Community News
Tanning for Eczema & Psoriasis?

Studies have shown that tanning may help improve eczema and psoriasis. After consulting with your physician, a tanning expert can arrange a tanning program that can become an integral part of your treatment program. These conditions involve an inflammation of the epidermis of the skin, and regular indoor tanning has been known to reduce the flare-ups of itchy, dry and flaky skin associated with the illness. A tan is your body’s natural defense against overexposure to sunlight. The UV rays of a tanning bed stimulate the production of melatonin which gives you that golden glow and acts as a protective barrier against UV radiation. Professional tanning equipment emits UV rays in measurable doses which mean you get correct exposure to light necessary to tan but not burn.

Tracy Delmage, Catch-A-Tan, www.CatchATan.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, www.apetlovers.com

Community Event

As part of Manitoba Addictions Awareness Week, St. Raphael Wellness Centre is hosting the “SEX AND ADDICTIONS Conference” on November 15-17th at the Norwood Hotel.

The conference begins on November 15th from 7-9 pm with a public forum, entitled, “ Porn Crisis? The Porn Dilemma in Today’s Culture.” Discovering that someone close to you is secretly watching porn is usually met with a range of emotions and most of us do not feel prepared to navigate a conversation about it. This community presentation will describe six principles of sexual health that can be a foundation for talking with someone about their use of pornography.

This will be followed by a day and a half discussion on sex/drug-linked behaviour.  Family members, counsellors, therapists, mental health professionals and others who want to help individuals talk about and address issues of sexual health and substance addiction will want to attend.

www.straphaelcentre.ca

 http://straphaelcentre.ca/srwc-conference-2016-2/

 

10 Ways to Cultivate Self-Acceptance

Be intentional. Articulate your goal of self-acceptance and dedicate yourself to it each day. Celebrate your strengths. Name one of your strengths each day. Create a support system. Surround yourself with people who accept and believe in you. Forgive yourself. Accept past mistakes, learn from them, and move on. Shush your inner critic. Be gentle to yourself and treat yourself the way you would a loved one. Grieve the loss of unrealized dreams. Acknowledge the loss and then move forward. Perform acts of kindness. Giving to others enriches your life. Be kind to yourself. It is not selfish to love yourself. You are worthy of self-compassion. Understand that acceptance is not resignation. Letting go of the things you cannot control allows you to grow. Speak to your highest self. Visualize your best self in times of stress. Tap into the wisdom that lies within you.

Canadian Mental Health Association Manitoba, www.winnipeg.cmha.ca

70 is the New 50

Working into retirement, postponing having kids, living longer – the lifecycle of Canadians is changing. This has implications on personal finances and retirement savings. New research suggests that old age now starts at 74, with middle age lasting at least nine years longer than current estimates. What we think of as old has changed over time and it will need to continue changing in the future as people live longer, healthier lives. Two hundred years ago, a 60-year-old was a very old person. Someone who is 60 years old today could be argued as middle aged. In terms of health, longevity, and view of life, “baby boomers” in their sixties and seventies will be more like their parents and grandparents were at 50. This means people can work longer if they so desire. For many people, 70 is the new 50 and signifies the quiet revolution that has taken place in longevity.

Brett Scott, www.disabilitytaxcreditwinnipeg.com

Clean Eating: Sweet Potato Brownies

1 cup mashed sweet potato, ½ cup smooth nut butter of choice, 2 tbsp maple syrup, ¼ cup cocoa powder, handful of carob chips (optional). Preheat oven to 350 and grease a small cake/ loaf pan. On the stove, melt nut butter with maple syrup. In a large bowl add the mashed sweet potato, melted nut butter and maple syrup, and cocoa powder and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour mixture into greased pan and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing and refrigerating. These brownies are best when cooled completely. Store in fridge or freezer and ENJOY!

Allergy Relief at Last!

