Community News
Serrapeptase, the Little Miracle Enzyme!

Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme, which means it breaks down long protein chains into amino acids that the body needs. These enzymes bind to the alpha 2 macroglobulin in our plasma where it is shielded from the immune system while retaining its enzymatic activity. They are then free to roam through the blood stream seeking to break down hard protein (non-living tissue), fibrin surfaces, scar tissue, granuloma, and even thin out mucous to ease conditions such as chronic sinusitis. It’s been proven to be a safe and effective alternative to NSAIDs (NonSteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen) and should be taken on an empty stomach. The capsule must be a special DRcap (Delayed Release capsule) or enteric coated capsule that allows the Serrapeptase to pass through the stomach to the small intestine where the enzyme is then released.

Enerex Botanicals Ltd., Enerex.ca

Book Club: The Brain Diet

A nutritional plan for raising smarter children; improving your mental and physical well-being; and improving your odds against depression, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, migraine headaches, ADHD, and more, as you age.

Clean Eating: Chicken Taco Avocados

Filling:

1 c. black beans, cooked
1 c. corn
1 c. shredded chicken
1 c. shredded cheddar, plus more for topping
1 package taco seasoning
2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, plus more for topping
3 ripe avocados.

Dressing:

1 c. ranch dressing
1/4 c. lime juice
1 tbsp. fresh cilantro
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. black pepper.

Directions:

In a large bowl, stir and combine filling ingredients. Halve and separate avocados, removing pit and hollowing out insides. Mash insides in a small bowl and set aside. Place avocados face up and fill each with 1/3 cup of filling. Sprinkle with more cheddar, then broil until melted. In a medium bowl, combine dressing ingredients. Fold in mashed avocados and mix until smooth. Remove from oven and transfer to serving dish. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with more cilantro, if desired.

Adapted from Delish.com

Pilates – How it Works

Pilates is great for strengthening and toning your core and for increasing your flexibility and posture. These exercises are usually done in a specific order at various levels of difficulty. The moves may look simple but take a lot of precision and control. You can do Pilates on a mat in class, at home, or individually with an instructor. Areas that Pilates targets are your core muscles and legs with focus on stabilizing and strengthening your abdominals and back. It generates flexibility and strength using your own body weight but it is not a cardio workout. Pilates can be very demanding, so start slowly. Instructors do not have to be licensed, so it’s best to get recommendations before selecting one.

Marita Dowsett, B.P.T., Physio4U.net

Benefits of Water Exercise

Summertime offers access to outdoor pools and lakes, which provides a wonderful exercise opportunity. There are numerous benefits to exercising in water, including increased muscle strength, as water provides resistance; low-impact exercise, because the buoyancy of the water lessens the stress on joints; and increased joint flexibility, since swimming and aquacizing require movement in various directions while adjusting to the push and pull of the water. Exercising in water builds cardiovascular stamina, helps burn body fat, increases circulation, and can help rehabilitate and heal muscles and joints. There are as many variations of exercises in the water as there are on land. You can simply swim the old-fashioned way, or you can go vertical with jogging, water aerobics, deep-water running, or water walking forward, backward, and sideways. All of these options work various muscle groups. For a pool/ lake program best suited for you, consult your physiotherapist.

Doug Treloar, Physiotherapist, PhysioFirstClinic.ca

The Not-So-Great Outdoors

Many cat owners feel guilty about keeping their cats inside and worry they are depriving them of natural instincts. Generally speaking, a cat that spends his entire life indoors will live many years longer than a cat restricted to the outdoors. If your cat has indoor/outdoor access, he still faces increased risks to his health and safety. On top of the parasites and potentially fatal diseases it can contract (including feline leukemia and feline AIDS), your outdoor cat is always at risk of being struck by a vehicle. Even the most “street savvy” feline can become distracted while in pursuit of prey or while being chased by another cat or dog. It’s a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness. Playing regularly with cats and providing them with entertaining toys can easily satisfy their stalking instinct, keep them stimulated, and provide the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy.

