Community News
Brighter Smile This Holiday

Transform your smile with Pola Light, an advanced tooth whitening system promising a brighter, more confident grin in as little as 5 days. Combining Pola’s award-winning whitening formula with an LED mouthpiece, this kit ensures a faster treatment—only 20 minutes a day. Pola Light is not only effective but also portable and rechargeable, offering convenience for at-home use. Enjoy the benefits of a quick and safe solution that removes long-term stains, restores your smile to its natural brilliance, provides extra hydration to minimize sensitivity, and includes remineralization for stronger teeth. Pick up yours for FREE with any new adult booking for an exam, x-rays and hygiene. Also available for purchase as a perfect holiday gift.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Pediatric Occupational therapy significantly contributes to children’s development and well-being by addressing diverse physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional challenges. The primary goal is to enhance a child’s confidence and independence in everyday activities. Occupational therapists collaborate closely with children to identify specific needs and tailor interventions, such as finger painting for fine motor skill improvement. Additionally, occupational therapy adopts a holistic approach to sensory processing challenges, using techniques like swinging and textured play. This fosters improved sensory modulation, enhancing focus, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. The therapy extends to cognitive and social-emotional skills, promoting problem-solving, memory, and social interactions.

Holiday Season Safety for Pets

The holiday season presents many hazards for pets. Holiday treats such as rich, fatty scraps of meat, pork and poultry bones, alcoholic beverages, chocolates, and other treats have been linked to pancreatitis in dogs. Xylitol, a sugar substitute, can cause a dog’s blood sugar to suddenly drop, potentially leading to kidney failure. Holiday plants like berries from mistletoe, holly, hibiscus, Christmas roses, and poinsettia are toxic to pets. Christmas tree water can be poisonous, and things like ornaments, hooks, tinsel, candles, lights, and electrical wiring can all pose hazards to a pet’s wellbeing. Keep your pets safe this holiday season!

Holiday Blues?

The holidays can be a challenging time for mental health as societal expectations of joy and togetherness may intensify feelings of loneliness or inadequacy. Seasonal stressors, financial strains, and disrupted routines can exacerbate anxiety and depression. It’s essential to prioritize self-care, establish boundaries, and communicate openly with loved ones about mental health needs. Recognizing that not everyone experiences the holidays positively, fostering empathy and offering support can make a significant difference. Whether navigating personal struggles or supporting others, promoting understanding and destigmatizing mental health conversations can contribute to a more compassionate and inclusive holiday season for everyone.

Words to Live By

“Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyful holiday season. Invest time for everyday wellness and create great choices for self-care and healthy living throughout 2024. Thank you for supporting Local” – Happy Holidays from the Wellnessnews Team

Words to Live By

“Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.” – Ruth Carter Stapleton

Disability Tax Credit for Type 1 Diabetes

The Disability Tax Credit is a program designed to help those with disabilities or their caregivers reduce the amount of income tax they pay, offsetting some of the significant medical and treatment expenses. What diabetes-related activities are covered? According to CRA, the following activities qualify in the 14-hour-per-week calculation: • Checking blood glucose levels • Preparing and administering the insulin • Calibrating necessary equipment • Testing ketones • Keeping a log book of blood glucose levels. With children, the 14-hour-per-week eligibility criteria can usually be met by combining the parent and child’s time. T1D is an expensive disease, and the disability tax credit can provide some financial relief for those who qualify.

Bringing Fitness to You

Are you eager to stay active this fall and winter but find the idea of crowded gyms intimidating or overwhelming? The good news is, you can achieve your fitness goals with just a 6×6 feet space in the comfort of your home. Fitness on the Go is here to make it effortless by bringing fitness directly to your doorstep. We’re dedicated to keeping you motivated and on the right track, ensuring you complete safe and effective workouts at your convenience, all within the privacy of your own home. We provide all the necessary fitness equipment, tailored training schedules, and routines designed specifically for your individual needs and body. Say goodbye to gym anxiety and hello to personalized, convenient fitness with Fitness on the Go!

Men’s Health Awareness

Movember is a significant annual event that shines a spotlight the health issues of men of all ages. During the month of November, often referred to as “Movember,” men are encouraged to grow mustaches to raise awareness and funds for critical men’s health concerns. This campaign not only highlights issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health but also encourages open conversations about them. By participating in Movember, we can show their solidarity and support for these causes while emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups, early detection, and mental well-being. It’s a powerful movement that unites communities to improve the health and well-being of men of all ages.

How Choice Makes All The Difference

“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice, not chance, determines your destiny.” —Plato, quoting Aristotle. November is Men’s Health Month this month we look at how the choices we make shape our destiny. Join a group of ordinary men working towards living extraordinary lives. Your families, communities and especially yourself need you!

Local Spotlight: Monarch Family Therapy

At Monarch Family Therapy, we offer a variety of therapeutic and educational services for children, adults, families, and professionals across Manitoba and provide an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes all identities and abilities. We provide children and their parents/caregivers opportunities to build connection and healing with an emphasis on developing secure attachment relationships. Areas of support include: Attachment & Parenting; Grief & Loss (death, divorce, child welfare involvement/foster care, ambiguous loss); Complex Developmental Trauma/Childhood Trauma; Emotion Regulation (ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing & Trauma); Behaviour Challenges (home/school/community); Sensory Processing Disorders; Developmental Delays; Depression & Anxiety; Adoption; Abuse, Neglect & Child Welfare Involvement; Children in Care & Permanency Planning; and Developmental Assessments by our on-site occupational therapist.