Severe allergic reactions (or ‘Anaphylactic Reactions’) occur when the body’s immune system strongly reacts to a particular allergenic protein or irritant. This may be caused by food, insect stings and medications. If you or someone else requires the use of an epinephrine auto-injector or an ‘Epi-Pen®’, you should know exactly how to use it. First, call 911 to get medical help immediately as the effects of epinephrine can wear off or you could have a second reaction!

Next, remove the EpiPen® from the carrier tube and follow these 2 simple steps:

1) Hold firmly with orange tip pointing downward. Remove blue safety cap by pulling straight up.

2) Swing and push orange tip firmly into mid-outer thigh until you hear a ‘click’. Hold on the thigh for several seconds.

Yvonne Harder, East Man Safety

www.eastmansafety.ca

The most important part of yoga is showing up on your mat and being present. It doesn’t matter what size or shape your body is. It doesn’t matter what weight or age you are. It doesn’t matter what outfit you wear, or whether you can stick your leg behind your head. Yoga is not so much about the poses or what we can do with our bodies, but more about just taking the time for ourselves. Yoga encourages self-awareness, and in that, a practice of finding self-acceptance and more comfort within yourself. We discover not only our limits, but also our strengths. We learn how to challenge our bodies and how to listen to and take care of our bodies. Your body is the teacher and there is no one right way, so be kind to yourself and celebrate what your body can do. Your body IS a yoga body!

Susan Turner, Yoga Connections

www.YogaConnections.ca

Thai foot massage is a treatment for the lower legs and feet that originated in Thailand about 2000 years ago. It incorporates stretching, massage, thumb-walking and the use of a wooden stick to stimulate the reflex points. You lie on a massage table, fully clothed with access to the legs and feet. The session lasts for approximately 90 minutes. Thai foot reflexology restores balance to the body/mind through the reflexes of the feet and lower legs that are linked to the body’s energy meridians. The Thai meridians all begin at the navel and end at the extremities and may be used to treat organ systems through which they pass along their course. Thai foot reflexology is an enjoyable holistic treatment and reported benefits include improved circulation in legs, improved lymphatic drainage, reduced stiffness, improved flexibility, relief from stress and more. Don’t be surprised if you fall asleep halfway through the session as it can be that relaxing.

Rositha Jeanson, Balance and Harmony

www.rositha.ca

Hair loss is a major concern for all, irrespective of the gender. Reasons for hair loss can range from the simple and temporary—a vitamin deficiency—to the more complex, like an underlying health condition. Unhealthy diet, stress, hormone imbalances, and chemicals may be some of the reasons. Hairstyles that consistently use rubber bands, rollers or barrettes, or pull hair into tight styles such as cornrows, can inflame and scar hair follicles. So can incorrectly used chemical products such as dyes, bleaches, straighteners or permanent wave solutions. People can look for help with hair creams to regenerate hair growth. Make sure to look for naturally-based, safe, pure ingredients that include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, beta-carotene, omega-6 fatty acids, nutrients and amino acids, suitable for all skin and hair types. Ingredients that have been proven to mimic the body’s own natural oils to reduce hair thinning, prevent oxidative stress, and add volume and shine.

Ina Kleimann, MONAT Global
www.ina.mymonat.com

The art of Indian Head Massage, or Champissage, originated from Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. The treatment requires the person to be seated in a chair, wearing a loose top. This relaxation massage focuses on the upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck and head. It helps to release stress and tension creating a sense of peace and well-being. It is a great treatment especially for those working on a computer all day, as it relieves tension headaches, neck and shoulder stiffness and eye-strain. The Indian Head Massage helps with blood circulation, stimulation of lymphatic circulation and increases oxygen in the tissues. There is also something to be said about the power of touch. The simple act of relaxing with someone’s healing hands on your head will disperse your stress straight away. The session brings about a great feeling of inner peace and a sense of calmness.

Rositha Jeanson
www.rositha.ca

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety has declared April 28 as National Day of Mourning: Remembering lives lost or injured in the workplace. Numbers tell the story. In 2013, 902 workplace deaths were recorded in Canada. While it’s the lowest total since 2000, when 882 fatalities were recorded, this number still represents 2.47 deaths every single day. In the 21-year period from 1993 to 2013, 18,941 people lost their lives due to work-related causes (an average of 902 deaths per year). The Canadian flag on Parliament Hill will fly at half-mast. Workers will light candles, don ribbons and black armbands and observe moments of silence. Businesses are asked to participate by declaring April 28 a Day of Mourning and to strive to prevent workplace deaths, illnesses and injuries. Be Prepared! Get trained!

Yvonne Harder
www.eastmansafety.ca

Like many, my first yoga experience was someone else’s idea and I went along. If you had told me back then that I would someday be a yoga teacher and own the studio we were practicing in, I wouldn’t have believed it! But, over time, yoga changed my life and became not only my passion, but my job and business. This April, Yoga Connections will be three years old! While the studio is in the same place, so much else has changed. We’ve worked hard to create a welcoming atmosphere and provide a space where each person can choose what their practice looks like, without judgement or comparison. Whether you move your body or bring it to stillness, seek strength or calm, our yoga honours bodies as they are. Mindfully, and with kindness, we build awareness and appreciation for ourselves and each other. We love sharing the gift of yoga!

Susan Turner, Yoga Connections
www.yogaconnections.ca

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 bloodsugar 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.

Valentus – The Healthiest Coffee in the World.

Ilene Rosentreter
www.myvalentus.com/irosentreter