Rob Lamont, A Pet Lovers Warehouse, Apetlovers.com

Benefits of Tuina Massage

Tuina massage therapy makes use of rhythmic compression techniques in different energy channels of the body to establish a harmonious flow of Qi (bio-energy). Tuina uses various hand techniques in combination with acupressure and other manipulation methods. In Tuina massage, that often focuses on the deeper layer muscle and connective tissues. This massage removes the blockages and keeps the energy moving through the meridians, as well as through the muscles and joints. The best part about it is that it relaxes as well as energizes. Tuina is a very effective therapy for stiff neck, sore back, arthritis, sciatica, and muscle aches and spasms. It also helps with stress-related disorders like insomnia, indigestion, and headaches. It can be used to address both internal illness and muscular injuries. If you’re suffering from a physical ailment or looking for an alternative, holistic approach to overall wellness, Tuina massage may be an effective option.

Dr. Li Lin, Brandon-Acupuncture.com

Natural Bug Deterrents

Our skin is our largest organ and it absorbs 60 percent of what we apply to it. That’s right; whatever you are putting on your skin, your body is absorbing it, right into your bloodstream. Don’t rub it with toxic chemicals to protect yourself from bugs. Look for a natural alternative. There are many different options on the market, and using essential oils is one of them. There are many natural alternatives that use essential oils for everything from mosquito spray to lip balm. Essential oils can deter bugs like mosquitoes just as well as their chemicalladen counterparts, but without the use of harmful chemicals!  You may have heard about citronella for mosquitos, but did you know several essential oils can also be effective bug repellants? Clove, rosemary, tea tree, eucalyptus, cedarwood, lavender, geranium, and peppermint are also very effective.

Sylvia Provenski, CanadianMoms.ca

Why an Organic Mattress?

Many bed manufacturers add fire-retardant chemicals and dustmite deterrents that are toxic to humans. There is also the issue of off-gassing of polyurethane memory foam mattresses, which involves the mattress releasing volatile organic compounds into the air, affecting the quality of the air you breathe every night, which may pose health risks. In the past, you didn’t have to bother with organic beds because they were already organic; we, however, have built a society where most beds are not, and thereby pose health risks for ourselves. Up to a third or more of your life could be spent in bed! One of the most important factors in staying healthy is the quality of the environments in which we spend significant amounts of time, and so ensuring that your bed provides deep and restful sleep without detracting from your overall health is of paramount importance.

Aviva Natural Health Solutions, AvivaHealth.com

Trouble Focusing at School?

Is your child having trouble focusing? Before labeling him or her with a learning problem, consider that over two-thirds of our brain is based on sensing or input, and one-third on execution. If we have trouble focusing or concentrating, it is simply because the pathways between the sensory and execution network areas are not clear. After Brainwave Optimization (BWO), where brainwaves are balanced and harmonized, children achieve, laugh, and enjoy life more completely and engage in a healthier social life. Frequently, BWO providers see kids labeled as “disabled” become top performers in their school. Our surveys demonstrate that more than 85 percent of all children who experience BWO meet or exceed their goals. Here’s what one father shared after his son’s experience with BWO: “He doesn’t stutter as much and he is not panicking when it comes to exams. He is really doing well!”

Joanne Couture, LaLobaTraumaRelease.com

6 Ways to Alkalize Your Body

Did you know that your immunity is based on how alkaline your diet is? Having an overly acidic diet eventually leads to a weakened state, and our bodies become susceptible to disease. Here are six ways to alkalize – and healthify – your body!

1. Drink plenty of water. Drink half your body weight in ounces every day to keep your body systems regulated. For an extra boost in alkalinity – add lemon!

2. Trade coffee for tea. Green tea is highly alkaline. Try jasmine, sencha or matcha.

3. Kick that sugar habit. Use stevia, coconut sugar or small amounts of honey in place of sugar.

4. Eat more greens. Vegetables are highly alkaline and oxygen rich. Consume fresh green vegetables often as possible.

5. Move. Exercise to create more oxygen and qi flow in the body and to avoid stagnation.

6. Reduce stress. Meditate as often as possible, practice deep breathing, do yoga, and get plenty of sleep.

Care At Home Pharmacy, CareAtHomePharmacy.ca