Community News
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit

An incredibly efficient fat burning ingredient, Garcinia Cambogia has received much media attention for it’s effect on weight loss and food consumption control. This pure ingredient is 100% natural; it is sometimes referred to as Tamarind, and it grows primarily in the lush green mountains of India, southeast Asia as well as in Central Africa. Its primary ingredient is the dietary super supplement known as HCA, which is proven in scientific studies to stop hunger in its tracks. The tamarind fruit has traditionally been used in soups as appetizers before meals, because of the smaller portion sizes due to limited amount of food. It’s appetite suppression qualities helped make villagers feel more full (satiety) and the fruit would increase the workers’ fat burning skills (thermogenesis) providing an increase in energy and productivity.

Greg and Bridget Doll, www.myvalentus.com/lakewinnipeg

Micro-Breaks: Why do we Need Them?

Micro breaks are short breaks (typically 2 minutes) that allow your body to recover from the stress and strain of continuously sitting in a chair and looking at a computer screen. It is recommended to take a micro-break every 15-30 minutes that includes some form of movement: the human body is not made to sit still for 6-8 hours a day! They can range from going for a short walk, doing some stretches, or changing the repetitive demands of a task. For example, you could switch from responding to emails to walking to the fax machine. Micro-breaks may help to reduce stress, decrease the risk of repetitive strain injuries and physical discomfort, as well as increase blood flow, energy and productivity at work. Although taking micro-breaks appears to be a small change, making it part of your day can have large physical and emotional benefits.

Stacey Bulat, BKin-AT CAT(C) Certified Athletic Therapist, www.vitallifeclinic.ca

5 Tips to Reduce Anxiety

1. Meditate – Practicing just a few minutes a day helps reduce anxiety.
2. Breathe Deep – breathing by contracting the diaphragm, a horizontal muscle in the chest located just above the stomach, helps reduce your heart rate and induces relaxation.
3. Exercise – Long workouts or running a marathon are not necessary. Yoga or walking is all that is needed to ease anxiety and depression.  Stand up straight and tall.  Don’t forget to breathe.
4. Get More Sleep – Emotional upset, such as anger, stress and exhaustion, is commonly found in those who have lost even a few hours of sleep.
5. Reflexology – Taking time in a quiet environment with complete control of your surroundings and making eye contact with your practitioner can help bring the body back in balance. Reflexology sessions that include deep breathing practice are definitely a worthwhile investment.

Trenna Reid, RCRT, www.discoverreflexology.ca

The Magic Bean Sprout

Did you know that Mung Bean Sprouts contain EVERY vitamin known to man? These delicious home-grown sprouts are packed so full of nutrients that they can actually be considered natural supplements. Kids love watching them grow, and even more, they love the fresh garden taste. Mung beans produce an edible sprout that’s crisp and nutty tasting. These sprouts are substantial enough to stand-up to stir-frying, but they’re often used raw in salads and on sandwiches. Because of their high nutrient density, mung bean sprouts are useful in defending against several chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. While mung beans may be new to some people in Canada, they’ve been a part of traditional Ayurvedic diets in India for thousands of years. Mung beans are considered one of the most cherished foods in the ancient Indian practice. Don’t just take our word for it – try sprouting today!

Rick, www.scoopandsave.com

Clean Eating: Quinoa “Breaded” Chicken Strips 

Ingredients:

Use organic products.
3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips,
⅔ cup flour,
1 tsp sea salt + ¼ tsp pepper,
3 eggs + 2 Tbsp water,
2 cups cooked quinoa.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and grease a baking sheet with Coconut Oil or Butter. In a small bowl whisk flour, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl whisk eggs and water. Place quinoa in a third bowl. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, then eggs, and lastly in the quinoa being sure to coat well.  Bake for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked. Serve with your favorite healthy dipping sauces!

Book Club: The Lucky Years 

How to Thrive in the Brave New World of Health. Bestselling author David Agus unveils the new world of medicine, one in which we can take control of our health like never before and doctors can fine-tune strategies and weapons to prevent illness. In this bestseller, he builds on that theme by showing why this is the luckiest time yet to be alive, giving you the keys to the new kingdom of wellness.

