Community News
Stop Toxic Skin Care Products

There is a lot of information regarding toxic ingredients in skin care and cosmetic lines that we purchase. At times, I feel like no matter what brand I purchase, I am taking a risk. There are key words that we are aware of; additives like parabens, sulfates, toluene, and formaldehyde are only a few of the chemicals that manufacturers use to create everyday items. What people do not realize is that these toxic chemicals are endocrine disruptors; they can mimic estrogen and possibly contribute to breast cancers. Causemetics has brought together eleven of Canada’s natural and non-toxic companies to produce a line that is safe and high quality. An automatic donation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund is made when you purchase Causemetics.

The Unexpected Gift
www.theunexpectedgift.ca

Hair Stress Solutions

Evelyn Valcout from Evelyn’s Wig Sales & Service has over 28 years of specialized consultations comforting women of all ages and backgrounds. Women who have been diagnosed with cancer, alopecia, lupus, and trichotillomania, all have had the experience of losing their hair. They have an extraordinary place offering a product that help women be more confident, look good, and still feel like the women they want to be. Women leave looking absolutely stunning with designer fashion hair and slip on headwear. The wigs are available in high tech synthetics or Remy human hair. They have hundreds to choose from with colours and styles so varied that your stylist would be impressed.  Styles are endless: Soft curls, ringlets, beach waves, pixies, straight styles, mid length, shoulder length and longer hair are available. You can also use your favourite styling products on these wigs! Perfect hair in minutes!

www.evelynswigs.com

Life’s Better With Balance

It’s not only the surfer who benefits from good balance. Whether you enjoy walking, badminton, or cycling, balance plays a key role in performance, injury-prevention, and the pleasure you get from your favorite activities. This mind-body skill is integral to all physical activity from the day-to-day activities to weekend sports and leisure activities, and it switches on as soon as you get up out of your chair. Good balance is a remarkable coordination of muscles, nerves, brain, and your senses. Every move you make sparks rapid-fire communication throughout your body aimed at coordinating nerve impulses and muscle contractions to produce even tiny adjustments that keep you upright whether you are standing, walking, or running. Curves Body Balance Class inserts balance exercises between the resistance training on the machines to challenge mind and body and the connection between the two: the essence of balance. Have your best summer ever by getting your body and mind in shape to perform at their peak.

Anita Wilson, Curves Southdale
www.curves.ca

Companion Animal Reiki

Reiki is a hands-on healing system originating in 1800’s Japan. It is a gentle, non-invasive technique used to balance one’s body, mind and spirit. Some may not realize its benefits for animals. Animals are far more sensitive than we can imagine. As an Animal Reiki Master and Communicator of ten years, I can tell you that most animals feel that it is their duty to carry the stresses of their people. Reiki dispels bottled negative energies that if left untreated, often manifest into physical dis-eases. Reiki is highly beneficial for introducing shelter-adopted animals into new homes, or helping to introduce newly homed animals to current animal residents. Additional benefits of Animal Reiki include: a decrease in anxiety, obesity, lethargy, depression, an acceleration in healing time from wounds, and a strong sense of peace among a great many others.

Jill Saifer, Soulstice Spirit Healing
www.soulsticespirithealing.wordpress.com

Book Club: The Awakened Introvert

Practical Mindfulness Skills to Help You Maximize Your Strengths and Thrive in a Loud and Crazy World by Arnie Kozak.

In a world that favors the outgoing, gregarious extrovert, being an introvert can be difficult. But the truth is that introverts have distinct advantages—as long as they know how to use them. Unlike extroverts, who draw their energy from social interaction, your energy comes from quiet reflection. Is it any wonder then, that mindfulness can help you hone your natural talents?

Introverts are powerful observers and creators. If you are an introvert, this book will show you how to tap into your inherent introvert strengths and “awaken” your potential using mindfulness meditations and cognitive behavioral techniques.

www.newharbinger.com/awakened-introvert

Clean Eating: Spicy Hummus

Place ½ cup of roasted sesame seeds, squeeze ½ lemon, 1tsp sea salt and ¼ cup olive oil in a food processor.

Blend until paste.

Add 5 cloves crushed garlic, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 2 Tbsp chili flakes, ½ tsp black pepper, squeeze in the other ½ lemon, and 1 can drained & rinsed organic chickpeas.

Blend and slowly add approx. ¼ cup water to desired consistency.

Garish with paprika.

Enjoy!

Made in Manitoba

Optima Organics is a new ‘Made in Manitoba’ Natural Skin Care Company that uses only natural high impact ingredients. Enhanced with Sophisticated Skin Nutrients and essential oils, Optima Organics will give you the results that you are looking for in a skin care line – without any of the chemicals. Created by two Manitoba women; (1) a skin care specialist for over 20 years that has seen the damaging results from chemicals being used from facial products, and (2) a natural alchemist and skin care manufacturer from Manitoba, that were fed up with products claiming to be natural but laden with hidden harmful chemicals. Together we have created a truly all-natural face care cream.

Cheryl Fedeluk
www.currentexpressions.ca

Legs—you gotta love ‘em

They get you up off the couch and walk you through the park. We use our legs every day, so it’s easy to take them for granted and assume they’ll be just fine—until you can’t take the mile hike along the trail, or you have trouble going up and down the stairs. Your leg muscles are powerhouses that work together to propel you up out of your chair, out the door, and down the road walking or running. They support your body and are actively making adjustments to keep you balanced and vertical. Your calves help stabilize your ankles, your hamstrings and quadriceps work together to support your knee. The bottom line—you’ll maintain or improve day-to-day function and enjoy the physical activities you love. Bonus: your legs will look lovelier at the beach or by the swimming pool this summer.

Anita Wilson, Curves Southdale
www.curves.com

The Unexpected Gift

As a cancer survivor, I understand how difficult the experience can be. First, you are dealing with a devastating diagnosis and the uncertainty of what the future may hold. On top of all the doctor appointments, there is the challenge to find products and services that are safe. For women, hair loss may occur and one might want a wig or a scarf to wear. During radiation, one’s skin may become hypersensitive; soothing skin care is required, but you don’t know where to find it. Visiting a number of places to find what you need is a struggle. Opening at the end of June, there will be a compassionate and convenient location, a one-stop shop, to find all your needs. From specific skin care lines created for cancer patients, non-toxic and non-carcinogenic cosmetic and nail care lines, wigs, prosthetics, and mastectomy clothing lines, safe aesthetics, massage, lymphatic drainage, and other supportive programs.

Tara Torchia-Wells
www.theunexpectedgift.ca

Manitoba Made: Summer Outdoor Spray

Survive Summer Outdoor Spray. Created to keep you cool and refreshed during the heat of summer with NO harsh chemicals! A delightful blend of essential oils, soy bean oil and Aloe Vera Juice! Simply spray on to exposed skin and massage well. Soy bean oil has been endorsed by Health Canada as an effective bug repellent and it also contains a natural SPF factor of 15. Great for camping, golfing, sitting around the outdoor fire, hiking and anytime you are outdoors! The essential oils help to keep the skin cool, decrease perspiration and can limit oil production of the skin. Safe for children and pets!

Sue Mazur
www.aromaticearth.ca

Wellness Tip

Try Tea Tree Oil – For athlete’s foot, reach for tea tree oil, an extract of the leaves of an Australian tree. It appears to have antiseptic properties and may work as well as or better than over-the-counter antifungal products. Apply a light coating of the oil to affected areas two to three times a day; continue for a week or two after symptoms disappear.

Sandy Lefley, Juice Plus
www.slefley.canada.juiceplus.com