Community News
Let Kindness Grow:

Combating Bullying Through Parenting and Compassion

On February 26th, we recognize Pink Shirt Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about bullying and promote kindness. This year’s theme, “Let Kindness Grow,” invites us to cultivate empathy, respect, and compassion—not just in our children but also in ourselves. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how we embody these values in our daily lives, within our families, and in the broader world.

Bullying is not confined to childhood—it often manifests in adult behavior, too. Whether it’s yelling at referees and coaches during a hockey game or posting hurtful comments online, these actions model aggression and intolerance. Such behaviors send a harmful message to children, reinforcing the idea that power and intimidation are acceptable ways to express disagreement or assert control.

Like any quality we hope to nurture, growing kindness requires consistent care and the opportunity for children to experience it firsthand, starting with their relationships with parents and caregivers. How we show up for our children plays a pivotal role in shaping their interactions with others and determining whether they develop bullying tendencies.

Research shows that an authoritative parenting style—characterized by clear expectations, consistent rules, and a warm, nurturing approach—fosters mutually respectful relationships. This parenting style teaches children empathy and respect, reducing the likelihood of aggressive or bullying behaviors. Authoritative parenting strikes a healthy balance between leadership and care. For instance, a parent might enforce rules about screen time while also validating a child’s feelings about wanting to stay connected with friends online. This approach helps children learn to respect authority without fear, advocate for themselves, and build trust. It also teaches them to resolve conflicts without resorting to aggression or dominance.

In contrast, an authoritarian parenting style—marked by rigid rules, harsh punishments, and a lack of warmth—has the highest correlation with child aggression, including bullying. Many authoritarian tactics mimic bullying behaviors, such as power imbalances, physical or emotional harm, and aggressive demands for compliance. When children experience these behaviors at home, they may internalize them as acceptable ways to assert power or resolve conflicts, perpetuating the cycle of bullying.

Bullying thrives on power imbalances and a lack of empathy, but children raised with authoritative parenting are more likely to value fairness, consent, and kindness. By modeling these behaviors, parents can teach children to build respectful relationships, appropriately stand up for themselves, and confront bullying in all its forms.

This Pink Shirt Day, let us reflect on the powerful role parenting and adult behavior play in shaping a kinder world. By adopting an authoritative approach and modeling empathy and respect, we plant the seeds of love, fairness, and compassion in our children. Let kindness grow—because when it does, we create a future where bullying has no place.

Disability Support For Canadians

The Disability Credit can significantly reduce income tax payments and generate a one-time lump sum refund. It caters to individuals experiencing difficulties whilem walking, dressing, or preparing food. Eligible medical conditions include those that affect vision, mobility, hearing, feeding, dressing, elimination functions, and mental capacities crucial for daily life. For a list of eligible medical conditions, as well as comprehensive information on applying for this substantial program, contact Brett Scott 1-844-453-5372

Heart Health Starts with Exercise

Boost your heart health with a balanced fitness routine! Aerobic exercise and resistance training not only strengthens your heart but also burn calories and improve your metabolic rate. Building and toning muscle increases calorie burn even at rest. Pairing regular exercise with a dedicated commitment to healthy eating is the key to effective weight loss. Flexibility exercises add balance and reduce injury risk, completing your wellness plan. Ready to take the first step? Call 306-639-5239 to book a FREE trial for you and a friend today! A healthier, stronger you starts here.

Words to Live By

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose.” – Dr. Seuss

Healthcare Rocks 3 Featuring Elton Rohn

Get ready to rock and feel the love tonight and rock out for a cause! Healthcare Rocks 3, presented by Cypress Paving, hits the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre on Saturday, March 15th. Hosted by the dynamic Leroy & Leroy, this event supports the Moose Jaw Health Foundation and the Women’s Health Unit. Headlining the night is Elton Rohn, North America’s top Elton John tribute artist, bringing the magic of Elton’s iconic hits to life. Tickets are just $50 (plus fees), and on sale now at moosejawculture.ca or the box office. Dust off your 80s rockstar gear and join the fun!

Heart Health at Pharmasave

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, often goes unrecognized and untreated because there are no symptoms. Your pharmacist can help you reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke, by: 1. Reviewing your medications, helping you take them as prescribed and managing potential side effects. 2. Teaching you how to use a blood pressure monitoring device properly and testing your blood pressure regularly. 3. Advising you how to maintain a healthy weight, and a diet that’s low in sodium. and 4. Guiding you through a step-by-step quit smoking plan. Learn more about how to keep your blood pressure under control by speaking with your pharmacist.

