Giving can be good for your mental health. Research has shown that helping others can reduce stress, improve your emotional well-being, and even benefit your physical health. Here are some specific ways giving can be beneficial for health: 1. It promotes physiological changes in the brain associated with happiness. 2. It provides a sense of belonging. 3. It helps keep things in perspective. 4. It can boost confidence and optimism. 5. It can reduce stress and boost the immune system. 6. It can help get rid of negative feelings. All of these benefits can equal a longer, happier life!
Importance of Safe Skincare
Skin is our body’s largest organ and our protective barrier and keeping it healthy is essential for our wellbeing. With conventional beauty products, we are exposed to numerous harmful ingredients, such as preservatives, fragrance (both synthetic and natural) and dyes. some of which can lead to skin reactions. On top of it, there have also been major concerns about side effects of long-term exposure to many of these ingredients. Natural skincare is a niche market was born out of consumers’ concerns for product safety. When properly formulated, natural products provide healthy, effective, safe and environmentally friendly solutions for your skin.
Diversity and Inclusion
This topic has become a focus for workplaces and the benefits are clear. Many companies have spent money on training their leaders on this topic, but they have not seen the changes in behaviour that they had hoped for. This is because although they may come away with a better understanding of the topic, there are no specific corrective actions for them to take. Coaching can be a powerful and effective tool to help leaders, managers and underrepresented employees come up with solutions to their challenges. Are you looking for a safe space to open for growth?
Patient Means Being a Partner
Patient safety is everyone’s responsibility, including patients themselves! Getting involved improves your care. This is why MIPS offers free patient safety presentations to the public, providing information, resources, and tools that people can use to learn how to: 1) engage with their healthcare team 2) ask questions 3) be informed 4) take part in decision-making, and 5) advocate for themselves & others. If you are looking for valuable education for your community group or organization, and are interested in booking a virtual presentation, visit MIPS.ca/presentations.html for more details.
Product Review: Colflex® by Innotech™
ColFlex® Super Oregano Oil Spray is a great-tasting 4-in-1 oral spray containing essential oils of oregano, thyme, and spearmint oil in an extra virgin olive oil base, sweetened with stevia and fortified with vitamin D3. Spray orally to help relieve coughs, sore throat, travelling challenges, that “under the weather feeling” and for general oral hygiene and fresher breath. Lab tests show that ColFlex inhibited the growth of bacteria such as S. aureus and S. pneumonia after 27 minutes and inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. typhi after 9 minutes. Ask for Colflex® at your local Health Food Store.
Book Club: The Longevity Paradox
How to Die Young at a Ripe Old Age. by Dr. Steven R Gundry. In The Longevity Paradox, he maps out a new approach to aging well—one that is based on supporting the health of the “oldest” parts of us: the microorganisms that live within our bodies. Our gut bugs—the bacteria that make up the microbiome—largely determine our health over the years. From diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s to common ailments like arthritis and the appearance of our skin, these bugs are in the driver’s seat, controlling our quality of life as we age.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
As May marks both Melanoma Awareness Month and the beginning of summer, it is imperative that we be reminded of the importance of sun safety at this time of year. When selecting a sunscreen, go for the “broad spectrum” protection. Sunscreens with this label protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. Physical blockers (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) provide the best protection and cause less skin irritation than chemical sunscreens. Limit sun exposure between 10am and 4pm and wear protective clothing (long sleeves, hats and sunglasses). Be sure to get regular skin cancer screenings.
Allergy Season Is Back
Many people suffering from head pressure, itchy eyes, and a runny or stuffy nose this allergy season will find only temporary relief, or no relief at all, from over the counter remedies. Alternative approaches, such as nutritional supplementation and Biofeedback focus on more than just symptomatic relief. They enable the body’s ability to remove existing allergens imbedded in the sinus tissues, thereby minimizing the histamine and inflammatory reactions. This stops the over-production of mucus that the body makes to try and push the allergens out. Take a different approach this allergy season – treat the cause, not just the symptoms.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
“Now, what are you planning to do about that excess weight you’re carrying around:” the doctor asked the patient. “I just can’t seem to lose it, the man said “Must be an overactive thyroid.” “The tests show your thyroid is perfectly normal,” the doctor said. “If anything is overactive, it’s your fork.”
Natural Product Spotlight:
Herbs and Butters Skincare products promote and support healthier skin using ingredients that are safe, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Formulated by a chemist in small batches, each product is carefully created with a purpose using proven botanical ingredients that work to gently transform your skin. Herbs and Butters strives to be a sustainable skincare brand by incorporating plant-based components that are biodegradable. All products are cruelty free, never tested on animals and free of harmful or controversial ingredients. Herbs and Butters boasts a full line of premium and luxurious facial and body care products including eye creams, serums, cleansers, toners, exfoliators and moisturizers.
In Your Community
Learning new skills can help you face the daily realities of living with and caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is offering free online family education to help empower and inform people with dementia, their families and friends. Join us for a wide range of topics, such as navigating the first steps after a diagnosis and end of life care, so you can feel more confident on your dementia journey. To learn more about our sessions and to register, please visit our website at Alzheimer.mb.ca.