Community News
Eliminate Brain Fog

When we call the plumber, we expect to see debris from unclogging the pipes that needed addressing. Little did we know that those pipes had accumulated so much “guck” over the years! The same, unfortunately, can be said for our bodies. Too often, it is only when the “pipes” don’t work anymore that we call for help. When our lymphatic system and our arteries get clogged, illness gets diagnosed. With so little flow in our system, we shouldn’t be surprised if we are experiencing a foggy brain. On our journey towards wellness, we can expect some “guck” to be released when we visit a practitioner. To support the “plumbing” experience, we need good tools: water to flush the guck, rest so the body can integrate the changes it needs to make, and good protein to increase the brain’s energy resources.

Joanne Couture, RMFT, RSW
Brainwave Optimization®
LaLobaTraumaRelease.com

The Perfect Workout Snack!

Whether you’re hitting the gym early in the morning or right after work, it’s always easier to have a ready-made snack you can eat quickly on the go. One option that provides your body with protein, carbohydrates, and fat is peanut butter protein balls. These require only 5 simple ingredients.

To make approximately 10-12 balls, you will need:

1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
2/3 cup quick oats,
tbsp mini chocolate chips
1 tbsp honey.

Mix ingredients in a mixing bowl thoroughly. Use a tablespoon worth of the mixture and roll into balls. These are great to eat prior to or after a workout. Eating 1 or 2 with a piece of fruit is the perfect quick and easy snack. Remaining protein balls can be refrigerated. You can also try adding other ingredients (coconut, dried cranberries, roasted pumpkin seeds, etc.).

Heath Vermette, CAT(C)
SouthSherbrook.com

Happy Thoughts

In the philosophy called Science of Mind, “We teach how to think, not what to think”. When you truly understand how you create your life with your thinking, you unlock the power of life. When you think about something for a long time and add strong feelings to it, an experience is created. Life responds by mirroring your beliefs. This is the ‘How’ part of all of life. We encourage an awareness of ‘What’ you think. When you begin to think with awareness, and deliberately, the result is empowerment and a happier life. You are always free to choose what to think. And when you understand infinite good is possible, you will wisely choose your ‘What’. Did you know reactions are thoughts? And usually negative in nature. These negative thoughts resonate in your body. These thoughts cause deeper wrinkles, diminished health, and less joy.

Rev. Anne Ahokangas
cslwinnipeg.org

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. This oil has been used medicinally in Middle Eastern cultures for millennia. 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). Even though it’s known for its medicinal power, it can be used in cooking and food preparation. Look for a cold-pressed black seed oil and for a synergistic blend, use oregano oil and black seed oil together. Look for a combination with vitamins A and D added to give your immune system the best tools to beat the bugs!

Cassie Irwin
Enerex.ca

Considering a Pet Sitter?

If you’re a pet owner who travels, arranging for care for your pets while you’re away can feel like an overwhelming decision. It’s important to look for caregivers who will not only provide for basic needs like food and water, but also companionship, reassurance, and playtime while you’re away. If you can find someone to come to your home, your pet gets to stay in his familiar surroundings, which is less stressful than taking him to a new location! When finding a pet sitter, it’s also important that you’re both on the same page about what’s expected and the fees involved for things like the number and length of visits per day, grooming and walking, accident cleanup, and taking the pet to a vet in case of emergency. You and your pet should feel comfortable about the care arrangements, so you (and your pet) can enjoy your vacation without worry!

Lisa Tustin, Professional Pet Services

Clean Eating: Grilled Corn and Avocado Succotash

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. vegetable oil
S&P
2 tbsp. lime juice
4 ears corn
½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 bell pepper
¼ inch diced
½ red onion, finely chopped
1 avocado, chopped into ½ inch cubes
¼ c. fresh basil leaves

Directions:

While steaks are cooking, shuck corn, toss in vegetable oil and let cook on other side of grill. Once you have nice grill marks on corn, take off and slice kernels off with sharp knife. Mix with rest of ingredients, and serve.

Prairie Box, PrairieBox.com

Journaling Relieves Caregiver Anxiety

If you’re a caregiver for a senior loved one, have you considered journaling as a way to relieve caregiver anxiety? Experts recommend journaling as a way to sort out your feelings and count your blessings when life gets crazy. In fact, regular journaling may even improve your health. Writing down your worries may strengthen your immune cells, giving you a better chance of fighting off infections and staying healthy. Journaling may help you fulfill your most important roles with a positive outlook and plenty of energy. It helps to: 1. Reduce the intensity of stress and anger by writing these feelings down. 2. Solve problems through creativity and intuition. 3. Recognize productive (and unproductive) patterns in your life. 4. Track your progress and growth for increased confidence. 5. Sort out your feelings. Journaling gives you a “safe space” to share your thoughts and feelings without worrying about being judged or feeling guilty.

Alevtina (Alia) Tuhari, Reliable Home Care Agency, ReliableHomeCare.ca

Caregiver Pharmacy Support

It can be difficult to be a caregiver and manage multiple or complex medications for a loved one. It is important to ensure medications are taken appropriately to help maintain good health. A visiting pharmacist provides personal support with regular medication delivery and home consultations. The pharmacist reviews a client’s prescription drugs and over the counter medications to advise if there are any drug interactions, and makes adjustments as necessary. This level of support can reduce emergency room visits and hospital stays, and results in strong, trusting relationships between clients, caregivers, and pharmacists. The visiting pharmacist also provides seamless care for hospital discharge patients and works closely with other health professionals to deliver a high level of care to the client. Care is tailored to specific individual needs such as assisting with blood pressure readings, adding medications as needed to adherence packaging, and making changes in an efficient manner.

Teresa Giesbrecht
CareAtHomePharmacy.ca

Tune-Up Your Brain!

Your brain is the engine that drives you – so it’s important to keep it well-tuned. Fat – or lipid – consumption is essential for the healthy growth, development, and function of your brain. In fact, 60% of your brain’s dry weight is fat. Several types of plant and animal fats are used for brain-building material, though one lipid reigns supreme: omega-3 fatty acids derived from salmon, sardines, krill oil, and plant-based Ahiflower oil. There are many benefits of omega-3: it increases cognitive functioning and decreases symptoms of depression, anxiety and aggression. It is also shown to be a protective factor against cognitive decline and dementia in older adults; and it is an essential component of a healthy diet for pregnant women, leading to better health outcomes in newborns. Consider adding omega-3s to your diet as an evidence-based way to tune-up your brain for optimal mental health.

Sean Miller, CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg

mbwpg.cmha.ca

Book Club: Why Can’t I get Better?

Solving the Mystery of Lyme and Chronic Disease by Dr. Richard Horowitz. Looks at pain, fatigue, memory and concentration problems, sleep disorders, and much more. Lyme disease and its related conditions are incredibly complicated. You can take the questionnaire yourself, and start doing your own detective work with this book as your guide.

LymeDisease.org

Financial Wellness Tips

Pay bills on time and balance your chequebook each month. Know what you currently have to spend so you know what you can afford to spend. • Stop buying on impulse. Instead of using a credit card, save money for something you want. • Always pay more than your minimum balance on credit cards. Get rid of them as soon as possible. You will save money on interest and have more to save for the future. • Always include some savings in your budget. Too many of us are unable to identify our needs after retirement and don’t save. This results in financial difficulty during our declining years. • Find out what you don’t know about finances—and learn it. There is plenty of available information on financial management. • Be careful with the media pull for spending and don’t be drawn into the hype. Be a savvy shopper and saver to avoid overspending and debt.

Brian Denysuik, President & CEO, Creditaid.ca