Are you having trouble getting motivated to do an activity? Here are some tips you should consider:

1) Identify something you want to change. For example, start a walking routine.

2) Ask yourself (or discuss with someone) the questions, ‘what is my desired outcome?’ and, ‘what is so important about that?’ Walking, for example, could be for weight loss, fitness, to be in nature, or to see new sights. Let’s say you want to walk to be closer to nature. Ask yourself, ‘What’s so important about that?’ Keep asking that question until the answer is very basic. ‘I want to walk in nature. It is important because it calms me. Being calm is important because I can clear my thoughts. Clarity is important for me to be my authentic self in conversation.’ Discover what is important about that and continue asking that question until you are motivated to achieve your goal! Okay, now get going!

Juhree Zimmerman R.N., B.Sc.N., M.Ed., C.P.C.C., O.R.S.C.C. Master Certified Coach, Strategy for Synergy

www.strategyforsynergy.ca

Recently, I listened to a call-in radio show featuring reactions to proposed amendments to assisted-dying legislation. An oft repeated view was that people should be able to decide when they’ve had enough suffering. While the focus was clearly on individuals diagnosed with terminal illness and in physical pain, one caller noted the unacknowledged ‘mental suffering’ which often accompanies severe illness. Mental suffering, related to illness or not, is often neglected or negated, and can elicit feelings of shame and self-blame. Buddhists believe in the ‘8 Sufferings’, four of which (birth, old age, sickness and death) cannot be avoided; the other four, getting what you don’t want, not getting what you want, getting what you want but not being able to hold on to it, and pervasive suffering, can be influenced by our state of mind. If you are experiencing mental suffering in any form, a Clinical Counsellor can help.

Sophia Sorensen, BBA, MA, RCC

www.sorensenproctor.com

Do you know what happens to the brain when you feel pain? In an effort to feel less pain the brain signals the body to stop moving the painful part/s. People respond by applying liniment, heat, ice or seeking professional therapy such as Registered Massage Therapy. While rehabilitating from the pain the individual will adapt by functioning differently in order to perform daily activities. We call this “compensating” by moving other parts and not including or reducing the movement of the painful part. When the person begins to be pain free again and rehabilitation has taken some time the brains image of itself will maintain the adapted pattern of functional movement without returning to the original more functional way. This neuroplasticity (ability to change) of the brain will require some specialized therapy to re-habit back to the more functional way of moving. A Feldenkrais Practitioner can help this process.

Roxanne Derkson RMT GCFP, VIVI Therapy
www.vivitherapy.com

Matcha contains roughly 25mg of caffeine, which is approximately one-third the caffeine of a cup of brewed coffee. It is easily tolerated by many people for whom coffee makes them jittery and anxious! The caffeine in Matcha works in a synergistic manner with all the other great stuff it contains, including hefty quantities of phytonutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids. This special combination of ingredients produces an unusual effect: An uncanny ability to focus and be productive over an extended period of time. Because the caffeine molecules in Matcha bind to larger and more stable molecules, the caffeine is released over time, instead of all at once, into the bloodstream. In contrast to coffee, this timed-release mechanism tends to inhibit any sudden insulin increases, so there is no “crash” associated with quick drops in blood sugar that so many coffee drinkers feel an hour or so after drinking a cup.

Tiffanie & Kip Home
www.justmatcha.com

As we age our skin changes. It doesn’t hold moisture like it used to; it becomes chronically dry. One reason for this is that the enzyme that converts linoleic acid into moisture-holding gamma linoleic acid (omega 3) begins to slow down. When we are young our skin turns over robustly; old skin cells slough off and new fresh skin cells take their place. As we age, this process also slows, and layers of dead skin cells seemingly glue together, making our skin appear thick and dull forming wrinkles much more easily than young skin. Turn to nature for powerful solutions! Use a natural day cream that contains GLA oils like evening primrose, borage or black currant seed, a moisture rich gentle exfoliating paste, and a healthy dose of antioxidants inside and outside. Antioxidants include vitamins, minerals, herbs and essential oils. Health is beauty!

