Protein Oatmeal Cookies: 2 c oats; 1 c vanilla protein powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup stevia; 1/2 c + 2 tbsp melted butter; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups oats, 1 cup protein powder, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ cup stevia. Mix well. Next, add in ½ cup + 2 tbsp of melted butter, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla. Roll into 12 equal-sized balls and press flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Enjoy!
Community News
Trivia Answers
1) False: While cold weather doesn’t cause illness directly, spending more time indoors in close contact to others can increase your risk of exposure to viruses and bacteria.
2) The ski was invented before the wheel, 22,000 years ago.
3) All snowflakes have 6 sides.
Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Event
The Coldest Night of the Year takes place on February 28, 2026! CNOY is a winterrific family-friendly fundraising walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. All across Canada, over 200 communities are coming together for good this winter to provide hope and help for those who need it most. Your small steps can make a big difference! Register today, start a team, walk, and fundraise:
January Trivia
1) True or False? Cold weather makes you sick.
2) What was invented first, the wheel or the ski?
3) How many sides does a snowflake have?
Words to Live By
We wish you and your family a joyful, bright, healthy, prosperous and happiest new year ahead! Happy New Year!
Book Club: The Mountain is You
Transforming Self-Sabotage into Self-Mastery by Brianna Wiest
Coexisting but conflicting needs create self-sabotaging behaviors. This is why we resist efforts to change, often until they feel completely futile. But by extracting crucial insight from our most damaging habits, building emotional intelligence by better understanding our brains and bodies, releasing past experiences at a cellular level, and learning to act as our highest potential future selves, we can step out of our own way and into our potential.
Experience the Power of GemWater
Start the new year with a refreshing way to hydrate, both inside and out. VitaJuwel GemWater bottles bring beauty and intention to your daily water routine. Each bottle features a hand-crafted GemPod filled with precious gemstones, designed to naturally infuse your water with revitalizing energy. With 20 unique gemstone blends to choose from, you can select the combination that aligns with your wellness goals, from clarity and balance to vitality and harmony. These elegant, reusable bottles also make thoughtful gifts for anyone seeking a more mindful lifestyle. Shop our full line of products online at
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
(ACEs): Healing Through Connection
Many of us carry experiences from childhood that shaped who we are today — some positive, and some painful. When early experiences involve chronic stress, neglect, or abuse, they can have lasting effects on our health and well-being. These are called Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs.
What Are ACEs?
ACEs are difficult or traumatic events that occur before the age of 18. They include experiences such as abuse, neglect, witnessing domestic violence, parental separation, or living with a parent who struggles with addiction or mental illness.
The term “ACEs” comes from a landmark 1990s study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Kaiser Permanente, which followed over 17,000 adults for decades. Researchers discovered a strong link between childhood adversity and long-term health outcomes. The more ACEs a person experiences, the higher their risk for emotional, mental, and physical health challenges.
The Impact of ACEs
ACEs can affect the brain, body, and overall development. Chronic stress in childhood keeps the body in “survival mode,” altering brain development, hormone regulation, immune function, and even inflammation.
This can increase the risk for:
• Anxiety, depression, and difficulty with relationships
• Substance use or behavioral challenges
• Heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic conditions
ACEs can also affect parenting, making it harder to respond calmly or set boundaries, which can unintentionally pass patterns of stress to the next generation.
Healing Is Possible at Any Age
It’s important to know: ACEs are not a life sentence. While early experiences shape us, healing is possible throughout life. Positive experiences can counterbalance the effects of trauma at any age. These include:
• Safe, trusting relationships with friends, family, or mentors
• Feeling seen, understood, and valued
• Connection to community, learning, and creative expression
• Supportive environments where we can relax, play, or reflect
Counselling can be a helpful route, but it’s not the only one. Connection and belonging are at the heart of healing. Feeling understood and supported can repair stress patterns, strengthen resilience, and foster hope — whether we are children, teens, or adults.
Moving Forward
Understanding ACEs is about awareness and opportunity, not blame. By recognizing how early experiences shape us, we can take steps to nurture our own healing and create healthier relationships — for ourselves, our children, and our community.
At Moose Jaw Family Services, we focus on helping people of all ages find connection, understanding, and belonging — the foundation of recovery and growth. Through counselling, mentorship, community support, or simply building strong relationships, every individual has the power to heal, thrive, and break the cycle of adversity.
A Story of Strength and Hope
Behind every diagnosis is a life. Alex Allan, a stage four prostate cancer client from the Moose Jaw Vitality Project, has transitioned into the remission stage, continuing to mark significant steps forward. Allan states, “These things take time; they don’t work overnight, but patience is key. You can’t deny my experience. It’s personal, it’s truth, it’s my story and it could be yours.” Through faith, patience, and unwavering commitment, Alex has approached his health journey with resilience. His optimism continues to shape a life lived with more strength, focus, and meaning than ever before.
Low-Impact Workouts, Maximum Benefits
Low-impact interval training at Fit 4 Life offers major benefits by combining intense bursts with recovery, making it joint-friendly, reducing injury risk, improving cardiovascular health, aiding weight management, boosting mental well-being, and enhancing flexibility and strength. We accommodate many age ranges, and are accessible for beginners, those recovering from injury, or anyone seeking a sustainable, effective workout that’s gentler on the body. The facility provides intervals, free weights, cardio equipment, tanning, far infrared sauna therapy and other day spa services on site. Call 306-693-5239 for a Free trial for you and a friend.
Holistic Support for Your New Year Goals
Looking for a sustainable, stimulant-free way to support your health in the new year? NeoraFit™️ offers a simple, holistic system designed to help balance metabolism, digestion, and immunity. Its three-part set works together to encourage fat-browning, curb cravings, support collagen, and gently detox overnight. With convenient daily sachets and access to a free online support hub that features recipes, workouts, and wellness workshops – it’s an easy way to stay motivated and consistent. If you’re ready to feel more energized and supported from the inside out, NeoraFit™️ may be the gentle reset your wellness routine needs this January.
