May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s a time dedicated to raising awareness and understanding about mental health issues, reducing stigma surrounding mental illnesses, and advocating for support and resources for those who are affected. During this month we ask everyone come together to promote mental health education, provide support to those struggling, and encourage conversations about mental well-being. We at Valley Hill truly believe every youth deserves a second chance, so let us rally together for a better tomorrow!
Community News
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!
May Brain Teasers Answers
.1 Footsteps 2. An artichoke 3. A joke 4. A bottle
Words To Live By
“By being yourself, you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before.” – Edwin Elliot
Disability Tax Benefits
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit aiding individuals with physical or mental impairments in reducing income tax. It extends to those supporting disabled individuals or their spouses. Applicable at federal and provincial levels, the DTC aims to level the tax playing field between those with and without disabilities. Individuals facing additional costs related to medical care, food, housing, transportation, and personal assistance services can find financial relief by claiming the DTC on their tax return. Moreover, DTC eligibility opens doors to complementary government programs, such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan, Child Disability Benefit, Canada Worker’s Benefit Disability Supplement, and Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit.
Naturopathic Approach to Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Did you know that April is IBS Awareness Month? IBS is one of the most common digestive disorders and can sometimes be one of the most confusing. Common triggers for IBS symptoms include stress, reduced gut biome diversity, food sensitivities/intolerances, and hormones. The condition is often diagnosed by ruling out other conditions and is frequently treated with pharmaceutical medications. Another option is to use naturopathic medicine to take a whole-system approach to managing the condition. This can involve individually tailored plans featuring botanicals, supplements, and enzymes, diet changes, and stress management techniques to address underlying health factors.
DID YOU KNOW??
Fascia aka connective tissue is a three-dimensional web that spreads throughout the body and surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel and organ. So, when a fascial restriction occurs due to a physical or emotional trauma, or a surgery, there is a binding down of the fascial system. This binding down of the fascia can create tremendous pressure in the body causing pain, limited mobility, and restricted range of motion. If you are struggling with pain or restricted movement, schedule yourself a myofascial release treatment, and get back to moving pain free. Help is just a call away.
Chicken Salad Sandwich Supreme
4 cans of Flaked Chicken
1 green apple, chopped (or substitute grapes)
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2/3 c. mayonnaise
1/4 c. Dijon mustard
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, can sprinkle some dried dill if desired
Bread/Croissant
Lettuce
In a large bowl, combine chicken, apple/grapes, onion, and celery.
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon, and vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
Pour dressing over chicken mixture and toss.
Serve on a Croissant or Bread with lettuce.
Youth Engagement & Empowerment Program
The Youth Engagement & Empowerment program is available
for youth and operates five days a week (Tuesday to
Saturday) and is free to register. Transportation and food are
provided. Participation is required, and our goal is to provide
a safe space where youth can develop self-esteem, leadership
skills, and healthy relationships. We offer evening, summer,
and Saturday day programs, including cultural activities and
on-the-land camps. We aim to reduce illegal behaviors and
drug use among indigenous youth and address their mental
health concerns. Our team includes Elders, youth workers, and
various facilitators. We care about urban Indigenous youth and
are here to help and support them and their families.
National Day of Mourning
In April we recognize the National Day of Mourning, marked annually in Canada on April 28, dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job, or experienced a work-related tragedy. It is not only a day to remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to a workplace tragedy, but also a day to collectively renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths. At Mont St. Joseph Home we work collectively to be the employer of choice for our staff.
Healing Through Decluttering After Loss
Beginning the process can be the most challenging, there is no right or wrong way, or to what extent you will declutter. Focus on taking care of yourself, doing what feels right, and not rushing. Some tips: set small, achievable goals; let go of guilt and remember removing belongings doesn’t weaken the connection or the memories; ask for help if you overwhelmed; consider if you will save things for yourself, for others, donate, sell, or throw away; remember giving your family a meaningful gift can be priceless. The process can itself be meaningful and is an opportunity to help you process grief.
