The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines suggest adults should perform at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, as well as two sessions of muscle and bone strengthening activities, to achieve physical AND mental health benefits. With winter coming, and the challenges of leaving home, this can seem daunting! Your physiotherapist can tailor an exercise program designed specifically for you to do inside with minimal space (to help avoid the cold weather!), and with equipment everyone has around their home. At 30 minutes per day, the benefits of exercise are countless, while the side effects are minimal.
Community News
Handling The Holidays
Whatever holiday you celebrate this season, even if you’re surrounded by family and friends, it can be stressful. Making sure that your body and mind can handle stress is the best gift that you can give yourself. One of the best ways to improve your overall health and stress-handling ability is through Bioenergetics. Bioenergetics uses computerized testing and treatment to effectively determine and treat any imbalance or weakness in the body that is preventing you from achieving both optimal stress management and improved health. This holiday season, make sure that stress isn’t an unwanted gift that you can’t give back.
Clean Eating Recipe
Protein Peppermint Bark: Dark Chocolate Layer: 2 c. Greek yogurt. 1/4 c. maple syrup. 1 ½ tsp. peppermint extract. 1/4 c. dark cocoa powder. Stir to combine. Spread the mixture onto lined baking sheet. Freeze 30 min. White Peppermint Layer: 2 c. Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup maple syrup. 1 tsp peppermint extract; ½ tsp vanilla. Stir to combine. Spread the white layer over the frozen chocolate layer and freeze for 3 hours. Break into bite-size portions and enjoy!
Renew & Recharge for the New Year
As the holiday season and New Year approach, it’s the perfect time to prioritize wellness. Incorporating Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy into your healthcare routine can be a game-changer for managing seasonal stress, fatigue, and overall well-being. PEMF therapy works by stimulating cellular function, which enhances natural healing, improves sleep, and boosts energy levels—essential during the busy holiday period. This non-invasive therapy can also help reduce inflammation and relieve chronic pain, offering a fresh start to the new year. Embrace PEMF therapy as a proactive approach to self-care and feel renewed and resilient all season long.
Coping with Seasonal Depression
Winter’s shorter days can take a toll on mood and energy, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Seasonal depression is real, and there are ways to tackle it that make a difference. Start by getting outside as much as you can to soak up natural light—even a few minutes can help lift your spirits. Light therapy lamps can also be a great option when the sun is scarce. Staying active is another powerful tool, as exercise releases endorphins that boost mood. Connecting with friends, finding meaningful activities, sticking to a sleep routine, and eating well all play a role in keeping your mental health on track.
Why Hire an End-of-Life Doula?
An end-of-life doula offers compassionate, holistic support to individuals and families during the deeply personal journey of dying. Unlike medical providers, doulas are dedicated to creating a comforting, personalized experience that honors each person’s unique needs and wishes. They assist with life reviews, helping individuals reflect on and celebrate their lives, and can organize living funerals—special gatherings where loved ones can come together to share memories and gratitude while the person is still present. Doulas also facilitate conversations around final wishes and provide a non-judgmental, supportive presence. By easing fears around death and offering a space for closure, end-of-life doulas bring dignity, meaning, and a sense of fulfillment to life’s final chapter.
Preparing for your Quit Date
A new year is upon us, which makes it a great time to quit smoking. A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your success. When planning your quit date, it’s helpful to remind yourself of the reasons you want to do this in the first place. There are major reasons to quit, such as reducing your risk for disease and cancer. What are your other reasons? Write down your top 10. Before your quit day, you may want to think of rewards you can give yourself, as well as activities which you can turn to if cravings get bad. Studies tell us that psychological preparation plays a large role in the likelihood of success with smoking cessation.
Enjoying Holidays with Hearing Loss
If you have a hearing loss, attending family gatherings with many people can be stressful. Here are three tips to ensure a sound-filled holiday season. 1. Spend time with family members one-on-one. 2. Try to sit next to someone who will be willing to keep you in on the conversation if you miss anything that has been said. 3. Book a check of your hearing aids before the holiday season starts to ensure they are working their best. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the laughter of your kids, grandkids, or family members as they open presents or sit around the table. Happy Holidays!
Remembering a Loved One
Celebrate your loved one’s life in a way that feels right for you and your family and friends without having to go through a traditional funeral home. For some, it might mean planning a tribute at a local, favourite restaurant or hotel, or hosting a simple, intimate gathering in the backyard with family and friends, while for others, maybe it’s a private moment shared over a glass of wine or cup of tea, quietly remembering the good times right at home. Branch & Pyre provides Modern, Simple Cremation Care, with clear and affordable pricing. No Funeral Home appointment needed.
Experience the Sound of Healing
A sound bath meditation offers profound benefits for both mind and body. Immersed in soothing, resonant tones from gongs, crystal bowls, and chimes, participants experience deep relaxation and stress relief. The harmonious vibrations can lower cortisol levels, enhance mood, and promote mental clarity. Physically, sound waves can help release tension and reduce pain, while fostering a sense of balance and overall well-being. This immersive experience encourages mindfulness, aiding in emotional healing and spiritual growth. Ideal for those seeking a gentle yet powerful way to restore inner peace, a sound bath meditation provides a rejuvenating escape from daily stressors this holiday season.
Cold Weather and Eczema
Winter exacerbates eczema, a skin condition characterized by inflammation and itchiness. The cold, dry air strips the skin of its natural moisture, leading to increased sensitivity and irritation. Harsh winds and indoor heating systems further contribute to the problem, aggravating existing symptoms. To combat winter-induced eczema, prioritize hydration by using rich moisturizers and gentle, fragrance-free skincare products. Avoid hot showers that can strip away natural oils and opt for lukewarm water instead. Dress in layers to protect the skin from extreme temperatures, and consider using a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air. Regular skincare maintenance is crucial to manage eczema during the winter months.
