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

Survive Summer Outdoor Spray. Created to keep you cool and refreshed during the heat of summer with NO harsh chemicals! A delightful blend of essential oils, soy bean oil and Aloe Vera Juice! Simply spray on to exposed skin and massage well. Soy bean oil has been endorsed by Health Canada as an effective bug repellent and it also contains a natural SPF factor of 15. Great for camping, golfing, sitting around the outdoor fire, hiking and anytime you are outdoors! The essential oils help to keep the skin cool, decrease perspiration and can limit oil production of the skin. Safe for children and pets!

Sue Mazur
www.aromaticearth.ca

Try Tea Tree Oil – For athlete’s foot, reach for tea tree oil, an extract of the leaves of an Australian tree. It appears to have antiseptic properties and may work as well as or better than over-the-counter antifungal products. Apply a light coating of the oil to affected areas two to three times a day; continue for a week or two after symptoms disappear.

Sandy Lefley, Juice Plus
www.slefley.canada.juiceplus.com

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease or Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a fatal, rapidly progressive neuromuscular disease that affects approximately 3,000 Canadians and more than 289 Manitobans. Over the past twelve years, the Manitoba Walks for ALS have raised over $1.5 Million dollars to help support Research, Client Services and Education for Manitobans living with ALS/MND. Last year’s event in Winnipeg was a huge success with more than 1600 people participating, helping to raise over $210,000. This year’s goal is $250,000. Visit our website to register as an individual, team or just sponsor someone in the walk on June 20. Your donations allow the ALS Society of Manitoba to lend equipment and learning resources, and to offer services such as support groups, client services coordination, caregiver days, and more.

www.alsmb.ca

A healthy alternative; Gluten free, not much maple syrup and full of a vegetable. What’s not too love?!

Ingredients:

1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
150g dark chocolate (or use raw cacoa poweder and 100g coconut oil)
50g coconut oil melted
100 ml maple syrup
2 eggs
100g ground hazlenuts or almonds
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp. (pref raw) cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon or cardamom

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325ºF. Steam the sweet potato. Break the chocolate into pieces and melt over a saucepan of hot water. Drain sweet potato and mash well, set aside to cool. Take choc off heat and add melted coconut oil and maple syrup. Stir chocolate mixture into sweet potato mash, then add all the other ingredients. Bake in a lined tin for approx. 30 minutes. Allow to cool and cut into squares.

Kalee Mund
www.kaleemund.com