Calcium is most commonly associated with bone and dental health, and a deficiency in this mineral can lead to dental decay, osteopenia, and ultimately, osteoporosis. However, calcium also plays an important role in blood clotting, blood pressure, nerve signaling, and cell communication. Having poor hydrochloric acid (stomach acid) can impact calcium absorption, as can the presence of other minerals such as magnesium. Arguably most important is having optimal levels of fat-soluble vitamins D and K. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, and vitamin K regulates calcium concentrations in the body and pulls calcium into the bones.
Community News
Ask The Expert
Q: I scratched one of my eyes when I was tending some shrubs in my garden, and it’s not healing up very quickly. My eye doctor says that might take a long time. Is there anything I could do to make this better quicker?
A: It sounds like you have an injured cornea and that it is prone to poor healing, which is some bad luck on your part. You’ll likely need a ton of patience. Basic treatment for this includes warm compresses and indefinite usage of lubricating eyedrops. Sometimes the eye doctor can apply a contact lens to cover up the wound for a while. The very last resort is some kind of surgery to help smooth out the cornea. Let this be a gentle reminder to all gardeners to protect their eyes while working!
Osteoarthritis Pain?
Do you suffer from pain, stiffness, and discomfort in your major joints like knees and hips? You may have osteoarthritis. In addition, to many non-drug therapies such as losing weight, exercise, and supports, there are some over-the-counter medications that can help. These include topical anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, and oral anti-inflammatories such ibuprofen or naproxen. If a trail of over-the counter medications is not successful, there are prescription medications that could tried. While each of these options has some risks of side effects or drug interactions, your pharmacist can help you determine what option is best for you.
Make Social Interaction a Priority
Maintaining relationships and spending time with others is essential to our emotional and mental well-being. It can help prevent depression, which affects 20% of the population over 70 years of age. Plan regular get-togethers with friends, such as a weekly lunch date or coffee with another senior or loved one. Scheduling social interactions gives us something to look forward to on a regular basis. For those who are truly adventurous, you can enjoy new experiences and meet new people by signing up for travel tours, book clubs, and much more at your local community centre.
Healing with Plants
Plants have healing properties, whether used in Chinese medicine or standing alone in a garden setting or forest. Loss of connection with nature can result in low spiritual energy, leading to disease, depression, and a sense of loss of who we are. It is of vital importance to strike a relationship with nature. Plants do communicate with us, they love to be touched and they want our attention. Observe their texture, smell, and taste, and listen for their sound. Spend time with them, talk to them, caress their leaves and bring them gifts. Individuals and communities can be healed by incorporating plants into their lives.
Kombucha and Pancreatic Health
A 2013 research paper was published by the Department of Life Sciences & Biotechnology at Jadavpur University titled, “Effect of Kombucha, a fermented black tea in attenuating oxidative stress mediated tissue damage in alloxan induced diabetic rats”. The study compared antidiabetic (stabilizing and controlling blood glucose levels) and antioxidant effects of kombucha (KT), versus unfermented black tea (BT), in rats that had been given a substance to induce diabetes. While unfermented black tea’s antidiabetic and antioxidant effects were shown, KT was found to be even more efficient. The abstract states, “Results showed significant antidiabetic potential of the fermented beverage (150 mg lyophilized extract/kg bw for 14 days).”
Ozone Anti-Aging
Ozone has remarkable versatility for disease management because of the increased oxygen utilization at a cellular level. The success of the treatment is dependent on the practitioner’s skill and judgment, as well as the proper integration of other skills, including acupuncture, detoxification, nutrition, and herbal medicines. Often, patients follow their doctor’s recommendations to resolve a specific acute or chronic ailment, and then continue with ozone treatments as an anti-aging tool. Many patients report increased energy, stamina, and resistance to colds and flus. These anti-aging remedy treatments are recommended for all patients when they reach their 60th birthday.
Struggling with Fertility?
Several studies have found that men and women who get acupuncture treatments — whether to treat conditions that can interfere with getting pregnant, or to increase sperm count and libido — have a higher rate of successful pregnancy and births. Acupuncture increases fertility by reducing stress, balancing the endocrine system, and regulating your fertility hormones according to several studies and medical research. Among many other benefits, acupuncture can provide better blood flow to the male and female sex organs, creating a stronger chance for an egg to be nourished and carried to term.
Book Club: Silly Cat Goes to the Zoo
Summer Kids Book Review – In this chilling Silly Cat adventure, Aubrey and Emi go with Boots and Aunty Pat to the Calgary Zoo. Poor Boots decides he wants to be a penguin and, of course, ends up in trouble. Luckily, his people friends are able to save the day – with a little unexpected help that arrives in the nick of time. Silly Cat Goes to the Zoo is the first of a series of Silly Cat Adventures featuring Boots and Aunty Pat.
Wilderness Edge for Your Wellness Needs
Imagine taking a break from it all and focusing on how you feel, both physically and mentally. Letting go of the stresses, chaos, and noise of day-to-day life. Getting away and focusing on your personal wellness is important, and Wilderness Edge Retreat and Conference Centre offers an easy and affordable way to do just that.
