Because breathing is an involuntary action, we rarely pay attention to the process. But did you know that how you breathe impacts your health? Deep nasal breathing can reduce stress, help you fall asleep faster, aid toxin removal, and lower blood pressure to a greater extent than mouth breathing can.
And did you know that your nasal passage serves as a biological air filter, humidifier, and air conditioner to cool the brain? So the next time you’re catching your breath, try deep breathing through your nose and note how much better you feel while going about your day.
Community News
Benefits of Aromatherapy Jewelry
Aromatherapy can be so effective at helping you feel better that people have come up with enormously creative ways to take advantage of its benefits. Aromatherapy diffuser bracelets and necklaces enable you to inhale the essential oil molecules on the go. This can help you be stimulated and energized, or focused and calm throughout the day. Add a drop of your favourite essential oil or blend to your bracelet or necklace before you leave home, and you are ready to enjoy the benefits. Feeling your jewelry around your wrist or neck will remind you to take a relaxing breath throughout the day. Enjoy!
Diabetes and Limb Amputation
Are you diabetic? A 2016 study concluded that 81% of all amputations in Canada are a direct result of diabetic complications.
The Canadian Diabetes Association estimates 750,000 Canadians do not know they have diabetes.
Who’s at risk? If you are over the age of 40, have a parent or sibling with diabetes, are of Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian or African descent, or have had gestational diabetes, you are at a higher risk. Other high-risk groups include people who: are overweight, have high cholesterol and/or blood pressure, a high glucose level or heart disease.
For diabetes education for amputees, please visit: https://www.waramps.ca/pdf/english-site/ways-we-help/health-and-well…/diabetes.pdf
Gut Feeling
Did you know that you can fight fatigue and depression by adding leafy greens, colorful fruits, and whole grains to your diet? Foods that are rich in natural nutrients will boost your gut health and eliminate toxins from your digestive tract. Another way to add leafy nutrients to your diet is through a greens powder. Look for a product that is gluten-free, contains probiotics, and is juiced, as this maintains enzymes that improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients. By optimizing your gut, you can nourish your cells and boost your energy so you can fully dive into your favourite summertime activities!
Massage Therapy for Tendonitis
Every time you stretch, twist or bend, your tendons — the tissues that attach your muscles to your bones — go into action. Too much action can result in tendonitis, the inflammation caused by repetitive motion as well as by aging and injuries that tear your muscle fibers. Giving the irritated area time to heal makes sense, but often people can’t take as much time as needed to let the muscle rest. Seek a professional massage therapist to help relieve specific tendonitis issues. Continued use of the joint can result in chronic tendinitis.
Travel Tip : Cindy Knows Travel
Most of us tend to stray from our normal healthy routine when on a trip, and personally, I’m okay with that. But when I’m en route to my destination, that’s a different story. On travel days, whenever possible, I try to avoid eating foods that make me feel lethargic and bloated. It can be difficult to fight the temptation to stop at fast food restaurants in the airport, load up on unhealthy treats to snack on mid-flight, or over-caffeinate to prepare for your trip. But all it takes is a little planning to avoid these common pitfalls so that you step off the plane feeling refreshed, healthy, and ready to start your adventure!
Dangers of Social Isolation
Did you know that social isolation is the “new smoking” with respect to negative impact on health? Recent research confirms that individuals with adequate social relationships have a 50% greater likelihood of survival compared to those with poor or insufficient social relationships. Clearly, this is worth paying attention to! Social isolation impairs immune function and boosts inflammation, which can lead to arthritis, type II diabetes, and heart disease. Loneliness is breaking our hearts, but as a culture we rarely talk about it. Studies of elderly people and social isolation concluded that those without adequate social interaction were twice as likely to die prematurely.
Visual Demands
A large part of learning is done visually. Reading, spelling, writing, whiteboard work, and computer work are all among the tasks students tackle all day long, day after day. Each one of these tasks requires the brain to accurately locate targets, put them into focus quickly, and then process an understanding of the visual information seen.
A complete Developmental Vision Evaluation identifies problems with focusing ability, eye movement control, eye teaming and depth perception, visual perception, visual information processing, retained primitive reflexes, and the ability to sustain visual performance adequately to meet the visual demands of the classroom.
Tubing Fun in Pinawa
Thousands flock to Pinawa each summer to enjoy tubing adventures that help them beat the heat and have some fun while floating along a lazy river. A great bonding experience for groups, tubing requires little more effort than some kicking when you reach the slower parts of the river. Without any stops along the way, your adventure will take you about two to three hours; however, stops give you the opportunity to explore the area a bit more. Tubing offers a unique way to see wildlife like deer, turtles, otters, and birds, as well as to enjoy the peaceful, natural surroundings.
Is Your Thyroid Healthy?
The thyroid plays a key role maintaining healthy weight, energy, and mood. If you are experiencing weight gain (or loss), hair loss, abnormal menstrual cycles or changes in energy and mood, consider having your thyroid evaluated. Thyroid imbalances are more common in women but affect both women and men. Naturopathic doctors can evaluate your thyroid hormone levels, review your personal medical history and make suggestions to your diet and lifestyle that can optimize your thyroid health. Remember- “normal” on a lab test may not always mean optimal. Making small changes can make a big difference!
Product Review: VoxxLife Neuro Patch
Enjoy DRUG-FREE pain relief with the new VoxxLife Neuro Patch. This topical patch is primarily meant to be applied to the inside of the forearm. A process called somatosensory cortex imprinting takes place after it has been worn for a day. This means that the part of the brain that recognizes touch stimulation remembers the pattern. After wearing the patch on the forearm the first time (this is called primary activation), the somatosensory cortex remembers the pattern and will recognize it when the patch is applied again to another part of the body. The forearm is always the primary application point.
