While 20/20 vision is a great start, our vision is also related to how well our eyes work together with our brain to process visual information. Many children who suffer with vision problems can go undiagnosed, since learning-related vision disorders may not be revealed through a regular eye exam. Lack of eye movement control, focusing difficulties, poor visual memory, and much more can make learning seem overwhelming. Without fundamental visual skills, children may have more difficulty with reading, writing, and comprehension at school. A developmental optometrist diagnoses and provides treatment options for learning-related vision disorders.
Community News
The Diet/Mental Health Connection
Studies around the world are now confirming that diet affects mental health. Take one study, for example, where researchers in China and the U.S. found that when observing nearly 5,000 adults over the age of 60, those who were malnourished were 31% more likely to be depressed than those who weren’t malnourished. Another study of 500 participants over the age of 67 found that adding olive oil or mixed nuts to one’s diet can improve cognitive function. In a meta-analysis of over 34,000 people, researchers found that participants who followed a Mediterranean diet were less likely to develop cognitive disorders.
TrueHopeCanada.com
Drink Aloe for Weight Loss
Aloe Vera’s weight loss properties are becoming better known. This plant stands above the rest of nature’s products as a detoxifying agent that helps the body remove waste. This is largely due to one of its components called ‘aloin’, which taken in appropriate doses can help us achieve its beneficial cleansing properties. The Aloe plant also helps us burn fat by improving our metabolism and the production of fatty acids, which is undoubtedly a big help in the fight to rid our bodies of excess fat. Aloe promotes intestinal function and better allows us to eliminate toxins from the body.
Teach Healthy Choices Early
If we had half the knowledge we gain when we are older, as children, our childhood would have been different. It is known that as we get older, we make healthier decisions, usually due to a health issue or to prevent health issues. If we start teaching our children healthy choices at a young age, the choices soon become a healthy lifestyle for our children, which can create a longer, healthier life. This is especially important today, as a recent study conducted by Canadian Men’s Health Foundation has ranked Manitoba and Saskatchewan as the unhealthiest regions in Canada.
Meet Your Practitioner
Meet Megan Grant. Megan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing Degree from Brandon University in 2007. Over the last 11 years, she has worked as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in acute psychiatric inpatient units, outpatient clinics, forensics, assertive outreach and medical psychiatry. She offers therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Megan’s specialty is in behaviour therapies that aim to balance thoughts, feelings, urges and behaviours. Her passion is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). DBT is designed to treat individuals who are experiencing intense, sometimes debilitating emotions. Megan is committed in supporting her patients to practice acceptance and understanding while balancing the need to move forward into a place where they want to be.
Fresh Pea Shoot Pesto
2 cups fresh peashoot microgreens. ½ cup freshly grated parmesan. ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, ½ cup chopped almonds, 2-3 garlic cloves chopped, ¼ tsp sea salt, Squeeze of fresh lemon, Dash of pepper. Combine all ingredients, except the cheese, and blend until coarsely chopped. Remove from blending container and combine with cheese. Make a double batch and save some for later by freezing in small plastic containers or in an ice cube tray (transfer to a freezer bag once frozen.)
TheWholeAvocado.com PeasOutFarms.ca
How to Boost Your Metabolism
Are you looking to kick-start your metabolism? Here are a few tips! 1. Build muscle. Your body always burns calories, even when you’re doing nothing. Your resting metabolic rate is much higher if you have muscle. 2. Keep drinking water. Your body needs water to process calories. If you are even mildly dehydrated, your metabolism may slow down. 3. Power up with protein. Your body burns many more calories digesting protein than it does with carbohydrates. As part of a balanced diet, replacing some carbs with lean, protein-rich foods can boost metabolism at mealtime.
Trust in a Matchmaker
Finding love can be a difficult task in today’s fast-paced society. Many people have resorted to the internet in attempts to find a meaningful relationship. Virtual dating can be a very daunting task with terribly mixed results. There are wonderful, quality, single people, of all ages in Manitoba who are at a loss as to where find love. A Matchmaker is often the answer. Matchmaking is an age-old profession that historically has brought love into peoples’ lives for centuries. An experienced Matchmaker hand picks and presents individuals who are suited to their clients often resulting in long lasting love.
Ride Don’t Hide!
Outdoor exercise is a great way to soak up the sun’s vitamin D, get your blood pumping, and reconnect with your community – all proven ways to boost your mental health. Need some motivation? Join Ride Don’t Hide, Canada’s largest bike ride for mental health! Two routes will take riders through Winnipeg’s beautiful streets. Ride Don’t Hide is for cyclists of all skill levels. Come ride with us to honour the recovery journeys of those living with mental illness and celebrate mental health! For details, visit: www.ridedonthide.com/mb/ride/winnipeg
Controlling Body Temperature
Did you know there are many benefits of inducing sweat regularly? In modern society, people are more dependent on an outside source controlling their body’s temperature – air conditioning. The sweat glands are the body’s natural thermal regulator. If you use them regularly, the body will be able to regulate the body’s temperature efficiently, and it can even generate more heat from inside – increasing metabolism. Japanese Thermal Therapy is a great way for someone with injuries or arthritis pain to experience perspiration without physical activity. It gently warms the body with a special stone, releasing far infrared rays and inducing sweat while easing joint pains, burning calories, and helping to detoxify.
Freddy Nkunzimana, NP
For over a decade, Freddy has had the opportunity to work as a travelling nurse all over Manitoba. This experience inspired him to seek further education, expand his scope of practice, and be part of the solution to Manitoba’s healthcare system issues. He has been an NP for 2 years, and in his practice, he provides primary care to individuals of all ages. He strives to provide evidence-based care while working with his patients to jointly come up with an individualized plan that not only produces the best health outcomes, but also is in agreement with their values and aspirations.
