Community News
Pet Health

Fireworks can be fun for humans, and with all the summer weekends, they are inevitable. Dogs don’t always hold the same enthusiasm however. Here are some tips for helping your dog cope with Fireworks Season. Make sure your dog is wearing identification or has a microchip in case they run away. Keep your dog indoors during the fireworks, as far away as possible from the noise. Placing a thick blanket over their kennel can help muffle the sounds. Make sure the kennel is in an area where they will not over heat though. Make sure your dog is tired by the time nighttime comes and the fireworks begin. Lots of exercise may need to be done during the day. Give your dog something yummy to chew on in their kennel such as a Kong filled with goodies.

Shalin Hustad, Grassroots Canine
www.grassrootscanine.com

Financial Fitness

When it comes to our nutrition we often don’t think long-term. We may eat at fast food restaurants and eat unhealthy for the immediate gratification it brings us. Long-term – this is problematic for our health.  The same thing goes for our finances. We often spend our money on purchases for immediate gratification. This is detrimental to our long-term financial stability and can be detrimental to our mental health as well. I call this the Latte Theory. Let’s say you spend $5 a day at Starbucks (usually its $10). That is $150 per month. If you take that and invest it in a balanced portfolio that returns 8%, in 40 years you will have $503,605.87. If we go with the $10, you will have $1,007,211.74.

Meeting with a professional Financial Planner can determine what you will need to achieve your dreams, and work with you to develop a plan to make them a reality.

Jesse Reitberger, National Bank Financial
www.nbc.ca

Protein Powders for Everyone!

It doesn’t matter whether your goal is to be a bodybuilder, a fitness competitor, to lose weight to look and feel better or to maintain healthy lean muscles as you age. Protein powders are an excellent way to ensure that you and your family’s protein requirements are met when diet alone simply cannot. Proteins powders have come a long way! A market traditionally consisting of whey (animal) protein powders has given way to a wide variety of proteins: plant-based proteins including soy, pea, brown rice, hemp and combinations, casein and egg and even paleo proteins. Each type of protein powder offers unique benefits and will complement whichever goal you have. Proteins are now available that are easy to digest and well-tolerated by people with food allergies and sensitivities. Whey protein has traditionally been the most popular because it is very good at prompting muscle protein synthesis, which is the way muscles grow, however it is not just for fitness enthusiasts. Vegan plant sources of protein can prevent inflammation cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Protein, regardless of whey or plant-based is now a staple in many average households that are looking to encourage and sustain healthy lifestyles. Families will start the day off with a healthy shake that includes a scoop of protein, fruits and other healthy additions such as flax, chia and hemp seeds! Protein shakes are a fantastic way to fuel kid’s co-curricular activities. The elderly are using protein shakes for added energy and ensuring that they are getting proper all around nutrition. Given the huge variety of protein powders on the market, choosing a protein right for you can be daunting. Come into Nutrition plus Organic Market and we’ll help you understand proteins and how they can help with your healthy living goals.

Nutrition Plus
www.nutritionplus.com

Stop Toxic Skin Care Products

There is a lot of information regarding toxic ingredients in skin care and cosmetic lines that we purchase. At times, I feel like no matter what brand I purchase, I am taking a risk. There are key words that we are aware of; additives like parabens, sulfates, toluene, and formaldehyde are only a few of the chemicals that manufacturers use to create everyday items. What people do not realize is that these toxic chemicals are endocrine disruptors; they can mimic estrogen and possibly contribute to breast cancers. Causemetics has brought together eleven of Canada’s natural and non-toxic companies to produce a line that is safe and high quality. An automatic donation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund is made when you purchase Causemetics.

The Unexpected Gift
www.theunexpectedgift.ca

Companion Animal Reiki

Reiki is a hands-on healing system originating in 1800’s Japan. It is a gentle, non-invasive technique used to balance one’s body, mind and spirit. Some may not realize its benefits for animals. Animals are far more sensitive than we can imagine. As an Animal Reiki Master and Communicator of ten years, I can tell you that most animals feel that it is their duty to carry the stresses of their people. Reiki dispels bottled negative energies that if left untreated, often manifest into physical dis-eases. Reiki is highly beneficial for introducing shelter-adopted animals into new homes, or helping to introduce newly homed animals to current animal residents. Additional benefits of Animal Reiki include: a decrease in anxiety, obesity, lethargy, depression, an acceleration in healing time from wounds, and a strong sense of peace among a great many others.

