SRWC has been helping people get and stay sober for over 25 years. We are open-minded and non-judgmental of everyone’s recovery path. We offer group and individual counselling for anyone living with substance use, addiction, and other mental health issues. We also help family members affected by addiction. Our programs are available DAY and EVENING to fit your schedule. We have a diverse group of professional staff and volunteers. They love to provide personalized, ongoing, recovery support. If you want to regain control of your life, WE CAN HELP. We’re here to support you.
Community News
Boost Mental Health & Performance at Work
During this global pandemic, the need for mental health support has increased fourfold. As an employee, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to be vocal. If you are struggling, speak up or use the Wellness Together Canada free resources. Waiting causes longer term damage impacting productivity and quality of life. If you are an employer, ask how you can support your team every day. Then, get a Mental Health First Aid kit and put it somewhere visible to demonstrate mental health is just as important as physical health. Our mental health kits contain motivational cards, mindfulness colouring and tools, stress balls, breathing exercises, a guide to psychological first aid, resilience tips, and much more.
Tips to Better Handle Stress
You may be stressed if you experience the following symptoms frequently: Weight loss, sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety or panic attacks, frustration, low self-esteem, negative self-talk, under-eating, or over-eating. Here are 6 stress-management tips. 1. Identify your stress triggers. 2. Stay away from things and people that trigger your stress. 3. Enjoy two hours of “me time” per day. 4. Meditate and practice deep breathing. 5. Split your “to-do” list with your family. 6. Create a magic “mantra” for yourself. For example, “I am the boss of my life.” Keep repeating it to yourself during stress and continue this exercise until the mantra becomes a part of your reality.
Mental Health at the Workplace:
Small business owners face unique pressures which have increased significantly throughout the pandemic. Did you know that up to 62% of business owners feel depressed at least weekly and around 46% say their mental health issues can interfere with their performance at work? (BDC Going It Alone Survey). It is so important to take some time for self-care and for the care of your employees. There are many resources available in Canada and it starts with simply having the courage to seek help and having conversations with each other about Mental Health.
The Science Behind Acupuncture
What does science have to say about acupuncture? In a 2012 publication of Jama/Internal Medicine, a meta-analysis of nearly 18,000 randomized patients provided the most robust evidence to date that acupuncture is a reasonable referral option for patients with chronic pain like non-specific back or neck pain, shoulder pain, chronic headache, musculoskeletal disorders, and osteoarthritis. Another study published in a 2013 issue of The Clinical Journal of Pain involving 1,139 patients showed that acupuncture may be more effective than medication for symptom improvement in lower back pain. Acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy when performed by a certified acupuncturist.
Healthy Home, Happy Home
Now more than ever it’s important to maintain a clean and healthy home. The good news is that you don’t have to rely on bleach and harsh chemicals to kill germs, viruses, and bacteria! Using purpose-built products can effectively disinfect your home the safe and proper way. It’s also important to remember to follow proper personal hygiene protocols like washing your hands thoroughly and often, and avoiding touching your face. With Movember in full swing this month, another great cleaning tip is to use a paper towel to line your sink before you groom your moustache to keep things tidy!
CBD and THC – Know the Difference
Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for creating a state of homeostasis in the body by regulating various functions. THC and CBD offer similar health benefits – increasing energy, providing an overall sense of wellness, decreased discomfort, or an improved mental state. However, CBD can be taken without becoming inebriated, THC on the other hand can cause a feeling of intoxication due to the euphoric effects on the brain. Both THC and CBD are extracted from cannabis plants. Knowing these differences will help you make well-informed decisions when purchasing cannabis products.
4 Foods for a Better Mood
When you’re reaching for your next snack or meal, consider the contents and how they impact your emotional state. Here are several mood-boosting foods that will help you not only feel full, but good too. 1. Trail Mix: Nuts and seeds contain depression-combating protein and fibre, while berries contain energy-boosting sugars. 2. Fatty Fish: Contain omega-3s, an essential nutrient for maintaining long-term mental wellbeing. 3. Fermented Foods: Contain probiotics, which are great for the gut, and therefore the brain. 4. Dark Chocolate: Contains flavonoids, which have been linked to increased brain health (eat this in moderation, though).
Check Your Child’s Posture
Kids spend about 33 hours on screens each week, found a study that surveyed more than 1,400 parents. Now look at their posture when they are looking at their devices. They often assume this gargoyle like pose for hours. Though it may seem like they are just wasting time, they are also damaging their spine. The Canadian Society of Pediatrics state infants aged 0-2 years should not have any exposure to technology, 3-5 years be restricted to one hour per day, and 6-18 years restricted to two hours per day. See a chiropractor for a gentle adjustment to get your child’s spine back in properly alignment.
November Book Club
Complementary and Alternative Medicines in Prostate Cancer: A Comprehensive Approach. by K. B. Harikumar. This book is a summary of prostate cancer, covering its incidence, epidemiology, and current treatment options. It also serves as an up-to-date review of the status of currently available alternative and complementary medicines for treating prostate cancer, including various plant extracts, herbal formulations, natural products, yoga, acupuncture, Ayurveda, homeopathy, and Siddha medicines used in prostate cancer therapy.
Abs of Steel or Jelly Belly?
Your pelvis is a ring of bones held together by ligaments and muscles. These muscles engage every time you walk, sit, stand, run, or even breathe! Weak stabilizing muscles cause your pelvis to move too much and surrounding muscles contract to control the excess movement, leading to chronic muscle tightness. By strengthening the core, our bodies are able to withstand these forces without muscle spasms. Some of the best exercises for core involve maintaining a neutral spine position and resisting forces. Your physiotherapist can give you specific exercises to improve your strength, while relaxing other muscles through manual therapy techniques.
