Himalayan salt lamps make a perfect gift for anyone! These softly glowing lamps are made from pure, food grade, Himalayan salt crystals. These beautiful lamps have gained massive popularity recently, and there are many benefits attributed to them. Besides offering a soothing glow, they can attract pollutants in the air and even help neutralize the effects electromagnetic radiation. Probably the most wellknown benefit – and why the majority of people use them – is due to their incredible power to remove dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants from the air. They may also help boost mood and energy levels, especially for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Himalayan salt lamps create beautiful ambient lighting around the house. They come in an assortment of sizes and styles, perfect for anyone on your list! www.nutritionplus.com
Community News
All About The Hips
Did you know the hip joint has the most muscles acting directly upon it than any other joint in the body? The hip joint has 25 muscles that create movement and stability around the hip and lower extremity. Approximately 80% of people who have hip pain, did not experience an injury or traumatic event, meaning most people develop hip pain over time. This may be due to weakness or dysfunction of the muscles surrounding the hip. The hip joints connect the lower extremity to the rest of the body and are most important in allowing us to walk. Weakness in these muscles that surround the hip can not only lead to hip pain but may contribute to knee and ankle pain. If you are having hip pain, a physiotherapist has all the tools to assess, treat and provide an exercise program to target any weakness or dysfunction around the hip.
Kristy Maksymyk BMR-PT, www.prairietrailphysio.ca
Primary Immune Deficiency (PID)
Most of us are blessed with good health including a normal immune system that can help the body fight infections. Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID), where the immune system is impaired, is a set of rare chronic diseases. PID patients are susceptible to infections if untreated. Fortunately, with proper medical care, many patients live full and independent lives by undergoing antibody replacement therapy. If you are 18-65 years, in good health and >110 pounds, you may be able to help these individuals through a blood or plasma donation. Over 1000 healthy donors are required to contribute to a plasma pool, that is separated using special fractionation processes into what is called Immune Globulin Intravenous (IGIV). This product contains, IgG, a key component of the immune system that is required to fight infections. When infused into PID patients monthly, they can lead normal lives. www.prometic.com
Re-Think Omega Fatty Acids!
Fat could be your biggest ally in health maintenance and cardiovascular disease prevention. But we need to think about the RIGHT fats. Omega fatty acids are crucial for helping to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides. They are essential to maintaining our nervous system and act as an anti-inflammatory to fight diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Some forms of omega-3 can also reduce fat while improving lean body mass. But which omega fatty acids do we REALLY need? The ones most North Americans need is omega-3 from FISH OIL, as the typical Western diet does not give enough of it. When you are looking for an omega-3 product from the pharmacy, keep in mind a few tips: 1. Look for omega-3s from fish oil instead of krill oil. This is because krill oil contains very little omega-3. 2. Look for ingredients of EPA/DHA as opposed to alpha-linolenic acid as EPA/DHA is the form of omega-3 that the body can use most efficiently.
Teresa Giesbrecht, www.careathomepharmacy.ca
Book Club: The Dirt Cure:
Growing Healthy Kids with Food Straight from Soil. In the tradition of Michael Pollan, Mark Hyman, and Andrew Weil, pioneering integrative pediatric neurologist Maya ShetreatKlein, MD, reveals the shocking contents of children’s food, how it’s seriously harming their bodies and brains, and what we can do about it. www.dirtcure.com
Natural Product Review: pureWash® Pro
pureWash® Pro is a breakthrough in home laundry purification. As it turns out, your laundry has been keeping a dirty little secret, (It’s really not that clean at all!). Detergent may leave clothes smelling clean, but it does not eliminate the mold and bacteria that builds up from sports activities, pets, and everyday living. pureWash® Pro cleans clothes with the disinfecting power of oxygen, not detergent. This same technology is used in Hospitals and Hotels. It’s clinically proven to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and mold, plus it’s both safe for the environment and for family members of all ages! If you have sensitive skin, you will not get skin irritations as you do from detergent. Detergent build-up promotes mold growth and does not kill bacteria. Independent, scientific studies have proven pureWash® Pro kills 99.9% of both with cold water. The power of naturally oxygenated water eliminates dirt, bacteria, and mold better than detergent!
