Community News
Exercise & Our Brain

We are programmed to be movers. Our physical movements can directly influence our ability to learn, think, and remember. Our physical movements call upon some of the same neurons used for reading, writing and math. The relationship between food, physical activity, and learning is hardwired into the brain’s circuitry. The full impact of our lack of movement is just becoming known. We may have literally programmed movement out of our lives with today’s technology-driven society. The sedentary character of our lives is a disruption of our nature, and one of the biggest threats to our continued survival.

Physical Activity & Addiction

Eighty percent of Individuals suffering from substance abuse also have a secondary diagnosis of depression and anxiety disorder. Individuals describe themselves as “feeling numb”. Natural forms of stimulation are “boring” against the vivid experience of the drug. As tolerance develops, it takes more and more of the drug to have the same initial intense “feeling.” Exercise increases the release of dopamine and endorphins produced by the body, and can have the same effect of a drug, producing a “natural high.” Many treatment centres now include exercise as an integral part of their programs.

Little BALLERS

Early Childhood Development Program. Young children are energetic, curious, imaginative, and capable. Little BALLERS is a place where kids thrive!! Their program is strategically designed to be developmentally appropriate and to highlight the way young children think and learn. Basketball hoops and basketballs are age and size appropriate, so each child feels comfortable and gets the most out of each activity. Session formats and high teacher-to-student ratios provide consistency and individualized attention. Little BALLERS sessions feature early learning basics such as counting, colours, matching, oral comprehension, and imaginative play in a pressure-free, fun environment. The result is increased confidence and an introduction to the foundations of physical literacy.

Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder with symptoms such as fatigue, chronic and diffuse pain, cognitive impairment, and sleep difficulties. It can affect people of any age and gender, although adult women seem to be most affected. The complexity of the disorder can make it difficult to diagnose and treat. Acupuncture can be a good pain management option for fibromyalgia patients, as it stimulates natural pain-relieving mechanisms in the body and has little to no side effects. A 2018 trial suggested that acupuncture causes changes in the levels of two neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) that are key to fibromyalgia. Acupuncture appears to increase serotonin and decrease substance P, which can improve fibromyalgia symptoms.

Meet Your Practitioner

Lesley Steppler is a Registered Social Worker, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Integrative Mental Health Provider, Certified Mind Surgery Method Coach, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner, and is trained in Mental and Emotional Release at the Practitioner level. She is also the founder of Shine True Wellness Co., where she integrates nutritional knowledge with her counselling background to help clients see how the gut and brain are connected and teaches them resiliency. Using this holistic and integrative approach means Lesley can get to the root of clients’ symptoms and get them the mental health and overall well-being results they want and need.

Pay it Forward

Your help is vital to saving lives. Be a hero today. Donations of money or time can make a big difference to a small local charity like SRWC Wellness Centre. For over 25 years, SRWC has helped people from all walk of life find their personal recovery path. SRWC supports recovery and harm reduction for substance abuse, addictions, and other mental health issues. You can donate over the phone by calling SRWC at 204-956-6650 ext. 101, by Visa, or mail a check or a money order to: St. Raphael Wellness Centre Inc. 2nd floor, 225 Vaughan Street Winnipeg, MB, R3C 1T7. Donations can also be completed online.

Physical Activity & Addiction

Eighty percent of Individuals suffering from substance abuse also have a secondary diagnosis of depression and anxiety disorder. Individuals describe themselves as “feeling numb”. Natural forms of stimulation are “boring” against the vivid experience of the drug. As tolerance develops, it takes more and more of the drug to have the same initial intense “feeling.” Exercise increases the release of dopamine and endorphins produced by the body, and can have the same effect of a drug, producing a “natural high.” Many treatment centres now include exercise as an integral part of their programs.

Exercise & Our Brain

We are programmed to be movers. Our physical movements can directly influence our ability to learn, think, and remember. Our physical movements call upon some of the same neurons used for reading, writing and math. The relationship between food, physical activity, and learning is hardwired into the brain’s circuitry. The full impact of our lack of movement is just becoming known. We may have literally programmed movement out of our lives with today’s technology-driven society. The sedentary character of our lives is a disruption of our nature, and one of the biggest threats to our continued survival.

Acupuncture for Gastrointestinal Disorders

If you’ve tried conventional medicine to keep digestive problems in check without success, consider acupuncture, which is a holistic health treatment without side effects. Many modern clinical studies show that acupuncture alters various biochemical and physiological states to treat a wide variety of gastrointestinal illnesses, like irritable bowel syndrome, Chron’s disease, gallstones, heartburn, indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea. Acupuncture may help by improving gastrointestinal motility and restoring stomach acidity to normal levels; Reducing serum levels of serotonin which can help the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Reducing inflammation by promoting release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors, and improving delayed gastric emptying.

Kiss Your Bad Breath Goodbye

Everyone gets bad breath from time to time – but bad breath that doesn’t go away could mean you have an oral health issue. The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene, other causes can include dry mouth, and certain medications. When you don’t brush your natural teeth and/or dentures regularly, this can cause plaque and tartar to form on your teeth(both natural and false). If you’re struggling with bad breath that doesn’t go away, it’s important to see your denturist. They will be able to evaluate your oral health and determine what steps to take next.