Community News
Clean Eating Recipe

Organic Cranberry Cleansing Smoothie. This Smoothie is loaded with antioxidants! 2 Cups Red Kale. 16 oz Pure Coconut Water. 1 Cup Organic Cranberries (fresh or frozen) 1 Cup Fresh Pineapple Chunks. 1 Organic Lemon (ends cut and quartered) 2 Bananas Frozen. 4 Mint Leaves. 1 Tbsp Organic Black Chia Seeds. Blend the red kale and Coconut water until broken down. Add the fruits and Chia Seeds, blend until smooth. 

Did You Know?

Getting enough sleep may help reduce arthritis flare ups. Quality sleep supports the body’s natural healing processes and can help lessen pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Community Spotlight: FSWC

First Steps Wellness Centre (FSWC) is a charitable non-profit organization founded in 2010 and a leading Canadian provider of spinal cord injury and neurorehabilitation services. We deliver innovative activity-based therapy (ABT) to individuals with spinal cord injuries and associated disorders, as well as stroke, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological conditions. Our goal is to improve motor function, independence, and quality of life following neurological trauma or disease. FSWC fills a critical gap in community-based, intensive ABT, supporting neuroplasticity and recovery below the level of injury. We believe every individual has the potential to regain lost function and remain committed to advancing neurorehabilitation in Canada.

World Alzheimer’s Month

Hearing the words, “you have dementia,” can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate your next steps alone – the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is your path forward to community and connection. This World Alzheimer’s Month, the Society encourages you to broaden your understanding of dementia and get involved with its events, programs and supports taking place across the province this fall. Nine Manitobans develop dementia every day. If you are directly impacted by dementia, the Society is the place to turn. Its First Link® Client Support program, online education sessions, dementia-friendly programs and support groups provide education on dementia progression, future planning, treatment, risk reduction and building dementia-friendly communities.

Gratitude Blossoms This Thanksgiving

Sending flowers to friends, family, and staff for Thanksgiving is a heartfelt gesture that expresses gratitude and warmth. Beyond the traditional feast, flowers symbolize appreciation and can brighten any space, making them a perfect complement to the holiday’s spirit. They convey a sense of personal touch and thoughtfulness, showing that you value and cherish the relationships you have. For staff, it’s a way to acknowledge their hard work and dedication, fostering a positive and supportive work environment. Overall, floral gifts enhance the festive atmosphere, reinforce connections, and spread joy, making Thanksgiving even more memorable.

Strengthen Your Immune System

Your immune system needs a strong thymus and spleen to produce antibodies and specialized white blood cells that help prevent disease. Do you know how yours are functioning? Nutritional testing is a great way to find out if there is a weakness or imbalance in these immune organs. If a weakness or imbalance is identified, specific nutrient formulations designed to naturally support and strengthen the thymus, spleen and immune system can be taken. This will help you to better fight against influenza, rhinovirus (common cold), pneumonia, and other bacterial infections – or avoid them altogether.

Easing Arthritis with Nutrition

Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can help manage arthritis symptoms naturally. Fatty fish like salmon and sardines are rich in omega-3s, which reduce joint inflammation. Colorful fruits and vegetables—especially berries, spinach, and broccoli—are packed with antioxidants that protect tissues. Nuts, seeds, and olive oil offer healthy fats that support joint health. Whole grains, such as oats and brown rice, may lower levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation. Green tea contains compounds that may slow cartilage breakdown. By focusing on whole, nutrient-rich foods, arthritis sufferers can experience less pain, improved mobility, and better overall wellness.

Chronic Fatigue?

If you’re experiencing ongoing fatigue despite normal blood work, your gut health may play a role. When the intestinal barrier becomes more permeable, bacterial molecules called lipopolysaccharides (LPS) can enter the bloodstream and trigger low-grade inflammation. This immune response has been linked to fatigue, brain fog, poor concentration, and muscle aches in some people. While gut health is unlikely to be the only cause of chronic fatigue, it may be one contributing factor. Eating a fibre-rich diet, managing stress, staying active, sleeping well, and discussing persistent digestive symptoms with your healthcare provider may help support overall health and energy.

September Book Club

Discover Healing Arthritis: Complementary Naturopathic, Orthopedic & Drug Treatments by Dr. Penny Kendall-Reed, a Canadian naturopathic doctor. This practical guide explores natural therapies alongside conventional care, helping readers better understand arthritis and manage symptoms through evidence-informed lifestyle, nutrition, supplements, and treatment options.

What Happens When You Quit

The quitting smoking timeline varies from person to person, but generally follows a similar pattern:
20 minutes: Blood pressure and heart rate drop.
12 hours: Carbon monoxide levels in the blood decrease.
2 weeks to 3 months: Circulation improves, lung function increases, and physical activity becomes easier.
1 to 9 months: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease as lung function continues to improve.
1 year: The risk of heart disease is halved compared to a smoker’s risk.
5 years: Stroke risk is similar to that of a non-smoker.
10 years: The risk of lung cancer is halved compared to that of a continuing smoker, and the risk of other cancers decreases further.

PCOS Awareness Month

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects around 10 million globally. Its exact cause remains uncertain, though genetics and environment contribute. It’s a key cause of female infertility, with diverse physical and emotional symptoms. Despite the name, not all have ovarian cysts. Insulin inefficiency and excess lead to glucose problems and more androgens. Progesterone imbalance causes irregular periods. PCOS emerges after puberty or in early adulthood and is often undiagnosed due to varied symptoms. Diagnosis requires two of: irregular periods, enlarged ovaries, and excess androgens. Early management, including weight loss, reduces diabetes and heart disease risk.