Connecting with Nature
Located just one hour from Winnipeg in beautiful Pinawa, Manitoba inside Whiteshell Provincial Park, Wilderness Edge hosts a variety of retreats for people of all ages and specializes in hosting groups. Being located in a provincial park means that the centre is surrounded by nature. The sights, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors are waiting for you just outside Wilderness Edge’s doors.
Surrounding the centre are wetlands, forests, nature trails, and a local sandy beach. Experiencing the calming effects of immersing yourself in nature can help you feel more grounded and at peace. Observing local wildlife such as deer and a variety of species of birds can make you feel more connected to the natural world around you, also helping to calm your mind.
Moving Your Body
These natural spaces are also a great place to participate in physical activity, which is critical to improving your overall wellbeing. Hiking, biking, kayaking, rafting, tubing, and canoeing, are just some of the great activities that await you at Wilderness Edge. For winter guests, we offer ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. You can choose to take advantage of expert-guided activities, or do some exploring on your own.
Other activities available include golfing at a nearby golf course, horse riding at a nearby ranch, beach volleyball, tetherball, horseshoes, pool, ping-pong, and tennis at the nearby courts.
Finding Inner Peace
Those who are seeking a more relaxed wellness retreat will be happy to know that Wilderness Edge can accommodate those experiences as well. The centre offers a 13-person outdoor hot tub that overlooks Winnipeg River, a newly renovated 10-person sauna, and three firepits in the courtyard that also overlook Winnipeg River.
Solitude and serenity can be found at Wilderness Edge, and for those who are focusing on their spiritual and/or mental wellness, the centre offers a place to recharge, disconnect from the outside world, and channel your energy inward. If you would prefer not to leave your room during your stay, arrangements can be made to have your meals delivered to you, ensuring you have minimal outside distractions.
Reuniting with Loved Ones
Socializing and connecting to those closest to you also contributes to your overall wellness. The daily stresses and fast pace of life can sometimes get in the way of truly communicating with and enjoying the presence of your close friends and family members. Sharing stories, laughing, crying, and supporting one another are things we don’t always have the time, or the energy, to do.
Wilderness Edge offers a perfect opportunity to focus on your relationships, whether with a spouse or significant other, your immediate family, your extended family, or a group of close friends. Unplugging from the demands of daily life and learning more about one another is an important step in building stronger relationships.
You can participate in team-building activities like kayaking or team sports, which allow you to learn how to work together and solve problems, while also having fun. Or you can take a walk in the woods and find a renewed sense of adventure that will give you shared memories for years to come. Sometimes, just relaxing together, whether around a firepit or in a hot tub enjoying the view, can be a meaningful experience, allowing a peaceful opportunity for deeper conversations.
Exploring Your Creativity
Getting in touch with your creative side can be a great stress reducer and mood booster. Wilderness Edge offers a variety of creative activities, including painting on canvas, rock painting, cake decorating, flower arranging, clay sculpting, and making wind chimes. These classes offer guided instruction, as well as all of the materials needed to create your masterpiece.
If you prefer a less structured approach to finding your inner creativity, why not bring some art supplies with you and spend time during your retreat creating whatever you’d like? With plenty of inspiration in the form of plants, animals, trees, and water, drawing, painting, and photography should be a breeze. Or get a group together to work on a fun craft project.
Eating for Health
Another important aspect of wellness is eating right, and Wilderness Edge offers tasty, nutritious meals for all of our guests. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a night snack are all offered during your stay. A variety of foods are provided, all made fresh and served buffet-style so you can try a bit of everything. Our chefs are able to accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions, provided these are mentioned ahead of time.
One reason many of us tend to overeat or not eat properly is because we’re so pressed for time or stressed that we turn to food as a source of comfort or see it as something that “has” to be taken care of. By getting away from our usual stressors, we have the opportunity to truly enjoy food and consider what we’re putting into our bodies. Wilderness Edge provides the time and space for you to remember how good healthy eating can actually make you feel.
Those who are looking to fast for spiritual or personal reasons can find a peaceful, supportive environment at Wilderness Edge. The serene environment is perfect for focusing on your fasting journey and taking the time that you need to rest.
If you’ve been looking for a chance to leave the daily grind behind and take some time to focus on your mind, body, and soul, consider booking a retreat at our centre. Gather a group of your closest friends who could also use a break, and come experience what Wilderness Edge has to offer. Visit https://www.wildernessedge.com/ and https://www.wildernessedge.com/retreats/, or contact us at 877-753-2535 or info@wildernessedge.com for more information.
Go Seedless this Summer!
Sitting outside at a coffee shop, relaxing on the deck and visiting beaches are all sure signs that summer is here. With summer come warmer temps and a need to stay hydrated. Watermelons are 92% water and packed with health boosting benefits like electrolytes, vitamins, and antioxidant-rich lycopene making it the ideal replenisher. Creating moments in how we spend our time connecting with self comes down to choices. Choosing a seedless melon means more time enjoying each mouthful and less time dealing with pesky seeds – an empowering, comfort-increasing choice. Cheers to warmer temps and hydrating your wellness this summer!
