Community News
Are you Living YOUR Best Life?

This is a question many of us would answer with an overwhelming “NO!” Do you know what is preventing you from living your best life and having the best health possible? You might not realize it, but our thoughts, beliefs, judgments and perceptions about ourselves and our lives actually drastically affect our health and our relationships. For example – we all know that eating nutritious food and getting exercise are important for being healthy. But how many of us have a balanced eating and exercising lifestyle? Why don’t we all just automatically do what we know is good for us? The reason – we are not robots, we are people! People have subconscious beliefs that are created in early childhood about everything in life – but they are not known, they are hidden within us. Our BEST Life begins when we become aware of and remove these uncooperative subconscious beliefs.

Shannon Russell, BodyMind Freedom Solutions
www.bodymindfreedom.net

Is Pain Interfering with Your Life?

Bowen is a restorative therapy that allows the body to heal itself. It can provide a path for the body to heal from repetitive strain injuries or chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia or sensory neuropathy. Bowen is a very gentle hands-on therapy such that even if in constant pain, individuals find the treatment relaxing and calming for the body. If needed, Bowen can be performed over loose clothing or with the individual sitting in a chair or a walker. Studies have shown that in addition to restoring muscle and nervous system integrity, Bowen treatments can shift the central nervous system from the sympathetic (flight and fight) response to the parasympathetic (rest and restoration) response. As a result, it can positively affect physiological functions such as circulation, heart rate, digestion, sleep and the endocrine system. Help your body walk away from pain with Bowen therapy.

Julia Rempel
www.sagewaterhealth.com

Why Reiki?

Reiki is a form of hands-on healing that releases feelings of beneficial well-being and calm. The energy of Reiki encompasses the whole body, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. The practitioner holds their hands over the client. It is not a massage. Enjoy the following benefits: Reiki heals. Reiki can be preventative. It increases your mental, spiritual and emotional well-being. Reiki raises your level of perception and heightens your quality of life. Reiki taps into new-found talents and gifts. Reiki is a Japanese technique passed on through teachers and Reiki Masters. It dates back to the 1800’s and was ‘discovered’ by a Christian minister, Dr. Mikao Usui. Reiki also works in conjunction with other medical or therapeutic techniques, relieving side effects and promoting recovery. Many people find that their spiritual awareness opens and that their vibrational level increases after one or more sessions.

Garcinia Cambogia Fruit

An incredibly efficient fat burning ingredient, Garcinia Cambogia has received much media attention for its 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.

Christina Dueck, Valentus
www.valentusmovie.com/operationweighless

Hair Loss

Hair loss is a major concern for all, irrespective of the gender. Reasons for hair loss can range from the simple and temporary—a vitamin deficiency—to the more complex, like an underlying health condition. Unhealthy diet, stress, hormone imbalances, and chemicals may be some of the reasons. Hairstyles that consistently use rubber bands, rollers or barrettes, or pull hair into tight styles such as cornrows, can inflame and scar hair follicles. So can incorrectly-used chemical products such as dyes, bleaches, straighteners or permanent wave solutions. People can look for help with hair creams to regenerate hair growth. Make sure to look for naturally based, safe, pure ingredients that include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, beta-carotene, omega-6 fatty acids, nutrients and amino acids, suitable for all skin and hair types. Ingredients that have been proven to mimic the body’s own natural oils to reduce hair thinning, prevent oxidative stress, and add volume and shine.

Jenna Wilcox, MONAT Global
www.JennaWilcox.MyMonat.com

Medication Timing

It is important to understand clearly when to take medications and how to take them. Some prescriptions have to be taken on an empty stomach while others are taken with food – check with your pharmacist to ensure you know what that means (how long before or after a meal do I have to wait). This helps with the appropriate absorption of the medication. Some medications should not be taken with other drugs as this can lead to reduced effectiveness. Timing of medications is also important in terms of when to take them – morning vs nighttime – to alleviate side effects. As well, it is key to follow the instructions on the number of times per day to take the medication. When receiving a new prescription, ask your pharmacist to fully explain the medication so you have a clear understanding of it. A full medication review of all your prescription drugs and over the counter products can further help you see how they work together.