Harm Reduction Advocation

Some call Hard Knox Talks an addiction recovery podcast. Others call us harm reduction advocates. Hard Knox Talks is a live streaming video podcast centered around all things substance use. From inspiring stories of recovery to useful information about drug policy, and current events, find new Hard Knox Talks episodes every week on YouTube or on your favorite audio podcast platform. We won’t dissapoint!

Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Event

Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is a winterrific family-friendly 2 or 5 km fundraising walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. On February 22, 2025, Canadians in over 200 communities will step outside the warmth and comfort of home to shine a light of welcome and compassion in their communities. In Regina, CNOY helps YWCA Regina provide shelter, care, and holistic support to women and families experiencing homelessness to heal and find hope. Learn more + get involved at //cnoy.org/regina

Clear Your Mind for Love and Self-Care

In the month of February, love and romance often take center stage, but don’t let them overshadow your happiness. By releasing mental clutter and societal expectations, you create space for authentic joy and connection. This year, prioritize self-care to stay grounded and aligned with your true desires. One transformative option is an Access Bars session—a gentle process that clears mental static and fosters clarity. Feel complete, heart-centered, and ready to embrace life’s possibilities. Let 2025 be the year you save space for yourself and thrive in harmony with your heart’s truest intentions. Call 306-639-5239 to book your session today!

How is your Lung Life?

You read that right—we want you to think not just about your love life this February, but also about your lung life. Show love to your lungs by: – Breathing in clean, fresh air. If you smoke, quitting is the best gift for your health. – Protecting your lungs from flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, and RSV by staying up to date on your vaccines. – Getting reliable lung health information from trusted sources. – Tuning into our Let’s Talk Lungs podcast and Lung Life webinar series to learn from experts. Visit www.LungSask.ca to explore more ways to care for your lungs.

Supporting Your Mental Health Through Winter

As winter sets in, you might notice a shift in mood. Shorter days, less sunlight, colder weather, and more indoor time often contribute to the “winter blues”—a mild, temporary sadness as the days grow darker. However, some people experience a more intense form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

SAD is a recognized form of clinical depression with symptoms similar to major depressive disorder, including persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, and changes in sleep and appetite. However, with SAD, these symptoms follow a seasonal pattern, emerging and subsiding around the same time each year. While not everyone who feels low in winter has SAD, the effects of limited sunlight and limited outdoor time impact many living in northern climates.

Whether or not you have SAD, incorporating some simple, positive habits into your winter routine can help manage the winter blues:
1. Get Outside Daily
Spending time outdoors, even when it’s chilly, can be a natural mood booster. Take a walk, ski, skate or play in the snow with your kids. Exposure to natural light, especially earlier in the day, helps regulate our mood and body clock, while fresh air and physical activity bring additional benefits.
2. Exercise Regularly
Physical activity, whether indoors or outdoors, releases the body’s natural mood elevators, while reducing stress hormones. Regular exercise not only boosts mood and confidence but also enhances energy levels, making it easier to handle winter’s demands.
3. Focus on Nutrition and Gut Health
Eating a nutrient-rich diet supports mental and physical health in powerful ways. Foods high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants nourish the brain and protect it from oxidative stress, which can damage cells. Gut health also plays a key role in mental well-being; the gut produces about 90% of the body’s serotonin, a chemical that influences mood. Eating foods rich in fiber, probiotics and prebiotics supports healthy gut bacteria, which in turn can help stabilize mood and boost mental resilience.
4. Consider Light Therapy
For those struggling with the reduced daylight, light therapy can be an effective option. Light therapy lamps mimic sunlight, helping balance mood and energy levels. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before using one to ensure it’s the right option for you and to learn best practices for safe use.

While these strategies can be beneficial for many, some people experience more severe symptoms that significantly affect daily life. If low mood, fatigue, or other symptoms impact your well-being, consulting a doctor or mental health professional can be a helpful next step to explore options like medication, counseling, or other treatments. Winter can be challenging, but with proactive habits, it’s possible to support mental health and even enjoy the colder months. From getting outside to prioritizing self-care, small steps can make a big difference.