Jill Saifer, Soulstice Spirit Healing
www.soulsticespirithealing.wordpress.com

Book Club: The Awakened Introvert

Practical Mindfulness Skills to Help You Maximize Your Strengths and Thrive in a Loud and Crazy World by Arnie Kozak.

In a world that favors the outgoing, gregarious extrovert, being an introvert can be difficult. But the truth is that introverts have distinct advantages—as long as they know how to use them. Unlike extroverts, who draw their energy from social interaction, your energy comes from quiet reflection. Is it any wonder then, that mindfulness can help you hone your natural talents?

Introverts are powerful observers and creators. If you are an introvert, this book will show you how to tap into your inherent introvert strengths and “awaken” your potential using mindfulness meditations and cognitive behavioral techniques.

www.newharbinger.com/awakened-introvert

Clean Eating: Spicy Hummus

Place ½ cup of roasted sesame seeds, squeeze ½ lemon, 1tsp sea salt and ¼ cup olive oil in a food processor.

Blend until paste.

Add 5 cloves crushed garlic, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 2 Tbsp chili flakes, ½ tsp black pepper, squeeze in the other ½ lemon, and 1 can drained & rinsed organic chickpeas.

Blend and slowly add approx. ¼ cup water to desired consistency.

Garish with paprika.

Enjoy!

Ask The Expert

What is channelling?  Channelling is the ability to connect into higher consciousnesses to those that are in non-human form (angels, spirit guides), and to be able to hear their messages.  Many people do not believe channelling is a legitimate ability and I too, would believe it was a farce if it weren’t for the day nine years ago when I accidentally heard Archangel Michael give me explicit instructions to pass on to a client.   A cynic myself, it was hard to deny the authenticity as my client confirmed it was ‘bang on’.  I of course did consider that perhaps I was schizophrenic or ‘hearing voices’ but soon realized that the voices were from loving guides who simply wanted to help us here on earth to have a better experience.  Over these many years, my cynicism has turned to gratitude as I become a better person from their teachings.

Maureen Becker, Source Within
www.sourcewithin.com

Canine Astraphobia

As we head into summer, we know thunderstorms are heading our way. Thunderstorms can be beautiful to watch, however, your dog may not have that same positive perspective. Did you know that 20% of dogs have a fear of thunderstorms, also known as Canine Astraphobia. It can be heart breaking to watch our dogs suffer from this. Some dogs will seek out bathrooms with metal piping or metal tubs. The thought there being there may be a static charge in the air that is decreased by the metal. There are tools on the market and medications that may help. Working with a Canine Behavioural Consultant can help you work with your dog ahead of time, before thunderstorm season comes to form a protocol consisting of desensitization and behavioural modification designed specifically for you and your dog.

Shalin Hustad, Grassroots Canine
www.grassrootscanine.com

Feeling Stressed?

70% of doctor visits are said to be stress related. Disturbances in your mental well-being can have a serious impact on your health. When you are under stress your body releases a hormone called cortisol at very high amounts. The long-term effects of high cortisol levels can be quite disruptive. High levels not only make you feel fatigued, they are also implicated in weight gain, poor immune response and a greater risk of developing chronic illness. While it is not easy to avoid stress, nature has provided us with nutrients that can decrease cortisol levels and balance other hormones. One of the best medicinal plants that can help achieve this is Rhodiola Rosea. The brand name, Rhoziva™, is becoming a favourite of many naturopathic and medical doctors who are noticing its benefits. If this sounds like something you could benefit from, visit Nutrition Plus to receive your free trial pack.

Nutrition Plus
www.nutritionplus.com

The Unexpected Gift

As a cancer survivor, I understand how difficult the experience can be. First, you are dealing with a devastating diagnosis and the uncertainty of what the future may hold. On top of all the doctor appointments, there is the challenge to find products and services that are safe. For women, hair loss may occur and one might want a wig or a scarf to wear. During radiation, one’s skin may become hypersensitive; soothing skin care is required, but you don’t know where to find it. Visiting a number of places to find what you need is a struggle. Opening at the end of June, there will be a compassionate and convenient location, a one-stop shop, to find all your needs. From specific skin care lines created for cancer patients, non-toxic and non-carcinogenic cosmetic and nail care lines, wigs, prosthetics, and mastectomy clothing lines, safe aesthetics, massage, lymphatic drainage, and other supportive programs.

Tara Torchia-Wells
www.theunexpectedgift.ca