Community News
Nutrition for Injury Recovery

The moment we sustain an injury, our body’s inflammatory response kicks in. This inflammation phase of injury lasts between 3-5 days. The first line of defense is to follow the RICES principle during this time period: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Stabilize. For those who want to be proactive, there are certain foods and nutrients you can incorporate into your diet to help reduce inflammation. Some good examples include fish (mackerel, salmon, sardines), oils (olive, fish, flax), avocados, mixed nuts and seeds. Other ingredients that are beneficial include curcumin (from turmeric or curry powder), garlic, bromelain (from pineapple), cocoa, tea, and berries. There are also some foods that you should avoid during this early stage of injury. This includes processed foods, and foods high in saturated or trans fats. These are only a few of the many things you can try to help with inflammation following an injury.

Heath Vermette, CAT(C), www.southsherbook.com

4 Ways to Cope with SAD

Seasonal Affective Disorder is more than just what people refer to as the “winter blues.” Those who have it find it difficult to function in daily life. So, what can you if you find yourself experiencing seasonal sadness? Here’s what you should do: 1. Increase sunlight exposure. Exposure to more sunlight (even if it is a scare amount) can help. Consider getting an artificial sunlight lamp for your home. 2. Exercise. Like other mood disorders, exercise can also help you cope by relieving stress, building energy levels, and improving physical well-being. 3. Take a supplement. Using high-quality, broad-spectrum nutritional supplements can help your body have these needed nutrients. Vitamin D3, specifically, has positive effects on mood and seasonal affective disorder. 4. Sleep. Getting enough rest can help reduce stress and can prepare you with the energy you need to get through the day. Get to bed early enough to ensure you receive the rest you need.

Dr. Asim Ashique, Central Chiropractic Centre, www.centralchiro.ca

The Balancing Act

Bowenwork is a very gentle, hands-on form of bodywork. It works holistically via the nervous system to balance, and align the body. Bowenwork uniquely initiates your body’s own innate healing mechanism, and can dramatically help people with their muscle, joint or nerve pain. People with frozen shoulder are amazed when they find their recurring headaches are also gone, and the pain they felt in their back, neck, and their carpal tunnel, have disappeared as well. Treating the body as a whole is imperative in being able to achieve long lasting results. In addition to physical pain relief, Bowenwork can effectively help with cognitive issues as well, such as stress, PTSD, depression, concussion or traumatic brain injury, tinnitus, vertigo, dizziness, energy blockages, and many others. Talk to a Bowenwork practitioner to learn more about balancing your body, and starting your healing journey today.

Bernadette Kozak, WinnipegPainRelief.ca

Marijuana & Alzheimer Connection?

A recent study showed significantly lower levels of blood flow in the brain for marijuana users than nonusers. It was found that the right hippocampus was the most affected, damaging regions of the brain important for memory and learning. These are the same areas affected by Alzheimer’s. Often used for regulating relaxation and controlling excitability, marijuana is more than a “feel good” aid; it brings well documented beneficial calming effects to the whole system. All in good measure, however! When overused or abused, marijuana can lead to dependency and mess with your memory and emotions. There are other non-invasive strategies for those who seek that sweet spot. Brainwave Optimization helps the brain function better by relaxing its frequencies. Once the frequencies between the brain lobes are balanced and harmony is established so the back to front thought process flows, that inner potential in all of us has a chance to blossom.

Joanne Couture, RMFT, RSW, La Loba, www.lalobatraumarelease.com

What Is Your Mouth Telling You?

The state of your mouth can offer valuable insights into your dental, oral and overall health. Any bleeding when you brush your gums is a sign that you should see your dentist. Unhealthy gums can affect your overall health. Atherosclerosis, clogging of the arteries, has a strong link to gum disease. Pain on biting might mean a cracked tooth. Sugar sensitivity usually indicates a cavity. Tenderness to cold might just need a change of toothpaste. Tenderness to hot is likely to be more serious. The pulp of your tooth can become inflamed for many reasons. The only way to find out, for sure, what’s going on is to see your dentist. Bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene. A good electric toothbrush, flossing and scraping your tongue all help. Throat infections also cause bad breath. Don’t assume that problems will resolve by themselves. See a dentist at least once a year. Remember: “You don’t have to floss all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep!”

