Two hundred years ago, a 60-year-old was a very old person. Someone who is 60 years old today could be argued as middle aged. In terms of health, longevity, and view of life, “baby boomers” in their sixties and seventies will be more like their parents and grandparents were at 50. This means people can work longer if they so desire. For many people, 70 is the new 50 and signifies the quiet revolution that has taken place in longevity.
Brett Scott, www.disabilitytaxcreditwinnipeg.com
Clean Eating: Sweet Potato Brownies
1 cup mashed sweet potato, ½ cup smooth nut butter of choice, 2 tbsp maple syrup, ¼ cup cocoa powder, handful of carob chips (optional). Preheat oven to 350 and grease a small cake/ loaf pan. On the stove, melt nut butter with maple syrup. In a large bowl add the mashed sweet potato, melted nut butter and maple syrup, and cocoa powder and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour mixture into greased pan and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing and refrigerating. These brownies are best when cooled completely. Store in fridge or freezer and ENJOY!
The Right Fit–RAW Fit Protein
Garden Life’s RAW Fit is a USDA Certified Organic, RAW, plant-based vegan high-protein powder that makes it easy to increase your protein intake. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that mixes great with your favorite food or beverage and contains RAW, organic, and clinically studied ingredients. These natural ingredients help you burn fat, maintain healthy blood sugar, boost your energy, lose weight, and look great! RAW Fit supports healthy blood sugar levels and burns fat naturally with the power of Svetol Green Coffee Bean Extract, RAW Food Created Chromium, Organic Cinnamon, and Organic Sprouted Grains. RAW Fit is packed with 28g of RAW certified organic plant protein–a complete protein with 13 organic sprouts and a biological value of 98.2%! It promotes healthy and comfortable digestion and elimination with live probiotics and enzymes and is naturally filling and satisfies hunger with RAW organic soluble and insoluble fiber from certified organic grains, seeds, legumes and fruits.
