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!

Valley Hill Youth Treatment Centre

VHYTC stands as a beacon of hope, dedicating its mission to transforming the lives of troubled youth. This remarkable facility provides comprehensive treatment programs, addressing the complex challenges that young individuals face today. With a multidisciplinary team of experts and state-of-the-art facilities, Valley Hill creates a nurturing environment for healing and growth. Their holistic approach, blending therapy, education, and recreational activities, empowers young people to overcome adversity and build a brighter future. Through their commitment to making a positive impact, Valley Hill Youth Treatment Centre exemplifies excellence in youth rehabilitation and sets the standard for transformative care.

World Humanitarian Day

This month we observe World Humanitarian Day which means we prioritize the well-being and dignity of all people, particularly those who are vulnerable, oppressed, or suffering. This work occurs all year long but on August 19th we observe this day to advocate for and work towards positive change in society. It is our commitment to Human Dignity and our belief in the inherent worth and rights of every individual, regardless of their circumstances which drives this purpose, join us in our pledge for a better tomorrow!

Holistic Wellness Program

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.

Making the Most of Summer Parenting

Summer brings unique opportunities for families. While some parents are home full-time with their kids, others balance work with managing their children’s schedules. No matter the situation, summer is a valuable time for relaxation and connection. Here are some tips to make the most of summer parenting.

Healthy Snacks: Having a variety of healthy snacks readily available is key. Stock up on fruits, veggies, boiled eggs, cheese, yogurt, and crackers. These nutritious options keep kids fueled and encourage independence and healthy eating habits. Easy access to approved snacks helps prevent reaching for sugary, processed foods.

Maintain Some Structure: While summer offers a break from school routines, some structure is beneficial. Setting parameters around chores and screen time helps balance relaxation and responsibility. Decide what fits your family’s expectations, such as playing outside before using devices or completing chores first.

Limit Screen Time: Encouraging non-screen activities can be challenging but easier with alternatives available. Promote playing outside, reading, crafting, or cooking. Establishing these limits early sets a balanced routine for the summer weeks.

Quality Family Time: Summer is perfect for quality family time. Whether it’s a big vacation, weekends at the lake, camping trips, or home activities like walks, board games, and backyard camping, the key is meaningful, enjoyable moments. Plan activities catering to everyone’s interests and abilities to create lasting memories.

Encourage Social Interaction: In today’s digital age, much social interaction occurs through screens. While online communication has benefits, in-person social activities are crucial. Encourage playdates, local events, or informal park gatherings. Social interaction helps develop communication skills, empathy, and lasting friendships and provides a screen break with physical play, essential for health and well-being.

Explore New Interests: Summer is an excellent time to explore new interests and activities. Encourage trying new things, whether a sport, hobby, or project-based activity like cooking, building a box fort, or starting a small garden. These activities keep kids occupied and help develop new skills and interests. Engaging in projects can be rewarding, providing a sense of accomplishment and allowing for creative exploration. Plus, it’s a great way for parents and children to spend time together, working on a common goal.

Maintain Sleep Habits: While summer often means relaxed bedtimes, maintaining some limits on sleep is important. Sleep ensures everyone feels rested and healthy. Flexibility is good, but keeping bedtimes somewhat structured helps maintain a routine and ensures children get the rest they need. Adequate sleep supports physical health and emotional and cognitive well-being, helping kids enjoy their summer days fully.

Summer can be a magical time for families, offering a break from the hectic school year and a chance to reconnect and relax. By providing healthy snacks, setting some structure, spending quality time together, encouraging social interaction, exploring new activities, and maintaining healthy sleep habits, you can make the most of your summer parenting. Each family’s summer will look different, but with a little planning and flexibility, it can be a time of joy and rejuvenation for everyone.

Cremation or Burial?

Should you choose cremation or burial? To make the right decision, the first step is to understand each option. Cremation uses heat and evaporation, ultimately reducing the body to what is referred to as cremated remains. A casket or container is still required for cremation. Burial is the act of placing the deceased into a casket which is lowered into a grave and covered with earth, or entombed. Other factors to consider include: personal choice, memorialization options, cost, religion or tradition, and spouse’s wishes. With either option, a visitation, funeral and reception give the chance to say goodbye. There are many options to make the final ceremonies as special as the person being celebrated.

Moose Jaw Humane Society Bookstore

Reading is a magnificent way to be whisked away on an adventure, swept off your feet by romance, solving a mystery or just being quiet with your mind and soul with a cup of coffee and a great book. Moose Jaw Humane Society has a plethora of books of every genre and is a significant fundraiser for our furry friends. Books are $2.50 and children’s books are only $1… why pay more elsewhere? The bookstore is located at the shelter and is open Monday to Friday 10-5pm and Saturday 10-4pm.

Coping with Loss

When your loved ones reach a certain age, deaths and funerals become common place; scanning the obituaries becomes a morning habit. Dealing with these losses can take a toll. Funerals play an important part in honouring and remembering. The living come together, support each other and share their grief. Talking about what they like may lead to not only discovering what their loved one wishes are for their funeral.

Reasons to Create a Fitness Journal

1) It helps you set goals, visualize them and make a concise agenda on how to achieve them. A journal makes you accountable for your actions. 2) It will also reveal truths about habits you may not be consciously aware of. 3) And most important, you’re writing persistently reminds you of your original aspiration to put fitness and weight loss into your lifestyle. So don’t procrastinate, pick up a pen and some paper and start a record of the steps you’re taking to a healthy lifestyle. Fit 4 Life has 12-week challenge journals and the program to make it happen. Call 306-693-5239 for a Free Trial!

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy focuses on non-invasive treatments to help your body do its own healing. A Naturopathic Doctor considers your symptoms in the context of your whole story. This big-picture approach allows the Doctor to get to the root of your concerns to create an effective and individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs. A detailed health history is taken and a physical examinations conducted. Lab testing and assessments may be used in order to investigate the underlying cause of your concerns. Treatments can include a combination of botanical medicine, acupuncture, therapeutic diets, lifestyle counseling, and nutritional supplementation.

Release Judgement for Greater Ease

What if you didn’t need to judge yourself or anyone else any longer? Judgment halts our creations, disrupts ease in daily life, and prevents us from asking for more. It’s like a stop sign in front of every miracle you seek. Judging yourself harder doesn’t improve your life. Ask yourself, “If I weren’t judging myself or my choices, what else could I choose?” This shift opens a universe of possibilities. Consider getting your Access Bars run today to make this change a reality! Release judgment and embrace greater ease in your life.