Dr. George Cadigan, Exclusively Dentures, www.exclusvielydentures.ca

Clean Eating: Gingerbread Coffee

2 Tbs Cinnamon, ground

1 Tbs Ginger, ground

1 Tbs Cloves, ground

1/2 Tbs Nutmeg, ground

1/8 tsp Salt

Instructions:

1. Add spices and salt to a jar and shake well.

2. Add about 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste) of the gingerbread mix to your regular or decaf coffee grounds before brewing.

This recipe is adapted from Kristine’s Kitchen. These spices are among the richest in wrinkle and disease-fighting antioxidants. Coffee cheers to that!

Lisa Kehler, www.offyourplatenutrition.ca

Dare NOT To Diet!

Make 2017 the year you jump off your plate and into your life! Dare not to diet. Make a radical shift from being “good” (dieting) to feeling good (living vibrantly)! It’s natural to want to have more energy and vitality! And want to move with ease and feel good in your body. But a diet won’t deliver. Not long term. Simple, enjoyable mindful eating, plus a shift from “have to be good” to “want to feel good,” CAN deliver a good thing! Here are a few shifts to consider for January 1: “I have to go on a diet, I feel gross” to “I have more energy and feel better in my body when I eat the foods I love with balance on my plate.” “I have to work out every day” to “I feel better, sleep better and move better when I’m active. I’m going to find an activity I enjoy.”

Lisa Kehler, www.offyourplatenutrition.ca

Book Club: Year of Yes!

How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person, by Shonda Rhimes. Shonda was an expert at declining invitations others would leap to accept. With 3 children at home and 3 hit shows on TV, it was easy to say that she was too busy. But in truth, she was also afraid. Shonda’s introvert life revolved around burying herself in work, snuggling her children, and comforting herself with food. Shonda’s sister muttered something that was both a wake-up and a call to arms: You never say yes to anything! The comment sat like a grenade until it detonated. Then Shonda knew she had to embrace the challenge: for one year, she would say YES to everything that scared her.

Clean Eating: Banana Quinoa Breakfast Bars

1 cup steel cut oats

1 cup quinoa

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon, a pinch of sea salt

3 large ripe bananas, mashed

2 tbsp ground flaxseed

3 tbsp natural nut butter

1 tbsp coconut oil

2 tbsp pure maple syrup

Optional: 1/4-1/2 cup add-ins like chocolate chips, coconut, chopped dried fruit.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray or grease a 9 x 9 baking dish with coconut oil. In a large bowl combine oats, quinoa, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add in bananas, flax, peanut butter, coconut oil and maple syrup. Stir until well-combined. Sprinkle with optional add-ins. Let batter sit for 10 mins to let flax absorb some liquid. Add batter to baking dish and spread out evenly. Bake for 25 mins or until edges are crisp and center is cooked through. Let sit for 20 mins before cutting into 9-12 squares and allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer.

4 Things You Should NEVER Feed Your Dog

All pet owners are aware of the dangers of chocolate. But have you heard of these ones? Suprisingly, only 30% of dog owners know these facts! Keep your pup away from the following: 1. Onions – Plants of this family, including chives and garlic, are not suitable for dogs. Eating these could cause your animal to develop anemia, weakness, rapid breathing and reddish or brown urine. 2. Grapes or Raisins – This fruit can cause severe liver damage and kidney failure. It’s been proven that even a few grapes can potentially be fatal for your pet. 3. Xylotol – Is found in gum, baked goods, and anything else that is sugar substituted. It is extremely toxic to dogs, and it can cause seizures, liver failure and possibly even death. 4. Salt – Eating salt will cause excessive thirst and urination. If they managed to eat a lot, it could cause vomiting and diarrhea, hyperthermia, depression, tremors, seizures, and death.

Lisa Tustin, Professional Pet Sitter

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.

Care at Home Pharmacy, careathomepharmacy.ca