Kevin Shale, Low Environmental Impact Technologies, Leit.ca
3 Ways to Naturally Boost Your Immune System
It’s officially cold and flu season. Here are five simple things you can do to improve your body’s natural immunity: 1. Drink a TON of Water: Ensuring you are hydrated is an important part of keeping your immune system strong. Try to drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water each day to keep your body in tiptop shape and ready to fight cold and flu bugs. 2. Get a Good Night’s Sleep: The body regenerates and repairs itself while you sleep. Getting a proper night’s rest – between six and eight hours – is important for keeping your body’s natural defenses at optimum efficiency. 3. Take a Hot/Cold Shower: The next time you take a shower try alternating hot and cold water. Research shows the body’s immune system is stimulated when it tries to warm itself up in between the extreme temperature changes. White blood cell production is increased and endorphins are released that help you relax and relieve pain.
Brett Scott, www.disabilitytaxcredit.webs.com
Drink to Your Health
Known as the “Immortal Health Elixir” by the Chinese and originating in the Far East around 2,000 years ago, kombucha is a beverage with tremendous health benefits. With more literature being published regarding its effectiveness in weight management, immune system enhancement as well as its role in improving digestion, and boosting energy, the fondness of this ancient drink is growing. It’s also beneficial for protecting hair and teeth and battling certain types of cancer. Exactly what is kombucha? Simply put, kombucha is a living drink. It’s made by fermenting tea, sugar, and the kombucha culture otherwise known as a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). After being fermented, kombucha becomes carbonated and contains vinegar, b-vitamins, enzymes, probiotics, and a high concentration of acid (acetic, gluconic and lactic), which are linked with positive effects. Some outcomes are improved digestion, weight loss, increased energy, cleansing and detoxification, immune support, reduced joint pain, and cancer prevention.
Seasonal Allergies on the Rise
Do you suffer from a stuffy or runny nose? What about suffering from itchy, watery eyes, or skin irritations? Do you want to avoid daily use of over-the counter drugs such as anti-histamines, eye drops, and nasal sprays? Allergies occur when the body’s protective Qi (pronounced “chee”) becomes weakened. When this Qi is not functioning optimally, harmful environmental influences are able to invade the body, giving rise to allergies and illness. Acupuncture is a highly effective, natural alternative to strengthen and support the body’s immune system. This is great for the prevention and control of pesky allergies! Consider trying acupuncture for your annoying seasonal allergies and hay fever. You will be pleasantly surprised at the relief you experience once your body’s defenses are back to full strength!
Naomi Johnson, www.heklaacupuncture.com
Natural Product Review
Oil of Oregano is no average herb. Before modern science could point the finger at bacteria, herbalists and traditional doctors used oregano to effectively treat infections of all kinds, both topically and internally. Oil of Oregano is a potent herbal antimicrobial that effectively tackles bacterial, yeast, fungal, and parasitic infections. It is also a powerful antioxidant capable of scavenging free radicals and preventing cellular damage. It is a more potent antioxidant than vitamin E, and is four times higher in antioxidants than blueberries, and 12 times higher than oranges. Oil of oregano has anti-inflammatory qualities as well as demonstrated anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties. Natural Factors Organic Oil of Oregano is available in both liquid and convenient softgel formats. The oil can also be used topically on bug bites and minor skin irritations as well as to relieve muscle pain.
Nutrition Plus
Stay Active This Winter
As the days get shorter, temperatures begin to drop, and the snow flies it becomes increasingly challenging to stay active. There are numerous strategies a person can implement to combat inactivity through the winter months. The first choice is to bundle up and get outside. Snowshoeing, skiing, skating, snowball fights, and snowman making are all great activities that can only be enjoyed at this time of year. There are also many ways to stay active indoors. Recreational sports leagues and gyms are available throughout the city. However, workouts can be performed in the comfort of your own home with little to no equipment. They can be self -guided or you can follow along with a workout video. If doing a formal workout isn’t for you, then try doing some housework or walking the malls. It’s important to develop a workout program and stay active this winter!
Kristi Hunter, prairietrailphysio.ca