Care At Home Pharmacy
www.careathomepharmacy.ca

Go DEET-Free With Essential Oils

It’s no secret that Manitoba is a mosquito haven. Quite frankly, our mosquitos can rival some small birds! While a lot of you still use traditional (and toxic) bug repellents, many of us want to know our alternatives. Lemon eucalyptus oil could be a much safer and more natural weapon against these little monsters. So what’s so bad about DEET, you ask? DEET toxicity can be blamed for skin irritations, rashes, lethargy, headaches, tremors, involuntary movements, seizures and convulsions. When applied to the skin a certain percentage of DEET is absorbed into the bloodstream. And the toxicity of the chemical goes up when it’s combined with isopropyl alcohol or freon, both of which are common ingredients in commercial bug repellents. In fact, DEET products are required to carry several child safety warnings. Studies have confirmed that lemon eucalyptus oil can be as effective as DEET in repelling mosquitoes. Other essential oils that mosquitos loathe are: catnip oil, neem and citronella!

Protect Your Pet from Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an endemic in Manitoba for people and pets alike. The disease is spread by black-legged ticks, or commonly called deer ticks. When a deer tick infects a dog, there are common symptoms to look out for. One is lameness due to inflammation of the joints. There may also be a lack of appetite, stiff gait, sensitivity to touch and difficulty breathing. More serious complications include damage to the kidneys and heart or nervous system. Avoid allowing your dog to roam in tick-infested environments where Lyme disease is common. These ticks are found in grassy, wooded areas of Southern Manitoba. Check your dog’s coat and skin daily and remove ticks by hand. Remember, deer ticks are TINY! They are often very hard to find. Pet stores and Veterinary clinics have tick-removing tools and knowledgeable staff to show you exactly how it’s done. Your veterinarian can also recommend a Lyme vaccination as well as a variety of products that repel and kill ticks.

Lisa Tustin, Professional Pet Services
www.facebook.com/propetservices1

How to Choose a Safe Sunscreen

Summer at last! Days get longer and temps get hotter! While we all love the sun, it’s time to be mindful of the damage it could do. When choosing a sunscreen, go for the “broad spectrum” protection. Sunscreens with this label protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against harmful rays. Higher SPF numbers do mean more protection, but the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. For example, a bottle labeled SPF 85 has no better protection than a bottle of SPF 50. Always be wary of dangerous ingredients in your sunscreen. These include parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, and sodium laurel sulphates. Retinyl palminate, a form of vitamin A, has been linked to skin tumours and lesions on sun-exposed skin. Also, use creams not sprays or powders, as creams offer more sun protection without the nanoparticles.

Clean Eating: Vanilla Chia Breakfast Pudding

Ingredients:
2 cups unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup chia seeds
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or raw honey
Seasonal fruit for topping, Almonds or other nuts for topping.

Directions:
Combine almond milk, chia seeds, vanilla and sweetener in a bowl. Mix well until combined and the mixture begins to thicken. Store covered in the refrigerator overnight or for at least an hour (the longer the better)! Stir well before serving and add a bit of water to the pudding if it becomes too thick. Top with fresh fruit and nuts of your choice. (Yields 2 servings)

Book Club: Aim True by Kathryn Budig

Love Your Body, Eat Without Fear, Nourish Your Spirit, Discover True Balance! Yogi and motivational speaker Kathryn Budig is known for her ability to encourage others to set their intentions and goals, no matter how lofty, and work toward them while staying true to themselves. Whether your goal is to love who you are right now, reshape the way you view food, develop a meditation practice, or discover new ways to embrace the great balancing act that is life, this holistic approach to yoga, diet, and mindfulness has something for you. Filled with vibrant photographs and whimsical illustrations, this guide is as beautiful as it is life-changing. Available at a book store near you!

www.kathrynbudig.com