Have you ever wondered why people go for massages? There is so much more to it than just getting a relaxing massage! A Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) attends school for 1-2 years and is required to take continuing education courses every year in order to maintain their skills and to learn new ones. Massage Therapists are taught how to assess your body as well as to ask the right questions in order to figure out what’s wrong with the client. Massage Therapists treat your conditions, ailments, pains and discomfort accordingly. We have a plethora of knowledge and abilities that will help our clients. As an RMT we have many ways of fixing (107) your pains and discomforts. We help people rehabilitate from injury, car accidents, surgery etc. If you are in need of some relief from chronic pain or injury, or just want some time to yourself, contact a local RMT and book your appointment.

Thea Juenke, Rejuvenate Massage Therapy

www.facebook.com/Rejuvenate-Massage-Therapy

Painting is an activity that benefits our quality of life and mental health. Painting is therapeutic because it offers a way to release us from stress and anxiety and helps relax our body. As we focus our attention and energy on the activity at hand, we are distracted from our usual thoughts and stressors which allows us to let go of the problems and the demands that plague us. Painting also relieves mental strain by stimulating the creative side of our brain as we create beauty and become immersed in the flow of the brush and colours of the paint. The positive emotional reactions we have after spending time in a safe, creative atmosphere promote a sense of optimism and wellbeing. The result is numerous health benefits on both the mind and body that lead to a happier, healthier lifestyle.

Amber Van Ma’iingan, Painting On the Prairies

www.ontheprairies.ca

Let’s admit it, sometimes we take our bodies for granted. It’s no different for our feet. Our feet are important – they carry us through life! The 52 bones in your feet make up for a quarter of all the bones in your body. The foot performs 3 main functions that are related to biomechanics; they absorb shock, act as a rigid lever to propel the body forward, and they help the body adapt to different ground environments. The foot forms the basic foundation of the body and represents the body in its entirety. Any impairment to its function will displace the body’s centre of gravity, making it necessary for other areas to overcompensate. Almost 95% of all foot deformities are painless but affect the spine, shoulders, and cervical displacement. Taking good care of your feet through regular reflexology treatments, exercise, foot strengthening exercises, and hygiene will help to keep the foot strong and healthy.

Gloria Laing, Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist, Gloria’s Reflexology

www.gloriasreflexology.ca

Severe allergic reactions (or ‘Anaphylactic Reactions’) occur when the body’s immune system strongly reacts to a particular allergenic protein or irritant. This may be caused by food, insect stings and medications. If you or someone else requires the use of an epinephrine auto-injector or an ‘Epi-Pen®’, you should know exactly how to use it. First, call 911 to get medical help immediately as the effects of epinephrine can wear off or you could have a second reaction!

Next, remove the EpiPen® from the carrier tube and follow these 2 simple steps:

1) Hold firmly with orange tip pointing downward. Remove blue safety cap by pulling straight up.

2) Swing and push orange tip firmly into mid-outer thigh until you hear a ‘click’. Hold on the thigh for several seconds.

Yvonne Harder, East Man Safety

www.eastmansafety.ca

The most important part of yoga is showing up on your mat and being present. It doesn’t matter what size or shape your body is. It doesn’t matter what weight or age you are. It doesn’t matter what outfit you wear, or whether you can stick your leg behind your head. Yoga is not so much about the poses or what we can do with our bodies, but more about just taking the time for ourselves. Yoga encourages self-awareness, and in that, a practice of finding self-acceptance and more comfort within yourself. We discover not only our limits, but also our strengths. We learn how to challenge our bodies and how to listen to and take care of our bodies. Your body is the teacher and there is no one right way, so be kind to yourself and celebrate what your body can do. Your body IS a yoga body!

Susan Turner, Yoga Connections

www.YogaConnections.ca

Thai foot massage is a treatment for the lower legs and feet that originated in Thailand about 2000 years ago. It incorporates stretching, massage, thumb-walking and the use of a wooden stick to stimulate the reflex points. You lie on a massage table, fully clothed with access to the legs and feet. The session lasts for approximately 90 minutes. Thai foot reflexology restores balance to the body/mind through the reflexes of the feet and lower legs that are linked to the body’s energy meridians. The Thai meridians all begin at the navel and end at the extremities and may be used to treat organ systems through which they pass along their course. Thai foot reflexology is an enjoyable holistic treatment and reported benefits include improved circulation in legs, improved lymphatic drainage, reduced stiffness, improved flexibility, relief from stress and more. Don’t be surprised if you fall asleep halfway through the session as it can be that relaxing.

Rositha Jeanson, Balance and Harmony

www.rositha.ca