Did you know that there is a direct connection between the immune system and nutrition? The intestinal tract is the main route of contact with the external environment and is a pathway that contains microbiomes that aids digestion as well as the absorption of nutrients. This makes it critical for us to consume a balanced diet with the right nutrients while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you consume an adequate amount of protein such a fish and lean meats. It’s also important to maintain a daily intake of vitamins and phytonutrients, especially Vitamin C. Increase your intake of probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids as they enhance the functions of immune cells.
Community News
Pet Nutrition Tips
Cats and dogs have very different nutritional needs, but there are a few simple tips to help you decide what is best for your pet and budget.
1) Feed what you can afford. All types of food have some nutritional value. Raw is often viewed as best, then canned, then dry kibble. Research for the best brands/least recalls.
2) Feed only species appropriate foods to your pets. Non-processed human food is often okay for them. Check an online guide for specific foods that may be harmful.
3) Feed small portions several times per day to maintain a healthy weight.
It’s Your Turn to Quit Smoking
Laser Therapy is an accu-pressure point therapy similar to acupuncture but without the dreaded needles. It is a modernized natural approach to help heal the body without the use of drugs. The entire procedure is external, and the laser treatment conducts low energy to accu-pressure points to your ears, face, hands, arm, legs, and feet. The first hurdle in quitting smoking is to get through the nicotine withdrawal phase, which people often dread. The laser treatments significantly reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, so people generally sail through this phase with greater ease and break their nicotine addiction.
Acupuncture for Less Anxiety
Many studies involving hundreds of patients have shown evidence that acupuncture can help treat anxiety and can have similar effects as talk therapy. Acupuncture can help the body relax in a variety of ways, including 1) prompting the parasympathetic nervous system to release signals for relaxation; 2) improving the heart rate variability, which helps the body cope with stress; 3) calming the hypothalamus, which releases neurochemicals when we are under stress; and 4) helping with the flow of endorphins, the body’s own “feel good” chemicals. Acupuncture can be considered as an effective alternative to traditional pharmacological and psychological treatments.
Calm Your Nerves with Aromatherapy
Pure Joy Naturals’ Ang.zi.e.dee (ANXIETY) Essential Oil Blend helps evoke peace and calm with a mix of Sweet Orange, Clary Sage, Vetiver, Grapefruit, Ylang Ylang, and Blue Chamomile essential oils. Add 4-5 drops to your aromatherapy diffuser and breathe deeply or add a drop to your aromatherapy necklace or bracelet and have it with you wherever you go. You can also make a ready-to-use roll-on by using 3 ml (60 drops) of Ang.zi.e.dee and topping up the roll-on bottle with fractionated coconut oil. Roll it onto your wrists and enjoy instant peace and calm anytime and anywhere!
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, make or get a Mental Health First Aid kit and put it somewhere visible to demonstrate mental health is just as important as physical health. Include things like motivational cards, mindfulness colouring sheets, stress balls, breathing exercises and general resilience tips.
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.
Holistic Healing for PTSD
For the person who deals with the debilitating symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), help may be available. A new approach to coping with the many symptoms associated with PTSD is on the rise and gaining attention.
Access Bars are 32 points on your head that are lightly touched to create ease in different areas of your life. This dynamic and gentle hands-on body process assists with things such as insomnia, body aches, depression, stress, addictions, trauma release, flashbacks, anger, panic attacks, and so much more.
If you are looking for a different approach, this may be something to consider.
Mind Exercises for Seniors
It’s important for people of all ages to keep their brains healthy with regular workouts, but especially so for seniors. Here are five ways you can keep your mind sharp as you age: 1) Play a game. Try a sudoku, crossword, or jigsaw puzzle, or play a game of cards with friends. 2) Get moving. Regular exercise increases blood flow to your brain and increases neurons. 3) Listen to or play music. Science shows that music is a great brain booster. 4) Eat right. A healthy diet is crucial for cognitive health. 5) Learn something new. Keep your mind engaged!
In Your Community
Managing your healthcare has never been easier. eCare@Pharmasave is a suite of digital tools that provides you with online access to manage your health in ways that are simple to set up and easy to maintain. With your account you can view your prescription history, order refills at your convenience and see details such as a picture of your medication and important label information. Visit Pharmasave.com or download Pharmasave’s free eCare app to set up your personal account. Then, visit the pharmacy to complete the registration process. Manage your medications as part of your healthy routine with eCare@Pharmasave. To find out more, speak to your Pharmasave Pharmacist today.
What is a Hearing Evaluation Like?
To start, you will meet with a Hearing Care professional and a thorough history will be taken. An inspection of your ears will take place to confirm good ear health. You will be asked to respond to tones in a sound treated room. The tones tested are specific and range from the low to high frequencies that are important for hearing speech. You will undergo word testing to measure your communication abilities and how you hear speech in quiet and in noisy situations. Results are recorded to guide the Hearing Care Professional in forming a treatment plan if hearing loss is present.