David Agus, www.davidagus.com

Pet Food for Thought

Choosing the right food for your pet is important. With so many choices, it’s hard to know which way to go! Here are a few fundamental facts about which choice to make: For ALL cats, food should be grain free. Cats lack the digestive enzyme that metabolizes grains which is why feline obesity, diabetes and kidney failure are so common. Both cats and dogs require wet food in their diet. Kibble is highly processed and does not come close to providing the necessary moisture an animal needs to live healthfully. Wet food allows animals to retain vital moisture. Without this moisture, animals are prone to dehydration, urinary infections and eventually kidney failure. It is also extremely important to do your research! These days, many food companies disguise carcinogens well. Make sure to read labels carefully and know exactly what you’re feeding them! Your animals deserve the best quality of life; they’re your family!

Jill Saifer, www.soulsticespirithealing.wordpress.com

Shovel the Right Way

Next time you are faced with the daunting task of shoveling snow, consider this: The task sends on average more than 11,000 adults and children to the hospital every year. Safe snow shoveling requires proper preparation, the right tools, good technique and knowledge. Here are some handy tips to help keep your body pain free while shoveling snow this winter. Firstly, having the right shovel is important. Your shovel should weigh no more than 3 lbs., preferably with a plastic blade and a long curved handle. Secondly, technique is important. To protect your back, always push the snow and avoid lifting. Hold the shovel close to your body with your hands spread out on the handle to create leverage. Bend from your knees not your back and keep your feet hip width apart. Lastly, when having to lift the snow make sure you tighten your stomach muscles and avoid twisting by always having your feet pointing the same way you’re lifting the snow.

Kristy Maksymyk, BMR-PT, www.prairietrailphysio.ca

Cardioflex Q10 

A supportive nutritional supplement for doctor recommended diet and exercise plans that is designed for cardiovascular health. Cardioflex Q1O is a unique blend of vitamins and amino proteins taken daily as supportive natural therapy to enrich cardiovascular health, establish cholesterol balance, and reduce CRP (C-reactive protein). Strengthen the cardiovascular system. Dissolve atherosclerotic plaque. Relieve the pain of angina pectoris (chest pain). Reduce the likelihood of blood clotting, heart attack or stroke. Increase heart and other muscle strength and stamina. Reduce blood and tissue lipids (fats) and cholesterol. Reduce C-reactive protein (CRP indicates artery inflammation) as well as homocysteine levels. Increase antioxidant intake and activity to slow aging. Help natural immunity against viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases, including antibiotic-resistant strains. Reduce hypertension and improve overall circulation. Manitoba Made, Innotech Nutrition product.

A1 Nutrition, www.a1nutrition.net

Cardio Screens Lifeline to Health 

February is Heart and Stroke Awareness Month. Remarkable progress has been made tackling cardiovascular disease in Canada over the past 60 years with death rates declining by more than 75 per cent. This has largely been due to research advances in surgical procedures, drug therapies and prevention efforts. Yet despite our progress, heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death here in Canada. An estimated 1.6 million Canadians are living with heart disease or the effects of a stroke. In 2011, more than 66,000 Canadians died from heart disease or stroke. That’s one person every 7 minutes. In that year, almost 14,000 Canadians died as the result of a heart attack. By adopting a healthier lifestyle, you can delay the onset of heart disease or stroke by as much as 14 years! Cardiovascular screening is a reliable way to know your possible risk factors for a heart attack or stroke. Get your screening done today!

Rick Drury, www.scoopandsave.com

What is Your Mouth Telling You?

The state of your mouth can offer valuable insights into your dental, oral and overall health.  Any bleeding when you brush your gums is a sign that you should see your dentist.  Unhealthy gums can affect your overall health.  Atherosclerosis, clogging of the arteries, has a strong link to gum disease.  Pain on biting might mean a cracked tooth.  Sugar sensitivity usually indicates a cavity.  Tenderness to cold might just need a change of toothpaste.  Tenderness to hot is likely to be more serious.  The pulp of your tooth can become inflamed for many reasons.  The only way to find out, for sure, what’s going on is to see your dentist.  Bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene.  A good electric toothbrush, flossing and scraping your tongue all help.  Throat infections also cause bad breath.  Don’t assume that problems will resolve by themselves.  See a dentist at least once a year. Remember: “You don’t have to floss all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep!” Dr.

George Cadigan, www.exclusvielydentures.ca