Community News
Avoid the Winter Blues

The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines suggest adults should perform at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, as well as two sessions of muscle and bone strengthening activities, to achieve physical AND mental health benefits. With winter coming, and the challenges of leaving home, this can seem daunting! Your physiotherapist can tailor an exercise program designed specifically for you to do inside with minimal space (to help avoid the cold weather!), and with equipment everyone has around their home. At 30 minutes per day, the benefits of exercise are countless, while the side effects are minimal.

30 Minutes for a Fitter You

If you’re looking for a high-intensity, action-packed workout, the 30 Minute Hit is for you! Designed just for women, the circuit will challenge you to improve your fitness and reward you with amazing results. Each 2-minute round is based on boxing, kickboxing, general self-defense, and core stability training delivered in a friendly, non-intimidating environment that’s great for all fitness levels. Safety is the top priority at the 30 Minute Hit, and a trainer is always present to help. Now included in all memberships is a HIT@home workout that members can use if they feel more comfortable training at home!

Community Spotlight: Robert Lee Martial Arts

At Robert Lee Martial Arts Centre, the professionally trained and highly qualified instructors provide a range of martial arts classes for all ages, incorporating the teaching of strong character, leadership, good citizenship, and good values into each class. Robert Lee will enable an individual to focus and concentrate on achieving worthwhile goals and greatly enhance their ability to meet life’s challenges with confidence and perseverance. Along with martial arts classes, they offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Fitness Kickboxing and Bootcamp fitness classes, specializing in getting results and reaching fitness goals.

Trust your Gut

Your immune system works hard to protect you from injury, illness, and disease. This process usually involves inflammation, a natural response to stress, tissue damage, and harmful stimuli like viruses, bacteria, and toxins. Inflammation functions similarly to an engine warning light, alerting you to the presence of a problem through symptoms such as heat, pain, redness, swelling, and/or loss of function. 85% of the immune system is located in our gut. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E and the mineral selenium provides your gut with the ingredients it needs to bolster immunity and achieve optimal mental and physical health.

Product Review: Colflex® by Innotech™

ColFlex® Super Oregano Oil Spray is a great-tasting 4-in-1 oral spray containing essential oils of oregano, thyme, and spearmint oil in an extra virgin olive oil base, sweetened with stevia and fortified with vitamin D3. Spray orally to help relieve coughs, sore throat, travelling challenges, that “under the weather feeling” and for general oral hygiene and fresher breath. Lab tests show that ColFlex inhibited the growth of bacteria such as S. aureus and S. pneumonia after 27 minutes and inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. typhi after 9 minutes. Colflex® is proudly made right here in Winnipeg.

Tips for Better Immunity

Maintain a strong, healthy immune system with this 3-pronged approach during the current pandemic and beyond: #1: Lifestyle: Limit stress, turn off the TV or computer, and get at least 30 minutes of exercise 3-5 times per week and 7-8 hours of sleep per night. #2: Nutrition: A diet high in lean protein, fruits, vegetables and the right macronutrients is the most important element to overall health. #3: Hydration: Without adequate hydration and the right electrolyte delivery system, your body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs to recover from illness or infection. Proper hydration is key to a well-functioning body.

Bandits Wellness Essential Oil Blend

Bandits Wellness Blend is a powerful combination of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary essential oils that fills any space with a rich, spicy aroma. This blend is a powerhouse of usefulness and supports overall wellness! As one of our most popular products, it is no wonder that Bandits Blend is added to so many home diffusers, cleaning and personal care products. Add several drops of Bandits Blend to a spray bottle with water and mist the air in your room, car or office as needed to leave your space smelling fresh and clean.

Nutrition and the Eyes

Diet and nutrition play an important role in the overall health of the eyes and may help prevent Macular Degeneration and Dry Eye Syndrome. Omega-3’s, which can be found naturally through fish, flaxseed and walnuts, are one the most popular supplements to take today, and for good reason. Studies have also shown it may help in Dry Eye Syndrome. Things to consider in purchasing omega-3’s are purity, potency (EPA and DHA) and freshness. Vitamin A, C, E have benefits such as protecting the cornea, preventing dry eyes, night blindness and cataracts, while Lutein and Zeaxanthin may help protect the eyes against harmful blue light.

Weight Gain During Quarantine

Has the Covid-19 pandemic added extra stress to your relationship with food? You aren’t alone. The “Quarantine 15” – a reference to weight gain during quarantine has caused much anxiety. Instead of causing yourself more stress by researching yet another diet, eat mindfully and observe how adaptable your body is. Do your best to choose self-care which means sometimes choosing comfort food without judgement within and overall eating pattern that gives you energy, clarity, strength, and vitality. True self-care also means gently questioning what is leading to comfort eating and finding a way to address this in a way that will leave you feeling peaceful.

Health & Wellness Private Consults

Having a strong immune system is your best line of defense against contracting harmful bacteria and viruses, especially during cold & flu season. Would you like to learn ways to improve your immune system and overall wellbeing? Red River Co-op is offering over-the-phone wellness consultations with their resident Health & Wellness Advisor, Dayna. Appointments are 15 minutes and completely free of charge! Paige will share information, tips and products that work to keep you healthy. This includes nutrition, health and wellness products, mindset tools, and more! If you would like to set up a free wellness consultation please call Dayna at 204-230-0871 between 10AM-4PM, Monday to Friday.

Martial Arts for Children

Martial Art holds a high reputation among many who have watched their young ones grow through the practice. Most parents say their children develop discipline, respect and concentration, along with better strength, endurance and balance. These transferable skills will often follow students into adulthood and continue to shape their actions and worldview. Science is beginning to document improved resiliency and symptoms of autism and ADHD among those who practice on a regular basis, including social interactions, self-regulation, attention, memory and cognitive functioning.