Karen VanDyck
www.naturesfirstbeautybar.com

An elderly relative, adjusting to the loss of living independently and the death of her sibling, quietly admitted “I’m all alone now.” Despite living a highly engaged life – maintaining an extensive social network, living in the same city for over 50 years, and cultivating relationships within a close faith community, her sense of loneliness was palpable. Her experience is neither unexpected – particularly for someone who has outlived many of her peers, or sadly, unique. During a counselling session, a client stated “I feel invisible. I disappear into my room and only leave when I have to.” The sentiment was similar, although this client, at fourteen, appeared to be highly connected through social media. Social isolation is not the same as choosing to spend time alone, and it can have negative impacts on mental and physical wellness. An empathetic counsellor can offer practical support to break a pattern of social isolation.

Sophia Sorensen, BBA, MA, RCC
www.sorensenproctor.com

The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body’s ability to detoxify and regenerate tissues, filter out toxins and foreign substances, recover crucial substances that have escaped from the blood, and maintain a healthy immune system. It’s a complex system comprised primarily of vessels and lymph nodes working in cooperation to accomplish these tasks.

Unlike the circulatory system, which uses the pumping of the heart to circulate its blood flow, lymph vessels rely upon hundreds of tiny muscular units contracting throughout the body to propel the lymph. These contractions enable the lymph vessels to transport numerous substances (i.e., proteins, toxins, hormones, fatty acids, immune cells) to the lymph nodes, which can then eliminate the waste. The action of these muscular units can be hindered or stopped, however, due to fatigue, stress, emotional shock, cold temperatures, infections, lack of physical activity, age, chemicals or food additives. When the lymph circulation stagnates, fluids, proteins, cells and toxins accumulate and cellular functioning is significantly comprised. This opens the way to many physical ailments and hastens the aging process.

Lymphatic drainage is a hands-on technique designed to activate and cleanse this human fluid system. It’s origins can be traced to two traditions in particular: the published research of Frederic Millard, a Canadian osteopathic physician (1922) and Emil Vodder, a Danish massage practitioner and doctor of philosophy (1932). Over the years, methods based on the discoveries of these two pioneers have been honed, refined and explained. Today, lymphatic drainage techniques are employed as standard scientific practice throughout Europe and are gaining greater recognition and use within the American health care community.

Laurie Pryce
www.biodynamicbody.ca

L-Carnitine with Chromium is a blend of two nutrients that play important roles in the metabolism of fat. L-Carnitine is required for the breakdown of fats into energy, while chromium supports healthy glucose metabolism. Its main function is to help insulin carry sugar into muscle cells where it is stored as energy. A lack of chromium could cause fluctuating bloodsugar levels which trigger sugar cravings. As a carbohydrate dependent society, increasing the amount of L-Carnitine & Chromium in our diet in our formula’s proportions will assist the body’s ability to manage its carbohydrate cravings and, in turn, assist with a successful weight management protocol.

Valentus – The Healthiest Coffee in the World.

Andrea & Brett Griffin
www.weightlosscoffeehub.com

What’s one of the first things you notice when you meet someone? Their smile! A smile says a lot about a person. Have you ever met someone whose teeth were obviously artificial and you could tell they weren’t fitting right? What was your first impression? People spend thousands of dollars on hair care products, makeup, and facial creams but fail to realize that it’s their ill-fitting, worn out dentures that are the biggest problem and causing them to look older than they actually are. Denturist’s today have the technology and products to make you look years younger while maintaining a natural smile. Not only will you chew your food better, improving digestion and stomach issues, but you can feel more confident and secure knowing just how natural and beautiful your smile is. Call your Denturist today. You will be amazed by how affordable they are and what a difference they can make in your life!

Kent Roberts RD
www.burnsidedentureclinic.com