Trees teach us how to live our lives with resilience. When we turn to the trees as our teachers watching how they grow and transform, they can teach us how to live our lives with resilience. They remind us of the importance of being grounded and rooted, fully planted deep beneath our feet into the earth. Their roots connected with other like-minded roots and souls as a foundation to draw upon. Our trunk solid like the oak or flexible like the Willow allows us to adapt and shift to the demands of unforeseen changes around us. Resilient when storms or branches break, finding creative ways to re-emerge or work around. Their branches wide open with leaves creating a canopy of growth, shelter a pathway of expansion to receive. Then they shed, release and begin a new cycle once again.
Community News
Sound Healing for Better Sleep
Sound healing uses sound and vibration to promote healing and balance in the body, and one of its many benefits is improved sleep. It helps improve sleep by: 1) Relaxing the body – releases pain-relieving chemicals and reduces muscle tension. 2) Reducing stress and anxiety – reduces sympathetic nervous system activity. 3) Calming the mind – promotes peaceful and restful sleep. 4) Improving sleep quality – waking feeling more refreshed and having less difficulty falling asleep. 5) Creating a peaceful environment – helps improve mood. 6) Regulating the circadian rhythm (your internal biological clock) – can help avoid insomnia and improve the sleep/wake cycle.
End the Self-Sabotage
Did you know your unconscious mind could be keeping you from having what you truly want in your life, and could even be sabotaging your best efforts? Most of us don’t realize that we make commitments to ourselves other than the ones we’re consciously aware of. These unconscious commitments fuel your thoughts and behaviours, and create your reality. They are what creates the gap between what you say you want and what you are actually experiencing. For example, when you were young, you experienced a difficult situation and didn’t know how to process it. You made a decision (consciously or unconsciously) to make it mean something about you or the world around you. This formed a belief as a coping mechanism and your mind believed it was necessary for survival. Maybe it’s “I’ll stay quiet so I won’t seem stupid” or “Good girls do what they’re told”. Even though these beliefs and decisions are old, they have stuck with you, been reinforced over time and prevent you from having the things you truly desire. Ready to expose and erase those unconscious commitments and choose new ones? This is the powerful work we do in the Shine True programs.
Lesley Steppler RHN, BSW, RSW | Shine True Wellness
Strengthening Bones and Muscles
Our bones play different vital roles in the body, providing structural support, protecting organs, and storing calcium. It’s important to build strong and healthy bones during adolescence, and imperative to take steps to protect bone health as adults and seniors. Eating certain foods high in calcium, vitamin D, protein, and magnesium can strengthen both your bones and muscles. Getting these necessary nutrients can help seniors improve their physical health and mobility. Some foods that are rich in these nutrients include low-fat dairy, fortified plant milk products, nuts, leafy greens, winter squash, fish, liver, egg yolks, whole grains, beans, and seeds.
Physical Activity for Depression & Anxiety
Physical activity should be considered as a first-line treatment for depression and anxiety, according to a scientific review that analysed more than 95 scientific reviews involving 128,000 participants. The study found that physical activity was more effective than counselling or medication in some cases, and provided positive impacts across all studies. Shorter exercise interventions of 12 weeks or less were found to be the most effective in reducing mental health symptoms. The research highlights the need for exercise to be prioritised as a mainstay approach for managing depression and anxiety, particularly as it can make a positive change to mental health quickly. Study found in The British Journal of Sports Medicine – https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2023/03/02/bjsports-2022-106195
Improve Your Focus & Concentration Naturally
Very often the brain and nervous system become fatigued and overloaded. Much like a computer receiving too much data all at once, the brain can become overwhelmed, slow down, or even crash. This can result in an inability to focus, brain fog, memory loss, ADD/ADHS-like symptoms, a “wired” feeling, or the inability to cope with daily life. Alternative approaches such as Biofeedback testing and treatment are highly effective in improving focus and concentration. It detects imbalances, or weaknesses, in the stress-handling areas of the body, and in turn, stimulates the affected areas to help the mind and body better function in times of overload, overwhelm, and fatigue.
Healthy Home, Happy Home
Now more than ever it’s important to maintain a clean and healthy home. The good news is that you don’t have to rely on bleach and harsh chemicals to kill germs, viruses, and bacteria! Using purpose-built products can effectively disinfect your home the safe and proper way. It’s also important to remember to follow proper personal hygiene protocols like washing your hands thoroughly and often, and avoiding touching your face. With Movember in full swing this month, another great cleaning tip is to use a paper towel to line your sink before you groom your moustache to keep things tidy!
Over 65? Assess Your Risk
Bone mineral density (BMD) testing is crucial in assessing the risk of developing osteoporosis or fractures. Women and men over 65 and those with risk factors for fracture should get a BMD test. Combining BMD tests with clinical risk factors can determine fracture risk and inform treatment decisions. Protect your ability to live your best life with Echolight™, the new ultrasound bone density measurement scanner that takes 15 minutes to do. First time in Manitoba. You have the option of either having the scan in our office or in the comfort of your home since we have a portable one. Echolight™ is radiation-free, safe, accurate as well as Health Canada and FDA approved.
A Slimmer You
Have you struggled with weight problems for a long time? Have you tried a number of diets that ultimately have not worked? Local author Larry Gompf has written a book called A Slimmer You, wherein he describes his personal journey for losing weight in the most natural way. Without fad diets, without supplements while staying fit without being tied to a gym. Although the book targets seniors, the information applies to anyone who might be looking for a guide to natural weight loss. For more information, purchase a book, book a presentation; contact Local Meats at 204-255-2172 or Larry 204-284-1633. Leave a message if we aren’t in. We’ll get back to you.
Allergy Season Is Back
Many people suffering from seasonal hypersensitivities, such as head pressure, itchy eyes, and a runny or stuffy nose this allergy season will find only temporary relief, or no relief at all, from over-the-counter remedies. Alternative approaches, such as nutritional supplementation and Biofeedback focus on more than just symptomatic relief. They enable the body’s ability to remove existing allergens embedded in the sinus tissues, thereby minimizing the histamine and inflammatory reactions. This stops the over-production of mucus that the body makes to try and push the allergens out. Take a different approach this allergy season – treat the cause, not just the symptoms.
Vegan Blueberry Banana Ice Cream
2 ripe frozen bananas
2 cups frozen blueberries
¼ cup coconut milk, plus extra as needed
Maple syrup
Lemon juice
Add frozen bananas, frozen berries, and coconut milk into a food processor and pulse until starting to break up. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and then blend on high until a smooth, creamy ice cream forms. You can add more coconut milk to help it process better. Add a teaspoon of maple syrup and a squeeze of lemon for flavor brightener. Scoop into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy!
