Community News
Getting Well Today and Staying Well in the 21st Century

Ask a dozen people or more what “wellness” means to them and you will get as many different answers related to alternative therapies, natural medicines, fitness, nutrition, and even spirituality. For Rick Thiessen, ‘wellness’ means all of these in addition to no small amount of pride in being behind one of the most successful health and wellness expos in Canada for the last twenty years. This annual consumer show features approximately 100 companies with thousands of products and services that are designed to promote a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle as well as enhance or improve a person’s quality of life.

The Wellness Expo is all about choice: treatments, products and more. People should have a choice but they don’t even know what’s out there. Unfortunately when consumers are looking for answers, it’s usually under duress. As a visitor to this event, the Wellness Expo offers people to try products and services in a safe and less costly environment.

The 21 annual Winnipeg Wellness Expo comes to the RBC Convention Centre, February 20 – 22, 2015. Admission is $10 for an all-day pass that includes access to the trade show, displays and demonstrations as well as all of our seminars.

For full program details, see wellnessexpo.com

Smile…It’s Toothday!

Actually, it is Tooth month here at the Animal Hospital of Manitoba and we are having a pet dental special. If your cat or dog has bad breath, it could be time for a professional dental cleaning. Bad breath can be a sign of anything from gum disease to organ damage.

The same bacteria that can destroy your pet’s teeth can also enter the blood stream and damage internal organs. Bleeding gums and broken or rotten teeth can affect your pet’s appetite and behaviour. Keep your furry friend happy and healthy have a dental check done today!

Ask Patzer Center

Q: “Why would I come for reflexology rather than having my husband rub my feet?”
Suzy G. – Transcona

A: “Having someone rub your feet can feel really good. Having someone who knows WHERE and HOW to touch your feet … is even better. Let me be specific. A Reflexology Therapist will work on ‘reflex points’ on your feet which correspond to organs, glands and various other parts of your body. In doing this, the therapist helps to balance the energies flowing to these areas, awakening sluggish organs, as well as finding and relieving painful issues; such as lower back pain, headache or even constipation, just to name a few. By the way, your therapist will likely finish off the session by ‘rubbing’ your feet with a refreshing lotion. Be sure to ask if your therapist is a Registered Certified Reflexology Therapist (RCRT) and member of the Reflexology Association of Canada.”

patzercentre.com

Suicidal thoughts…to New Life!

Several years ago, I realized I hit bottom. That moment was a wake-up call and I got help! I was feeling disrespected in every aspect of my life and it took me a while to figure it out. Over time, I have discovered that I had been paying a heavy price for being “too nice!” Dr. Phil refers to this as “Going along to get along”. Beyond getting psychiatric care, I found myself in a yoga class with a wonderful instructor.

Thanks to Kim Meades, I was introduced to Huna Kane Massage. Huna Kane loosely translates from Hawaiian into ‘inner knowing of the higher self’. As I became friends with myself and honoured my thoughts and feelings, I got stronger and stronger. I opened my own Huna Kane practice and now help others who had been lost on the ‘journey of self’. Since 1999, I have also added hypnotherapy and psychosomatic (body-mind) therapy to my list of offerings. The truth is, my greatest problems have transformed me into the person I am today – healthy, happy, and, vibrantly alive.

Respectfully submitted, Monique L. Dorge

mmlconsulting.ca

Intuitive Abilities

Do you have a history of Anxiety? Have you had any unusual Spiritual or Religious experiences?

Do you have a family history of Psychic Phenomena? Do you have any history of Brain Trauma?

According to Dr. Daniel G. Amen, one of the foremost leaders in brain imaging, of the Amen Clinics in the US, in their research, they have observed that there are certain parts of the brain that are associated with these symptoms, especially psychic phenomena and if you are able to answer YES to three or more of the questions, there is a high likelihood that you have strong intuitive abilities.  Being so connected to Spirit can offer great peace once you learn how to manage and understand these abilities.  Consider seeking out experts and like-minded individuals to help you explore your natural gifts.