NAET® was discovered by Dr. Devi S. Nambudripad in November of 1983. Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques, also known as NAET, are non-invasive, drug free, natural solutions to alleviate allergies of all types using a blend of selective energy balancing, testing, and treatment procedures. The varieties of techniques applied include acupuncture/acupressure, allopathy, chiropractic, nutritional, and kinesiological disciplines of medicine. We know that many symptoms, such as headaches, backache, joint pain, indigestion, or a cough, are often triggered by food and environmental sensitivities. If left untreated, these reactions may eventually cause illness. This therapy often alleviates adverse reactions to egg, milk, peanuts, penicillin, aspirin, mushrooms, shellfish, latex, grass, ragweed, and flowers. In addition, people who suffer from allergens such as perfume, animal dander, animal epithelial, make-up, chemicals, cigarette smoke, pathogens, heat, cold, and other environmental substances also find relief. Talk to your acupuncturist today if you desire to finally see an end to your allergy suffering!

Dr. Lin Li, www.brandon-acupuncture.com

Beat the Blues

People suffering from seasonal affective disorder report feeling better after a visit to the tanning salon for a tanning bed session. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is an all too common disorder that affects many people during our long winter months. These “winter blues” can be mild for some people but very debilitating for others. The rays emitted by Catch-A-Tan’s beds have been proven to aid in treatment for those suffering from SAD. Tanning can be very helpful to aid in the treatment of the “winter blues” as well as part of a treatment program developed with the aid of a physician. Arthritis pain and PMS are two conditions that have symptoms alleviated by the sun’s rays. Joint pain can be relieved during the cold, damp months of winter, and the symptoms of PMS can be helped by moderate tanning.
Tracy Delmage, www.catchatan.ca

Knitted Knockers – An Alternative Breast Prosthetic

It takes time to adjust to the loss of a breast. The medical appointments, surgery, and the bruising and scaring will eventually pass but the emotional journey can last longer. How you look can affect your self-esteem. It can be difficult to accept the changes. Decisions need to be made regarding reconstruction after mastectomy or using a prosthetic. If you chose a prosthetic, there is a new option available that is free and does not require a special bra. This new prosthetic is called a Knitted Knocker. It is a hand knitted prosthetic made of mercerized cotton which is non-irritating. This can be a great alternative for women who find traditional breast prosthetics too expensive, heavy, sweaty, and uncomfortable. For more information, visit your local yarn store, or visit Knitted Knockers of Canada, a non-profit organization committed to helping women who have lost a breast to cancer.
Connie Harvey, theknit2scrap2store.com

Am I Normal? Post-Partum Life

Now that you’re post-partum, what should you expect from your body after giving birth? 0-8 WEEKS AFTER DELIVERY: you may feel like your bottom is falling out and not know how you should be standing or sitting. You may also experience pain in your back, hips, or pubic area. In addition, you may have difficulty controlling urine, gas, or stool. Your neck, arms, back, and hips may be sore as you adjust to lifting and feeding your baby. This is an important stage of healing; allow yourself time to listen to and adjust to changes in your body! 8+ WEEKS AFTER DELIVERY: your bleeding should have stopped and any incisions/tears should have healed. You should be pain free. You should have control over your activity level and consider returning to your exercise class/practice. IF YOU STILL HAVE SYMPTOMS, get some advice and help from a pelvic floor physiotherapist. Your optimal health will benefit your parenting journey!
Marita Dowsett, B.P.T., Physio 4 U

Can You Hear Me Now?

Hearing loss is one of most common health problems in the world. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most ignored conditions. Hearing loss and its psychological side effects are highly treatable. The problem goes far beyond hearing. While most hearing deficits do not cause physical pain, they often have social and psychological consequences. Such consequences may include: breakdown of communication, social isolation, employment difficulties, depression, frustration, and loss of self-esteem. If you’re suffering with an untreated hearing loss, you may feel isolated and frustrated; it’s like you’re missing out on life. Those around you may be feeling frustrated, too. It’s important to know you’re not alone. Approximately 1 in 10 people experience some degree of hearing loss. Happily, about 90% of these people can be helped with the use of hearing aids. If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, don’t hesitate any longer to reach out for some help!
Lisa Ballegeer, www.innovativehearingtechnology.ca