Community News
What is TMD? 

Do you have jaw pain or chronic headaches? Do you clench or grind your teeth? These problems can be related to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain with jaw restriction and locking. Making an accurate diagnosis of your TMD is essential so an effective treatment regime can be implemented. Physiotherapists can assess the muscles impacting on your jaw, your neck and your posture. A dentist should be involved to assess your bite and any unusual or excessive wearing of your teeth. A physiotherapy approach will be different for each patient depending on the source of their symptoms. Some treatments that are used are myofacial release, massage, acupuncture, joint mobilization and dry needling. The focus is to relieve pain, reduce swelling and muscle spasm, increase posture strength and restore jaw movement and alignment. Treatment is also directed towards associated neck pain, headaches and a good strengthening program for long term self-management.

Gina Imbrogno, www.prairietrailphysio.ca

Garcinia Cambogia Fruit

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

Greg and Bridget Doll, www.myvalentus.com/lakewinnipeg

5 Tips to Reduce Anxiety

1. Meditate – Practicing just a few minutes a day helps reduce anxiety.
2. Breathe Deep – breathing by contracting the diaphragm, a horizontal muscle in the chest located just above the stomach, helps reduce your heart rate and induces relaxation.
3. Exercise – Long workouts or running a marathon are not necessary. Yoga or walking is all that is needed to ease anxiety and depression.  Stand up straight and tall.  Don’t forget to breathe.
4. Get More Sleep – Emotional upset, such as anger, stress and exhaustion, is commonly found in those who have lost even a few hours of sleep.
5. Reflexology – Taking time in a quiet environment with complete control of your surroundings and making eye contact with your practitioner can help bring the body back in balance. Reflexology sessions that include deep breathing practice are definitely a worthwhile investment.

Trenna Reid, RCRT, www.discoverreflexology.ca

Clean Eating: Quinoa “Breaded” Chicken Strips 

Ingredients:

Use organic products.
3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips,
⅔ cup flour,
1 tsp sea salt + ¼ tsp pepper,
3 eggs + 2 Tbsp water,
2 cups cooked quinoa.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and grease a baking sheet with Coconut Oil or Butter. In a small bowl whisk flour, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl whisk eggs and water. Place quinoa in a third bowl. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, then eggs, and lastly in the quinoa being sure to coat well.  Bake for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked. Serve with your favorite healthy dipping sauces!

5 Questions About Your Finances

Money plays a huge role in your life. Being able to answer questions about your finances helps plan for the future and present. Start with these questions:

1. How much do I actually make and owe each month? Knowing when you get paid and how much you owe during the month can help avoid a month-end cash crunch.
2. If I need $500.00 for an emergency, can I get it? Prepare by having money set aside – just in case.
3. What happens if I die? Questions about your finances and wishes are best answered during your life; a will can help clarify things.
4. If I lose my job, what then? Make a plan, include an emergency savings account and updated resume.
5. What rates do I pay and earn? Aim to pay low interest rates and earn high on savings/investment.

LC Taylor Trustees in Bankruptcy, www.lctaylor.com

Winter Safety for Dogs

Although our dogs have fur coats on, that doesn’t mean that they don’t get cold just like we do! If you have a short coated dog, make sure to get them a sweater or jacket to wear on walks. All dogs need to have their paws taken care of when outside in the winter. Either boots, or their feet need to be wiped off when they come inside. All that salt on the pavement is extremely bad for not only the health of their feet, but it can also be poisonous when consumed. If you have noticed that your dog’s feet are getting dry on the bottoms, try using paw wax! This can be used before you head out, and when you get home as a moisturizer. Too cold for you and your pet outside? Why don’t you try an indoor day camp!

Desiree Klippenstein, Owner, www.wooftopia.ca

Book Club: The Lucky Years 

How to Thrive in the Brave New World of Health. Bestselling author David Agus unveils the new world of medicine, one in which we can take control of our health like never before and doctors can fine-tune strategies and weapons to prevent illness. In this bestseller, he builds on that theme by showing why this is the luckiest time yet to be alive, giving you the keys to the new kingdom of wellness.

David Agus, www.davidagus.com

L-Carnitine & Chromium

L-Carnitine with Chromium is a blend of two nutrients that play important roles in the metabolism of fat. L-Carnitine is required for the breakdown of fats into energy, while chromium supports healthy glucose metabolism. Its main function is to help insulin carry sugar into muscle cells where it is stored as energy. A lack of chromium could cause fluctuating blood-sugar levels which trigger sugar cravings. As a carbohydrate dependent society, increasing the amount of L-Carnitine & Chromium in our diet in our formula’s proportions will assist the body’s ability to manage its carbohydrate cravings and, in turn, assist with a successful weight management protocol.

Brett & Andrea Griffin, www.myvalentus.com/Manitoba

Diabetes & Alzheimer’s Disease 

Research shows a link between Type 2 Diabetes and an increased risk for Alzheimer’s Disease. High levels of insulin, insulin resistance and high blood sugar are hallmark features in people with Type 2 Diabetes. These features are associated with low grade inflammation in the body and brain. New research links inflammation with protein abnormalities in the brain called beta amyloid plaques and tau-protein tangles. Current hypothesis is that the presence of these 2 neurotoxic proteins is associated with a loss of nerve functioning that presents itself as Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest that controlling or preventing type 2 Diabetes can reduce the risk or severity of Alzheimer’s Disease later in life. Struggling with Diabetes or know someone who is? A few sessions with a Diabetes Educator can help lower blood sugar levels and lower risks of toxic effects on the body and brain long-term. You can manage diabetes instead of diabetes managing you!

Mathilda Prinsloo, www.seniorcarepharmacypractice.com

Chocolate Hemp Snackers 

Need a quick pick-me-up that’s loaded with protein, fibre, and is a little bit sweet?  Try a Chocolate Hemp Snacker.  Hemp Snackers are the innovative crunchy macaroon-like energy bar listing organic hemp seed as the #1 ingredient.  Full of protein, fibre, Omega 3’s and 6’s, inulin, antioxidants, and magnesium, they’re a snack you can feel good about eating.  Because they’re dehydrated at low temperatures rather than baked, they’re crunchy and easy for your body to digest. We chose organic Canadian maple sugar to sweeten them with, both for the unique flavour as well as the nutritional benefits. Only 150 Calories per one bar.

Natalie Dueck, www.rawnata.com

Shovel the Right Way

Next time you are faced with the daunting task of shoveling snow, consider this: The task sends on average more than 11,000 adults and children to the hospital every year. Safe snow shoveling requires proper preparation, the right tools, good technique and knowledge. Here are some handy tips to help keep your body pain free while shoveling snow this winter. Firstly, having the right shovel is important. Your shovel should weigh no more than 3 lbs., preferably with a plastic blade and a long curved handle. Secondly, technique is important. To protect your back, always push the snow and avoid lifting. Hold the shovel close to your body with your hands spread out on the handle to create leverage. Bend from your knees not your back and keep your feet hip width apart. Lastly, when having to lift the snow make sure you tighten your stomach muscles and avoid twisting by always having your feet pointing the same way you’re lifting the snow.

Kristy Maksymyk, BMR-PT, www.prairietrailphysio.ca