Community News
Winter Safe Driving Tips #1

Winter driving can be challenging, but these tips can help you stay safe.
1. Give yourself at least 15 extra minutes of driving time to allow you to relax, focus on the traction available, and adapt without the painful distractions of arriving late at your destination.
2. Ensure visibility is clear by removing snow and ice from windows, wiper blades, and front vent intakes before driving.

3. Invest in quality snow tires and have them properly inflated. In the cold, the pressure inside your tires will drop and cause them to work less effectively, reduce feedback, and waste fuel.

Words to Live By

There are greater things to be achieved in every New Year, and each and everyone must prepare themselves to be great, not by words of the mouth, but by a lot of sacrifices. – Michael Bassey Johnson

Laughter is the Best Medicine

My Doctor told me I should cut more carbs. So, I bought a new pizza knife. FUN FACT: Cutting carbs from your diet may help improve or even prevent serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

Mindfulness Retreat

The power of mindfulness meditation is well recognized. Indeed, it is the foundation to my personal wellness. But, first I needed to understand the science behind it. Once I did, I knew it was the tool I had been seeking.
Join me at Chalet Point Retreat Centre, where I lead classes in a variety of topics: understanding the concept of self, exploring the mind-body connection, the power of focused attention, and the psychology of motivation. Overlooking beautiful Lake Winnipeg, Chalet Point is just a one-hour drive from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Perfect for small groups, with half-day, full-day, and overnight options.

Investing in a Hybrid Vehicle

While hybrid vehicles may require a higher budget to start compared with conventional vehicles, the financial savings involved in owning a hybrid vehicle over time can really make a positive difference to your budget. Since the engines in hybrid vehicles are off some of the time, the wear and tear on various parts is decreased, to reduce servicing and maintenance. You may not be aware that hybrid batteries are designed to last the lifespan of the vehicle! All this and you get unbelievable cost savings at the pump. Consider investing in a hybrid vehicle and see the difference it can make!

Stress Handling With Biofeedback

Every day, we have an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 thoughts running through our minds. Considering that our minds can only handle 7-10 bits of information at a time, no wonder we start to feel overwhelmed, especially at this time of the year. Unmanaged stress contributes to many health issues, such as headaches, exhaustion, insomnia, chronic pain, and depression, to name a few. Alternative approaches such as Biofeedback testing and treatment are very effective at handling stress. It detects imbalances, or weaknesses, in the stress handling areas of the body, and in turn, stimulates the affected areas to help the mind and body process and handle stress better.

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Every human possesses this advanced physiological system that is already making cannabinoid-like structures that foster cellular balance throughout nearly every biological system in the body. Research seems to indicate that the ECS might function more properly and efficiently through the introduction of hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD. The ECS is involved in regulating a variety of physiological and cognitive processes including fertility, appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. The endocannabinoid system acts as a bridge between the body and mind. By understanding this system, we begin to see a mechanism that explains how states of consciousness can promote health or disease.

Exercise Your Brain

Just as physical exercise can make and keep your body stronger, mental exercise can make your brain work better and lower your risk of mental decline as you age. Play games you are not already familiar with that involve strategy, like chess or bridge, and word games like Scrabble. Try crossword and other word puzzles, or number puzzles such as Sudoku. Read newspapers and books that challenge you. Get in the habit of learning new things like recipes, driving routes, or a musical instrument. Take a course in an unfamiliar subject. The more interested and engaged your brain, the more likely you’ll be to continue learning and the greater the benefits you’ll experience.

Disability Tax Credit Eligibility

When people have restrictions, physically or mentally, they may be entitled to apply for a tax credit. There are different ways in which a person can be eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC). In all cases, the impairment must be prolonged. Also, the person must meet one of the following criteria: 1. Is markedly restricted in at least one of the basic activities of daily living. 2. Is significantly restricted in two or more or the basic activities of daily living (can include a vision impairment). 3. Needs life-sustaining therapy. Expert help is available in applying for this substantial tax credit.

Natural Product Review: Black Seed Oil

Black seed (Nigella sativa) is the new preferred therapeutic oil prized for its immune-boosting and antibacterial benefits to reduce respiratory, viral, and digestive ailments. Anecdotally, it’s been said to “cure everything except for death!” And the research is starting to back that up. Studies show that this versatile oil can regulate the immune system, benefit blood sugar, and has anti-cancer activity (Butt et al, 2010). Look for a coldpressed black seed oil and for a synergistic blend, use oregano oil and black seed oil together and with vitamins A and D added to give your immune system the best tools to beat the bugs!