Sue Berard, Intuitive Medium at Divine Connection

divineconnection.ca

Product Showcase: CoEnzyme Q10

CoEnzyme Q10 (also known as CoQ10) is one of the best supplements available to help strengthen your heart muscle, provide better pumping capacity and increase heart muscle strength. Numerous studies indicate that CoQ10 is also very beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure. Studies show that supplementing with CoQ10 can be effective for disease such as congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer and gum disease. Although our bodies naturally produce CoQ10, they require more from our diets and supplements as we age in order to maintain our cardiovascular health.

CoQ10 helps to maintain and support cardiovascular health. Increases energy levels. Improves stamina. Provides fuel for the heart. Ideal for the treatment of high blood pressure. Helps maintain and improve overall health. Promotes better pumping capacity for the heart.

Nutrition Plus

nutritionplus.com

Diabetes Care

Did you know that diabetes in older people are different in some ways compared to younger people and should be managed differently?

Diabetes care in the later years can be challenging due to multiple health conditions, limited mobility and frailty. Some people have longstanding diabetes with complications that need a step-by step approach and management plan. Newly diagnosed elderly and their families often feel overwhelmed and frustrated. “I visit my patients in their homes, facilitate, educate and help families who are new to taking care of a loved one’s diabetes.” says Mathilda Prinsloo, Certified Diabetes Educator and Senior Care Practitioner. “Patients begin to flourish when their diabetes is managed properly, their families feel less burdened and more confident to assist an older loved one with diabetes.”

If you are a senior with poorly controlled diabetes or an adult child who feels frustrated with the situation, there are ways to better your situation.

Mathilda Prinsloo

seniorcarepractice.com

Heat or Ice?

There has been recent controversy whether the use of ice or heat is more beneficial following an injury. This is because researchers are questioning why we are counteracting thousands of years of evolution and the body’s natural healing process of inflammation. What we do know from the research is that applying ice to an injured area can help reduce pain, heat and redness, but does it negatively affect healing? We aren’t sure yet. In my opinion, applying heat to an injury within the first 48 hours while there is inflammation would simply increase the amount of heat and redness, and perhaps even increase pain.

So let’s keep an eye on the upcoming research, but for now, stick with what has been working pretty good so far: first 48 hours after an injury with inflammation present, use ice for 10-15 minutes several times a day to help control the pain. Day three and onward, go for heat. But as always, when in doubt go with what feels good.

Kristi Hunter, Prairie Trail Physiotherapy

prairietrailphysio.ca

Ask Your Vet

Susan from St. Vital asks: “Why does my dog drag his butt across the floor”?

Veterinarian Dr. Zheng answers: “There are several reasons why your dog may be “scooting” as it is commonly known:

  1. Anal Sac Issues; sometimes these sacs become abscessed, blocked, or inflamed and ways to remedy can include; expressing the sacs, giving antibiotics to treat an infection, increasing dietary fiber, lancing or flushing the sacs.
  2. Worms; Tapeworms are another, though less common, reason dogs may start scooting, Tapeworms are easy to treat with a dose of oral or injectable medication from your veterinarian.
  3. Rectal Prolapse; a rectal prolapse can happen to your dog after severe diarrhea or from straining with constipation. Treatment for rectal prolapse varies.

If your dog is scooting or persistently licking at the anal area, or in any way appears to be uncomfortable, you should talk to your vet. Treatment is often quick and easy and can make your dog and you a lot happier!”

Animal Hospital of Manitoba

animalhospofmb.com

Giving Back: Mary Jane’s Cooking School

Mary Jane’s Cooking School, a not-for profit organization and registered charity was founded over 20 years ago, by a group of women concerned about the loss of basic life skills, and an over reliance on commercial foods. Recognizing food as the foundation to physical and mental health, the organization was created to reinforce the values of nutritional home-cooking and to re-educate people in the slow and simple art of cooking whole foods.

The origins of the school began with volunteer drop-in cooking classes in the inner city. A pioneer in the field of whole food education, Mary Jane’s Cooking School is a resource for non-corporate nutrition information and offers a wide range of classes. Some examples are: Cooking for diabetes, Vegetarian/Vegan Cooking, Bread Making and Soup Making. Environmental information is interwoven in the classes.

Volunteer services for technical support and help in preparing for classes and cleanup would be appreciated.

maryjanescookingschool.org