The coronavirus is one of several viruses that cause respiratory infections and the common cold. The symptoms are like any other upper respiratory infection, including runny nose, coughing, sore throat and sometimes a fever. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for the virus, so the best solution is prevention. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, keep your hands and fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth and avoid close contact with people who are infected. Visit your Central Alberta Co-op Pharmacist for tips and tricks to prevent contracting the virus or over-the-counter medications to help with the symptoms.

An aspect of our mental health, self compassion entails being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate. Try these four things to improve yours. 1. Self kindness – be a friend to yourself. 2. Recognize our common humanity –we all need to belong. Even as imperfect human beings, we are all worthy of compassion. 3. Mindfulness – being with what IS, in the moment. Notice when we cause ourselves pain through negative self talk. Self criticism activates a stress response; a perceived threat. 4. Recognize and take in the SAFE feelings – warmth, gentle, soft voices.

It’s not carbs, sugar, or fat. It’s because we’re eating when we’re emotionally hungry (above the neck). Not when we’re physically hungry (below the neck). How do I know the difference? Emotional hunger comes on suddenly. We crave specific foods. We could eat a Costco-size snack mix and we’re still not satisfied. Why? Because we’re not hungry for food. We’re hungry for something else. It might be escaping boredom, stress relief, or a distraction from difficult emotions. It’s never about the food we’re craving. It’s about what the food allows us to avoid.

● “The Body Keeps the Score (Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma),” Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.
● “You Can Heal Your Life (The Mental Patterns that Create Dis-eases in the Body),” by Louise Hay-
● “Choosing Happiness (Inspiration for a Woman’s Soul),” Compiled by Linda Joy, Edited by Bryna Rene.
● “When the Body Says No (The Cost of Hidden Stress),” – Gabor Mate M.D.
● “The Gifts of Imperfection (Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are),” Brene Brown

Without a Will, the “Intestate” laws of your province determine who will take the responsibility of managing your Estate. Sometimes it is clear, such as a spouse, child or sibling, as to who would be next in line to administer your Estate, however, there can be confusion as to who this should be to administer your Estate. The absence of a personal representative (Executor) can result in fighting between your loved ones. If it cannot be determined who is to best administer your Estate, the Honourable Court will appoint an Estate Administrator.

Mon. Feb. 10, 1:30 pm – February Health Café – Love your heart!!
February is heart awareness month. Hypertension is the leading preventable cause of death and disability around the world and can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and dementia. Knowledge is power – register today to enjoy an hour of engaging talk about heart health in a fun and interactive way! Limited seating available. Call 403.343.9100 today to register.

PAUSE and recall any recent experience of kindness (child’s smile, warm tea). ATTUNE to how kindness felt in your body, a felt sense of goodness in the moment; a lightness in the heart, warmth in the body. It’s not the story – it’s the feeling. FOCUS your awareness on this felt sense of goodness for 10-30 seconds. Savour the feeling. Evoke/remind yourself of this feeling 5 times throughout a day. Doing this 5 times repeats the neural firing in your brain, recording the kindness memory, strengthening your sense of emotional well-being.

Stress in animals presents as skin conditions, behavioural issues, cognitive dysfunctions, and digestive problems or they may hide it. Robin McKay, BSc., MA, Energy Facilitator and owner of Energy Effects, is passionate about animals and how dogs, cats and horses, along with other animals, positively respond to the non-verbal, and gentle art form of Jin Shin Jyutsu. It helps create their best health, brings balance, decreases pain and anxiety and allows them to let go of stressors. Treating animals, teaching owners how to work on their animals and consulting in various situations has become Robin’s soul work.

Are you managing several prescriptions? Do you know how they interact with each other? Are they providing you with the maximum benefit? These are a few questions that can be answered through a personalized medication review with your Central Alberta Co-op pharmacist. They will review your medical and health history, explain the importance of each medication, and answer any questions you may have. They are your wellness resource and advocate, if you have ANY questions or concerns with your medications, connect with your Central Alberta Co-op pharmacy and schedule a medical review today.